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Obasi Akoto
Member Since: 2023 | Location: New York City | Page Views: 682 
About Me
Obasi Akoto is a veteran double bass player, composer and educator. He is best known for his work with Elvin Jones and Jazz Machine and piano titan Cyrus Chestnut. Obasi has an extensive performance history which includes performances and/or recordings with some of the greatest jazz artists in the world. His notable collaborations include: Warren Wolf, Sean Jones, Tim Green, Aaron Goldberg, Larnell Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, Stefon Harris, Mulgrew Miller, James Carter, Joe Lovano, Abbey Lincoln, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kathleen Battle, Benny Green, Jacky Terrason, Eddie Henderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Wes “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Miguel Zenon, Avishai Cohen, Lester Bowie, John Hicks, Steve Turre, Lewis Nash, Jimmy Green, George Colligan, Jon Gordon, Herlin Riley, Anat Cohen, Regina Carter, Greg Tardy, Houston Person, Marcus Printup, Joel Ross and Terreon Gully. Obasi’s dedication to his craft extends to his work as a composer and orchestrator. He has released multiple recordings, including his first full-length orchestral recording entitled “All Over The Map,” which features his original compositions. Described as “impassioned and transformative” the album showcases his compelling and creative skills as a composer and a performer. After 15 years of teaching on the university level, Obasi is back to performing and composing full time, most notably with his new ensemble SPARX! SPARX! Is an exceptional group of seasoned professionals whose collective talent transcends boundaries. This ensemble is the culmination of countless performances, where the paths of the musicians intersected, creating and undeniable chemistry and cohesion. Musicians, like storytellers, thrive in tribes, with their reputations spreading through word of mouth. The members of SPARX! Having collaborated with each other in various configurations and combinations over the years, Sean Jones on trumpet, Warren Wolf on vibes, Tim Green on alto sax, Aaron Goldberg on piano, Obasi Akoto on bass and Alon Benjamini on drums which have converged to create this exciting new creative collective called SPARX! At the heart of SPARX lies the visionary genius of Obasi Akoto. As the band's leader and composer, Akoto is the driving force behind the compelling music that ignites their performances. His compositions embody an explosive blend of innovation, sophistication, beauty and creativity. Obasi's compositions serve as the foundation upon which SPARX builds their dynamic sound.
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This page was last updated on 2023-06-27.
