Sokoun
Tunisia, Lebanon, Quebec World Music
Biography :
Sokoun is the story of a meeting between three men, three musicians curious about the talents and sensibilities that could advance their music. Mohamed Masmoudi, Zied Ben Amor and Joseph Khoury met thanks to the musical comedy Sherazade. This is a story transpiring between Tunisia, Lebanon and Quebec.
In 2009, encouraged by arranger Guy Saint-Onges, they formed the Sokoun Trio (“sokoun” is Arabic for “tranquillity”). In the wake of this, they produced the album Zanneh (meaning “drone”). Their mainly oriental compositions are also strongly marked by Mediterranean musical styles and jazz.
Mohamed Masmoudi, of Tunisian origin, is among the best known oud players. Devoting himself to several instruments, including bass, guitar and oud, he has also taken part in a number of prestigious productions as a musician and composer. Masmoudi is a musician benefiting from years of rich and varied experiences.
Also of Tunisian origin, Zied Ben Amor is a multi-talented musician. In addition to mastering the violin, he has shown himself to be an excellent oud and guitar player. Some of Zanneh’s finest pieces are enhanced by his suave and gentle voice. Several of the melodies he inspired have been used by the Cirque du Soleil.
Joseph Khoury, of Lebanese origin, pursued studies in darbouka, an oriental percussion instrument, with notable success at Lebanon’s Conservatoire national supérieur. He also played other ethnic percussion instruments. Renowned percussionists including Luc Boivin and Paul Picard are under his tutelage. He has also collaborated in composing and performing oriental dance pieces with the dancer Amélia.
