Mwaliko

Lionel Loueke (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 9, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B0031S4K7M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,753 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Ami O

2. Griot

3. Twins

4. Wishes

5. Flying

6. Intro to L.L.

7. L.L.

8. Nefertiti

9. Vi Ma Yon

10. Shazoo

11. Dangbe

12. Hide Life

13. Soul Sound

14. A.M.

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Originally from the small West African nation of Benin, guitarist Lionel Loueke has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past several years. In 28 and 29, he was picked as top Rising Star guitarist in Down Beat magazine's annual Critics Poll. His sophomore release for Blue Note, Mwaliko, follows up 27's acclaimed Karibu with a series of searching, innovative, intimate duets with Angelique Kidjo, Esperanza Spalding, Richard Bona and Marcus Gilmore. Loueke also includes three new tracks featuring his longtime trio with Massimo Biolcati on bass and Ferenc Nemeth on drums.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars African Infused Modern Jazz, February 14, 2010

By	A. Gillette (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are few artists who rise out of poverty in Africa to record an album for Blue Note. Loueke is one of those rare artists, and, unsurprisingly, has infused his modern, happy, fast and floating guitar licks with a healthy dose of African stylings and vocals. Indeed, it is the tracks that clearly come from his own roots that are the most enjoyable and original. On the slower tracks (3, 4, 6) the sound is too introspective, so stick to the tracks where he shines with the unusual combo of fast guitar, light bass, and African-style vocals: Ami O (tk 1) is joyous and fun; Hide Life (tk 10) has a Hawaiian feel; Vi Ma Yon (tk 9) sounds like some kind of invocation; Shazoo (tk 10) is instrumental and has a Sun Ra style. Overall, a big step up from his 2008 release with Gilfema+2. I hope he sticks with this stuff and with Blue Note.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely gorgeous, February 14, 2010

By	sundaytatu "!!!" (phoenicia, ny USA) - See all my reviews

this is a work of genius! anyone who likes either jazz or west african music will most likely agree & if, like me, you are into both- then this album will make you feel just wonderful when you hear it... i cannot say enough good things about this amazing & beautiful record from this talented man & his trio... they obviously love making music together & their joy & expertise shine...