The story of the first original composition for Panorama is detailed and passionate exploration of one of the most important moments in steelpan history.
Dr. Ray Holman is one of the most respected and cherished members of the global steelpan community, having contributed countless ideas and music to the artform. But one of his most important contributions was known largely in the pan world only through word-of-mouth — until now.
In the documentary, “The Journey and Impact of Pan On The Move: A Tribute to Dr. Ray Holman”, filmmaker and noted songwriter Mark Loquan sits down with Holman, along with other notables in the pan community, to get his first-hand account of how the first original composition for Panorama came to be. Before 1972, all Panorama arrangements were derived from famous calypso tunes written by singers like Lord Kitchener and Mighty Sparrow. Then, due to a combination of impatience with the current system and a need for his own voice to be heard, Holman and his fellow bandmates agreed that the time had come to write something original.
Sitting at his kitchen table, surrounded by friends from the pan world, Holman holds court in a way only someone of so much character, wisdom and knowledge could about one of the great moments in pan history. Aside from the fact that this moment had not yet been captured in such detail until now, it’s the candor and emotion of the story that are particularly endearing to see in this film. What makes it even more powerful is the inclusion of others onscreen telling their side of the story. One such person is writer/composer Alvin Daniell, who explained how the initial song was rejected by Pantrinbago (then known as the Pan Men’s Association) because it had no lyrics. Daniell would be the first to sing the song for the sole purpose of getting it approved by the governing body of pan for use in competition.
At just 47 minutes in length, the film moves briskly through the story, using a mixture of on-screen interviews and off-screen voice-over interviews. Aside from the story itself, these interviews helped to provide the context needed to convey the emotional backbone of the time and what made the story so important for pan and its future. It also highlights the importance of Holman’s contribution in helping to create inspire other musical juggernauts like Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ken “Professor” Philmore and Clive Bradley to compose and arrange their own tunes for Panorama as well. Some clips of those classic tunes are included in the film, included “‘Dis Feelin’ Nice” by Sharpe, “Party Tonight” by Bradley and “Pan by Storm” by Philmore, including some short backstory on how that latter piece came to be.
The film concludes with a performance of Pan On the Move by Dr. Holman, Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and Mark Loquan in Holman’s living room. Overall, the film is able to capture your attention with its fire-side-chat style format, detailed historical context and the editing style, which makes you feel welcome and at home with these important figures. If you’re looking to gain insight into the pan world and learn a bit about what makes it so special, be sure to give this a watch.
Watch the film on YouTube for free below:
