biography

Essiet Okon Essiet

Essiet Okon Essiet began his musical studies at age 10 with the violin.
4 years later he switched to the bass viol.

In 1982 he met Don Moye and joined his quartet. That same year he met and joined Adullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) on and off for 6 years.
In 1988 he joined Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers till Art's passing in 1990.
Since then Essiet has performed and recorded with Benny Golson, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Louis Hayes, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Sam Rivers, George Adams, Kenny Garrett, Al Foster, Bobby Watson & Horizon, Kevin Mahogany, Mulgrew Miller, Geri Allen-Ralph Peterson, Blue Note Allstars, Pat Martino, Kenny Burrell, Johnny Griffin, James Moody and many others.

Essiet also leads his group called IBO, a Nigerian Jazz Project.