With heavy influences from Arab, Anouar Brahem presents a varied take on different styles of Middle Eastern jazz. Brahem started playing the oud at the age of 10, and after taking classes from master oud player Ali Sriti for 4 years, Brahem learned the secrets and tricks to Arab music. When he was 15, he began playing with local music bands, and only three years later, decided he would dedicate the rest of his life to music. In time, Brahem started listening to Mediterranean, Persian, and Indian music and discovered the relationship between them and jazz.

After producing his own compositions and giving instrumental solo oud concerts, he released his first album Barzakh (Berzah) in 1991 and Conte De L’Incroyable Amour followed a year later. In this second album, he worked with Barbaros Erköse and Kudsi Erguner. In 2009, he released his latest album The Astounding Eyes of Rita. His trio, which includes pianist François Couturier and accordionist Jean-Louis Matinier, are sure to deliver some soothing and exquisitely refined jazz. Catch them at Salon IKSV December 13 and 14.

How much: From Biletix: 102TL; 84TL; 67.50TL; 56.50TL (student)