A guitarist known internationally for his impeccable fusion of West African and jazz music, Lionel Loueke has returned with another compelling recording, his fifth.
Gaia features Lionel Loueke's long-standing trio, together since attending the Berklee College of Music in the late 1990s. The band is Loueke on guitar, Massimo Biolcati on bass and Ferenc Nemeth on drums. They have performed worldwide and in November, 2009, entertained an audience of jazz fans at the Holland Center in Omaha. Gaia is an excellent representation of what the band can do for jazz fans who have not seen the trio or heard the guitarist previously.
Guitarist Lionel Loueke infuses his native culture with technical mastery of his instrument, coaxing sounds from the strings and body that have thrilled audiences around the world. Loeuke combines harmonic complexity, soaring melody, a deep knowledge of African folk forms, and conventional and extended guitar techniques to create a warm and evocative sound that is totally his own. Loueke debuted in 2008 with the eye-opening Karibu. He followed that up with Mwaliko in 2010. On 2012's Heritage the guitarist explored a more electric sound. Loueke's soulful and organic melodies and sensibilities have placed him at the forefront of jazz guitarists around the world and have rendered him a high profile contributor to acclaimed recordings and tours with legends like pianist Herbie Hancock, saxophonist Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard and Charlie Haden, as well as contemporaries such as Kendrick Scott and Gretchen Parlato.Loueke also co-produced with Kavita Shah her debut album in 2014.
Eleven original tracks await the listener on Gaia. There is a standout cover of the Bee Gee's megahit "How Deep Is Your Love". Loueke finds new colors and emotions to explore in this number which he reinterprets with an uptempo pulse. It's amazing. But not totally unexpected from this West African guitarist whose exploration of the unexpected always creates delights. On "Wacko Loco" Loueke explores his jazz rock side and his artistry creates more than adequate fireworks on the piece.
Recommended tracks: "Sleepless Night", "Sources of Love", "Wacko Loco", "Gaia" "Procession" and "How Deep Is Your Love".
Gaia is a CD infused with a lot of positive energy and good vibes. Another impressive recording from this guitarist who has worked as a sideman for some of the legends of jazz, including Herbie Hancock. A performance by the celebrated pianist in Omaha several years ago provided an opportunity for Loueke to be featured in a sublime solo recital of African jazz . It was otherworldly and unforgettable.
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