Damon Banks

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Damon Banks has performed with and / or recorded with some of the music industry’s brightest stars, creative artists and innovative musicians.These artists include: George Benson, Peter Gabriel, Caetano Veloso, Angelique Kidjo, Hassan Hakmoun, Chico Hamilton, Arto Lindsay, The Neville Brothers, Loose Ends, Ronny Jordan, Eileen Ivers, Karsh Kale, “Wadada” Leo Smith, KRS-ONE, Marc Ribot, “Butch” Morris, Emeline Michel, Noel Pointer, Brooklyn Raga Massive, Adam Rudolph, Min Xiao-Fen, Poets Sekou Sundiata, Ntozake Shange, Saul Williams, and tap dancer Roxane Butterfly (to name a few). His bass playing is featured on the soundtracks of “Footsteps In Africa” and “Muppets from Space”, as well as several radio jingles and TV commercials. Some of his composing credits include co-writing the song “Where Are You Now" for Jazz legend George Benson and “Kiss Of A Stranger” for Jazz Vocalist Miki Howard. In addition to playing, composing, and producing Damon is an international educator and teaching artist that has led and/or facilitated workshops and masterclasses at Bard College, Interlochen School of the Arts, Cal Arts. Medger Evers College and Wesleyan University - among others. In 2014, he launched his first project and record as a leader entitled “Travelguides”, featuring some of New York City’s most creative and forward-leaning artists.