Hailed in the press as a “magician of the oud” for the quality, purity and delicacy of his playing and music, we are particularly proud that Driss El Maloumi is coming to present his new album ‘Aswat’ (‘the sounds’) for oud and percussion. He was born in Agadir, Morocco, in 1970 and has a degree in Arabic literature and a solid background in classical Arabic and Western music. Widely recognized internationally, he has won numerous prizes including the Honorary Prize at the National Oud Examination of the National Conservatory of Music in Rabat in 1994. He has been acclaimed for his international work with musicians such as the Spanish maestro Jordi Savall, the Malian griot Ballaké Sissoko and the Malagasy musician Rajery in the 3Ma trio. He has also played with several ensembles including the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble (Netherlands), performed with renowned poets such as Abdellatif Laâbi (Morocco) & Adonis (Syria), and composed music for numerous films and shows.

On ‘Aswat’ (‘Sounds’) he presents his new musical work for oud and percussion. El Maloumi  explores the ‘musical ecstasy’.  represented by the tarab: the blissful feeling created between the artist and the audience.  He draws inspiration from everyday life: moments of silence, mystery, simplicity, fragility, strength, beauty… In this way, he creates a delightful tension, a lasting discovery of the joy of time and dreams, and a celebration of the glory of beauty. When the notes leave his musical instrument, we move on to meditation and pure musical pleasure. 

Driss El Maloumi : oud & Vocals
Lahoucine Baqir : daf, darbouka, req & backing vocals
Saîd El Maloumi : daf, zarb, oudou, cajon & backing vocals
Karima El Maloumi : vocals