T&T’s Steeldrum, the Pan. Courtesy Trinbagopan.com.
In the mid-nineties Renegades could do no wrong, winning Panorama in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Jit had the formula. Lots of jam from start to finish, animated players, a dash of innovation and staying close to the melody so that the audience never gets lost. The quiet little Indian man from Lopinot had figured it out and delivered the threepeat. Some think Junior’s junior brother has also figured out the formula.
Junior’s junior has momentum on his side. He has confidence that comes with winning, he has a very young, focused and passionate band of players behind him. His entire band is a frontline. That’s hard to beat. The only other finalists with a jamming style are All Stars, Fonclaire (we owe them a Panorama for Pan by Storm) and Redemption Sound Setters, who always show why they have made the final. All Stars are capable of anything, however, I can’t help but feel that Smooth has lost some of his sting. (watch him prove me wrong)
The rest will offer a lot of sweetness with Boogsie’s Band highly favored based on Semi’s results. Pelham, who is always very musical is bringing Exodus back to final night. The other purveyors of the sweet style that will offer their goods are pan icons Despers, Starlift (led by Liam Teague), Invaders and a jazzy Deltones.
What will the judges go for tonight? Jam? Or sweet? Or is there room for a sweet jam? We have about 7 hours to wait before we find out.
