Small crowd but

ANY STEEL Orchestra competing in the TSTT-sponsored Pan in the 21 Century which feels it could take away the title from WITCO Desperadoes, has to come very good.

On Tuesday night in the preliminary round of judging in the panyards, the defending champions sounded a clear warning to all and sundry that they were not loosening their grip on the coveted trophy.

Their rendition of the Qualess/Saldado’s arrangement of Neyo’s “So Sick” was “mind blowing” so much so that after their performance the band received a standing ovation from onlookers.

The clear tonal quality of Despers’ well-tuned pans made the popular R&B song come to life with the players enjoying every moment of the performance as much as the audience.

But it was the smallest number of people to visit Despers Pan Yard in the history of the competition.

Another refreshing sight for the night was the number of people gathered in Highlanders panyard on the Eastern Main Road, Success Village, Laventille.

Ace arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe brought some night life to the area as members of the band played his arrangement of Tom Jones’ classic “I Who Have Nothing”.

The crowd response to this performance was very encouraging for a band with a great amount of pan history.

Hell Yard in Port of Spain enjoyed the largest crowd for the night as Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars performed a Neville Jules arrangement of “Black Orpheus”. Their performance was top notch and should put them in good standing for the finals.

bpTT Renegades also put themselves in the running with their performance of Jit Samaroo’s arrangement of Lionel Ritchie’s massive hit “All Night Long”.

Courts Sound Specialist of Laventille sounded a warning with a percussion laden performance of Ken “Professor” Philmore’s arrangement of Ralph MacDonald’s “Jam on the Groove”.

The youths of John John who comprise the majority of players from Tokyo Steel Orchestra kicked off the night with their performance of Teddy Pendergrass’ “When Somebody Loves You Back” a song arranged by Gerard “Belly” Charles.

Under the watchful eyes of their parents and members of the Inter Agency Task Force the youths of Pandemonium closed the night with their rendition of Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” as arranged by Kwasie Paul.

The members of the IATF were also present at bptt Renegades on Charlotte Street.

Preliminary judging ended last night.