Show Description

"Mr. Loueke is a gentle virtuoso. As a singer, he has a husky, sincere baritone and a melting falsetto that he uses to scat-sing along with his guitar solos. He's also a full-fledged jazz guitarist, and he uses both electronics-guitar synthesizer, looping devices-and African roots."
- The New York Times



Guitarist Lionel Loueke hails from Benin, Africa, and has quickly established himself as one of the most creative young stars on the international Jazz scene. Since emerging from the Thelonious Monk Institute in 2003, Loueke has toured and recorded with both Herbie Hancock and Terence Blanchard. He has released two critically-acclaimed albums for ObliqSound-Gilfema and Virgin Forest-that feature his long-standing trio with bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth, and he will make his major label debut on Blue Note Records in March 2008 with Karibu (Swahili for "Welcome"), an expansive album that presents Loueke's singular voice and features special guest appearances from Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

Tonight's perfomance features Ferenc Nemeth on drums and Massimo Biolcati on bass.