When
Steel Talks has had both the good
fortune of having within our
organization (C.
Phillips, R. Pope), and/or being associated with the finest
steelpan photographers and photo
journalists in the world.
This year
photo journalist Robbie Joseph of
Pan Podium
takes us on a visual
expedition through the 2011
Panorama Finals’ in living color. Again
that fabulous story of steelpan
musicians and fans at panorama is
delivered in uncompromising beauty.
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Photos Robbie Joseph/Pan Podium - Storyline
TJ - C. Phillips WST Photo editor
Showdown at the Savannah
Like a scene out of the movie Rocky, or that
classic still picture of the great
Muhammad Ali, towering over the feared Sonny Liston
- the now seven-time champions,
the legendary Trinidad
All Stars emerged victorious from the
annual epic musical battle of the
titans of steelpan music - PANORAMA.
Years from now when it’s all said and
written, hundreds of thousands of people
will give their brand of the story, in
the then-“Galactic
Steel
Pan
News
Times” and tell you “I was there
when the mighty All Stars rolled out of
Hell’s Yard to the “Big Yard” and rocked
the Grand Stand and North Stand with
such an intensity, splendor and precision,
that made all others run for cover as
they took the coveted title home” -
that of National Panorama Champions 2011.
Indeed, this year’s title is more
valuable to the participants and fans -
than a Hollywood Oscar, Emmy, Tony and
Grammy all wrapped up in one. 100,000
plus people? Well, in the era of
facebook, Twitter and live streaming,
this is far closer to the truth than
ever before.
As the judges’ scoring would later reveal,
soon after the opening bell, a
TKO was delivered by Trinidad All
Stars in the first round of this
heavyweight finals
night competition. Playing in position
number one, the world-famous steel
orchestra scored high enough in that
lead appearance position, to ward off any attempt
of being caught from behind by the other
nine formidable contenders.
Ah... But let us back up for a moment -
let us relive this reality moment of
global importance in the steelpan music
community.
This was no ordinary panorama - no
panorama is - in fact, all panoramas are
unique and special. However, 2011
was loaded with anticipation because of
all the off-the-stage and behind-the-scenes activity that
transpired leading up to the great event
this year. This year’s finals showcased winning
steelband music franchises that were led
by no less than five past-heavyweight
champion panorama music arrangers.
click for full review
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Music provided with
the expressed permission of respective composer(s)