Asante Santi Debriano is a highly acclaimed bassist, composer, and bandleader, recognized for his unique voice in the international jazz scene. Born in Panama and based in New York City for many years, he has established himself as a vital figure in contemporary jazz, blending rich harmonies with the melodic and rhythmic influences of his Panamanian heritage and African ancestry.
Asante, meaning “gratitude” in Swahili, is a name he adopted under the guidance of legendary drummer Jabali Billy Hart and a close friend from Togo. Throughout his career, Asante Santi Debriano has performed at the world’s most renowned jazz festivals and concert halls, leading his own groups and collaborating with some of jazz’s greatest luminaries.
Asante Santi Debriano’s extensive discography features collaborations with jazz legends such as Archie Shepp, Kenny Clarke, Mal Waldron, Kirk Lightsey, Chico Freeman, Arthur Blythe, David Murray, Oliver Lake, Baikida Carroll, Cecil Taylor, Sam Rivers, Hank Jones, Elvin Jones, Pharaoh Sanders, Randy Weston, and Joe Lovano. His ability to navigate various jazz idioms has made him a sought-after sideman and a respected leader in his own right.
Among his most notable projects is Asante Santi Debriano’s Arkestra Bembe, an eight-piece ensemble that merges jazz with Afro-Caribbean influences. Their latest album, Ashanti, was released on Jojo Records and has received critical acclaim. The Arkestra debuted at the Hamptons Jazz Festival in 2021.
His other projects include:
Flash of the Spirit, a sextet featuring world-class jazz musicians, whose album remained in the top 10 of the Jazz Weekly charts for 14 weeks.
Castle Magic, a trio of double bassists where he serves as composer, soloist, and director.
Organ Quartet, featuring vocalist Nina Shankar, in which Asante Santi Debriano frequently performs on guitar.
Asante Santi Debriano has also performed at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, a premier venue for jazz in New York, further solidifying his presence in the jazz capital of the world.
Contributions to Jazz Education and Film
A passionate educator, Asante Santi Debriano has been invited to hold seminars and masterclasses at institutions such as Wesleyan University, The New School for Jazz, New York University, the University of Panama, and the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. He has also authored two instructional books on jazz bass, available on Amazon.
His contributions extend beyond performance and education into film. He participated in two documentary films by French filmmaker Marc Huraux, Check the Changes and Bird Now, and appeared in the Canadian jazz film Imagine the Sound alongside Archie Shepp.
Legacy and Recognition
Asante Santi Debriano’s work has been featured on esteemed jazz labels including Highnote, Savant, Freelance, and Motema Records. Several of his concerts have been broadcast on WBGO, WNYC, and National Public Radio. He also serves as a jury member for the YoungArts National Jazz Competition, helping to shape the next generation of jazz musicians.
Deeply influenced by Duke Ellington, Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus, and Israel Cachao Lopez, among others, Asante Santi Debriano continues to be a vital force in the evolution of jazz. He teaches privately from his home in Staten Island, NY, sharing his wealth of experience with aspiring musicians.
Asante Santi Debriano remains a dynamic presence in jazz, always pushing creative boundaries while honoring the rich traditions of the genre.
Asanti Santi Debriano endorses Presto Nylonwound strings. More information can be found on Lando Music.
RECORDINGS AS LEADER
Ashanti – 2023- with Mamiko Watanabe, Adrian Alvarado, Robby Ameen, TK Blue, Tommy Morimoto, Ray Scro, Andrea Brachfeld, Emile Turner. Jojo Records
Flash of the Spirit- with Bill Oconnell, Andrea Brachfeld, Justin Robinson, Tommy Campbell –2020 Truth and Revolution Recordings
Our Thing (With Roni Ben Hur)- 2012
Artistic License (2001)
Circlechant – High Note Records (1998)
Panamaniacs- Freelance Records re- released by Evidence Records.(1996)
Spirit n’ Samba (co led duet with Paul Meyers) (1995)
Threeology- Konnex Records. (1994)
Euphoria- (co- operative trio) Mapleshade Records, (1993)
Trio Plus Two- Freelance Records (1991)
Soldiers of Fortune- Freelance Records- re- released by Evidence Records (1989)
Obeah- Freelance Records (1987)
SELECTED RECORDINGS AS SIDEMAN
With Joe Lovano- The Great Outdoors (ECM)
With Roni Ben- Hur- Keepin it Open (Motema)
With Larry Coryell- Mingus, Miles, Monk and Me
With Louis Hayes- Louis At Large
With Danilo Perez- Danilo Perez (RCA)
With Billy Hart- Amethyst,
With Don Pullen- Sacred Common Ground (Blue Note)
With George Cables- Beyond Forever (Steeplechase
With David Murray- Creole Project
With Oliver Lake – Impala
With Sonny Fortune- In the Spirit of John Coltrane,
With Stanley Cowell- Back to the Beautiful- Concord Records
With Larry Willis- The Offering
With Freddie Hubbard- Temptation
With Kirk Lightsey-
With Baikida Carroll
With Archie Shepp- I Know About the Life, Soul Song, Tribute to Sidney Bechet,
With Grand Central (Anoine Roney, Ravi Coltrane)- Grand Central
Santi Debriano’s original compositions have been recorded by many established jazz artists, including:
Larry Coryell (Abra Cadabra, Patience), Louis Hayes ( Our Quiet Place, Patience), Kirk Lightsey (Nandi), Gato Barbieri (Suave), Bobby Battle (The Offering, Jazz Laughter), Marcus Belgrave, Arturo O’farril (Brava), Roots (Linden Blvd.), Billy Hart Band (El Junque ), Euphoria ( Linden Blvd. )
RECORDINGS AS PRODUCER
Nina Shankar, vocalist
Mamiko Watanabe, Being Guided By the Light. Pianist. With Jabali Billy Hart, drums, Asante Santi Debriano, bass. Jojo Records
George Garzone, saxophonist. With Randy Brecker, Jeff Tain Watts, Luis Perdomo, Asante Santi Debriano .Jojo Records
Jabali Billy Hart, drummer. With David Kikoski, piano. Dave Fiuszcinski, guitar, Wallace Roney Jr., trumpet. Craig Handy, tenor sax. Asante Santi Debriano, bass. Jojo Records
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