French-Algerian super-group Koum Tara are set for their first Canadian tour in October/November 2023. Accompanying the launch of their 2023 album ‘Baraaim El-Louz’ which is being released through the innovative Odradek Records label, Koum Tara are preparing for concerts starting at the RBC theatre at the Living Arts Centre Mississauga, London, Quebec City and finish their tour in Montreal at the Place des arts.

Koum Tara’s new album ‘Baraaim El-Louz’ translates from Arabic as ‘The Buds of the Almond Tree’ and is an exciting meld of Algerian chaâbi and jazz that all rotates around the powerful axis of exceptional jazz pianist and album producer, Karim Maurice.

The incredible, award-winning French jazz pianist and producer Karim Maurice leads Koum Tara accompanied by the versatile Algerian singer, Mohamed Hamam (Hamidou) who also plays the Algerian mandole, banjo, darbouka and bendir, Brice Berrerd on double bass and Kamal Mazouni on cajón, derbouka, bendir and percussion. Koum Tara also includes La Camerata string quartet.

Koum Tara’s string quartet players are members of La Camerata, who have since 2012 become an executive producer and partner for some of Karim Maurice’s creations which includes Koum Tara

Created in 2004, La Camerata is a Lyon-based string orchestra that plays without a conductor. Founded by Gaël Rassaert, La Camerata stands out for its original artistic approach, free from hierarchical structures and favouring work and commitment in participatory and democratic forms. The orchestra has performed at classical, world and jazz festivals in France and internationally. As producer and pianist Karim Maurice says,

“At a time when humanity, respect for different cultures and tolerance are seen as necessary values for building a better world, Koum Tara offers and continues to defend a musical universe where everyone brings their own identity, heritage and originality to the song of universal love.”