Brooklyn Panorama

THE MUSIC WAS CRISP, clean and expertly executed. It arrested attention more securely than any other piece in the 1987 Brooklyn Panorama. Some bands played with more power. Others brought the tone of better instruments. But none matched the style of the winner.

Confidence rang from Metro Steel Orchestra. Their Clive Bradley arrangement had an infectious presence and wrung nanosecond precision from the tempered steel. "The players put plenty fire in Baron's "Say Say," charging the audience, and, apparently, the judges with their robust energy.

Metro rolled up on stage after Moods Pan Groove, Sonatas and Golden Stars had all failed to convince anyone that there was a victor among them. Len "Boogsie" Sharp's arrangement of his own composition, "Pan Progress" for Moods, was expectedly impressive.

But on the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum, Moods didn't jam half as lively as they did two days later on Labour day. There was dazzle but no demon in their panorama performance.

Sonatas, superbly organised and well rehearsed, entered the competition as the favourite. Everyone expected something solid from them. Past the introduction, verse and chorus, however, their rendition of "Say Say" said little.

Lacking was the bold outline that usually marks the arrangements of Ken "Professor" Philmore, a spunky an creative musician.

Golden Stars committee the gravest sin possible in a panorama. They choked at the end f Kitchener's "Pan in A Minor." Knolly "Panther" Nicholas fine arrangement - a burning tempo and a carefully-shaped melody - was married at an awkwardLacking was the bold outline that usually marks the arrangements of Ken "Professor" Philmore, a spunky and creative musician.Golden Stars committed the gravest sin possible in a panorama. They choked at the end of Kitchener's "Pan in A Mirror."Knolly "Panther" Nicholas' fine arrangement - a burning tempo and a carefully-shaped melody - was marred at an awkward moment: sections of the band trailed off raggedly as if this was a mere rehearsal.

Played Good Music

Not much can be said of the other bands. Boston Metro Steel sounded un rehearsed and even off tempo. Freedom Steel played good music, but there was nothing exceptional in the arrangement. Pan Rebels looked impressive in their combat fatigues, but the promise of a breakaway band - from Golden Stars - fell flat. Their orchestration was jumbled and their transitions clumsy.

Metro, meanwhile, raise the standard of the Brooklyn Panorama with their professional performance. The group displayed a careful discipline, enforced quietly by Captain Clement Franklin. There was an evident singlemindedness among them, and ample ardour.

To a simple tune with bright melody - the kind of music Bradley likes to adorn - they brought a complimentary vigour. The tempo was fluid, and a well-structured orchestration gave rich resonance to the music.

Runs And Flourishes

It was vintage Bradley, wrapped in all his musical logic, sweetened with his panoramaexperience. No gratuitous runs and flourishes. No forced crescendos, no overdone arrangements. Just plain good music that moved the feet.

The Brooklyn Panorama, of course, doesn't yet approach the fierce competition held in Trinidad at Carnival. But much of the excitement that surrounds it stems precisely from that fact. Given all its deficiencies, pan affectionados here- exiled as they are-are more intense in their appreciation.

A Second Chance

Many also see this panorama as a continuation of the Trinidad competition since at least three of the best arrangers work consistently with Brooklyn bands. The panorama here affords Bradley, Boogsie and Philmore a second chance to compete against each other. If nothing else, it's a good practice run for them.

The Small Prize

Overall, the 1987 Brooklyn Panorama ranks low with past ones. Not having a Panorama last year hurt the competition immensely. The uncertainties the steelbands found this season demoralised them. And once it was finally decided to hold one, the small prize announced didn't fire zeal in anyone.

The panorama organisers still have not found the wherewithal to alleviate the severe problems steelbands face. Individual sponsors aren't easily seduced in New York.Bands must find their own practice space, transportation, pan stands and instruments from the meagre resources of members. It's a wonder that seven or eight steelbands manage to survive in this hostile environment.

Fortunately for pan lovers, nothing seems to stop the music.