Moods of Pan – Sunday….. in Review!

By Joanne Hillhouse

The Mood on Sunday night was by turns mellow and easy, romantic and breezy, and hot and groovy. For those who’ve never been a part of the Moods of Pan experience, it’s hard to describe the heady sensation of the steady flow of sublime music.

Moods of Pan regulars are by now familiar with the fact that Sunday night is perhaps Moods’ most dressed up night. Just ask co-emcee Keva Margetson who earned complements in her elegant black and white number, including a few words from co-emcee Norris Morris Harris.

But Moods fans, even in their best elegantly casual dan-dan, as we would say, are slaves to the music not the fashion. Why else would they brave the soggy puddles at Deanery grounds and the intermittent rains and bracing breeze, some in heels no less? Must be “Something in the Music”.

And one thing has been consistent from the get go. Whatever short comings there’ve been with regards to organization and flow – and, from an audience stand point, these appeared to be minimal Sunday night thanks to the smooth tag teaming and calm professionalism of Margetson and Harris – the music is always on point.

Whatever yet untapped potential, in terms of promotion, to realize its truly international promise, Moods always delivers foot-tapping, mood-inducing, soul-stirring music.

Musically, there were literally no low points Sunday night. Gemonites was in fine form with its interpretation of Toto’s Africa, to open its largely mid-tempo, easy listening set, which included I will go with You, a favourite in Antigua – at least since Shermain Jeremy’s memorable rendition during the local queen pageant a few years ago – to Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke – always a favourite. Blending vocals and instrumentation, Gemonites’ well-selected-set included a duet between Starquest 268 winner and runner-up Flora Haywood and Alvin Livingstone, which was well received by the audience.

Before allowing the panorama champions to close off, however, Harris attempted to tease smiles out of the usually stoic bunch with the promise of free lunch for two at Sandals. Our vote, Robin Margetson, one of the few who remembered to smile throughout and not only at the end, but the way a couple of front row players threw themselves into the jam managed to nab the audience’s attention – the prize ultimately going to Alvin Livingstone and Javier Jarvis.

As with previous nights, there were quite a few giveaways to be had courtesy of Colombian Emeralds; but those who went away empty-handed did not feel cheated.
After Gemonites they had BWIA Ebony from London, a small group that provided pleasant diversion with the likes of relatively old pop favourites like Ain’t Nobody and Dancing Queen.

Courts New Dimensions, which had performed previously in 2004 and at Saturday’s Five Alive, were much anticipated and did not disappoint. They had a fairly lengthy mixed set, bringing spirit to French Creole, Calypso, Pop, and Soul favourites.

Listening to them after Ebony was like jumping from mono to stereo; they raised the roof – figuratively speaking, of course.

Next up was Ricardo Anthony and his Foreplay band, a crop of quality international players that delivered smooth, jazzy vibes at peace with the setting – even coming on the heels of the high-octane New Dimensions. Anthony wasn’t the only member of the musical Oscar Mason clan in the mix, O’Neal Mason – on trumpet – also distinguished himself; and Rico, as he was affectionately referred to by Harris – obviously a fan – demonstrated why there are often so many superlatives attached to descriptions of his drumming.

The promised debut of soca-flavoured tracks from his new album was not realized, however, as he soon had to make way for Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe and his Phase II Pan Groove. No stranger to Moods of Pan, having performed in its inaugural year and the follow up 1999 and 2000, Boogsie proved he’s still a favourite, his animated solos never failing to ignite audience reaction.

One of Antigua’s favourite sons of pan, Aubrey ‘Lacu’ Samuel, as deft and confident on the steel as he is quiet and unassuming in person, closed out the night, with a little help from his friends. These included the crème de la crème of Antiguan music – Rico, Tambu – a wicked percussionist, “the best” Harris said – and regular partner on the music scene keyboardist Rawdon Edwards. A favourite of the night was Short Shirt’s Fire, a unique interpretation first heard in the movie No Seed – scored by Lacu – which suggests a slow crackling heat as opposed to short-lived fireworks.

Similarly, Moods continues to build steadily; its potential once more being demonstrated. Close your eyes and it’s easy to imagine the grounds packed with visitors from across the globe, the performances being packaged for worldwide distribution. The quality of the offerings gives weight to that promise; the stepping stones needed to get to that place, enjoyed by few other regional festivals – St. Lucia Jazz among them – is left for Gemonites to discover. Perhaps its much highlighted partnership with the Ministry of Tourism will be the key; perhaps other key partnerships. But at seven years old, it’s just about due to emerge from that infancy.

Previously published in the Daily Observer, Tuesday November 29, 2005, under the headline So Many Moods of Pan.