Or Shovaly is a New Orleans–based guitarist, composer, and music educator known for his soulful, groove-driven sound rooted in blues, funk, jazz, and world music. Since graduating from UNO in 2017, he has led Or Shovaly Plus, a project inspired by the golden era of soul-jazz, delivering groovy rhythms and upbeat energy that is both vintage and familiar, while also incorporating improvisation that brings a new, vibrant energy to the crowd. The ensemble adapts easily to a range of settings - from intimate cocktail bars and hotel lounges like Salon Salon, the Eliza Jane, and the Four Seasons to lively venues such as Le Bon Temps Roule and Tipitina’s. In 2024, Or was one of 40 Louisiana artists awarded the WorldMakers Grant, which supported the creation of the group’s debut album, Or Shovaly Plus. The album features four original compositions and an arrangement of the New Orleans classic “St. James Infirmary,” and is played as an organ trio with saxophone and trumpet. The compositions feature simple and catchy, yet distinctive melodies over the background of rich harmonies and driven by unique bass riffs that groove hard. As a sideman, Or collaborates frequently with artists including the Joe Gelini organ trio and Dr. Zach. From 2014 to 2023, he was the lead guitarist for the Afrobeat band Kumasi, contributing to albums such as Togetherness (2015), Akoben (2018), and Live at Marigny Studios (2021). Kumasi earned multiple nominations for Gambit’s Best of the Big Easy Awards, winning Best World/Latin Music in 2017 and 2019.