Samir LanGus Quartet w/ Elsa Nilsson, Chris McCarthy, and Nizar Dahmani
performing at
manhattan Marathon
Friday Jan 15th @ 6:45pm
Zinc Bar - 82 W. 3rd St.
ABOUT
Samir Langus’ Gnawa Jazz Quartet brings the hypnotic spirit of Gnawa music into an open, contemporary jazz setting. Drawing from the ancestral rhythms, melodies, and spiritual traditions of Gnawa culture, the project explores the meeting point between North African musical heritage and the freedom of jazz improvisation.
The quartet features Samir Langus on vocals and guimbri, alongside Elsa Nilsson on flute, Nizar Dahmani on drums, and Julia Chen on keyboard. Together, they create a dynamic sound rooted in deep grooves, call-and-response, expansive improvisation, and spontaneous musical dialogue.
The music moves between trance-like rhythmic cycles and adventurous harmonic landscapes, allowing each musician to contribute their own voice while remaining connected to the powerful pulse at the heart of Gnawa music. The result is a soulful and exploratory sound—honoring tradition while embracing the possibilities of contemporary jazz.