Ugonna Okegwo
| Ugonna Okegwo | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Background information | |
| Born |
March 15, 1962 London, England |
| Origin | Muenster, Germany |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instruments | Bass |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Associated acts | Tom Harrell, Mingus Big Band |
| Website | ugonnaokegwo |
Ugonna Okegwo (born March 15, 1962) is a German-Nigerian jazz bassist and composer based in New York City.
Born in London, Okegwo is the son of Christel Katharina Lulf and Madueke Benedict Okegwo. In 1963 the family moved to Muenster, Germany, where Okegwo grew up. As a youngster he enjoyed working with his hands and played the electric bass. At age 21, he took a class in violin-making and started playing the upright bass.
In 1986 Okegwo moved to Berlin and studied with bassist Jay Oliver and pianist Walter Norris. He then joined trombonist Lou Blackburn's group for a tour in Europe and played with Joe Newman, Oliver Jackson and Major Holley.
In 1989 Okegwo moved to New York City and worked with saxophonists Big Nick Nicholas, Junior Cook and James Spaulding. He worked with vocalist Jon Hendricks on a regular basis. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Long Island University, graduating summa cum laude in 1994. In the early 1990s Okegwo formed a trio with pianist Jacky Terrasson and drummer Leon Parker. In 1997 he started to perform regularly in Tom Harrell ensembles. He is a member of the Tom Harrell Quintet and the Mingus Big Band.
In 2002, Okegwo released his first album as a leader titled Uoniverse. About creating music Okegwo said, producing a note is human and personal and "in a rhythm section, the bass is the center, creating something constantly."
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