‘Boogsie’, Phase 11 - TnT Mirror.com

‘Boogsie’, Phase 11
- score BIG in Germany

By CECILY ASSON

THE British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) couldn’t help it.

Obviously bowled over by the hypnotic appeal of the pan and the wizardry of it’s players during their recent sojourn in Germany, world acclaimed pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and his band of warriors, Phase 11 immediately became the toast of the station.

It was mere hours before TnT’s Soca Warriors came up against powerhouse England in the preliminary round of the World Cup Finals 2006 in Nuremberg that Boogsie and his men were invited on to the BBC’s prime time morning programme.

“It was a great experience,” revealed an excited Boogsie.

“I’ve performed before in Germany and loved it, but what I experienced here this time during our World Cup Finals performance just cannot be compared.”

He said he was interviewed extensively about all that is Trinidad and Tobago and everything about the pan.

“A guy named Chris interviewed me.

“They were really fascinated by the pan and the sounds.”

German Mayor HEINER BERNHARD (left) receives a photo of Phase 11 from leader

German Mayor HEINER BERNHARD (left)
receives a photo of Phase 11 from leader
LEN “Boogsie” SHARPE.

He said his wide repertoire included The Happy Wanderer also known as Valerie Valera, a piece he said the spectators couldn’t get enough of.

“It was one big street party, with everybody dancing.”

Boogsie noted that also holding court with Phase 11 and excelling was Defence Force Steel Orchestra.

“Defence Force and the tassa group were fantastic.

“We were all swamped; it was the power of pan.”

Sunday PUNCH was told that so good were the steelband performances that BBC for the rest of the morning instead of going to advertisements during the break, went back to Nuremberg and featured both Phase 11 and Defence Force live.

Members of the triumphant, all-conquering Phase 11 Pan Groove

Members of the triumphant, all-conquering Phase 11 Pan Groove,
headed by LEN “Boogsie” SHARPE (arrowed).

“It was steelband music on prime time BBC television,” a upbeat Boogsie continued.

“We couldn’t ask for more.”

He recalled teaming up with a makeshift English band, which featured exclusively drums and horns.

“That jam was nice and now they are interested in hooking up with us to do something in the future.”

While Phase 11 remained stationary, Defence Force Pan Round ‘D’ Neck side dealt with the parade along the streets.

Reports too are that Shirley Birchall, mother of English born Soca Warrior Chris Birchall positioned herself in front the band and had herself a helluva time.

“It was the best two weeks of my life, I got the opportunity to know some of my own players better.

“I lived with people I never knew, in Germany it was not about race, creed or class it was about Trinidad and Tobago.

“I just hope we could keep up that spirit,” Boogsie ended.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Archives | Feedback | Music | Sunday Punch Home | Go Back