Barakat: Intertwining New Orleans Jazz & Modern Arabic Classical Music
Sam Shahin, the powerhouse drummer for New Orleans jazz fusion band Naughty Professor, is excited to introduce a new band called Barakat, the meeting of jazz and modern Arabic classical music. The world premier is set for April 10 at at Marigny Opera House in New Orleans.
Shahin’s innovative, hypnotic, and high-energy compositions dive into his Middle Eastern heritage to take the listener on an exploration of global music ranging from the spirit of New Orleans jazz to the Arabic soundscapes of the Levant.
The name of the project, Barakat, is derived from Shahin’s maternal grandmother’s maiden name, as well as the Arabic word for “blessings.” Along with the premiere of Barakat as an ensemble, this performance also marks the debut of Shahin’s original compositions, which are presented in two separate suites of music interspersed with narratives to present the power of shared heritage and profound impact of family matriarchs across national and ethnic borders.
In addition to Shahin, the music and storytelling will be brought to life by some of New Orleans’ most inspiring musicians: Raja Kassis (guitar/strings), Sam Kuslan (piano/keys), Calvin Morin-Martin (bass), Oscar Rossignoli (piano), and Cassie Watson Francillon (harp).
“The music of Barakat, organically inspired by my current home in New Orleans as well as by my ancestral home of Lebanon, is alive, it’s breathing, it’s always capable of being shaped or nurtured not only by the performers, but by the listener. It’s not just us sharing our experience — the performance is a shared experience in and of itself.”
Sam Shahin is an innovative percussionist, composer, and educator from The Crescent City. Most known for his work with ground-breaking jazz fusion band Naughty Professor, Shahin has also performed live with The Revivalists, Big Freedia, Marcus King, Tank and the Bangas, Shaun Martin, Neal Francis, Mahmoud Chouki, and many others. A consistent staple of the New Orleans music scene, Shahin has earned nominations for Offbeat Magazine’s “Best Drummer in New Orleans” Best of the Beat Award twice in his career, along with Naughty Professor earning multiple nominations for “Best Funk Band in New Orleans.” Shahin has recorded in studio with artists including Ivan Neville, Shaun Martin, and Mike Dillon and has collaborated on original compositions for recordings with David Shaw, Tariona “Tank” Ball, and Chali 2na. His work has also brought him around the world for tours of Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and North Africa, as well as to many illustrious venues such as The Blue Note, The Kennedy Center, The Fillmore West, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and many more.
This world premier is an extremely special event, and you should anticipate tickets selling quickly. Be sure to get yours for the debut of Barakat!
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