RICHARD BONA

Whether Cesária Évora or Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte or Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea or Joe Zawinul - they have all benefited live or in the studio from the broad horizons of this excellent instrumentalist. Born in Cameroon, Richard Bona is considered one of the most sought-after jazz bassists in the world. But the busy musician, who moved to Paris in 1989 and has lived in New York since 1995, has much more to offer than virtuoso bass lines. He is also an elegant songwriter and sensitive singer who knows all the stylistic waters. The Los Angeles Times once aptly described the Grammy award winner as an artist "who combines the virtuosity of Jaco Pastorious, the flowing vocals of George Benson and João Gilberto's flair for singing and harmony with African culture".