Ibrahim Maalouf

Ibrahim Maalouf is a renowned French-Lebanese trumpeter, composer, and producer who has made significant contributions to the jazz and world music scenes. Born on November 5, 1980, in Beirut, Lebanon, Maalouf comes from a musical family. His father, Nassim Maalouf, is known for designing a trumpet that can play quarter tones used in Arabic scales.

Musical Background and Education

• Started studying Arabic classical music, Western baroque, classical, and jazz at age 7.
• Played in a Middle Eastern jazz combo as a teenager.
• Performed works by Vivaldi and Bach on tour in his teens.
• Entered the Conservatoire de Paris after being advised by Maurice André to pursue a music career instead of science.
• Learned music from Gérard Boulanger and Antoine Curé.

Career Highlights

• Released his first solo album "Diasporas" in 2007.
• Has released 19 albums to date.
• Became the first jazzman to sell out Paris Bercy's Accor Arena in 2016.
• Nominated for Grammy Awards in 2022 for "Queen of Sheba" and in 2024 for "Capacity to Love."
• First Lebanese instrumentalist ever nominated for a Grammy Award.
• Has collaborated with artists like Sting, Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Angelique Kidjo, and many others.
• Performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including Istanbul's Volkswagen Arena, New York's Lincoln Jazz Center, and Washington's Kennedy Center.

Musical Style and Influences

Ibrahim Maalouf is known for blending jazz, classical European, and Arabic musical forms. He utilizes a four-valve trumpet that allows him to play the quarter-tones characteristic of Arabic "makams." His music often features intricate Arabic melodies, improvisational elements of jazz, and the structural complexity of classical music. Drawing inspiration from his Lebanese heritage, he explores different cultures in his music.

Notable Albums

• "Diasporas" (2007)
• "Diagnostic" (2011)
• "Illusions" (2013)
• "Red & Black Light" (2015)
• "Kalthoum" (2015)
• "S3NS" (2019)
• "40 Melodies" (2020)
• "Capacity to Love" (2022)

Achievements and Recognition

• Won numerous international trumpet competitions as a teenager.
• Described as a "Virtuoso" by the New York Times.
• Spotted and promoted by legendary producer Quincy Jones.
• His album "Red & Black Light" reached #8 on the French charts.
• Received Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
• Awarded Knight of the Ordre national du Mérite.

Other Ventures

Ibrahim Maalouf has composed soundtracks for movies and created music for small ensembles and big symphonic orchestras. He has conducted master classes in the USA and worked as a teacher at CNR d'Aubervilliers-La Courneuve.

Ibrahim Maalouf's unique approach to music, blending various genres and cultural influences, has established him as one of the most popular instrumentalists on the French music scene. His work continues to push boundaries and explore new musical territories, garnering him international acclaim and a dedicated following.

Sources

• https://kgumusic.com/blogs/news/ibrahim-maalouf-brief-biography-music-career-and-achievements
• https://ibeshop.ibrahimmaalouf.com/en/products/ibrahim-maallouf-coffret-10-albums-studio-2007-2020
• https://eclair-magazine.com/ibrahim-maalouf
• https://www.ibrahimmaalouf.com/en/biographie-ibrahim-maalouf/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahim_Maalouf
• https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ibrahim-maalouf/266468377
• https://www.soundoflife.com/blogs/people/ibrahim-maalouf-interview
• https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/ibrahim-maalouf-a-conversation-on-harmony-heritage-and-hope/
• https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/interview-with-ibrahim-maalouf-i-compose-what-comes-from-my-heart/159934
• https://www.ibrahimmaalouf.com/en/music/