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Wajdi Cherif
Pianist, composer and band leader
About Me
Wajdi Cherif's passion for music began at a young age when he started playing pop music he heard on the local radio by ear
at the age of five. It wasn't until his late twenties, while studying in college, that his interest in jazz was sparked. He then
discovered the works of pianists Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Thelonious Monk by watching their live
performance videos. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in his musical career, and he decided to delve deeper into
jazz piano and composition.
In 1998, Wajdi Cherif made his professional debut as a jazz pianist when he played with local jazz musicians at various
venues and festivals in Tunisia. This was a valuable opportunity for him to collaborate with international jazz artists who
were touring the country at the time. A few months later, he the opening set for jazz legend Archie Shepp at the “Jazz in
Tunis” festival in the City Hall Theatre in Tunis.
Determined to further his musical passion, Wajdi moved to France and studied jazz piano and harmony with pianist Bernard
Maury, a disciple and close friend of Bill Evans. During this time, he was exposed to great jazz pianists such as Kenny
Werner, Chick Corea, Ahmad Jamal, and Martial Solal, to name a few. These experiences shaped his vision of music and
piano playing and influenced his unique approach to playing the piano and writing music.
In 2003, Wajdi Cherif recorded his debut album “Phrygian Istikhbar” in Paris with Diego Imbert on acoustic bass, Jeff
Boudreau on drums, and Habib Samandi on Arabic percussion. The album was a finalist in the Indie Acoustic Awards in the
USA in 2004 and received positive reviews. Wajdi Cherif continued to mature as a pianist and composer with his 2006
album “Jasmine”, recorded with some of France's finest young jazz musicians. The album received accolades such as an
honorable mention in the International Songwriting Competition (judged by Sonny Rollins, John Scofield, and Steve Vai), the
Indie Acoustic Project's Best CD of 2005, and the first-place winner of the UNISONG Songwriting Contest.
Wajdi Cherif released his third album “Fuzzy Colors” in 2009, a fusion of jazz and personal compositions that showcase his
musical influences. With his unique sound and distinctive performances, Wajdi has established himself as a leading jazz
pianist on the jazz scene, performing at renowned venues such as the Tabarka Jazz Festival in Tunisia, the Institut Du Monde
Arabe in Paris, the Jazz Festival of Reims in France, the Theatre Maison Neuve in Canada, and more. He has also played in
several iconic jazz clubs in Paris, including the Duc des Lombards, Sunset/Sunside, and Baiser Salé.
Wajdi Cherif's talent has been recognized through several awards, including the International Songwriting Competition,
Unisong Songwriting Competition, Songdoor Songwriting Competition, and “Cité Internationale des Arts de Paris”. With a
strong passion for jazz and other types of music, he continues to build a bridge between different worlds through his music
and performances.
Press Quotes
“Jasmine is a prime example of a totally successful fusion of different musics… “
Budd Kopman, www.allaboutJazz.com, USA
«Cherif shows himself to be à diverse and interesting composer and performer. While Cherif's
influences are strongly evident, the context of the music shows that he is developing his own
voice.» David Binder, www.jazzreview.com, USA
« I must tell you how much I truly enjoyed your tastefully composed and so excellently arranged,
Produced, and played Instrumental piece. In fact, as a veteran 25-year songwriter myself in
addition
to overseeing “Unisong” as one spoke of my own career wheel, the highest compliment I can pay
you is to say I wish I'd written “Pochade” myself. » Alan Roy Scott, Unisong International
Songwriting Competition, USA.
“Tunisian pianist Wajdi Cherif with his CD EP Phrygian Istikhbar, while retaining the flavor of his
native country's music, places more emphasis on the jazz tradition, resulting in a fresh new sound
that brings a different slant to the concept of world music ». www.jazzreview.com, Canada
“On the short program of Phrygian Istikhbar, Cherif covers a lot of territories. From the romantic
solo
piece “Tunis by Night” to the bendir-driven title track to the Bill Evans-informed, lightly-swinging
”Waiting for Paris”, Cherif shows himself to be a diverse and interesting composer and performer”.
www.ejazznews.com, Canada
“I like fusions and mixing genres and have to say it didn't disappoint. Cherif is a young pianist and
composer who has a clear vision of how he can merge the melodies and rhythms of Tunisia with
the verve of a jazz quartet”. www.jazzreview.com, Canada
