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Beresford 'Berry' Hunte, Manager, Trinidad All Stars - before the Panorama Finals Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2007

Trinidad - Amidst the excitement for Panorama finals, it is still business as usual for bands such as Trinidad All Stars.  Long-time band manager Beresford 'Berry' Hunte has both feet planted firmly on the ground, and keeps everything in proper perspective.  "Carnival time means gigs" Hunte said firmly to When Steel Talks, despite the fact that he was still sleepy after another very late night when we caught up with him.  He went on to give details of what the band's schedule had been like in the past few days, and what was coming up.  With engagements centered around the Carnival season, Hunte was clear on his priorities, reminding "It's not panorama alone."  The band's stageside is kept busy with a full schedule of activities, all the while practicing for the panorama competition.

Leon 'Smooth' Edwards - Arranger, Trinidad All Stars - on the Panorama Season Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2007

Trinidad - When Steel Talks got hold of Leon 'Smooth' Edwards, veteran arranger for Trinidad All Stars at the band's panyard on Duke Street, Port-of-Spain.  It was early in the afternoon, and before the beginning of another night of regimented yet enjoyable session of musical excellence, aka 'practice, practice, practice.'  His is a positive outlook.  "Things going beautiful, things going beautiful  - everyone is in high spirits...We have to pace ourselves because it's still about five days before the big day."

Pelham Goddard 'very happy' with Exodus Steel Orchestra, one week beforePanorama Finals Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2007

Trinidad - When Steel Talks chatted with Exodus' arranger Pelham Goddard, who happily said that "Things [are] going very, very, very, very good!" Goddard was remembering last year and the atmosphere then, when they were behind the ball.  But 2007 is definitely looking so much better.  Asked about the band's performance in the semi-finals concluded one week ago in Port of Spain, Goddard thought it was good - all things considered.  The entire one-hundred  piece orchestra, complete with players, had been gathered at the savannah in a state of readiness since 5:00 PM Sunday afternoon - for rehearsals, and their turn on stage, which eventually came only at 2:00 AM the next [Monday] morning.  At that point, some players were groggy with sleep, others had to be found, etc.  "The fact that we could keep the band together, that alone is a win!" declared Pelham.