BIOGRAPHY
The first generation American son of an Irish mother and Palestinian father, Tarik Hassan' s original music is a mix of his experiences and influences. He is able to draw on the music of these rich cultures as well as the musical traditions of America to create music that has a truly unique sound.
In May 2020 Tarik Hassan will release Yalla!, his second album as a leader. The album shows Tarik's evolution as a composer as well as a bassist and improviser. It features nine new original compositions that explore the cross sections of several musical cultures while remaining rooted in jazz. The result is an exciting journey through a world without borders or barriers. Accompanying him on this outing is a stellar group of musicians: drummers Fabio Augustinis and Michael Longoria, pianist Ben Irom, percussionist Noah Mosagofian, guitarist Brian Pardo, and violinist Kimberly Zielnicki.
Originally from Jacksonville, FL he spent the better part of a decade living and working in New Orleans, LA. It was in New Orleans that he honed in on his unique sound while studying the music of current jazz masters and those of previous generations. Since 2013 he has resided in Austin, TX and has become an integral part of the music scene in the area.
In 2010 Tarik independently released his self titled debut recording. It was well received by critics and the jazz community alike, and was nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" by New Orleans' OffBeat Magazine.
Some of the great artists that Tarik has performed with include Jason Marsalis, Andre Hayward, Tom Brechtlein, James Polk, Bruce Saunders, Rich Harne, Irvin Mayfield, Ephraim Owens, Ed Petersen, Steve Masakowski, Johnny Vidacovich, Marlon Jordan, Delfeayo Marsalis, Brian Seegar, Doug Carn, Troy Davis, David Torkanowsky, and many other fine musicians. He has performed extensively in the States and in Europe at such fine venues as SXSW, Austin, TX; Snug Harbor, New Orleans; The Spotted Cat, New Orleans; The House of Blues, New Orleans; The Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, Las Vegas; New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival; Les Cultures du Monde, France; Elephant Room, Austin, TX; Exit Cafe, Rotterdam, NL; and many others.
Dr. Hassan taught double bass at Temple College and Texas A&M Central Texas. He earned a Doctorate of Music Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz at the University of Texas in Austin. He also holds a Masters in Music from the University of New Orleans and a B.A. in music from Florida State University.