Okay, I admit, I have a bias toward Othello. He after all, is the ONLY recording steel drummist/panist (that I know of), to honor George "Sonny" Goddard, for his contribution to the steelband movement. He also happens to be one one the world's more famous, recognized, awarded, experienced "pan pioneers", who happens to be still alive and performing today. From the rock group Chicago to Jaco Pastorius' Weather Report and Word Of Mouth bands, "Tello" is one of the most "colorful" characters  still relevant on the pan stage. I share with you a little about this national treasure, ambassador, innovator, and jazz improvisation genius. We should ALL honor him, while he is still here, and when that time comes for him to ascend, I hope to not read about how we fail to honor our pioneers while they are still alive. This is Othello Molineaux:

  • Othello was born in Londenville, Trinidad. He attended both Fatima and Queen's Royal Colleges, and learned to play the piano at an early age, as his mother taught the instrument. His father was also a violinist. 
  • He began playing pan around eleven years of age, and by age fifteen, had learned to tune pans and formed his own band, Wonder Harps. He left Trinidad in 1967 to pursue a career as a piano player in St. Thomas. However, he continued to focus on playing pan.
  • He burst onto the world jazz stage in 1976, appearing on Jaco Pastorius' grammy nominated debut album.
  •  He has appeared in concerts all around the world with many other jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Monty Alexander, Weather Report, Joe Zawinul, and Ahmad Jamal. 
  • He has also arranged for steelbands in Trinidad, including Laventille Serenaders, Valley Harps, Tripoli, East Side Symphony, Nevados, Tobago Starlift, and Pamberi Steelband.
  • He also is the feature steel drummist/ panist on the Grammy-nominated Album, Chicago X, by the famous rock band Chicago.
  • His work with Monty and Jaco, in particular, has influenced many, including Victor Provost and Emile "Spiceman" Borde.
  • In 1993, he releases his debut solo CD, It's About Time, to rave reviews: "Despite a well-earned reputation among jazz musicians dating to the late '70s, there have been only glimpses of virtuoso pan player Othello Molineaux on record. Perhaps not surprisingly, after such a long wait, his first effort as a leader suggests a sampler. With his impressive technique, Molineaux attempts nothing less than circling of the square, turning the percussive pans into a fluid wind instrument. It's About Time is a rarity: breezy, easy on the ear and substantive." -The Miami Herald

Othello Molineaux still performs internationally, and, currently lives in the South Florida area. Tello, you are truly "one of a kind"! (Both you and Jaco.)

GHOST WHO TALKS - Honoring the Legacy of George "Sonny" Goddard.

Sources and links:

http://www.steeldrummusic.net/othello/

 http://dcist.com/2012/03/dcist_interview_victor_provost.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Othello_Molineaux

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sUzNGTThaM&feature=related

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  • With due respect to "Boogsie" and "Robbie" I find Tello to be one of the best around. People need to listen to "It's about time", nothing but sheer genius. i don't ever agree with what "Pantum" says, but today he is on point. BTW Tello did not form Wonder Harps at age 15. He is a "heavy" on the pan jazz circuit.

  • "Tello" is without a doubt one our most accomplished solo pannist.  He is a master of the jazz genre.  His resume is indeed superlative. Your accolades are on point.

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