Artist Bio:
Though Olivier Ker Ourio's origins are decidedly Celtic, his ancestors emigrated from Brittany (northwest France) as early as 1728, to settle in a small French territory in the Indian Ocean: Reunion Island.
The influence of this cross-cultural heritage can be heard in Ker Ourio's compositions, which often make use of unhabitual rhythms and unusual melodic lines.
Olivier's choice of the chromatic harmonica may seem natural (he has played it since he was a boy), but it remains the mark of a certain artistic fearlessness, given that the instrument is very rarely used in jazz.
Ker Ourio's music makes full use of the chromatic scale, giving birth to an unexpected range of melodic complexity. Lyrical, sinuous, but also assertive, and often daring, Ker Ourio's phrasing demonstrates a strength and subtlety of expression rarely associated with the instrument.
The tonal depth and clarity the chromatic harmonica offers find perfect counterparts in Ker Ourio's passion and undeniable mastery. His compositions sing with an intangible quality that can only be described as poetic: a unique rendering of experience as sound, a song sung straight from the heart.
Olivier Ker Ourio has played and recorded with such artists as Aldo Romano; Barend Middelhoff; Claudio Pontiggia; Daniel Humair; David Patrois; Dee Dee Bridgewater; Denis Leloup; Diederik Wissels; Franck Agulhon; Franck Amsallem; Franco d'Andrea; Furio di Castri; Gene Jackson; Georges Moustaki; Gildas Boclé; Guillaume de Chassy; Isabelle Carpentier; Jacques Pellen; Jean-Jacques Milteau; Jean-Marc Jafet; Jean-Marie Ecay; Joe Locke; Khalil Chahine; Laurence Saltiel; Laurent de Wilde; Laurent Voulzy; Lis Sörensen; Lokua Kanza; Michel Petrucciani; Nelson Veras; Paolo Fresu; Paris Jazz Big Band; Philippe Catherine; Pierre de Bethmann; Pierre Drevet; Pierrick Hardy; Rufus Reid; Stefano di Battista; Sylvain Luc; Thierry Lang; Tony Rabeson; Toots Thielemans, and Véronique Le Berre.
In 1999, Ker Ourio united musicians from three groups to record his second album as leader, Oté l'ancêtre. In this musical exploration of his Celtic and island roots, he rediscovers the groove of Maloya rhythms and finds his own unique voice: an authentic expression of his cultural diversity and lyrical talent.
The reviews are unanimous: Ker Ourio's technical mastery surpasses itself in these new and original compositions; though rich with instrumental complexity, they succeed in remaining faithful to the melodic beauty of the music. Its themes are fresh and enjoyably catchy. In the words of master Toots, "They stick with you."
Ker Ourio continues on an ever-deeper musical exploration of his cultural heritage. He organized an artistic residence on Reunion Island with the ambitious goal of creating a crossroads between jazz and Creole music, by introducing his quartet to the island's legendary Maloya vocalist Danyel Waro. Out of the encounter came his fourth album as leader, Sominnkér, a testimonial of the humanity, energy and outstanding commitment of each and every one of its musicians.
— Courtesy Calabash Music
