Sekou Bunch

Sekou Bunch, musician, composer and sometimes actor was born and raised in New York in a home filled with a household filled with the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, James Brown, Mongo Santamaria and many other artists that would be inspirations to him later in life. At the age of 8, Sekou's first interest in the arts manifested itself in his work as a still-life and portrait artist. One of his paintings, an oil of the Brooklyn Bridge, was chosen for display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But music had more of an impact on Sekou, especially the music of James Brown. Sekou and two of his brothers started a dance review with the group name the Black Executives and began entering local talent contests, often winning first place awards. In fact, Bunch is considered one of the pioneers of break dancing. By the age of 14, with a promising career as a dancer and commercial artist, Sekou realized his destiny as a musician and started playing the electric bass. Under the direction of his uncle, Ralph Bunch, Sekou began playing local gigs and jam sessions. At age 17, Sekou teamed up with GRP artist, Tom Browne and he recorded with Browne on the best selling funk classic LP “Funkin for Jamaica,” which awarded Sekou his first RIAA Certified Gold Record. He co-wrote with Browne the hit "Thighs High." Sekou would later move to Los Angeles where he met the late George Howard, who he toured and recorded a host of records with. Sekou then collaborated with producers Angela Winbush and Ronald Isley to record on Stephanie Mills’ hit “Something In The Way You Make Me Feel.” Sekou was later hired as musical director for the Isley Brothers where he served with distinction for 11 years. Sekou has the honor of being a member of Quincy Jones’ “A Team” along with session greats John Robinson, Gregg Phillinganes and Paul Jackson, Jr. Sekou Bunch © All Rights Reserved | IBIS Music Entertainment | Web Design by Holliday Business Solutions Bunch's credentials gained over his career are impressive. He has shared the stage and or recording studio with such artists as Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Roger Daltry, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, EnVogue, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Marc Anthony, Lionel Richie, the Tonight Show Band, Kirk Whalum, Kevin Toney, Najee, Liza Minneli, the Winans and Will Downing...just to name just a few. As an interesting aside, television viewers around the world were introduced to Bunch as a contestant in 2006 with the premiere of the highly rated CBS reality series "Survivor: Cook Islands." This 13th installment of the series was originally presented as the war between the races. The producers of Survivor join a long list of collaborators that Sekou has worked with over his distinguished music career. Sekou has also acted in “Byrd”, “Coming To America” and he has come full circle with ‘Dreamgirls,” … having played bass in the orchestra pit at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway for the original stage production in 1981 and he appears in the new film starring Beyonce and Jamie Foxx. In 2008 Sekou completed his new CD entitled “The Next Level”, featuring recording artists such as; George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Boney James, Angela Winbush, Everette Harp, Sheila E., Rodney Franklin, Mads Tolling, Karen Briggs and several other major artists. Accomplished musician and composer Sekou Bunch has clearly created a CD to be reckoned with. The Next Level inspires "the next level" of music as well as excellence. “It has been a rewarding and uplifting experience to work with so many great artists and I have chosen to include a portion of them on this new CD. I have worked with too many artists to include them all on this CD but I was able to get access to some of the best that were available,” says Sekou. "Sekou is truly one of the unsung heroes in the bass world. He is an extraordinary bass player, composer, arranger and band Leader. His new CD shows this to be true," states bass legend Stanley Clarke. CEO/President of the Trippin N Rhythm record label, Les Cutmore, says, "Sekou's time has come. He has been the consummate sideman for years and we feel it is time for him to step front and center and take his rightful place as a leader. His feel and mastery of his instrument are truly unparalleled. Most recently, Sekou reignites his artistic energies by designing the new SB4000 Series Electric Bass in conjunction with Carvin Guitars, San Diego CA. "My new SB4000 is the baddest bass I've ever played. The neck is amazing and has the fattest sound - you will never get lost in the band. This IS the new electric bass!" Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.