Dewayne Oakley

About Dewayne Oakley (bass violin, vocals)

Born and raised in California, Dewayne Oakley has made music his career for over 50 years. Hailing from the Baptist and Sanctified churches of Pittsburgh, California, Mr. Oakley plays the sophisticated style of city music called Jazz, with the heart and soul of country Blues and Gospel. His approach is traditional — and the sound is acoustic, either performing by himself or with up to an eight-piece ensemble. There is much versatility, but the emphasis is on the Blues. Hence the name of his band, The Dewayne Oakley Blues Ensemble.

He has also performed and recorded with some of the Bay Area’s finest musicians and vocalists, including The Ace Hill Trio; Faye Carol & Kito Gamble (innumerable venues, concerts, and parties for over 25 years); Donald Bailey and Suzie Larraine; and through Mr. Bailey, Mr. Oakley has had the pleasure of performing with these outstanding individuals: John Handy, Joe Henderson, Harold Land, Charles McPherson.

As an educator, Dewayne Oakley has presented numerous lecture demonstrations and workshops in the Oakland and San Francisco school districts, and he has been a visiting musician at penal institutions throughout Northern California. Residencies include Koncepts Kultural Gallery of Oakland, Stanford Jazz Camp, and California Poets in the Schools.

Dewayne Oakley considers Japan his second home. One of the highlights of his journeys was a five-day tour of Japan with the Gil Scott Heron organization, and over the years he has performed in some wonderful venues with some great musicians in and around Nagoya.