Nasar Abadey

Nasar Abadey, a renowned American-born jazz musician, has made significant contributions to the jazz world, particularly in the sub-genre of free jazz. With his exceptional drumming skills and natural improvisational abilities, Abadey stands out as a formidable presence in the jazz realm. His dynamic style masterfully blends avant-garde and classic jazz elements, captivating listeners with passionate and soulful performances. Abadey is celebrated for pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories, earning acclaim from critics and fellow musicians alike.

SUPERNOVA® and Musical Influences
As the founder and leader of SUPERNOVA®, Abadey performs music that transcends the traditional boundaries of jazz, drawing inspiration from African rhythms, bebop, fusion, modal, and free form. Influences include jazz legends like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie. Abadey began playing drums at age five, influenced by drumming greats such as Tony Williams, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones and his cousin Frankie Dunlop.

Achievements and Honors
Abadey’s band, SUPERNOVA®, released their debut CD, Mirage, on Amosaya Records, followed by Diamond In The Rough on DPC Records. They were selected by the US State Department and Lincoln Center as Ambassadors for the American Music Abroad Rhythm Road, touring East Africa. In 2023, Abadey was honored with the Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award by Howard University and received the Jazz Service Award from the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival in 2024.

Performance Highlights
Abadey has performed with numerous Jazz greats, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Rouse, Ella Fitzgerald, and Eartha Kitt. He has also graced various festivals worldwide, such as the San Remo Festival in Italy, Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada, and the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Teaching and Community Involvement/Recognition
For the past 19 years, Abadey has served as a Professor of Jazz Percussion, Jazz History/Analysis, and Jazz Combo at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. He also conducts workshops and teaches privately. Abadey has received numerous awards for his contributions to jazz, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the DC Jazz Festival and the Jazz Leadership and Service Award from the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation.

Your host, Dion Parson, is an educator, composer, Grammy Award-winning performer, and bandleader. He currently resides on the island of St. Thomas and serves as the Chair of the Communication and Performing Arts Department at the University of the Virgin Islands. He is also the President of the United Jazz Foundation, which is a music education organization that mentors underprivileged kids to become musicians. His musical career has allowed him to tour internationally for over 30 years, and he has been recorded on over 110 recordings.

Nasar Abadey, a renowned American-born jazz musician, has made significant contributions to the jazz world, particularly in the sub-genre of free jazz. With his exceptional drumming skills and natural improvisational abilities, Abadey stands out as a formidable presence in the jazz realm. His dynamic style masterfully blends avant-garde and classic jazz elements, captivating listeners with passionate and soulful performances. Abadey is celebrated for pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories, earning acclaim from critics and fellow musicians alike. SUPERNOVA® and Musical Influences As the founder and leader of SUPERNOVA®, Abadey performs music that transcends the traditional boundaries of jazz, drawing inspiration from African rhythms, bebop, fusion, modal, and free form. Influences include jazz legends like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie. Abadey began playing drums at age five, influenced by drumming greats such as Tony Williams, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones and his cousin Frankie Dunlop. Achievements and Honors Abadey’s band, SUPERNOVA®, released their debut CD, Mirage, on Amosaya Records, followed by Diamond In The Rough on DPC Records. They were selected by the US State Department and Lincoln Center as Ambassadors for the American Music Abroad Rhythm Road, touring East Africa. In 2023, Abadey was honored with the Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award by Howard University and received the Jazz Service Award from the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival in 2024. Performance Highlights Abadey has performed with numerous Jazz greats, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Rouse, Ella Fitzgerald, and Eartha Kitt. He has also graced various festivals worldwide, such as the San Remo Festival in Italy, Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada, and the Chicago Jazz Festival. Teaching and Community Involvement/Recognition For the past 19 years, Abadey has served as a Professor of Jazz Percussion, Jazz History/Analysis, and Jazz Combo at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. He also conducts workshops and teaches privately. Abadey has received numerous awards for his contributions to jazz, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the DC Jazz Festival and the Jazz Leadership and Service Award from the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation. Your host, Dion Parson, is an educator, composer, Grammy Award-winning performer, and bandleader. He currently resides on the island of St. Thomas and serves as the Chair of the Communication and Performing Arts Department at the University of the Virgin Islands. He is also the President of the United Jazz Foundation, which is a music education organization that mentors underprivileged kids to become musicians. His musical career has allowed him to tour internationally for over 30 years, and he has been recorded on over 110 recordings.