Mwaliko

Mwaliko

In recent years, Benin-born guitarist Lionel Loueke has lit up the jazz world with his dynamic approach to the instrument. He’s toured with Herbie Hancock, recorded with Hancock and numerous other artists, and leads his own trio, which includes bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth. 2010’s Mwaliko features Loueke performing duets with various guests, along with three trio outings and a pair of brief solo cuts. The album opens with “Ami O,” which finds the singer Angelique Kidjo (another Benin native) joining the guitarist for a spirited version of the popular West African song. (The pair also team up for a cover of the traditional, “Vi Ma Yon.) Two collaborations with the young bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, “Twins” and “Flying,” are marked by their wordless singing, Loueke’s vocal clicking, and a playful, tossed-off feel. “Wishes,” recorded with bassist and vocalist Richard Bona, includes nice instrumental interchange and vocals that evoke Brazil’s Milton Nascimento. “Griot,” “L.L.,” and “Shazoo” all feature the trio and Loueke’s love of guitar effects, but the standout is Wayne Shorter’s “Nefertiti,” a cut that benefits from the excellent drumming of Marcus Gilmore.

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