The Soundtrack of Casablanca
Every evening as the Moroccan dusk settles over Sour Jdid, the courtyard fills with the timeless chords of American swing, French chanson, and Andalusian Arabesques.
Rick's Café Casablanca — As Time Goes By & Live Jazz Atmosphere
Performed Live at Rick's Café Casablanca • 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid
The Courtyard Grand Piano
In Hollywood’s 1942 classic, Dooley Wilson immortalized Sam singing to Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. When founder Kathy Kriger set out to construct the real Rick’s Café in Casablanca, she knew that no replica or ordinary keyboard would suffice.
Resting with timeless elegance under dramatic brass archways, our black lacquered grand piano commands the center of the riad's courtyard. Its mellow, singing tone fills the acoustics of the riad with authentic warmth as resident maestro Issam Chabaa brings the cinematic romance of 1942 to life each night.
"Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake."
Ivory and ebony resonance in the central courtyard.
Issam Chabaa & The Jazz Quartet
From the day Rick’s Café opened its heavy cedar doors on March 1, 2004, resident pianist Issam Chabaa has provided the living, breathing musical soul of the establishment.
Issam Chabaa
Hailing from Rabat with formal conservatory training in classical harmony and an instinctive passion for American swing, Issam Chabaa embodies the international grace of Rick's Café. His touch is both delicate and commanding, effortlessly weaving from upbeat swing tempo to poignant romantic ballads.
Over two decades, Issam has performed for world leaders, cinema legends, jazz enthusiasts, and couples celebrating once-in-a-lifetime milestones.
The Rhythm & Strings
Accompanying Issam on select evenings is Rick’s acoustic jazz rhythm section: double bass, subtle brush percussion, and guest brass soloists.
In our celebrated Arabesques sessions, master lutenists Driss Nigra and classical guitarist Ahmed Gendouz join resident vocalists like Dalila Meksoub, bridging Western jazz improvisation with Moroccan and Andalusian modal traditions.
Where East Meets West in Swing
From the Great American Songbook to Parisian Chanson
The music at Rick’s Café is curated to maintain the intimate conversation of diners while transporting the room into cinematic nostalgia. No electronic synthesizers or loud amplification—only pure, warm acoustic resonance.
American Jazz
- • As Time Goes By
- • Summertime (Gershwin)
- • Night and Day (Porter)
- • Autumn Leaves
- • Satin Doll (Ellington)
French Chansons
- • La Vie en Rose (Piaf)
- • Les Feuilles Mortes
- • C'est Si Bon
- • La Bohème (Aznavour)
- • Ne Me Quitte Pas (Brel)
Arabesques & Latin
- • Lamma Bada Yatathanna
- • Andalusian Muwashahat
- • Bésame Mucho
- • Hermanos Tuna Selections
- • Oriental Jazz Variations
Experience Live Jazz in Casablanca Tonight
Tables during our second evening seating (9:00 PM – Midnight) offer the premier vantage point to enjoy the jazz performance. Advance reservation is recommended.