Kevin Axt is a renowned bassist and composer in the world of classical music. Born on December 13, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Axt grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Axt started playing the piano at the age of five, but he soon switched to the bass guitar, which became his primary instrument. Axt attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied music composition and performance. During his time at USC, Axt played in various jazz and classical ensembles, and he also started composing his own music. After graduating from USC, Axt began his professional career as a bassist and composer. Axt's career took off in the 1980s when he became a member of the jazz fusion group, The Yellowjackets. Axt played bass guitar for the group from 1989 to 1998, and he recorded several albums with them. During his time with The Yellowjackets, Axt also worked as a session musician, playing bass guitar on numerous recordings for other artists. In addition to his work with The Yellowjackets, Axt has also worked with many other jazz and classical musicians. He has played bass guitar on recordings for artists such as Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, and John Abercrombie. Axt has also worked with classical musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. Axt's work as a composer has also been highly acclaimed. He has composed music for films, television shows, and commercials. Axt's music has been featured in films such as "The Lion King," "The Prince of Egypt," and "The Road to El Dorado." He has also composed music for television shows such as "The West Wing," "ER," and "The Practice." Axt has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1995, he won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance as a member of The Yellowjackets. He has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards for his work as a bassist and composer. In addition to his Grammy Award, Axt has also won several other awards, including the BMI Film & TV Award and the ASCAP Film & TV Award. Axt continues to be an active musician and composer. He currently teaches at the University of Southern California, where he is a professor of jazz studies. Axt also performs regularly with various jazz and classical ensembles, and he continues to compose music for films, television shows, and commercials. One of Axt's most notable performances was his appearance at the 2013 Grammy Awards. Axt performed with the jazz fusion group, The Yellowjackets, and they played a tribute to the late jazz pianist, Dave Brubeck. Axt's bass guitar playing was particularly impressive during the performance, and he received widespread praise for his contribution to the tribute. Another highlight of Axt's career was his work on the soundtrack for the film, "The Lion King." Axt played bass guitar on several tracks on the soundtrack, including the hit song, "Hakuna Matata." The soundtrack for "The Lion King" went on to become one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time, and Axt's contribution to the album was a significant factor in its success. In conclusion, Kevin Axt is a highly accomplished bassist and composer in the world of classical music. His work with The Yellowjackets, as well as his collaborations with other jazz and classical musicians, have earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards.

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