Zia Hassan, Tom Lieberman

Zia Hassan is a storyteller. He likes to ask questions and seek honest answers from (and about) a vast array of subjects, such as love, neuroscience, solar particles, consciousness, dark matter, and surrogate motherhood.

This passion of his is the catalyst for his music, as well as multiple other creative projects including a podcast series, short films, photography, insightful blog posts, and more.

He’s a guy who keeps a pen and paper on him at all times just to make sure a new idea doesn’t get away. It’s his observation skills coupled with a genuine sense of childlike wonder that brings Zia’s music and other creative endeavors to life.


Tom Lieberman was a founding member of the seminal vocal jazz trio Rio Nido, and a regular performer, writer and producer on Garrison Keillor's venerable public radio program, "A Prairie Home Companion," from 1976 to 1986. His been heard on Sesame Street, on commercials, and featured in the Film Independent Spirit Award-winning feature film, Sweet Land.

"Common Denominator" is the first collection of Lieberman's original compositions, ranging from the ridiculous ("Tee Many Martoonis,") to the sublime ("Obrigado, Corcovado.”) Critics have described his songs as "Bluesy, simmering, profoundly philosophical," and "gentle, romantic, playful and infectious."