Amid Bonakdar is an Iranian bassist, composer, and educator based in Tehran, whose work sits at the intersection of contemporary jazz, improvisation, and modern composition. Known for placing the bass at the center of musical discourse, his artistic approach treats the instrument not only as a harmonic and rhythmic foundation, but as a primary narrative voice.

Actively involved in Iran’s contemporary music scene, Amid has performed in numerous concerts and cultural events, including International Jazz Day in Tehran, collaborating with a wide spectrum of musicians across jazz, pop, experimental, and cross-genre projects. His playing is marked by clarity of tone, refined control, and a strong compositional sensibility that emphasizes form, space, and harmonic depth.

As a composer, Amid develops works that explore slow tempos, extended harmonic structures, and conversational interplay between instruments, often allowing the bass to navigate melodic, textural, and structural roles simultaneously. His music reflects a deep understanding of jazz language while remaining open to influences from Persian music and contemporary sound practices, resulting in a restrained yet expressive aesthetic.

His discography includes the single “For Farzin,” a work dedicated to his father, the late Iranian artist Farzin Bonakdar, featuring guitarist Payam Eslami. The release marked a significant moment in his recorded output, highlighting his ability to balance emotional intent with compositional precision. His subsequent releases continue this trajectory, further expanding the role of the bass as a compositional and expressive centerpiece. He also worked on the album by Sadredin Taheri, where his playing contributes to a broader contemporary jazz fusion sound in Iran blending rock and jazz concepts to Persian classical music.

In addition to his work as a performer and recording artist, Amid is an educator at Hatra Music School in Tehran, where he teaches bass and mentors emerging musicians. His teaching practice reflects the same principles found in his music: attentive listening, structural awareness, and a deep respect for musical craft.

Through his performances, recordings, and educational work, Amid Bonakdar has established himself as a distinctive voice within Iran’s contemporary jazz community, contributing to a growing body of work that bridges tradition, experimentation, and personal expression.