Born: September 1, 1956 Primary Instrument: Bass, acoustic
Considered one of the top bassists in jazz today, Essiet Essiet first received critical acclaim over a decade ago in Bobby Watson's group Horizon. Born in Nebraska to Nigerian parents, he began studying violin at age10 and switched to bass viol at 14. As a child, he traveled widely with his family and that early exposure to many cultures, folk- ways, languages, and religions fostered his world view of strength through diversity.
Some musicians are purists, says Essiet, but I like to mix styles. Essiet was Art Blakey's last bassist, playing with him for 2 years and on 3 CDs. He's also performed with Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Benny Golson, and the Blue Note All-Stars, to name a few. Essiet also leads IBO, a Nigerian jazz project.
Enja Records 1983 Dollar Brand / Abdullah Ibrahim
AMIGA 1987 South Africa
Enja Records 1986 Siya Hamba Namhlanje
(We Are Leaving Today) (as Essiet Okun Essiet) Abdullah Ibrahim - Good News From Africa
Network Medien 1990 Profile
Reservoir 1991 Blue Spirit: Blue Note All Stars
EmArcy 2001 Siya Hamba Namhlanje
(as Essiet Okun Essiet) Abdullah Ibrahim - A Celebration
Enja Records 2004 Ends And Means
HighNote 2005 Fleurs 2
Mercury 2008 Take Me With You
Butman Music 2009
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