Biographical
    Information

'Azzaam Hameed was initially inspired to play music by his late sister Barbara, who died an untimely death just prior to her 23rd birthday. Barbara was very talented. She played piano and clarinet, and also sang in various church choirs. Barbara had a significant influence on 'Azzaam's early musical development.

 

 

www.smoothkeys.com

 

 

 

'Azzaam at Century House

 

 

 

 

'Azzaam's musical roots were derived from gospel, having grown up in a Pentecostal church environment. However, he did receive some formal training as a teenager, including classical music and theory when he enrolled as a student at Union College in Schenectady, NY. 'Azzaam Hameed was born in Columbus Ohio on August 16th, 1952. He was the 2nd youngest of 6 children, with 5 sisters. His sister Barbara was the 2nd oldest and the two of them had a particularly close relationship in which music played a special part.

'Azzaam pursued music on a full-time basis for several years, performing throughout the Northeast in several locally based top 40 groups. He ultimately decided to abandon the "road circuit" for a more predictable lifestyle and, in doing so, to develop a more versatile style as both a pianist and a vocalist.

 

Musical influences: Ahmad Jamal (pianist), McCoy Tyner(pianist), Ramsey Lewis (pianist), Joe Sample (pianist), George Duke(pianist/vocalist), Lonnie Liston Smith (pianist)&ldots;just to mention a few.

Vocal influences: Johnny Hartman, Lou Rawls, Joe Williams, & many more.

Stylistic Description: ‘Azzaam Hameed’s musical style on the piano incorporates a tasteful blend of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Gospel; with colorful accents of Latin and Brazilian overtones. Vocally, his singing style has frequently been compared with the rich baritone voice of Lou Rawls.

 'Azzaam is the Organist/Pianist at Friendship Baptist Church, Schenectady, NY and has served in this capacity for over 22 years.    

 

‘Azzaam Hameed regularly performs in the Capital District of Upstate NY at such places as:

 

‘Azzaam Hameed also gives piano lessons, on location, with specialized one on one instruction in the John Schaum piano curriculum, and practical musical theory for Beginners in piano playing.

In addition to his frequent public appearances, ‘Azzaam Hameed provides musical ambience for a variety of private events, weddings & receptions both locally and outside of the Upstate NY area.

‘Azzaam Hameed particularly enjoys working with youth and he looks forward to becoming more involved in helping to develop the positive artistic capabilities of youth both within & outside of his community. In addition, Mr. Hameed intends to become a prolific recording artist with an emphasis on original music conveying a message of PEACE, LOVE, & UNITY for all mankind.