Essiet Essiet
Global Groove Bassist
Essiet Essiet brings together Nigerian heritage and American jazz tradition for a uniquely rhythmic voice in modern jazz bass.
About
Essiet Okon Essiet (born September 1, 1956) is an American jazz double bassist of Nigerian descent, born in Omaha, Nebraska. He began studying violin at age ten and switched to bass at fourteen while residing in Portland, Oregon; after attending Mount Hood Community College, he moved to New York in the early 1980s and carved out a distinguished career collaborating with legends like Art Blakey, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Bobby Watson, while leading his own project IBO.
Music Style
Essiet's music is characterized by a robust bass presence, intricate harmonic support, and propulsive rhythmic foundation. He seamlessly blends traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences, delivering compositions and improvisations that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply soulful.
Background
- Hometown
- Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Education
- Mount Hood Community College
- Instruments
- bass
- Active
- 1980s-present
Similar Artists
If you like Christian McBride, Ron Carter, or Buster Williams — you'll love this artist