Customer Reviews

Mwaliko

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Precision finger-picked jazz guitar in tightly presented textures that feel improvised, but had to be worked through precisely with his counterparts to achieve the close integration with his players. Angelique Kidjo is her big-boned self, but can dance intricately with his voice and guitar. Esperanza Spalding is more subtle and supple, dancing in wordless voice and bass lines, on her own, or with his wordless voice and guitar. All form a tight unit throughout that hints as much of the Caribbean and Brazil as of Africa on most tracks. Standout: tr 8--Nefertiti. Lumpy galumphs in lines, rhythm, and harmonies. Shadowy bronze intensity. Tight, exact, but always a bit off balance. Compelling.

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.

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...

Lionel Loueke has an appealing guitar sound which is vocalizes along with. The mood is generally upbeat. "Mwaliko" has an additional vocalist, or vocalist/bassist, on six songs, two trio songs, and three solo songs. Wayne Shorter's "Nefertiti" is Loueke with drummer Marcus Gilmore. Angelique Kidjo, Richard Bona, and Esperenza Spalding each play on two songs. Those songs seem full enough with the extra voice and bass. This is a happy album, only the trio songs are 'serious jazz'. The rest have a jazzy, African feel. Loueke fans, or anyone interested in this sort of thing, should pick it up.

How often do we hear something this modern adn original in today's market? Not often... I salute Loueke for his unique style and amazing voice. Not only his actual voice - but the voice he has created on his guitar.

This CD is so fresh and new. It took me a couple of listens to really discover what was going on - and now I keep coming back to it.

The compositions are intelligently arranged as well. Recommended...