Hani Naser

Multi-talented HANI NASER is a virtuoso percussionist and Oud player. Considered a master in his field, Naser inspired Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times to call him a “Veritable Musical Wizard”. The breadth of Naser's talent has earned him the opportunity to perform and record with many of the most influential artists of this era. His impressive list of worldwide credits include: Nicky Hopkins (Rolling Stones), Jackson Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder, Jim Keltner (John Lennon's drummer), Steve Miller, Los Lobos, The Violent Femmes, Don Henley, Hamza El Din, Kazu Matsui, Jennifer Warnes, David Broza, Paco De Lucia, Santana, Brian Ritchie of The Violent Femmes, Tony Trischka, Bella Fleck, Fayrouz, Samira Tofeek, Said Makawi, Leftover Salmon, Quicksilver Messenger Service, John Hyatt, Warren Zevon, Ruben Blades, Lou Reed, Blind Boys of Alabama, John Densmore of the Doors,Bill Kreutzmann of The Grateful Dead, Papa Mali, Matt Hubbard, George Porter Jr. 7 Walkers, David Lindley, and many other great musicians. Naser is at home in a multitude of musical styles and has a well-deserved reputation as an expert improviser and prolific songwriter. As a child in the hills above Jordan, Hani remembers many mornings listening to his grandfather, the village poet, recite poetry while grinding fresh roasted coffee with a stick in a gourd-like pot. Accompanied by the rhythmic crunching of the beans, his stories and songs provided a rich beginning for Naser's musical path. This unique influence is the source of Hani’s eclectic drumming and Oud playing style. Nowhere is this better revealed than in his recent collaborations with rock legend David Lindley. During the duo’s seven years of touring the world, they produced what Paul Harrar of The Union calls, “One of the finest jam sessions in the music business.” Reviewing a concert featuring David Lindley and Hani Naser, Los Angeles Times music critic Randy Lewis writes: “David and Hani make a convincing case for the essence of musical forms and in the process they have produced an enduring testament to the timeless flexibility and resonance of the Middle Eastern, Flamenco, Rock ’n’ Roll, Jazz, and Blues forms.” Their album "Live in Tokyo" was chosen by "Guitar Player" magazine as one of the top 100 albums of the last decade. Naser was featured on Hamza El Din's latest album, "A Wish," which topped the World Music charts. For Hani, music doesn't have a perspective or an opinion, it doesn’t allow for that. Music only allows for the moment. Throughout his life Hani has had a holistic sense of musical experience and the need to communicate that on a global level. He recently toured the war-torn Middle East with Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza to promote peace through music, a mission very close to Hani's heart. They were invited by the Israeli and Jordanian governments to perform in concert during the peace-signing between the two countries. Hani has also led intensive workshops entitled "The Healing Powers of Rhythm and Music." Naser’s lifelong exploration of the spiritual dimensions of music has led him to the realization that “Every instrument has its own voice.” Going deeper into the mysteries of music, he continues, “There is a universal rhythm that I am constantly trying to be in touch with. We are vibrations. Sometimes vibrations get out of sync. Music, I have found, brings back that balance.” Hani Naser continues to lead these workshops at Esalen and other institutions, and has formed The Hani Naser Band with Walfredo Reyes Jr., Armand Sabal-Lecco, Craig Eastman, Marc Mann, and Richard Hardy. CRAIG EASTMAN (U.S.A.): violin, slide, guitars, mandolin and instruments from around the world. Craig has been playing the fiddle since he was a young boy of 6 years old. He is now a producer and an accomplished musician - playing not only the fiddle but violin, lap steel, mandolin, dobro, and organ (among other instruments). He has worked with composer Hans Zimmer in scoring recent soundtracks, such as Pearl Harbor and Blackhawk Down, and many others. Craig Has recorded with many fine musicians including Ray Charles and Jennifer Warnes. ARMAND SABAL-LECCO (Cameroon): bass and vocals. .Has performed with: Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Sir George Martin, Seal, Herbie Hancock, Christina Aguilera, Jeff Beck, Carole King, Brian Wilson, Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, Celine Dion and Stanley Clarke. WALFREDO REYES JR. (Cuba): drums and percussion. Born in Cuba, raised in Puerto Rico. has performed with: Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood, Chicago. Richard Hardy (US) woodwinds,sax,etc. Carol King, Dave Mathews Band. Marc Mann (US) guitar, keyboards. Electric Light Orchestra, Eric Clapton, George Harrison. Hani just completed a Music- Documentary project with David Lindley. Soon to be released in theaters world -wide. As well as his group efforts, Hani also performs an amazing solo acoustic concert on Oud, Percussion and Vocals entitled "A Rhythmical Journey". ©Copyright 2006-2012 Hani Naser Music. All Rights Reserved. Middle Eastern roots and a life-time immersion in rhythms and sounds from all parts of the world have resulted in the unique artistry of Hani Naser...