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Tune of choice - is very important
Sunday Punch Jan 29, 2006 by Richard Blake
 Believe it or not, winning a Panorama competition is
about tune of choice more than anything else.
When Guinness Cavaliers chose Melody Mas in 1965, when
Starlift chose Du Du Yemi in 1978, or Trinidad All Stars
in 1980 chose Woman On The Bass, choice of tune played a
significant part in their victory.
How will the tune of choice affect the result of
Panorama in 2006?
There is no doubt that Phase II’s tune in 2005, Trini
Gone Wild, was a classic composition that touched the
hearts of everyone and gave that little something that
resulted in the historic wide margin that the band
achieved over its nearest rival, Exodus.
The reports to date reveal the following in terms of
tune of choice.
1. This one
for U, Bradley
It is right that we look at this selection first as the
defending Panorama champion band of 2005, Phase II Pan
Groove, will be playing this selection.
A late composition by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe with lyrics
by prolific composer Anthony “Lexo” Alexis and vocals by
Ronnie McIntosh, it has nevertheless attracted six North
bands that have had a preview of the tune.
Obviously it will be played by Phase II Pan Groove, but
interestingly young arranger, Arddin Herbert has laid
down the gauntlet and intends to challenge Boogsie with
his own composition in the large band category.
Arddin will arrange for Invaders.
2. Colours
Again
At time of going to press this was the most selected
tune for Panorama 2006. Some 13 bands have indicated
their preference for this tune. A composition of Mark
Loquan, with lyrics by Keron Boodoosingh and Joel “Zan”
Feveck, it features a quality vocalisation by Destra
Garcia.
This production by Junior “Ibo” Joseph has a party
flavoured feel and has caught the fancy of the majority
of bands.
The top bands that will play this tune include Skiffle
Bunch from the South and Sound Specialists from the
North.
3. Sir Clive
Bradley
The Original Defosto Himself, Winston Scarborough must
be commended not only for his composing skills but also
for his foresight in choosing the right theme for the
occasion.
Having already composed three tunes which could be
considered tunes for the pan, he immediately saw the
need for a tribute song when Clive passed away.
The result was that he impressed enough bands to be the
second highest choice of the pan arrangers.
And, in a dramatic turn of events, Desperadoes, that had
previously indicated A Musical Treat, arranged by Clive
before his demise, as their Panorama choice has switched
to Sir Clive Bradley.
Also playing this tune include Sound Redemption from
Tobago, Tropical Angel Harps and Hatters.
4. Good Times
Mark Loquan has matured as a serious composer of tunes
for the pan.
With an experienced vocalist like Denyse Plummer he
impressed enough arrangers to place him third in the
Panorama selections.
His composition will be played by at least five bands by
the latest count.
Notably Fonclaire from the South and and Our Boys from
Tobago will interpret this one.
Enough is
Enough
This song which was inspired by the incident in Simple
Song’s panyard underlines the frustration of the
populace of the increasing senseless murders in the
country.
Apart from the message in the lyrics, the music composed
by Brian “Bean” Griffith offers an interesting soca and
jazz blend.
Belmont Fifth Dimension and two other bands have made
this their tune of choice.
The vocals are performed by Steve Sealy and Alvin
Daniell wrote the lyrics.
High on De Pan
Edwin Pouchet is the composer and arranger of this high
energy tune. Silver Stars are hoping to retain the top
slot in the Medium Band Category which they held in
2004.
That time they played Pure Party sung by Eunice Peters.
This year they have reverted to her offering.
Once again the lyrics were done by Alvin Daniell.
Hard Wine
Tunapuna Scanty vocalised this tune which has impressed
two East zone bands. Curepe Scherzando and Birdsong are
going with this number.
The arrangers are Douglas Redon and Rudy “Tulef” Smith
respectively.
The composer of the tune is Jason “Peanut” Isaac.
Other tunes
A variety of other selections are being played by at
least one band up to the time of writing this article.
Starlift will play If we really want composed and
arranged by Ray Holman with lyrics by Winsford “Joker”
Devine.
Renegades has opted for Judgement Day composed by the
Original Defosto Himself. Once again Jit Samaroo is at
the helm looking to increase his string of Panorama
victories.
Soca Warriors is the 2006 Panorama choice of Trinidad
All Stars, ending all the speculation as their tune of
choice.
They have stated that this is their way of paying
tribute to the football team and on Panorama night one
can expect a spectacle.
Festival Champions, Exodus, has pulled a unique number
out of the hat of Panorama selections.
They are going to the big yard with Destra’s Max It Up a
potential Road March contender.
This puts an interesting twist into the line-up of
choices as it is not considered your typical “pan song”.
Tokyo has chosen an interesting selection titled Outta
Control.
This tune composed by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and Alvin
Daniell was the winning Panorama tune in Antigua last
July.
It was sung by De Panman, an Antiguan calypsonian.
Selwyn “Parry” Paul has been using his own compositions
for some time now.
This year, he has composed Doing It For Kitch, sung by
Natalie Yorke. Parry’s Pan School will compete in the
East Medium category.
Listen out also for Mango Rose by Trini, Send A Tune by
Singing Francine, That Girl, a tribute to the girl who
was shot down in Simple Song’s panyard, composed by
DeDiamond, A Musical Treat composed by Steve “Diamond”
Nanton, Valentino’s
Best In The West, and Sweet Hand by
Kenny J.
The panmen have responded well to the wealth of tunes
composed, although most
of the single pan bands have
shown a preference for vintage calypsoes.
Panorama 2006 promises to be a musical treat.
It is only left to see which tune will prove to be the
right choice.
Next week, we will provide a complete listing of what
all of the bands will be playing. |
