Big 5—The Steelband Concert 3rd Edition lived up to its billing as Desperadoes, Massy Trinidad All Stars, BP Renegades, HADCO Phase II and Republic Bank Exodus put on a fantastic display of scintillating pan entertainment for pan lovers and their supporters. Patrons complied and walked with their coolers to the much-anticipated annual event at the Grandstand, Queen’s Park Savannah, on Saturday.
Between them, they have won the National Panorama title 45 times since it was first held in 1963. These five bands have also dominated the National Steelband Music Festivals, World Steelband Music Festival, Caribbean Panorama and World Steelband Panorama.
Traditionally the Big 5 celebrates individuals who have contributed to the steelband movement. Teddy Guerra and Pat Bishop were honoured in 2017 and 2018 respectively. In its 2019 edition, Big 5 celebrated the legendary pan inventor and arranger Neville Jules.
Massy Trinidad All Stars kicked off the evening’s pantastic proceedings putting the pan sticks rubber to the pan with a repertoire that included Rhythm Of The Night, Melody, Theme from Cats, Do it Fluid, I Get Lifted, Lovely Day, Tom Jones’ Green Green Grass of Home. Leston Paul was on the keyboard. The band’s breakaway performance was Woman On D bass, its stage presence accentuated with lighting effects, pyrotechnics and smoke.
Kay Allen wowed the audience with her rendition of Let’s Stay Together and To Be Real.
Next up to mesmerise the appreciate audience was Republic Bank Exodus, their first number was Jahaji Bhai, followed by Golo and Paradise Garden.
Exodus made full use of its brass section playing Bound To Dance by Joey Lewis.
Tenor Edward Cumberbatch’s stirring rendition of Ave Maria filled the Grandstand.
Perennial crowd-pleaser, Renegades, featuring Sharon Phillip, Jeune Agape Choir and Temperature Brass transported pan patrons to a church setting with it rapturous, pore-raising angelic depiction and portrayal of Lionel Richie’s Jesus Is Love.
Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Barbadian saxophonist Romaro Greaves and Phase II enthralled the crowd with their unique version of Savannah Grass.