Exodus out front

DEFENDING National Panorama Champion Sagicor Exodus has taken the lead in the preliminary round of the 2005 competition, after five days of panyard judging in the conventional large band category. Yesterday, Pan Trinbago, producer of the music competition, released the total score earned by participating bands, which quoted Exodus as being the front-runner with 333 points for its rendition of De Fosto’s “From Beyond,” arranged by Pelham Goddard. The reigning Panorama “champs” appeared before the panel of music adjudicators at the opening round of competition last Thursday. However, days after that performance, music rivals were unable to better Exodus’ delivery.

Ten-time National Panorama winner, WITCO Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, trails Exodus by three points having gathered 330 points. Despers performed Clive Bradley’s arrangement of “Action,” sung by Oba Sinnette. Next up is Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, which earned 326 points for its offering of Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s “Trini Gone Wild,” followed by bp Renegades in fourth place with 318 points. Renegades also performed “From Beyond,” with arrangements by Jit Samaroo. San Fernando-based TCL Group Skiffle Bunch secured the next highest score for its presentation of “Pan Night and Day,” arranged by Liam Teague.

The band amassed 310 points, while Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars and RBTT Redemption Sound Setters of Tobago tied with 309 points. Trinidad All Stars played Leon “Smooth” Edwards’ interpretation of Christopher “Tambu” Herbert’s “Free Up.” Redemption Sound Setters chose “From Beyond,” as its tune-of-choice. Results for contestants in the conventional medium band division placed east zone-based Sforzata ahead of the field with a score of 351 points. Sforzata played Shadow’s “Dingolay.” The band was followed by Sangre Grande Cordettes doing “The Will,” to earn 340 points, while Tokyo got 334 points. The late Onika Bostic’s “All Is Yours” was its tune-of-choice.

Playing De Fosto’s “From Beyond,” Longdenville Claytones has emerged as forerunner among participants in the conventional category small. It’s score was 340 points. Now that semi-finalists in all three conventional classes  — small, medium and large — have been declared, they will engage in another round of keenly contested competition this weekend, before advancing to the National Panorama finals. Each category features 14 semi-finalists. Representatives from these bands will draw for playing positions at 5 pm today at NCC TV Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain.