Lionel Loueke
Karibu (Blue Note)Artfully marrying American jazz with an African pop sensibility, Benin-born guitarist Lionel Loueke’s Blue Note debut is a delight. Karibu means “welcome” in Loueke’s native Swahili, and he opens the door to his unique musical world on the sunny opening title track. The trio of guitar, bass, and drums is enhanced throughout the album by Loueke’s vocal instrument, as the 34-year-old sings and scats while adding percussive clicks and pops of the tongue. Legendary jazz tandem Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, two of Loueke’s mentors, makes guest appearances on the album, joining forces on the dissonance-filled standout “Light Dark,” while Shorter’s sublime saxophone carries a stunning interpretation of John Coltrane’s “Naima.” Karibu closes on a playful note, with the funky guitar and bass riffs of “Agbannon Blues” and “Nonvignon,” a Nigerian juju-infused groove.
This article appears in April 4 • 2008.
