Pan In The Virtual Space: PanoGrama
Speaking of digital spaces, I present Panograma, an adaptation of Panorama during COVID, from 2020 - 2022 created by Nevin Roach. This event expanded my thoughts on the reach of the Steel Pan as people were competing from all over the world, from the United States to Tokyo, United Kingdom to West Indies and South America, showcasing their talent and pride for their respective region.
Everyone was impacted by COVID. Especially musicians! Whether it be cancelled concerts, gigs, competitions, recording sessions, musicians alike felt the wrath of quarantine and the cancelling of so many events vital to their careers.
Panograma did their part in providing a platform for craftsmanship and entertainment for 3 years, pulling players, sponsors, and viewers from all over the world.
Here is the reference track for the 2022 Panograma Winner, Mathieu Borgne playing his rendition of Charlie Parker's Donna Lee. You can hear the influence and the control of the harmonic development on this jazz standard.
This competition opened my eyes to who was playing pan around the world and the immense talent! Mathieu Borgne is based in Paris, France, playing a calypso-arranged jazz standard on a Trinidadian instrument. Lovely!