Raphael Bas - EPK - Harmonouche

Harmonouche

Short Bio

Founded in 2010 by multi-instrumentalist and composer Raphaël Bas, Harmonouche brings a fresh, cross-cultural twist to the sounds of Gypsy and traditional jazz, swing, French musette, blues, and Latin grooves. Rooted in rich musical traditions and driven by fearless creativity, the band crafts a sound that’s both timeless and unmistakably original.

With three albums to date and two tracks featured on Putumayo compilations, Harmonouche showcases a bold repertoire of original compositions and adventurous reinterpretations. Their music flows effortlessly—from heartfelt ballads led by voice and harmonica to upbeat, high-energy grooves where diverse solo improvisations take center stage.

Over the years, Harmonouche has captivated audiences at some of Louisiana’s most prestigious festivals, including the French Quarter Festival, Jazz Festival, and Festival International de Louisiane. Whether on stage or in the studio, Harmonouche delivers an immersive musical experience that transcends borders and eras. It's an invitation to dance, feel, and connect—through the universal language of music.

Long Bio

Harmonouche is a New Orleans-based gypsy trad jazz band that weaves together virtuosity, humor, and heart. Formed in 2010 by French-born multi-instrumentalist and composer Raphaël Bas, Harmonouche crafts a sound that’s both timeless and unmistakably original—where vintage Parisian cafés meet the soulful backstreets of New Orleans.

Their music flows effortlessly—from heartfelt ballads led by voice and harmonica to upbeat, high-energy numbers where diverse solo improvisations take center stage. Harmonouche draws from a deep well of music genres: Gypsy and traditional jazz, swing, French musette, blues, and Latin grooves all find a home in the band’s cross-cultural repertoire. The result? A vibrant musical journey that transcends eras and borders—inviting audiences to feel, move, and connect.

At the core of Harmonouche’s unmistakable sound are its seasoned and talented members. Alongside Bas, who orchestrates on guitar, diatonic harmonica, whistling, and vocals, the band often features:

Chris Kohl on clarinet, known for his fluid virtuosity and signature tone
Vincent Schmidt, a rock-solid and expressive force on accordion
Pascal Valcasara, a versatile multi-instrumentalist who brings saxophone, piano, melodica, and cajón to the mix
Bart Ramsey on piano and accordion, a seasoned musician and longtime collaborator
Belinda Moody on stand up bass, a solid groove keeper who can deliver mind blowing improvisations

Together, they form a dynamic unit—effortlessly blending tight ensemble playing with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. Harmonouche’s music is as much about storytelling as it is about sound; every performance is a playful, emotionally rich conversation between cultures and genres.

Over the years, Harmonouche has become a beloved staple of the Louisiana music scene, lighting up stages at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, Satchmo Fest, and Festival International de Louisiane. In 2014, the band was selected as the featured artist for the French Quarter Festival's citywide promotional campaign, further cementing their reputation as a cultural force in the region.

Their discography reflects their passion for exploration and craftsmanship.

Their debut album, Harmonouche (2011)—partially funded by the Louisiana Economic and Cultural Foundation—was hailed by OffBeat Magazine as “an enjoyable bit of ensemble jazz from some fine New Orleans musicians.” The album’s standout track, “Confessin’,” was picked up by Putumayo for its international compilation Vintage France.

The follow-up, Joli Songe (2013), brought a refined blend of original compositions (like “Jolie Mademoiselle” and “Crawfish Blues”) and imaginative reworks, such as the 1920s French version of “The Sheik of Araby.” Critics praised the album for its inventiveness and depth.

Their last album NolAmour (2016), is a celebration of cultural fusion and musical storytelling that captures the soul of New Orleans with a French twist. Mixing infectious rhythms, smooth harmonies, and cross-genre experimentation, NolAmour showcases the band’s growing creative range.

Tracks from Harmonouche have also been featured on Putumayo’s Paris Café compilation, further expanding their global reach.

Now more than a decade in, Harmonouche continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. With a fourth studio album currently in the works and recent performances in Chicago, Miami, and Portland in addition to New Orleans, the band shows no signs of slowing down.

Whether they’re playing a festival stage, a cozy club, or a bustling street bar, Harmonouche delivers a genre‑defying joyride. Old‑world charm with Crescent City swagger invites you to lose yourself in the rhythm, soak up the romance, and experience the world through the universal language of music.

“ Everything old is new again in the capable hands of Raphael Bas and Harmonouche. His band [ . . . ] tosses Gypsy swing and other trad jazz together with the diatonic harmonica [ . . . ] for an engaging and accomplished good time. ”

— Joli Songe CD Review, by Clea Simon, Offbeat Magazine

“The voice [Raphael Bas] is especially charming on “J’aime Paris”—yes, it’s the Cole Porter song you’ve probably heard, but it seldom swings like this, with Chris Kohl, Pascal Valcasara and Bart Ramsey trading exuberant solos of clarinet, sax and piano.”

— NolAmour CD Review, by Brett Milano, Offbeat Magazine