Victor Provost
Synthesis, 21st Century Band, DC Jazz Collaborative, Cultural Academy for Excellence
Steel Pan Percussionist
Vistor Provost began his musical journey at the age of 10. Born and raised in the US Virgin Islands, Provost's interest and subsequent love affair with the steel drums began at the St. John School of the Arts. There, he became a member of the youth steel pan orchestra, Steel Unlimited II, and under the guidance of Mr. Rudy Wells, was able to develop, hone and share his musical gift.
While Provost was exposed to a plethora of music including Blues, Soul, Classical and of course, Reggae & Calypso, his love for jazz proved undeniable. In 1999 he became the first steel pan player to be featured at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy.
Having performed across North America, Europe and the Caribbean, he has toured with the award winning Real Silk Band, and 21st Century band (featuring Ron Blake and Dion Parson) and recorded with artists such as Dion Parson, Dwayne Dolphin, Lafayette Harris Jr., Ken Karsh, James Johnson III, Tim Adams and Roger Humphries.
Provost's diverse musical background has allowed him to develop a unique voice on his instrument of Choice. He weaves melodic and harmonic phrases together during improvisations, often reflecting nuances of horn or piano lines. His genuinely authentic approach to Caribbean music and intellectual approach to all other genres makes him one of the most highly sought after pan players today.
Victor Provost currently lives in Washington, DC, where he performs regularly with hi trio "Synthesis," teaches privately, and works closely with the award winning group Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO). PVYSO has won multiple National Steel Band Competitions and the group has traveled extensively as ambassadors of the instrument, including tours in Illinois, Connecticut, Newfoundland; Canada, and Senegal; Africa.