Biography
Born in 1969 in Mazamet, Tarn, France, Achouri developed an early passion for music while also showing strong promise as a tennis player on the international circuit. He undertook formal training that included time at a conservatory as well as correspondence study. Periods spent living in Barcelona, Spain preceded his eventual move to London, England, where he settled. His first commercial release appeared in 2000 as the vinyl single ‘Latina Me’. Songwriting ability opened professional doors when Natacha Atlas chose three of his pieces for a 2001 album, after which the session producer committed to recording Achouri’s debut Liberté, issued by Stern’s Records in 2002.
Whether seated at the piano or delivering vocals, Achouri fuses traditional Mediterranean repertoire, French chanson, and contemporary smooth jazz textures in his performances. Liberté further reflects advanced jazz interests through its incorporation of Archie Shepp samples. Of Algerian-Spanish descent, he sings across multiple languages and reveals a clear affinity for the musical idioms of the countries where he has resided and those tied to his ancestry. Liberté and its accomplished 2005 successor Sociéte both found a broad following among world music listeners. Achouri has maintained an active role behind the scenes, writing material for Femi, Vanessa Mae and Ive Mendes while also working as a producer.
Whether seated at the piano or delivering vocals, Achouri fuses traditional Mediterranean repertoire, French chanson, and contemporary smooth jazz textures in his performances. Liberté further reflects advanced jazz interests through its incorporation of Archie Shepp samples. Of Algerian-Spanish descent, he sings across multiple languages and reveals a clear affinity for the musical idioms of the countries where he has resided and those tied to his ancestry. Liberté and its accomplished 2005 successor Sociéte both found a broad following among world music listeners. Achouri has maintained an active role behind the scenes, writing material for Femi, Vanessa Mae and Ive Mendes while also working as a producer.
Albums