HighLite Vibes Chatter

Adlib-in’ History

September 1, 2008 on 7:47 am | In Steel Pan | 5 Comments

The New York Panorama event took place this weekend (August 30, 2008) behind the Brooklyn Museum. This weekend was historic. In an event where the best band was only a point better than the second best, it is hard for such a contest to not be considered controversial. Nonetheless it was historic, crowning the youngest steelpan arranger (Andre White) in the history of the event.

Quite frankly, the final result should not have been that close - ADLIB was way better on this night - not a point better. Not only was their arrangement superior than both CASYM and SONATAS, the execution was very precise especially in the melodic runs pulled out by the tenor pans. CASYM played extremely well (as expected), well enough to win on any other night, however their short-coming may have been in their arrangement which seemed overburdened with too many “4-note flurries” and not enough melodic motifs and ideas to take the listener on a journey. Sonatas’ arrangement did this, take the listener on a musical journey (exploring several keys) but their execution was not up to the usual Sonata precision, and when compared to ADLIB and CASYM, it was evident. However, CASYM was not 5+ points better than Sonatas, that should have been closer.

The night belonged to ADLIB though, hands down - their performance was well executed with dynamics and showmanship never before seen nor heard by an ADLIB band. The addition of fireworks to their presentation may have been an overkill, but still, it was a memorable and historic performance.