Born: February 26, 1981 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Hashem Assadullahi is a saxophonist, bandleader and music educator in New York City. Hashem has performed music ranging from the big band repertoire of the swing era, to straight-ahead styles, to contemporary projects performing the works of Ornette Coleman, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, John Zorn, and Tim Berne. In 2008 Hashem formed his Quintet, featuring some of the best musicians in the Pacific Northwest, along with trumpet icon Ron Miles. The group has since expanded to a sextet and has recorded two albums: Strange Neighbor (8bells) and Pieces (OA2 Records, 22097). Hashem has lead groups featuring some the world’s greatest talents in Jazz, including Alan Ferber, Ben Monder, Mark Ferber, and Rich Perry. In addition to his own releases, he has had the opportunity to record with several ensembles, appearing on the albums Live at Jo Fed’s with the Poisonous Birds (June 2008), The Turning Point with the Douglas Detrick Quintet (8bells, 015), as well as Walking Across (8bells,016), Rivers Music (Origin Classical, 33012), Awake, Awake (pending release), and The Bright and Rushing World (pending release) with the Anywhen Ensemble. In addition to performing, he has held positions teaching music courses and directing numerous ensembles at various institutions including Mahidol University in Salaya, Thailand, Lane Community College, and the University of Oregon. Hashem frequently serves as a clinician and adjudicator across the United States and abroad. Hashem received his Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Texas in Arlington and a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Oregon.
“The ten tracks have variety that runs from attractive melodies to free playing, slapstick humor, 1920s German cabaret kitsch and what could pass for part of the soundtrack of an Italian Western…This is a substantial debut album for Assadullahi.” -Doug Ramsey- Rifttides
“I put this album on in the car and didn’t take it out for days – reveling in the subtle surprises inherent in the compositions. Assadullahi’s use of space on tunes like “Stale Fortune” and the Wayne Shorter-esque opener “Hypothesis A – The Feign” is exemplary and the band interplay admirable. Miles is great, as we already know, but Assadullahi shows a keen sense of melody and some killer chops as well…Thoughtful music, with energetic bursts; I can’t wait to hear more from these exciting young players.” -Brad Walseth http://www.JazzChicago.net
“Their sound covers a variety of styles and moods but always keeps melody at its core. Compositions are thoughtful and complex without being unpalatable. Assadullahi and Miles play off each others ideas very well and show their skill while respecting the space at the same time. … sure to please even those new to progressive Jazz. The melodies are memorable and the solos will satisfy the hardest of Jazz fans while still convincing newbies that they’re staying withing the box.” -Kevin Tomanka, http://www.OregonMusicNews.com
“...their splendid new CD, Strange Neighbor, whose 10 original compositions span a variety of tempos, moods and colors, and display a spacious, probing compositional approach that invites listeners in rather than overwhelming them with virtuoso moves”. -Brett Campbell Willamette Weekly of Portland, OR
PIECES
OA2 Records
2013
Tracks: Prized Possession; The Straight Man (Walking the Dog on a Sunday); Pretty; The Harbinger; User Error; A Bag of Oranges; Digging Out; Seal Island; Fingersticks; Dark Tower; The Missing Piece
Personnel:
Hashem Assadullahi: Saxophones.
Ron Miles: G-Trumpet.
Justin Morell: Guitar.
James Miley: Piano.
Tyler Abbott: Bass.
Ryan Biesack: Drums.
THE STRANGE NEIGHBOR
8bells
2009
Tracks: Hypothesis A the Feign; Hypothesis B the Widower; Hypothesis C the Geneticist; Hypothesis D the Gossip; Hypothesis E the Mayor; Strange Neighbor; O; Near Far; Stale Fortune ; Lonely Llama (Confiscated Bootleg Mix)
Personnel:
Hashem Assadullahi: Saxophones.
Ron Miles: G-Trumpet.
Justin Morell: Guitar.
Josh Tower: Bass.
Jason Palmer: Drums.
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Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Location:
Astoria, NY
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
B.M. Music Education University of Texas at Arlington 2004
M.M. Jazz Studies Performance University of Oregon
Has held teaching postions at University of Oregon, Lane Community College,
Mahidol University, Shedd Institute for the Arts, South Eugene Highschool, as
well as teaching private saxophone and improvisation lessons for over ten years.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Hashem has appeared as a clinician and guest lecturer working with big bands,
jazz combos, chamber ensembles, wind symphonies, & individuals, working on
areas including aural skills, transcription, rhythmic style, melodic improvising,
composition, developing practice routines, developing a personal sound, critical
listening, learning tunes, fundamentals and more.
