Ker Ourio was born in Paris in 1964, but grew up in his family’s homeland: the small French territory of Reunion Island, where his ancestors from Brittany came to settle in 1728.
When he was only eight years old, his father handed him a chromatic harmonica. At first a toy, it eventually became the instrument of his life’s passion.
At 20, Ker Ourio returned to France to study computer programming, in Grenoble. Fortunately, his harmonica accompanied him, and it’s here that his story truly begins — with the discovery of his love for jazz, and his first amateur concerts.
Returning to Reunion Island, he studies under François Jeanneau at the National Conservatory of Music, forms his first group and plays extensively in clubs and festivals on the island. Then in 1992, he moves back to France permanently to pursue jazz full-time.
One year later, with vibraphonist David Patrois, Laurent Camuzat, Olivier Le Goas, a milestone: he wins both the soloist and orchestral categories at the National Jazz Competition of La Défense and is later featured in the Paris Jazz Festival at Radio France. Concert and television appearances follow. He plays throughout Europe and embarks on an extended tour of Russia with the group InterJazz.

In 1995, it’s another move — this time to New York — to search out the true source of the American form. While studying composition with pianist Franck Amsallem, he plays as a sideman with a number of celebrated musicians.

In 2002, Ker Ourio organizes an artistic residence on Reunion Island, with the goal of creating a new fusion: jazz and Creole music.