Ken Professor Philmore

Ken Philmore is from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, birthplace of the musical instrument, the steel pan (a.k.a. steel drum). “Professor” is one of the top steel-drum soloists in the world. His fascination with the steel pan began when he was only four years old. In 1974, at age of fifteen, he joined the Hatters Steel Orchestra with the intention of developing his skills as a player. On one of his early visits, a member jokingly remarked “who is this young kid with these old fashioned glasses?” Referring to his bone rimmed spectacles, “he looks more like a ‘professor’ than a pan player”. This is an alias which Ken proudly carries today and aptly suits this gifted musician. In his first year with Hatters, he was selected for a tour to Minneapolis, U.S.A. One year later, Ken began experimenting with arrangements of tunes for the group. As time progressed, his talents as player and arranger was so impressive, that by 1982, he became musical director of one of the nation’s most prestigious steel orchestras. In 1985 he was requested to play for Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Trinidad and Tobago. In 1985, “Professor” also did his first album – Our Heritage, which features a mixture of his version of jazz classics like Mr. Magic and Stardust, together with pan instrumentals of some popular calypsos. He has since produced seventeen albums, five of which feature lead vocals by none other than the “Professor” himself. 1989 was a special year for Ken “Professor” Philmore. He was honored by the ruling steel pan association, Pan Trinbago, as the most outstanding musical arranger. In New York, he received a special award for his contribution to music by Mayor Koch. Following his successes in Los Angeles and numerous standing ovations at Madison Square Garden in New York, “Professor” was invited by Mercer Ellington to join the prestigious Duke Ellington Orchestra for their tours to Europe and North America from 1989 to 1993. On their album, Music is my Mistress, Ken was featured soloist on the selection “Queenie Pie Reggae”. Ken has performed and recorded with a number of international artistes such as Tito Puente, Ella Fitzgerald, Phyllis Hyman, Nancy Wilson, Tina Turner, Andy Narrell, Ralph Mc Donald, George Howard, Lionel Hampton and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Ken was privileged to be the first Trinidadian artiste to be featured at B.E.T. Jazz Central, where he was interviewed by Vanessa Rubin and the legendary Lou Rawls and performed for a live studio audience. To date, outstanding live performances continues unabated – Washington DC Pan Jazz Festival, St. Croix Jazz Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Barbados Jazz Festivals, Tobago Jazz Festival, Guyana Music Festival, Joy of Jazz Johannesburg, Boston Symphony Hall, among many others. Ken’s impact on the pan arena has been nothing short of phenomenal as he continues to share his gift around the world. Follow me as I spread my love and passion for steel pan all over the world!