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Obasi Akoto

“Obasi Akoto IS A BADASS. Every once in a while a project comes in that just blows me away. This
(All Over The Map) was the 2016 project. It is an amazing record on so many levels. It moved me.”
Mark Wilder, Sony Music recording engineer

“Obasi Akoto, like an alchemist, brews all the ingredients together and concocts listening universes that are both intellectually stimulating and musically pleasing, for both specialized and secular ears” Fredric Cardin, ICI Musique

About Obasi Akoto

Obasi Akoto is a veteran double bass player, composer and educator. He is best known for his work with Elvin Jones and Jazz Machine and piano titan Cyrus Chestnut. Obasi has an extensive performance history which includes performances and/or recordings with some of the greatest jazz artists in the world. His notable collaborations include: Warren Wolf, Sean Jones, Tim Green, Aaron Goldberg, Larnell Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, Stefon Harris, Mulgrew Miller, James Carter, Joe Lovano, Abbey Lincoln, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kathleen Battle, Benny Green, Jacky Terrason, Eddie Henderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Wes “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Miguel Zenon, Avishai Cohen, Lester Bowie, John Hicks, Steve Turre, Lewis Nash, Jimmy Green, George Colligan, Jon Gordon, Herlin Riley, Anat Cohen, Regina Carter, Greg Tardy, Houston Person, Marcus Printup, Joel Ross and Terreon Gully.

Obasi’s dedication to his craft extends to his work as a composer and orchestrator. He has released multiple recordings, including his first full-length orchestral recording entitled “All Over The Map,” which features his original compositions. Described as “impassioned and transformative” the album showcases his compelling and creative skills as a composer and a performer.

After 15 years of teaching on the university level, Obasi is back to performing and composing full time, most notably with his new ensemble SPARX! 

 

SPARX!

SPARX! Is an exceptional group of seasoned professionals whose collective talent transcends boundaries. This ensemble is the culmination of countless performances, where the paths of the musicians intersected, creating and undeniable chemistry and cohesion.

Musicians, like storytellers, thrive in tribes, with their reputations spreading through word of mouth. The members of SPARX! Having collaborated with each other in various configurations and combinations over the years, the core members: Sean Jones on trumpet, Warren Wolf on vibes, Tim Green on alto sax, Obasi Akoto on bass, and have converged to create this exciting new creative collective called SPARX!

Individually and collectively, they embody the very essence of virtuosity, making them not only exceptional performers, but each other’s favorite collaborators. The notion of this specific group of musicians working together as a concentrated effort was a natural evolution of their shared passion. As they embark on this journey, they have begun meticulously curating repertoire that will astound audiences with it’s depth and range

At the heart of SPARX lies the visionary genius of Obasi Akoto. As the band's leader and composer, Akoto is the driving force behind the compelling music that ignites their performances. His compositions embody an explosive blend of innovation, sophistication, beauty and creativity. Obasi's compositions serve as the foundation upon which SPARX builds their dynamic sound.

The buzz surrounding SPARX! Quickly reached the ears of NEA Jazz Master and Artistic Director of Keystone Korner in Baltimore, MD, Todd Barkan whose excitement for the band is palpable. Todd expressed an earnest desire to record and present the groups debut performance - The opportunity was embraced setting the stage for an explosive debut.

Since then SPARX! has graced the stage at The Zinc Bar in New York as a Quintet to captivated sold out crowd. Joseph Baldassare, owner and operator of The Zinc Bar is thrilled to be part of this burgeoning new group who he feels is the next big thing in the jazz world and wants to do whatever he can to spread the word about SPARX!

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the birth of a brand new musical phenomenon. Join us as we unravel the magic of SPARX!, where talents converge, boundaries dissolve, and unforgettable journeys begin!

 

 

Every Tuesday!

Obasi Akoto and prominent members of the Greater Baltimore & Washington, D.C. Jazz Community will lead us in world-class performances beginning at 7:30pm. Surround yourself with great company, soul lifting music, and wonderful food! 

"A jazz renaissance is happening right here and right now at Keystone Korner." - Obasi Akoto

Free admission, unless otherwise indicated. Reservations are required. Two item food & beverage minimum.


Obasi Akoto

Upcoming Performances

01/08/2024 - Obasi Akoto Quintet @ Smalls Jazz Club NYC, featuring Eric Lewis, Tim Green, Eric Kennedy
and Anna-Lisa Kirby, Sets: 10:30pm & 12am followed by the jam session until 3am

01/12,13 & 14/2024 - Obasi Akoto and SPARX! Celebrate The Max Roach Centennial @ Keystone Korner Baltimore, featuring Sean Jones, Warren Wolf, Tim Green, Eric Kennedy, Janelle Gill and Anna-Lisa Kirby Sets: 7 & 9:30pm

01/23/2024 - Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session @ Keystone Korner Baltimore, featuring Obasi Akoto Quartet
7:30 - 11pm

01/30/2024 - Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session @ Keystone Korner Baltimore, featuring Obasi Akoto Quartet
7:30 - 11pm

02/06/2024 - Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session @ Keystone Korner Baltimore, featuring Obasi Akoto Quartet
7:30 - 11pm

02/10/2024 - Marc Cary Trio featuring Jaleel Shaw, Tacoma Station, Washington DC, 7 & 10pm

02/12/2024 - Joe Brotherton CD Release - Blues Alley, Washington DC, 7 & 9pm

02/13/2024 - Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session @ Keystone Korner Baltimore, featuring Obasi Akoto Quartet
7:30 - 11pm

02/14/2024 - Greg Murphy Trio - Marion Branch Library, Jersey City, NJ, 11am

02/16/2024 - Obasi Akoto Trio - Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul, Ramsay NJ, 7pm

02/20/2024 - Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session @ Keystone Korner Baltimore, featuring Obasi Akoto Quartet
7:30 - 11pm

02/24/2024 - Obasi Akoto and SPARX! @ Tacoma Station, Washington DC, 7 & 10pm
featuring Sean Jones, Warren Wolf, Tim Green, Kofi Shepsu, Eric Lewis and Anna-Lisa Kirby


2023 Highlights

Wednesday May 31/2023 - SPARX! Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD

Saturday May 13/2023 - Allison Crockett & Friends, Tacoma Station, 6914 4th Street, NW, Washington DC, 7-10pm

Fri May 12/2023 - Colin Chambers & Friends, Jojo, 1518 U Street, Washington DC, 7:30 - 11pm

Fri May 6 & Sat May 7/2023 - George Coleman Quartet, Tarrytown Jazz Forum, Tarrytown, NY, 7:30 - 11:30pm

Saturday June 17/2023 - Warren Wolf Group, State College, PA - concert

Friday June 9/2023 - SPARX! Zinc Bar, 82 W 3rd Street, New York, NY

Tuesday July 4, 2:10 - 2:40pm - Carl Grubbs Group - Cherry Hill Festival - Middle Branch Park
3301 Waterview Avenue, Baltimore, MD

Friday July 6, 7 - 10pm - Lenny Robinson Quintet - Eaton Hotel - 1201 K Street NW, Washington DC

Thursday July 13, 10:30 & 12 am - Greg Murphy Trio - Mezzrow, 163 W 10th Street, NY

July 20, 10:30pm & 12am - Obasi Akoto Trio featuring Orrin Evans - Mezzrow, 163 W 10th street, NY

July 25 - August 2, Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets “Pan Africa” Tour of Ghana and Sierra Leon

August 13, 11am - 2pm - Talib Kibwe/TK Blue - The Rotunda Outdoor Plaza 711 west 40th Street Baltimore, MD

Friday August 18, SPARX! - Zinc Bar, 82 W 3rd Street, New York, NY

September 17, 7:30 & 9pm, Anna-Lisa Trio featuring Jeb Patton, Mezzrow, 163 W 10th Street, NY







 VIDEOS

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Contact

SPARX.1326@gmail.com
240-598-9926