LIONEL LOUEKE - Gaïa
Blue Note 002354502
Lionel Loueke: guitars; Massimo Biolcati: acoustic bass; Ferenc Nemeth: drums
Accompanied by long-time bandmates Massimo Biolcati (bass) and Ference Nemeth (drums), the Beninois guitarist Lionel Loueke follows up on his well-received Blue Note CDs, ‘Karibou’ and ‘Mwaliko’. Produced by Don Was and recorded live in the studio with an intimate audience, Gaia is a somewhat spotty outing from a naturally versatile guitarist whose rhythmic African patterns and sheens have undoubtedly infused jazz with a new energy.
The CD title is aimed at drawing attention to mankind’s treatment of the planet at a time of increased concern around global warming. Bringing several hundred watts of rock energy to the session, the plectrist kicks things off with ‘Broken’ and a nod to Jimmy Hendrix. So are ‘Wacko Loco’ and ‘Procession’.
Ever the percussive technician on his instrument, Loueke makes the guitar sound like a talking drum at times Somewhat jarringly, in a programme shot through with Loueke’s painterly and whimsical instrumental originality, he ends the CD with the cheesy ‘How Deep is Your Love?’ of Bee Gees fame.
Reviewed by John Stevenson
Blue Note 002354502
Lionel Loueke: guitars; Massimo Biolcati: acoustic bass; Ferenc Nemeth: drums
Accompanied by long-time bandmates Massimo Biolcati (bass) and Ference Nemeth (drums), the Beninois guitarist Lionel Loueke follows up on his well-received Blue Note CDs, ‘Karibou’ and ‘Mwaliko’. Produced by Don Was and recorded live in the studio with an intimate audience, Gaia is a somewhat spotty outing from a naturally versatile guitarist whose rhythmic African patterns and sheens have undoubtedly infused jazz with a new energy.
The CD title is aimed at drawing attention to mankind’s treatment of the planet at a time of increased concern around global warming. Bringing several hundred watts of rock energy to the session, the plectrist kicks things off with ‘Broken’ and a nod to Jimmy Hendrix. So are ‘Wacko Loco’ and ‘Procession’.
Ever the percussive technician on his instrument, Loueke makes the guitar sound like a talking drum at times Somewhat jarringly, in a programme shot through with Loueke’s painterly and whimsical instrumental originality, he ends the CD with the cheesy ‘How Deep is Your Love?’ of Bee Gees fame.
Reviewed by John Stevenson
