Kai Eckhardt is a German-born bassist and composer. Raised in Germany and Liberia, West Africa, he moved to the United States to attend Berklee College of Music, graduating with honors in 1987. Soon after, he joined John McLaughlin’s trio with Trilok Gurtu, an influential group recognized for its groundbreaking fusion of modern jazz and South Indian classical music. The trio toured internationally and released two major albums, including Live at the Royal Festival Hall, which reached the top of the Billboard jazz charts. Following a period in Europe, Kai returned to the international stage, performing and recording with artists including Billy Cobham, Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter, Patrice Rushen, Dewey Redman, Donald Byrd, Al Di Meola, and Dave Weckl. He has also collaborated extensively in Turkey and India, and has presented clinics and master classes worldwide at institutions such as Berklee College of Music, the Musicians Institute, the Bruckner Conservatory, and the Amsterdam Conservatory. With more than 200 recordings to his credit, Kai is perhaps best known as co-leader of the genre-defying group Garaj Mahal, which has released nine albums and performed extensively throughout the United States and Canada. He currently leads the UC Berkeley World Music Ensemble, remains active as a recording artist and touring musician, and lives with his family in Berkeley, California.