Essiet Essiet


Essiet Okon Essiet is an American jazz double bassist.

Early life and education

Essiet Essiet was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Nigerian immigrant parents. His family moved frequently due to his father's work with both the U.S. and Nigerian governments, exposing Essiet to various cultures, languages, and musical traditions from an early age. He began his musical studies on the violin at the age of 10 but switched to the bass at 14 while living in Portland, Oregon. Essiet attended Mount Hood Community College, where he further honed his musical skills. He founded the Intercontinental Bush Orchestra in 1995.

Biography

Essiet's parents were Nigerian immigrants to the United States. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he studied violin as a child, then learned both bass guitar and stand-up bass as a high schooler in Portland, Oregon. After attending Mount Hood Community College, he played briefly in Los Angeles before working in Europe during the early 1980s with fellow American jazz musician Famoudou Don Moye. In 1983 he moved to New York City, playing with Abdullah Ibrahim, Art Blakey, Marty Cook, and Ralph Peterson Jr.
Essiet Essiet has had many collaborations, including with George Adams, Ron Affif, Kenny Barron, the Blue Note All-Stars, Paul Bollenback, Donald Brown, Bruce Cox, Kurt Elling, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Jim Hartog, David Hazeltine, Freddie Hubbard, Victor Jones, Joe Locke, Kevin Mahogany, Cedar Walton, Bobby Watson, and the group Bluesiana Triangle.

Discography

As Leader

  • ''Shona''

As a member

Art Blakey and the Jazz MessengersChippin' In One For All The Art of Jazz Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers
Bluesiana Triangle

With Dr. John and David "Fathead" NewmanBluesiana Triangle Bluesiana II
The Blue Note All Stars collective
With Greg Osby, Tim Hagans, Kevin Hays, Javon Jackson and Bill Stewart
  • ''Blue Spirit''

As sideman

With Donald BrownCartunes At This Point in My Life French Kiss Wurd on the Skreet Autumn in New York Fast Forward to the Past
With George CablesLive in Bollate My Muse In Good Company The George Cables Songbook I'm All Smiles
With Abdullah IbrahimZimbabwe South Africa
With Ralph PetersonTriangular Ralph Peterson & The Messenger Legacy: Legacy Alive, Vol. 6 Onward & Upward
With Bobby Watson
  • Bobby Watson and Horizon, Present Tense
  • Bobby Watson Big Band, Taylor Made
  • Bobby Watson and Horizon, Midwest Shuffle
  • Bobby Watson and Horizon, Horizon Reassembled
With others