Omar Hakim’s New Project: Sonic Boom Squad

Omar Hakim is one of the most renowned drummers of his generation.

A wider audience first became aware of him in 1980, when he became a member of Carly Simon’s backing band as a 21-year-old. He then joined fusion legends Weather Report, and in 1983 played on the album “Let’s Dance,” which made David Bowie a mega-star and Hakim one of the most sought-after session drummers. Since then, he has worked with such stars as Dire Straits (the “Brothers In Arms” album), Sting (the albums “The Dream of the Blue Turtles” and “Bring On the Night”), Madonna, Chic, Bryan Ferry, Kate Bush, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Jewel, The Pussycat Dolls, Daft Punk, Jennifer Lopez, David Lee Roth and Journey.

At the same time, the drummer has not neglected jazz, recording and performing with such artists as Roy Ayers, George Benson, Miles Davis, Lee Ritenour, Joe Sample, David Sanborn, John Scofield, Victor Bailey, Great Jazz Trio, Marcus Miller, Al Di Meola, Bobby McFerrin, Stanley Jordan, Gil Evans, or Urszula Dudziak.

In September 2022, Hakim took part in the Foo Fighters’ concerts commemorating their drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who had passed away a few months earlier.

Omar Hakim is also a band leader and has two solo albums under his belt plus three records with OZmosys, a band he co-leads with his wife and pianist, Rachel Z.

It is in the latter role that the artist is launching his new project called Sonic Boom Squad. The first single, titled “Come Out To Play“, is already out. It features Omar as the singer, guitarist, pianist and, of course, drummer (with Jerry Brooks on the bass), and the album is on the way! You can listen to the track and watch the video below.

Omar Hakim is also chair of Percussion Department at Berklee College of Music and an endorsee of the following brands: Pearl, Zildjian, Evans, Vic Firth.

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