Lonnie Plaxico

Biography

Lonnie Plaxico, born September 4, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois, emerged from a deeply musical family and began playing bass at age twelve, teaching himself both electric and acoustic instruments. By fourteen, he was already performing professionally in Chicago’s vibrant jazz, funk, and blues scene, making his first recording with his family’s band and quickly gaining recognition for his prodigious talent[1][2][4][7][8].

In 1980, Plaxico moved to New York City, where his career accelerated through collaborations with jazz legends such as Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, and Wynton Marsalis. He gained major public attention as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers from 1983 to 1986, recording twelve albums including the Grammy-winning 'New York Scene.' Plaxico was also a founding participant in the innovative M-Base collective, contributing to the debut releases of Steve Coleman, Cassandra Wilson, and Greg Osby. His tenure with Jack DeJohnette’s Special Edition from 1986 to 1993 further showcased his versatility and creativity[1][2][4][5][7].

Plaxico’s musical style is rooted in jazz fusion, marked by technical virtuosity, rhythmic sophistication, and openness to experimentation. He is especially noted for his long-standing role as musical director and bassist for Cassandra Wilson, shaping her distinctive sound for over fifteen years. Plaxico’s legacy includes Grammy-winning collaborations, a diverse discography as both leader and sideman, and a reputation for bridging tradition and innovation in modern jazz[1][2][4][5][7].

Fun Facts

• Plaxico won the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in 1978 while still a teenager[1].
• He was mostly self-taught, learning to read and arrange music on his own[7].
• Plaxico was roommates with saxophonist Steve Coleman during his early years in New York, exposing him to both traditional and avant-garde jazz worlds[7].
• He has recorded five critically acclaimed albums as a leader, in addition to his extensive work as a sideman[8].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Art Blakey - Band leader and mentor during Plaxico's formative years in the Jazz Messengers (Twelve albums with Jazz Messengers, including 'New York Scene') [1983–1986]

Key Collaborators

• Cassandra Wilson - Long-term musical director and bassist, shaping her sound and touring band (Multiple albums and tours, including 'Point of View') [1986–present]
• Steve Coleman - M-Base collective member and early collaborator (Motherland Pulse (1985)) [Mid-1980s]
• Jack DeJohnette - Member of Special Edition band (Three albums with Special Edition) [1986–1993]
• Greg Osby - M-Base collective collaborator (Sound Theatre (1987)) [Mid-1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Rachelle Farrell - Collaborated and supported as bassist, contributing to her jazz development (Live performances and recordings) [1990s]
• Dianne Reeves - Collaborated as bassist, influencing her approach to jazz fusion (Live performances and recordings) [1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dance of the Nile - World / Funk - Jazz Secrets
2. Dance of the Nile - World / Funk - Jazz Secrets
3. Dance of the Nile (Funk / World - Jazz Secrets) - Short Cut - shout chorus into end theme
4. Nostalgia In Times Square (by Charles Mingus) - Short Cut - T.K. Blue sax & Randy Brecker trumpet theme
5. Dance of the Nile - World / Funk - Jazz Secrets
6. Matriarch - Short Cut - T.K. Blue flute to ending with Stefon Harris on vibes
7. Wise One - Short Cut - T.K. Blue sax theme
8. South Side Samba - Short Cut - T.K. Blue sax & Randy Brecker trumpet theme
9. Harold's Theme - Short Cut - T.K. Blue saxophone & Randy Brecker trumpet theme
10. Dance of the Nile (Eyes of the Elders)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz, #jazz-fusion, #post-bop