Lost Tracks: Lionel Loueke - "Karibu"
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
KARIBU
Lionel Loueke
Those who have been lucky enough to catch West African guitarist Lionel Loueke perform with a high-profile jazz ensemble, led by either trumpeter Terence Blanchard or keyboardist Herbie Hancock, have a good idea of what to expect from "Karibu," Loueke's major-label debut. Both bandleaders went out of their way to showcase the qualities that help make Loueke's music stand apart -- the sparkling lyricism, the sophisticated harmonies, the syncopated rhythms, the mastery of odd-meter compositions, the warm and yet seemingly elastic vocals.
All those traits are evident on "Karibu," an album in which West African-rooted music fluidly commingles with elements of pop, jazz and world beat. The CD derives its name from the Swahili word for "welcome," and certainly no performance on "Karibu" is more inviting than Loueke's shimmering interpretation of "Skylark." It features the Benin-born guitarist nimbly collaborating with his trio members: bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth.
Still, that performance isn't as multifaceted -- or nearly as striking -- as other selections. Hancock appears on two compositions by Loueke: the complexly structured "Seven Teens" and the dissonant ballad "Light Dark." Both tracks benefit from the chemistry and tension that develop when the renowned keyboardist displays his percussive might or harmonic prowess. Wayne Shorter also plays a significant role on "Light Dark," often using his soprano saxophone to jarring effect. But the reedman's finest moment comes on the John Coltrane ballad "Naima," imaginatively reconfigured by Loueke and his closely attuned trio mates.
-- Mike Joyce
DOWNLOAD THESE: "Skylark," "Light Dark"
