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Obasi Akoto
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.