Essiet Essiet

Essiet Okon Essiet (born September 1, 1956) 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 (with Dr. John and David “Fathead” Newman).

As a member Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Chippin' In (Timeless, 1990) One For All (Timeless, 1990) The Art of Jazz Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers (In + Out, 1995)

Bluesiana Triangle With Dr. John and David "Fathead" Newman Bluesiana Triangle (Windham Hill, 1990) Bluesiana II (Windham Hill, 1991)

The Blue Note All Stars collectiveWith Greg Osby, Tim Hagans, Kevin Hays, Javon Jackson and Bill Stewart Blue Spirit (Blue Note, 1996) "René van Helsdingen" LP Motivation. 1982

As sideman With Donald Brown Cartunes (Muse, 1995) At This Point in My Life (Space Time, 2001) French Kiss (Space Time, 2002) Wurd on the Skreet (Space Time, 2002) Autumn in New York (Space Time, 2003) Fast Forward to the Past (Space Time, 2010)

With George Cables Live in Bollate (Musica Jazz 2006) My Muse (HighNote, 2012) In Good Company (HighNote, 2015) The George Cables Songbook (HighNote, 2016) I'm All Smiles (HighNote, 2019)

With Abdullah Ibrahim Zimbabwe (Enja, 1983) South Africa (Enja, 1986)

With Ralph Peterson Triangular (Featuring Geri Allen) (Blue Note, 1989) Ralph Peterson & The Messenger Legacy: Legacy Alive, Vol. 6 (Onyx, 2019) "René van Helsdingen" LP Motivation. 1982