Hashem Assadullahi began his love affair with the saxophone in the Lone Star State, Texas, when he joined the 6th grade band - nearly 20 years ago. Now, Hashem leads the Hashem Assadullahi Sextet - joined by composer and guitarist Justin Morell, pianist James Miley, bassist Tyler Abbott, drummer Ryan Biesack and the world renowned trumpeter Ron Miles (most well-known for his work with Bill Frisell, Madeleine Peyroux, Duke Ellington Orchestra and many others).

This group’s sound draws on a wide array of styles including jazz, classical, pop, and movie soundtracks - it's quite enjoyable and innovative. In early 2011, they recorded an album of music spanning many musical interests, from contagious hooks of 80's girl pop to Americana. Hashem is leading the crowdfunding campaign that will get this record made. I spoke with hashem about what makes this sextet tick.

One of the aspects I love about jazz is the freedom it allows for communication during the performance within the band, so the real impetus for this recording is that I love performing with these musicians: Justin Morell, James Miley, Tyler Abbott, Ryan Biesack and Ron Miles. I've been playing with these guys for years in various contexts and it's been a few years since my last record came out. It felt like it was time to go back to the studio and record some new music. Each one of these musicians is a remarkable individual and it really comes through in his playing.

This group has great chemistry and the ability to take the music into new territory each time we play together. Everyone shares the musical space and contributes to the overall arc of each composition. Consequently, we collectively improvise really well while allowing each piece or song to really shine through.

You're based in Astoria, Queens now - a vibrant and increasingly prolific musical community. How has your global community supported you in your crowdfunding journey?

Crowdfunding has been great for me! It's given me an excuse to connect on an individual level with fans, friends, and family all over the world! Contacting people to let them know about the fundraiser was initially pretty intimidating but everyone has been very receptive. This project is something we really believe in and I think that comes through in our outreach. People respond to that. We've had support from folks all over the US, along with Thailand, Korea, and Japan. Even if some people aren't able to chip in monetarily, they have been very supportive with their encouragement, and for me that's equally as important.

What are some of the lessons you've learned?

RocketHub provides some excellent advice to help "Creatives." I tried to follow all of the advice about spreading the word. I've spent a great deal of time contacting friends and family to put the fundraiser on their radar. I try to contact a few people each day to help relieve the pressure on me and maintain momentum, providing an excuse to make posts about my fundraiser via social media. Some of my contacts are more responsive via social networking, texting, post cards, or carrier pigeons, while I'm more of an e-mail person. I've had to adapt to their preferences in order to spread the word more effectively. I also make sure to thank each and every contributor--I think this is vital.

Great advice about gradual outreach and public "thank yous." Thank you Hashem and thank you to the Hashem Assadullahi Sextet. If you want to give your ears a treat, click here.

-Vlad