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Kai Eckhardt was born in 1961 in Mainz, Germany. Being the son of a German mother and a Liberian father, he was raised in both Germany and West Africa.

He began to study the bass guitar at age 15 and went on to establish himself as a well known and respected musician.

He left Germany in 1983 to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. While still in school, he became a member of the Bob Moses Group and Tiger’s Baku. At the same time, Boston served as a home base for the launching of various international tours. It was during this period that his special talent first received international recognition. Kai was the bassist for: Steve Smith’s Vital Information, Alphonse Mouzon, Randy Brecker and Stanley Clarke.

Kai joined the John Mc Laughlin Trio in December 1988. The Trio toured extensively throughout the world and recorded two albums. The acclaimed Live at the Royal Festival Hall, recorded 1989 in London, documented a new direction in Mc Laughlin’s music. This recording has been described by many as historic for its outstanding musicianship and unique stylistic blend.

In 1994, the government of the United States granted Kai the status of a U.S. resident, based on his extraordinary abilities as an artist.