Essiet Essiet

Essiet Okon Essiet (born September 1, 1956) is an American jazz double bassist. He is the leader of the group "Intercontinental Bush Orchestra", founded in 1995.

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

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, and Bobby Watson.

Discography

With Bluesiana Triangle (Dr. John and David "Fathead" Newman)

• Bluesiana Triangle (Windham Hill, 1990)
• Bluesiana II (Windham Hill, 1991)

With George Cables

• My Muse (HighNote, 2012)
• In Good Company (HighNote, 2015)
• The George Cables Songbook (HighNote, 2016)

With Vincent Herring

• Ends and Means (HighNote, 2006)

With Frank Morgan

• Reflections (HighNote, 2006)

With Benny Powell

• Nextep (Origin, 2008)