An Algerian
oud player.
Anouar Brahem was born in 1957 in Halfaouine, in the Medina of Tunis. Brahem began his studies of the oud, the lute of the Arab world, at the age of 10 at the Tunis National Conservatory of Music.
In 1981 he moved to Paris where he remained four years, writing film music and collaborating with Maurice Bejart.
Back in Tunis, he directed the Musical Ensemble of the City of Tunis from 1987 to 1990 when he departed again to the USA
He has since been traveling, performing in jazz festivals around the world, recording several albums (mostly for the greman ECM label) and has been awarded several recognitions for his role in spreading the knowledge of Arab classical music.
His latest album is called "Astrakan Cafe'" (ECM)
Anouar Brahem has played with several renowned Jazz artists, among which John Surman, Dave Holland, Jan Garbarek, Richard Galliano.