Did you know the incredibly interesting story behind the Master Musicians of Jajouka? Well if not, it’s time to get acquainted.

Hailing from a mountain village in northern Morocco, these guys come from a centuries-long line of musicians who were excused by the country’s rulers from manual labor in order to master their craft.

Their intoxicating and mesmerizing Sufi trance music has been a favorite of Moroccan royalty for ages, but westerners began to get acquainted with their unique sounds starting in the ’50s when there was a thriving Beat scene in Tangiers. The name Master Musicians of Joujouka was first used by Brion Gysin and William S. Burroughs in the 1950s and they later recorded with artists such as Brian Jones and The Rolling Stones in the ’60s and ’70s.

Currently lead by Bachir Attar, the group continues to thrive both on its own and with collaborations involving a whole slew of international artists.

Learn a little more about these amazing musicians with a clip from Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown where he visits the group in their village and don’t miss Bachir Attar when he graces our stage along with Marc Ribot, Billy Martin, Shahzad Ismaily, and DJ Shadow on June 15.

posted by Zan