Pan Evolution - A Steelband Grows in Brooklyn
by Garvin Blake
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| Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra at Celebrate Brooklyn |
It’s been a few decades since Renegades turned Prospect Park upside down.
This year it was Pan Evolution's (PESO) turn to shake-up Park Slope. With
about ten pan players, bolstered by a rock-solid rhythm section, PESO
presented a well-rehearsed set of reggae, R&B, Latin, soca and calypso
that reverberated through the historic neighborhood.
The leader, Wayne Bernard, addressed the audience and gave the band the
cue, then it was showtime. The music flowed and the crowd began to sway.
Feeding off the energy of the audience, the group’s youthfulness kicked
into overdrive. The frontline danced and shimmied and commanded the
spectators to clap and sing along. The crowd, however, needed little
encouragement to become part of the act. They were already singing. And by
the time the band unleashed Blaxx’s “Mash Up”, there was a full chorus
from de Trini Posse.
Despite their exuberance, PESO’s performance never crossed the line into
gimmicks and buffoonery that can be distracting. The arrangements and song
selections were thoughtful, offering the diverse audience familiar tunes
like Bob Marley’s “Who the Cap Fit” with a different spin.
While I marked June 11 on my summer things-to-do list, PESO clearly
bold-stamped the date on their calendar as a golden opportunity to make a
statement and push the culture forward. And they succeeded in both. It was
well-executed, feel-good music – entertaining and uplifting.
The audio engineers did a remarkable job. The power and clarity of the
small group exceeded the quality often heard at Brooklyn’s panorama, where
some bands have close to 100 players. The lone bassman seemed like he was
summoned up by de Mighty Shadow. The deep richness of his sound cushioned
the lead instruments as they weaved through their lines. The mid-range
pans had a warm, natural tone that’s seldom heard when a steelband is
amplified.
Seemingly lost in the music, the band played for an hour nonstop.
Realizing their time was up, Mr. Bernard quickly introduced the group. I
didn’t catch all the names, but I’m sure we’ll be hearing who they are in
the future.
PESO was the opening act for the veteran reggae-fusion band Third World.
And although most of the crowd came to hear the legendary group out of
Jamaica, they were also treated to a blossoming steelband out of
Brooklyn.
Related content:
-
A Magical Experience - The Knights, Andy Akiho, Andre White and Pan
Evolution Steel Orchestra make Much Music at the House of BRIC
- Lovely Day - The Knights & Pan Evolution featuring Andre White
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