This year, French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf is touring with T.O.M.A., or the Trumpets of Michel-Ange. This eight-piece band effortlessly merges folklore and innovation into a multicolored whole. T.O.M.A. is also the trumpet brand Maalouf developed based on his father’s design. The instrument allows the two-time Grammy nominee to play the quarter tones that are a quintessential part of Arabic music. Maalouf was previously Artist in Residence at North Sea Jazz in 2016, and over the years has become a real festival favorite with his high-energy shows. He does not like sitting still – not physically, and certainly not stylistically. He effortlessly absorbs a myriad of influences into his oeuvre: pop, rock, funk, jazz, and from his background, Arabic as well. He enjoys playing at jazz festivals as much as performing with Sting. As a musician, soundtrack composer, arranger and producer Maalouf broadens his horizons every year.
