You never know what you'll turn up in MySpace.com. How about some Tunisian Jazz? Fawzi Checkili was our recent discovery, a veteran jazz guitarist from Tunisian and some contacts with some fabulous European players to bring several noteworthy CDs (pun intended) where (Middle) East meets West.

After studying English literature in high school, Fawzi became a professional musician playing through several countries including US, Russia,Canada and more. Chekili returned to Tunisia to become a highly sought-after side musician, arranger and composer, by the hottest artists in his home country. He has been experimenting with the native Tunisian folk music, writing for indigent instruments such as the ney (a flute made from bamboo) the oriental accordeon, the oud and the ûdge a fretted and unfretted twelve string instrument created by himself.

"Jazz Oud," you ask? Here it is in all its splendor, and Fawzi's music is both fresh and well-seasoned. We picked up his latest, "Taqism" from CD Baby and are quite impressed.

Artist Website
MySpace Website: Fawzi Checkili
CD Puchase information: Taqism

Take some time to listen to his audio samples!

Posted by Ted at May 19, 2007 6:11 AM