Basil Bankston
Basil “Bazz” Bankston, born to perform, is a highly talented, multilingual Musician with extensive international experience in entertaining live audiences in nightclubs, concert halls and theaters featuring Jazz, Latin music, Rhythm and Blues, and Classic hits of the 60’s and 70’s. He has a deep background in playing and singing for live audiences, recording and production studios. Bazz has over 30 years of experience in music both as a vocalist and musician.
His talent and versatility as a trumpeter has led to performances with such great jazz artist as Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Terrance Blanchard, Curtis Lundy, Bobby Watson, Joe Donato, Nestor Torres, Nicole Yarling, Steven Jude, Phil Gray, Spider Martin, Dennis Noday, Teddy Mulet, Chipito Santana, Ed Calle, Nat Adderley, Pete Minger, Victor Lopez (from the Sound Machine), Mongo Santa Maria, Terrance Blanchard, Paquito de Rivera, David Leon, Waldron Dunkley, Stan Getz, Melton Mustafa, Ira Sullivan and Red Rodney.
Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese Basil has performed in various venues in over 153 countries including Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Spain. He has also performed internationally with various tribute groups including the Temptations, the Platters, the International Four Tops, the Drifters and the Dynamics. Most recently he has performed in Various clubs in Miami Beach, and the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fisher Island.
Basil solo performances include his tribute to great jazz vocalists including Billy Eckstine, Nat King Cole, Johnnie Hartman, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and more. Additional Vocal/Singer impersonations include Tony Bennett, Billy Holliday and Sarah Vaughn. One of his featured shows is “The Greatest Classic Hits of Motown” which features songs by Motown legends and other R&B performers of the 60’s and 70’s.
Most recently, Basil has recorded an original single titled “You and Me” which has been climbing the charts internationally. The MP3 of this hit is out and is being played in Africa, China and Australia and will soon be released to be played in England. It has made the Top 10 and Top 20 charts in Africa. He has recorded over 20 CD’s which includes jazz recordings of the American Songbook, contemporary music and classic Motown and R & B hits of the 60’s and 70’s.
He has been inducted into Who’s Who in American Music and was recognized as the Best Jazz Musical Artist of the Year by Cool FM 96.9 in Africa. Basil is being submitted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and working towards being submitted to the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.