Or Shovaly Plus is a guitar-based jazz-funk-soul band that beautifully weaves together various musical influences from guitarist Or Shovaly's life journey. Based in New Orleans, Or's experiences in the city have deeply shaped the band's sound - while his family ties to the Middle East, and his work as lead guitarist in the Afrobeat Band ‘Kumasi,’ - infuse his music with international flavors. Jazz-Funk serves as the perfect medium to bring Or Shovaly's musical vision to life.
The group specializes in retro-style jazz-funk music, encompassing original jazz compositions, funky grooves, soulful melodies, classic jazz standards, and innovative arrangements that incorporate elements from hip hop and world music. Drawing inspirations from acclaimed bands such as Galactic and Soulive, and artists such as Grant Green, Freddie Hubbard, Peter Bernstein, Miles Davis and Avishai Cohen, Or Shovaly Plus crafts a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Whether on stage or in the studio, their instrumental dance music is designed to make you move to the beat, a harmonious interplay of tradition and modernity that will take you on an authentic musical journey.
In 2023, Or Shovaly Plus unveiled their latest single, 'Take It Easy,' composed by Or Shovaly himself. The track showcases the band's exceptional talent and features an organ trio accompanied by two horns. The lineup comprises of Nat Lawrence on keys, Sam Colgate on drums, Kyle Lankton on saxophone, Benjamin Matlack on trumpet and Or Shovaly on guitar. The single was mixed and mastered by Alan Evans, the drummer of Soulive.
Amidst the challenges of the Covid pandemic, the band released their debut EP, Live at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, in 2022. This remarkable EP showcases Or's unique arrangements of classic jazz standards, skillfully infusing oriental and hip hop motifs into the compositions. Drawing inspiration from influential albums like Achmad Jamal's Live at the Pershing Hotel, John Coltrane's 'Love Supreme,' and the incredible work of bassist Avishai Cohen, Or Shovaly Plus delivers a captivating and unforgettable musical experience.
Featured in the August 2023 Edition of Offbeat Magazine, Or Shovaly has been making waves in the vibrant music scene of New Orleans. Or brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his craft. His focus on these genres has allowed him to explore classic jazz standards, funk and soul and infuse them, along with his own original music, with his own unique style, drawing inspiration from the rich musical traditions of Africa, the Middle East and New Orleans.
Aside from his work as the leader of Or Shovaly Plus, Or has made significant contributions as the lead guitarist for the Afrobeat band Kumasi. He has played on their albums such as Togetherness (2015), Akoben (2018), and Live at the Marigny Studios (2021). Kumasi's music has garnered recognition, with multiple nominations for Gambit's Best of the Big Easy Award. Notably, they won the award for Best World/Latin music in both 2017 and 2019, solidifying their place as a standout act in the vibrant New Orleans music scene.
