Several things immediately strike the listener on first hearing The Journey. First, the eclectic mix of the tracks and their respective contributors reflect the disparate influences that have shaped Lionel Loueke’s composing skills. Then there’s the guitarist’s ability to avoid the well-trodden paths of others and his gift for playing the instrument like it’s a natural extension of his being. All are crucial factors testifying to his uniqueness.
Born in Benin, West Africa in 1973, Loueke began his musical career on vocals and percussion eventually adding guitar to his repertoire at age 17. His first exposure to jazz was when a friend from Paris brought over a George Benson album from Paris (Weekend in L.A., Warner Bros, 1978) which was a road to Damascus revelation for him. Playing it repeatedly, he transcribed it by ear, then having nailed it, went on to listen to guitarists like Tal Farlow. In 1994 he left Africa to pursue jazz studies at the American School of Modern Music in Paris, subsequently winning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music.
With seven albums previously released as leader, Loueke has recorded as sideman on albums by Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Jack DeJohnette and Kenny Barron. What is clear is that Loueke really doesn’t sound like other guitarists. Listening to a track such as “Mandé”, with its seamless meshing of traditional African and 21st century instrumentation is proof of this. The simplicity of “Vivi” demonstrates how delicate sensitivity can subtly overshadow vainglorious virtuosity and consciously abstruse compositions. So whilst some might find this album just a tad too facile, many will delight in its haunting lyricism, intuitive colour-rich arrangements, enchanting melodies and hidden depths.
Discography
Bouriyan; Molika; Bawo; Vi Gnin; Mandé; Kába; Dark Lightning; Vivi; Hope; Gbê; Gbêdetemin; Guira; Okagbé; Reflections on Vi Gnin; The Healing (52.53)
Collectively: Loueke (v, g, pc, b, soundscape); John Ellis (ss); Étienne Charles (t, pc); Dramane Dembélé (f); Patrick Messina (cl); Mark Feldman (vn); Vincent Ségal (clo); Robert Sadin (kyb, soundscape); Pino Palladino, Massimo Biolcati (b); Cyro Baptista (berimbau, pc); Christi Joza Orisha, Ferenc Nemeth (pc). Paris, January 2018.
Aparte AP184
