Mahmoud Chouki, Jason Marsalis

Biography

Mahmoud Chouki is a Moroccan string virtuoso, innovative composer, and multi-instrumentalist specializing in oud, guitar, and banjo, who moved to New Orleans around 2017 after discovering the city's vibrant jazz scene on Frenchmen Street in 2015. Born in Morocco, he explored traditional instruments and cultures post-high school, creating complex compositions blending North African, Middle Eastern, Spanish, and New Orleans jazz influences. Despite initially not speaking English, he was welcomed by local musicians, leading to widespread collaborations across genres.

Chouki's career in New Orleans flourished through performances at venues like Snug Harbor, commissions such as the 'Oud Concerto for New Orleans' with the New Orleans Chamber Ensemble, and the original soundtrack for the 2021 Sundance Audience Award-winning film 'Ma Belle, Ma Beauty.' He serves as music curator for the New Orleans Museum of Art and released his album Caravan: From Marrakech to New Orleans in 2024 on Gallatin Street Records, produced by Jamison Ross, featuring jazz standards and originals with prominent local artists. His style fuses global rhythms into joyful, improvisational 'musical gumbo,' reflecting cultural pluralism.

Jason Marsalis, born March 4, 1977, in New Orleans, is an acclaimed jazz drummer, vibraphonist, composer, and member of the renowned Marsalis family. Starting drums at age 6 under legendary drummer James Black, he debuted on record as a teenager on brother Delfeayo's 1992 album Pontius Pilate’s Decision, graduated from NOCCA and Loyola University, and released his debut as leader, The Year of the Drummer, at 21. Known for versatility across jazz, funk, fusion, Brazilian, and Celtic music, he has led groups like Los Hombres Calientes and earned awards including Best Drummer (1999) and Best Contemporary Jazz Album (2013).

Fun Facts

• Chouki first felt he 'made it' in New Orleans seeing a poster billing him Saturday after Ellis Marsalis on Friday at Snug Harbor, later honoring him by collaborating with Jason Marsalis on 'Angelica.'
• Marsalis's second album Music in Motion (2000) cover features him standing on New Orleans Public Belt Railroad tracks along Leake Avenue.
• Chouki moved to New Orleans without speaking English but was immediately invited to jam with local jazz musicians on Frenchmen Street.
• During a live Caravan set, Herlin Riley improvised rhythms on a water pipe, sparking a duet with Jason Marsalis on vibraphone.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ellis Marsalis - Inspirational jazz patriarch whose performances influenced Chouki early in New Orleans ("Angelica" covered on Caravan album) [2010s]
• James Black - Childhood drum teacher for Marsalis (Early lessons) [1983 (age 6)]

Key Collaborators

• Jason Marsalis - Featured performer on Chouki's album and live shows (Caravan: From Marrakech to New Orleans (track 'Angelica')) [2023-2024]
• Herlin Riley - Frequent collaborator in live performances and album (Caravan: From Marrakech to New Orleans) [2023-2024]
• Dr. Michael White - Live and album collaborator (Caravan: From Marrakech to New Orleans) [2023-2024]
• Oscar Rossignoli - Longtime friend and pianist in performances (Caravan: From Marrakech to New Orleans) [2017-present]
• Irvin Mayfield - Co-founder of Los Hombres Calientes with Marsalis (Los Hombres Calientes band) [2000s]
• Bill Summers - Introduced by Marsalis to Mayfield for band formation (Los Hombres Calientes) [2000s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia