Lionel Loueke is a standout figure in the world of contemporary jazz, renowned for his innovative fusion of traditional West African music with modern jazz harmony, a classical sensibility, and complex time signatures. Hailing from Benin, Loueke has carved out a distinct niche within the jazz genre, his guitar playing and vocal style distinctively weaving together his African heritage with his profound understanding of jazz's expansive landscape.

After attending the National Institute of Art in Ivory Coast, Loueke was accepted to the American School of Modern Music in Paris. His journey then led him to Berklee College of Music, and later the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, where he refined his craft alongside illustrious mentors including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Terence Blanchard. His career is marked by a pattern of prestigious collaborations and critically-acclaimed solo projects, not least of which include the albums mentioned. His work, such as "HH Reimagined," a tribute to Herbie Hancock, and "The Journey," reflect an artist deeply rooted in his culture and fluent in the universal language of music, continually pushing the boundaries of jazz with his exceptional skill and creative vision.

Genres

Beninese Pop

Contemporary Jazz

Jazz Guitar

Related Artists

Robert Glasper

Esperanza Spalding

Angelique Kidjo

Salif Keita

Amadou & Mariam

Herbie Hancock

Fatoumata Diawara

Pat Metheny

Vieux Farka Touré

Yemi Alade

Brad Mehldau

Tinariwen

Latest Release

Radioactive Earworm

Gretchen Parlato•

Lionel Loueke

Single - Released March 1, 2024