Four New Releases from New
York City
The New York pan sound is convincingly demonstrated in
four recently released CDs: Pantonic Live!,
Pan in New York 2003!!!,
Tonic For The Soul, and
Evolution. The term first came to mind in
2001 when “USSA Panorama 2001” was released. Twelve different individuals
including Clive Bradley,
Jit Samaroo and Pelham
Goddard arranged the twelve renditions of the finalists of the panorama
competition. These three extraordinary musicians have dominated T&T’s
panorama music with its frenetic pace common in all T&T panorama
performances. Yet, Messrs. Bradley, Samaroo and Goddard have deferred to
the “New York pan sound”.
What I call the “NY pan sound” is what
Simeon Sandiford describes as
“panorama music? played at coasting speed and this allows the listener to
understand more clearly how these complex arrangements are structured”.
One is more likely to be a satisfied listener rather than frustrated at
the sound. (The frustration is more apparent when one has the sense that
the orchestra is playing a familiar tune but its melody is overwhelmed by
the frenetic beating of the pans.) Not with these New York orchestras!
But the “New York pan sound” is evident beyond panorama
music. The suite of four recordings comprise R & B and popular
contemporary music interpretations. In addition, the four recordings, like
the seminal “Pan Sweet Pan”
recorded and produced by Mr. Sandiford, “demonstrate the principles of
sound-staging as applied to large steelband ensembles”.
Pantonic Live!, Pan in New York 2003!!!, Tonic For The
Soul, and Evolution do not have flashy printed graphics - one does not
even have a booklet. It is clear that the limited budget was focused on
the right features: superb recording to present excellent performances.
And of course, Clive Bradley is incomparable in Pantonic Live! which is a
limited edition production.
[eCaroh/Ron] |