The second release by this Baltimore-based small ensemble has a less vibrant
recording level than is usual today, but, all in all, this is a pleasant,
well-arranged sampling of pan music in the easy listening mode. The album
comprises pop and jazz selections from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Toto and Gato
Barbieri and original compositions by album producer and double tenor player
Emrold Gray. Andy Narell's brother Jeff is guest soloist and arranger on
Barbieri's lovely Lluvia Azul. (GP/eC)
Ron's Personal Review
Few US based steelband recordings are impressive. Still De Best from Maryland
deserves attention mostly because of how it compares to Tropical Ensemble's
first CD, and the overall listening pleasure it gives in this one. The tone and
styling sounds somewhat Panazzesque and the repertoire is to be commended. There
are some familiar tunes - Tin Man is my favorite, and a few original
compositions. Then there is Lluvia Azul - Gato Barbieri on Pan! Nicely rendered
for quiet listening. I even liked the sad love song vocal.
While these attributes make this CD a must for my personal collection, I did
have a disappointment that seems to be an unfortunate feature even among the
master Pannists of today. The Pan is sometimes overwhelmed by the other
instruments - bass guitar, drums or keyboards. What is forgiving in this
recording, as compared to many similar recordings of late, is that eventually
the Pan gets at least equal decibel prominence. The trend toward understating
the Pan takes away the distinctiveness of Pan in these fusion type ensembles and
renditions. Most Pan music lovers want the evolution to continue but in the end
it is Pan we want to hear. Still De Best gives us something to enjoy. Still De Best - Tropical Ensemble Music CD
Few US based steelband recordings are impressive. Still De Best from Maryland
deserves attention mostly because of how it compares to Tropical Ensemble's
first CD, and the overall listening pleasure it gives in this one. The tone and
styling sounds somewhat Panazzesque and the repertoire is to be commended. There
are some familiar tunes - Tin Man is my favorite, and a few original
compositions. Then there is Lluvia Azul - Gato Barbieri on Pan! Nicely rendered
for quiet listening. I even liked the sad love song vocal.
While these attributes make this CD a must for my personal collection, I did
have a disappointment that seems to be an unfortunate feature even among the
master Pannists of today. The Pan is sometimes overwhelmed by the other
instruments - bass guitar, drums or keyboards. What is forgiving in this
recording, as compared to many similar recordings of late, is that eventually
the Pan gets at least equal decibel prominence. The trend toward understating
the Pan takes away the distinctiveness of Pan in these fusion type ensembles and
renditions. Most Pan music lovers want the evolution to continue but in the end
it is Pan we want to hear. Still De Best gives us something to enjoy.
[eCaroh] |