Believers

Group

Believers is a collective trio based in Brooklyn, NY featuring acclaimed guitarist Brad Shepik, bassist Sam Minaie and drummer John Hadfield. They released their eponymous debut in 2020 and will release their second album, Hard Believer, in 2025. The group has been praised for its innovative fusion of jazz and world music influences. All About Jazz highlighted the trio’s ability to “combine their strengths and offer a modern vision of the world music possibilities in a jazz trio context.” The trio’s collective experience and diverse musical backgrounds contribute to the album’s rich tapestry of sounds, appealing to both jazz aficionados and world music enthusiasts.

Guitarist and composer Brad Shepik has recorded nine albums as a leader, including the critically acclaimed Human Activity: Dream of the Possible (2024), and performed at major festivals such as The North Sea Jazz Fest. He appears on more than 70 recordings and has worked with jazz and world music legends, including Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, and Carla Bley.

Percussionist and composer John Hadfield is known for his genre-defying artistry, releasing two albums (The Eye of Gordon and Displaced), composing for ensembles and film, and leading innovative projects like Earspeak. His collaborations include Rachel Eckroth, Kinan Azmeh, and the Saturday Night Live Band.

Iranian-American bassist and producer Sam Minaie has toured and recorded with renowned artists like Tigran Hamasyan, Kneebody, and Donny McCaslin. A student of Charlie Haden, he holds a Master’s degree from CalArts and resides in New York City.

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As leader

Hard Believer