From its competitive roots, steelpan brings a sense of wonder and adventurousness that make it unique compared with other instruments. Part of being competitive with steelpan means to have a dominant grasp of jazz improvisation. The art of improvisation is one of the most respected and studied aspects of the steelpan, which allows top musicians to express their creativity and individuality. Throughout history, several remarkable steelpan improvisors have left an indelible mark on the music world with their virtuosity and innovation.
Here are the top 10 steelpan improvisors of all time, in no particular order:
Andy Narell
Andy Narell is a trailblazer in the world of steelpan jazz. Known for his sophisticated improvisations and complex chord structures, Narell has been captivating audiences since childhood in the 1960s. His ability to blend jazz, Caribbean rhythms, and classical influences has made him a pioneer in the steelpan genre.
Len “Boogsie” Sharpe
Dr. Lennox Sharpe, affectionately known as “Boogsie,” is a true maestro of steelpan improvisation. His uncanny ability to create intricate melodies on the spot and his deep understanding of the instrument have earned him the status of legend around the world. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate for his life’s work with steelpan in Trinidad & Tobago. As the leader of Phase II Pan Groove, Sharpe’s improvisational prowess has dazzled audiences worldwide for decades.
Victor Provost
Victor Provost is a master of bebop jazz on the steelpan. His improvisational skills are nothing short of extraordinary, seamlessly blending soulful melodies with complex harmonies, while developing his own unique style. His style is made even more unique thanks to his use of a Low G tenor pan, which is oversized as to be large enough to accommodate the expanded range. Provost’s collaborations with jazz luminaries like Monty Alexander, Winton Marsalis, Paquito D’Rivera, and Dave Samuels, among others, have further cemented his reputation as one of the finest steelpan improvisors of the modern era.
Liam Teague
Liam Teague, often referred to as the “Paganini of the Steelpan,” is renowned for his virtuosic improvisations. His exceptional technique and musicality have made him a standout performer in the steelpan community. He’s performed in front of a versatile audience base, from classical music concert-goers to jazz fans and traditional steelpan supporters. Teague’s ability to effortlessly navigate various musical genres, including Soca, Calypso, jazz and Classical, has earned him widespread acclaim.
Othello Molineaux
Othello Molineaux is a jazz legend who has elevated the steelpan to new heights through his work playing with world-renowned bassist, the late Jaco Pastorius, and jazz pianist Monty Alexander. “Ivory and Steel” was a landmark album in the pan jazz genre. His improvisational style is characterized by its fluidity and emotional depth, as well as his deep knowledge of jazz theory. Molineaux’s contributions to jazz via both live shows, live recordings and studio recordings, and his innovative approach to the steelpan took pan in a new direction in the 1970s by exposing it to a brand new audience.
Robert Greenidge
Robert Greenidge is a versatile pannist known for his improvisational brilliance. With a career spanning several decades, Greenidge has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band, and won Trinidad Panorama for his original composition, “Musical Volcano”, with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra. His ability to infuse steelpan with various musical styles has made him a beloved figure in the steelpan community.
Jonathan Scales
Jonathan Scales is a modern innovator in the world of steelpan. His improvisational style is characterized by its complexity and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve. Scales’ unique approach to composition and improvisation has garnered him a dedicated following, allowing him to play all around the world with renowned musicians like Jeff Coffin, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, and Tobin Abasi, among others.
Ken “Professor” Philmore
The late Ken “Professor” Philmore was a beloved figure in the steelpan world, known for his soulful and dynamic improvisations. His ability to connect with audiences through his music and his charismatic performances made him a true icon. Philmore won the Panorama competition in Trinidad with his piece, “Pan Ecstacy,” performed by Fonclaire, along with having written popular pieces like “Pan in da Party” and “Pan By Storm”. His album, “Pan Jazz ‘N Calypso” remains a fan favorite amongst steelpan aficionados. He also has the distinction of being the featured pannist on the original recording of “Pan in A Minor” with Lord Kitchener.
Tony Williams
Tony Williams is a legendary figure in the steelpan community, credited with significant contributions to the development of the instrument. He designed the first “spider-web” tenor pan design, which is still used today. His innovative improvisations and pioneering work have left an indelible impact on the steelpan world. One example of his talent can be heard with the Pan Am North Stars, a band he led in the 1960s. Williams’ influence can still be felt in the music of contemporary pannists.
Earl Brooks
Earl Brooks is a renowned steelpan improviser with a unique and captivating style. His ability to create spontaneous, intricate melodies, with a smooth, bluesy style, has earned him a place among the greats. He’s also known for having won the medium band Panorama championship in 2020 alongside his son, Earl Brooks, Jr. as co-arrangers.
Honorable mentions:
Andre White, Duvone Stewart, Leon Foster Thomas, Chris Wabich, Ray Holman, Earl Brooks Jr., Mathieu Borgne, Rudy “Two Left” Smith, Jeff Narell, Jit Samaroo.
