High praise for Pan Trinbago

THE EDITOR: It is quite a refreshing experience when an organisation such as Pan Trinbago can deliver ideas that are tantamount to a 2020 Vision; as far as I am concerned the politicians have made a mess of the idea and should turn towards Pan Trinbago for some sort of vision. The judging in the panyards, coupled with the categorising of the bands into small, medium and large are signs of progress. My humble plea to Pan Trinbago is for all bands to become fully conventional. Pan Round D Neck or Single Pan which it is now called should be given a period of five years to blossom into a full-blooded orchestra. There are now categories, so all bands have a fairer chance of expressing themselves. It’s also my profound feeling that bands should be asked to produce another tune for Panorama once they achieve final night status; this would allow for a wider repertoire of music and panmanship.

From what I have heard so far at the panyards (not all the bands), I am of the firm view that Despers are going to be the 2004 Panorama Champs (Large). I was fortunate to be live at their panyard and the quality of music delivered was breathtaking. Sir Bradley used the cocoyea motif through the entire song improvising and playing around it in a clever manner. He is a master of the minor and he made no bones about it changing gears and moving from one level to the next, finally climaxing into a rather unusual and dramatic end. You knew the end was coming but he surprisingly sends the orchestra into a relaxed mood, slowly climbing into a powerful whoop in  the end. I say “beware” — the boys from the hill are coming to town. Tribute must be paid to Elias Phillip (Peugeot), Dennis Ash (Tash), Anthony McQuilkin and Renold Kingsale (Ben Up) for their dedication, commitment, panmanship and longevity to the Despers cause. I call on WITCO to honour the four pillars of the band with a financial reward.

EARL MARTIN
Trincity