Hard Believer is the captivating second album by Believers, a world-influenced jazz/fusion trio featuring guitarist Brad Shepik, percussionist John Hadfield, and bassist Sam Minaie, out March 7, 2025 on Shifting Paradigm Records. Showcasing a dynamic range of styles and moods, the album weaves jazz, rock, and blues with influences from Balkan, South Indian, and Armenian traditions. Blending fiery improvisation, bold grooves, and an expansive sonic palette, Hard Believer delivers a riveting musical journey that redefines the boundaries of jazz and global fusion.
Guitarist Brad Shepik is grounded in jazz and blues, having performed with Paul Motian, Charlie Haden, and Carla Bley, among a long list of others. His work is also enriched by global influences from the Balkans, Middle East, and South Asia, having worked with Yuri Yunakov, Simon Shaheen, and kanjira virtuoso Swaminathan Selvaganesh. Sam Minaie is an Iranian-American electric and upright bassist, producer, and recording engineer based in New York City, well-known for his versatility and unique style of playing and production across many genres. He has performed with numerous bands and artists worldwide, including Tigran Hamasyan, Kneebody, Donny McCaslin, Tim Miller, and others. Composer, drummer, and percussionist John Hadfield has worked with a broad range of artists such as the Saturday Night Live Band on NBC, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma, Abel Selaocoe and the Seattle Symphony and the Silk Road Ensemble. He has released four albums and has composed for many collaborative projects, including Heard By Others, a duo project with Lenny Pickett; Speaking in Tongues, a duo project with Rachel Eckroth; and For James, a duo with Ron Blake.
For guitarist Shepik, this trio offers a dynamic outlet and a chance to explore new musical terrain. “Both John and Sam have such unique voices on their instruments and deep approaches; it makes playing in this trio a wide-open field of possibility. I’m also really inspired and challenged by the music they bring into the band. Personally, it makes performing so much more rewarding because we are each contributing to a wider shared vision.”
Bassist and engineer Minaie adds, “For me, this record is the product of where our lives have taken us throughout the years. Brad is one of my favorite musicians and composers, and much of my musical journey has had his sound in my mind. John is an incredible and versatile player, and a brilliant production mind. The three of us have been collaborating now for years, and this record is the meeting place of all of our influences. As the mixing and mastering engineer, I used that history to make this record into a very different one. There is not one style on this record, and the mix reflects that, from jazz to electronic and metal. Each song has a different sound and production technique, from very natural and acoustic to very aggressive post-production. I'm excited for the world to hear this record.”
Hadfield states, “Believers is truly one of the most enjoyable groups that I am a part of. I had been a fan of both Brad and Sam for a long time before the formation of this group. I knew Brad’s playing as someone to check out when I moved to New York. Once I moved to NYC, I heard how great Sam was, and he was part of the younger musicians from the West Coast who moved to NYC. As a drummer and percussionist, it is such a joy to play with Brad and Sam. Rhythmically, they are so advanced that there is this contradiction created by the fact that we are so tight and rhythmically locked that it opens a sense of “loose freedom” where we can explore and manipulate time without limits. It allows me to function differently than just being the timekeeper.”
The album opens with “Hard Believer,” a piece that took Shepik considerable time to perfect. He shares that finding the right combination of vibe, meter, and tempo was a challenge “but after playing it with Sam and John it fell right into place.” Hadfield's “Broken English” crafts an intricate and uneasy soundscape, built around a rhythmic puzzle in 13/8. Hadfield explains that “the shifting groupings over a four-bar phrase aim to create a sense of unease and disorientation,” keeping listeners engaged and intrigued.
“In the Weeds” emerged organically during its initial session. Shepik says that the song felt natural from the first beat of Hadfield’s ocean drum, allowing the composition to flow seamlessly. Minaie's “Corduroy” offers a contrasting mood, described as carrying a sense of brooding optimism, weaving subtle yet powerful emotions into the album’s texture.
One of Shepik’s personal highlights is “Falling Grace,” which he names as one of his all-time favorite songs, adding, “The harmony and circular form are an inspiration and a fun challenge to play 9/8.” Shepik’s composition “Ranglin” was written as an homage to legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin.
The album concludes with two notable pieces: “Pilgrimage,” an early composition that Shepik revisits, revitalized by Hadfield and Minaie’s contributions, and “Rocinante,” written by Minaie. The latter takes its name from Don Quixote’s loyal steed, reflecting both endurance and strength—a fitting metaphor for the closing track of a deeply collaborative and richly textured record.
Hard Believer is a testament to the creative synergy and global influences that define Believers as a trio. With contributions from each member, the album seamlessly bridges diverse musical traditions, from jazz and rock to Balkan, South Indian, and Armenian sounds. The collaboration between Shepik, Hadfield, and Minaie not only highlights their individual artistry but also reflects years of shared musical exploration and innovation. As they push the boundaries of jazz and fusion, Hard Believer stands as a vivid and compelling addition to the contemporary jazz landscape.
No comments:
Post a Comment