Mahmoud Chouki and Yusa at Satchmo Summerfest

Moroccan and Cuban musicians team up

New Orleans is known as a very welcoming place for musicians whether they are from out of town or from out of the country. Two relatively recent arrivals, guitarist and oud player Mahmoud Chouki and multi-instrumentalist Yusa have teamed up to create music like nothing I have heard before.

Backed by an a-list band featuring bassist Nick Benoit, Jafet Perez, a recent arrival from the Dominican Republic, on drums and local ace Honduran Oscar Rossignoli on piano, the two virtuosos tore up the stage, trading licks and vocals.

Yusa is a force of nature in front of an audience, egging on the band, vocalizing with hoots and using her body as an instrument. That’s when she isn’t ripping off blistering solos or singing a romantic bolero.

Chouki is no slouch either, switching between guitar and a unique multi-stringed cigar box instrument; he’s more restrained in his presentation, while still playing incredible licks.