OTHELLO MOLINEAUX

Othello Molineaux is widely credited with introducing the steel pan to the jazz world. He was born in Trinidad and Tobago, the dual island republic that also gave birth to the Steel Pan. His mother taught piano and his father played the violin, he began playing the piano as young child and took interest in the pan at the age of 11. He spent much of his early career performing with the late Jaco Pastorius' ensemble after migrating to the US in the 1970's. Molineaux has since performed with many other Jazz greats including Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Alexander, Art Blakey and Randy Brecker.

The jazz world first took notice of Molineaux after his appearance on Jaco Pastorius' Grammy nominated debut album in 1976. His groundbreaking album with Jamaican, Monty Alexander "Ivory and Steel" is considered as the "first successful commercial jazz album using a steel drum". Molineaux’s "It's About Time" was voted best Jazz Album by the Miami New Times was also declared a "Jazz Masterpiece" by America's #1 Jazz Magazine, "Jazz Times".

Molineuax has performed extensively worldwide in such prestigious venues such as the Radio City Music Hall, Royal Oak Theatre, The Savoy and Paramount Theatre. He was rated in the top ten jazz musicians in the world in the miscellaneous instrument category of the "International Jazz Critics Poll".

Othello Molineaux is available with his quartet.