“The music of Obasi Akoto and his Oceanic Jazz Orchestra is one of the most powerfully expressive examples of the universality of the language of jazz that I have heard and experienced in my 50+ years of producing world class music. While it is all about exploring the inner and outer frontiers of harmony, melody and rhythm, it is reaching for some special domains of feeling and swing that are beyond any borders or limits.”

--Todd Barkan

NEA Jazz Master | Artistic Director, Keystone Korner Baltimore, January 27 2021

Ushering in a New Year and a New Era, Obasi Akoto’s Oceanic Jazz Orchestra presents “The Promise,” a multicultural and adventuresome project led by the visionary bassist and composer Obasi Akoto and an All Star Mid- Atlantic jazz/classical remix featuring Warren Wolf, vibes, piano; Eric Kennedy, drums; Tim Green, alto saxophone; John Lee, guitar; and Akoto’s wife and longtime collaborator, Anna-Lisa Kirby. Special guests include timpanist Donnie Johns, trombonist Reginald Cyntje, flutist Jamal Brown, spoken word artist Eze Jackson and percussionist Jamal Moore.

Bringing together musicians from both jazz and classical backgrounds, diverse instruments which don’t often mix, and compositions which draw inspiration from jazz, hip hop, folk, rock, folk, tango, and other musical traditions, The Oceanic Jazz Orchestra (OJO) embodies a bold vision: at its core, it is about connection, collaboration, and a genuine celebration of contemporary America in all its endless variety. One hundred years ago, jazz emerged out of a stubborn refusal of musicians to segregate. It’s time again to allow that kind of synergy to blaze a new musical path. “The Promise” is all about that path.

Eze Jackson, spoken word, Warren Wolf - Vibraphone, Reginald Cyntje - Trombone, Tim Green - Alto Sax, Jamal Brown - Piccolo, John Lee - Guitar, Obasi Akoto - Bass, Donnie Johns - Timpani, Eric Kennedy - Drumset, Jamal Moore -Percussion

Assiniboine - lyrics and music composed by Steve Kirby/Obasi Akoto Spoken word performed by EZ Jackson (Here is the Fibonacci sequence out to the eight partial: 1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34.)

Assiniboine— a river —a run
a flow of numbers counting everyone
— brooks and streams — hopes and dreams
—a sabbatical of mathematical possibilities:
One love,
two hearts,
three wishes,
five fingers to hold
Eight rings of gold
13 black Fridays—our lucky dates
21 guns to salute our fates
34 keys unlock the gates to freedom

Why? Pepo? They showed up to buy any lie that’s believed to distract our eye from what you conceive as justice —interpreted: “JUST US” meaning JUST You —no me—just you no me… You know they’re lying but they keep on trying to rationalize and nationalize the promise to make a nightmare …stay back the evolution of humanity —perpetuate insanity —just to stroke their vanity...

Before peace is granted you will burn the planet in the name of freedom to separate
— no-one but you can participate
The state of the world reflects the
—Why?? Pepo??
—law makers , rule breakers ,
Why?? pepo?? —land takers —earth quakers
—Why?? Pepo
Freedom, justice for you— law and order for me
—education for you —incarceration for me
— Old money for you— minim wages for me
— insurrection for you —police correction for me
The benefit of doubt belongs to : Why?? Pepo??
Suspicion and guilt belong to
my people
Athletes on one knee are seen as sedition
—attacking the capitol is another position…
Why Pepo!? What they say about you that’s what they trying to do ( repeat)