Tariqh Akoni
Tariqh Akoni '91, a session guitarist and songwriter based in Los Angeles, California, is Musical Director for multi-platinum recording artist Josh Groban and has toured or recorded alongside artists as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, and Bette Midler.
Akoni performs in multiple genres, including classical, flamenco, and rock, and has served as chair of the Guitar Department at the LA Music Academy. He cites his first big opportunity as a fill-in gig in LA at the suggestion of saxophonist and Berklee professor Walter Beasley, paving the way for his extensive career.
“I still work with people I met at Berklee," Akoni said, referring to percussionist Taku Hirano '95, one of a core group of LA session players who frequently work together including as Bette Midler's core touring group. “We continue to try to advance ourselves and our art every day. In our 40's and 50's we’re still woodshedding all the time and influencing one another and being challenged by one another. And that never ends.”
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