Obasi Akoto
Obasi Akoto
Veteran double bassist, composer, and educator returning to full-time performance with profound collaborations and orchestral vision.
About
Born Steven “Steve” Kirby in Maumee Valley, Ohio, and raised in St. Louis, Obasi Akoto is a veteran double bass player, composer, and educator known for his work with Elvin Jones, Cyrus Chestnut, and many jazz luminaries. He holds a Master's Degree in Jazz Composition from the Manhattan School of Music and served as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Manitoba from 2003 to 2017. Since leaving academia, he has focused on his SPARX! ensemble, regular jam sessions in Baltimore, and leading his own groups in major jazz centers.
Music Style
His style blends deep swing rooted in blues and R&B with advanced orchestration and composition, mixing traditional jazz trio/quartet settings with full orchestral arrangements.
Background
- Hometown
- Maumee Valley, Ohio / St. Louis, Missouri
- Education
- Manhattan School of Music (M.A. Jazz Composition); Webster University (B.A.)
- Instruments
- bass
- Active
- 1980s-present
Similar Artists
If you like Ron Carter, Paul Chambers — you'll love this artist