«McLaughlin continually referred to Feraud
as a rising star,
and «The New Jaco — not because he plays like the late Jaco Pastorius, but because the guitarist considers Feraud to be an equally impressive discovery».
—
Driven by an unshakeable dedication to music, Hadrien Feraud is celebrated as one of the most impressive bass voices of his generation. Born in Paris on August 16, 1984, into a musical family, he was immersed early in a variety of musical styles including rock, blues, jazz, pop, soul, funk, alternative, electro, world, and avant-garde.
His parents, both musicians, nurtured his talent from a young age, exposing him to the works of iconic composers and musicians, which laid the foundation for his eclectic and versatile style.
Feraud's passion for the bass was ignited at the age of 10 after hearing James Jamerson and Jaco Pastorius. He soon discovered other influential bassists like Victor Bailey, Anthony Jackson, Christian McBride, Dominique Di Piazza, Matt Garrison, Jeff Berlin, and Gary Willis, who amongst others shaped his musical approach.
By his early teens, he was already picking up bass lines from the Motown, the Police, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Weather Report and Chick Corea, which set the stage for his future collaborations with renowned artists.
Hadrien's career took a significant leap in 2005 when he was invited by John McLaughlin to play on his album Industrial Zen. This collaboration marked the beginning of Feraud's rise in the international music scene.
He has since recorded and performed with a multitude of distinguished musicians including Chick Corea, Hiromi Uehara, Billy Cobham, Jean-Luc Ponty, Bireli Lagrene, Lee Ritenour, Mike Stern, Blood Sweat & Tears, Gino Vannelli, and Kamasi Washington.
His work spans genres from jazz and rock to R&B and avant-garde, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate within any musical context.
«Hadrien Feraud is one of the brightest young stars in the world
of jazz bass.
His technical skills
and musicality
are exceptional». —
Jon Liebman / For Bass Players Only
He is widely considered a virtuoso and a reference in the bass guitar world. His playing is often described as very solid, well-rounded, and detail driven, as a bass player, while having a vocal-like attention to phrasing, combined with a flair for melodic improvisation as a soloist that sets him apart as a true master. He is the most transcribed bassist of his generation.
Feraud's technical mastery and creative expression have earned him accolades and recognition. He was named 'Rising Star, Electric Bassist of the Year' by the DownBeat Critics Poll and 'Most Exciting New Player' by Bass Player magazine.
He is a recurrent name on the «greatest of all times lists», namely BassPlayer Magazine «100 Greatest Bass Players of All Time» (2017 & 2020), and the Bassiste Magazine «Les 100 Plus Grands Bassistes De Tous Les Temps» (2022).
Hadrien’s contributions to the music world extend beyond his performances and collaborations. He is a sophisticated composer with a flair for introspective music.
His debut album, «Hadrien Feraud», released in 2007, received critical acclaim for its intricate arrangements and stellar guest performances.
Unlike his debut album, which primarily highlighted his virtuosic bass skills, «Born in the 80s», his second album, emphasizes a holistic musical experience.
The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Ronald Bruner Jr., Gerald Clayton, Marcus Miller, and many others, each contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds that define the record.
Hadrien then went into gestation mode, taking a conscious break from releasing music to delve deep into developing his style as an artist. Drawing references from his favorite musical eras, his love of cinema and sophisticated composition, he came back as a visionary composer who approaches each composition as a unique musical entity.
He believes that the music itself comes first, and for each piece, there exists an ideal combination of musicians and vocalists who can bring it to life. Driven by this philosophy, he carefully selects collaborators based on the sonic and artistic vision of his current project, ensuring that every element aligns with the essence of the composition.
While he is often inspired by the talents he works with, his creative process remains fluid and concept-driven, allowing him to craft music that is both authentic and boundary-pushing, free from the constraints of conventional band formats.
This dynamic approach has led to collaborations with a diverse range of artists, each contributing their own voice to the ever-evolving soundscapes he creates.
eyond his solo endeavors, Hadrien has been a sought-after collaborator, contributing his distinctive sound to projects across a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and world music.
His unparalleled skill and unique voice on the bass have made him a favorite among artists and producers, eager to harness his musical prowess.
Hadrien Feraud introduces a talent
who, if there's any justice,will ultimately
be considered just
as ground-breaking
and significant…
He's also a fine
writer, with a quirky,
episodic conception that's distinctive
as it is imaginative». —
From 2002 to present, he has recorded, performed and collaborated with many artists and musicians including:
John MCLAUGHLIN — Chick COREA — Bireli LAGRENE — Jean-Luc PONTHY — Dean BROWN — SEAL — Gino VANELLI — Lee RITENOUR — Hiromi UEHARA — BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS — Mike STERN — Frank GAMBALE — Jim BEARD — Jada PINKETT SMITH — Kamasi WASHINGTON — THUNDERCAT — Cory HENRY — Ghost NOTE — Billy COBHAM — Scott KINSEY — Anderson PAAK (as Breezy Lovejoy) — Jeff LORBER — Oz NOY — Dave WECKL — Dennis CHAMBERS — Simon PHILLIPS — Vinnie COLAIUTA — Andre CECCARELLI — Sylvain LUC — Jean-Marie ECAY — Paco SERY — Jean-Pierre COMO — Cheikh Tidiane SECK — and many more
VIDEOS
Hadrien Feraud’s official YouTube channel features live sessions, studio jams,
and musical collaborations.
HADRIEN Feraud plays "Make a move"
on his Mayones Jabba
Hiromi: Tiny Desk Concert
Basstardos in The Black Room Sessions!
Bassist Hadrien Feraud plays "Friday Night At the Cadillac Club" by Bob Berg.
Mayones 35th Anniversary Party — 'Before' Concert — Hadrien Feraud & Guests
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Beyond his solo endeavors, Hadrien has been a sought-after collaborator, contributing his distinctive sound to projects across a wide range of genres. If you’re looking to create something extraordinary together, reach out.
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