Ahmed at Keystone Korner
Ahmed Warshanna is a Baltimore-based guitarist, composer, and arranger who leads the genre-defying sextet Ishta!, known for its fiery interplay and vivid, impressionistic soundscapes. Described by The Sentinel’s Travis Rogers Jr. as arriving “like a thunderbolt,” Ahmed’s music paints sonic scenes that evoke places, colors, and emotions. Each performance is shaped by the unique chemistry of the band and moment, offering audiences an immersive, ever-evolving experience. Deeply rooted in jazz traditions, Ahmed’s work pushes boundaries while inviting listeners on a journey of imagination and feeling.
His artistic vision is that of an impressionist painter: through his compositions, he creates vivid sonic scenes that conjure images of places, colors, and moments in the listener’s mind. Each performance offers a unique journey, an experience shaped by the evolving chemistry of the band and the energy of the room. This approach is never static; instead, Ahmed treats each show as an opportunity to paint new landscapes in sound, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves fully and let their imaginations wander. No two performances are ever the same, making every concert with Ishta! a singular, unrepeatable experience.
In Fall 2025, Ahmed will begin pursuing a Master’s degree in Jazz Guitar at the Peabody Conservatory, continuing to hone his voice as a performer, composer, and bandleader.
Beyond his work on stage and in the studio, Ahmed founded The Backwater Sessions in Ellicott City, a weekly music series that has become a cornerstone of Baltimore’s jazz and improvisational music scene. Originally an intimate gathering of musicians, it has evolved into a vibrant venue showcasing a diverse range of artists, fostering collaboration, and pushing creative boundaries.
Ahmed has shared the stage with Brandon Woody, Allison Miller, Clarence Ward III, Ted Baker, Ephraim Dorsey, Obasi Akoto, Elijah Jamal Balbed, Jo Palmer, Justin Mendez, and Ryan Hanseler. Through his compositions, performances, and curatorial work, he continues to bridge cultures and traditions, shaping the future of jazz in bold and unexpected ways.
