Lionel Loueke: Heritage

2012 album from acclaimed the West African Jazz guitarist/vocalist. Heritage finds Loueke, who was hailed by The New York Times as a gentle virtuoso, exploring a more electric sound with a new trio featuring Derrick Hodge on electric bass and Mark Guiliana on drums. The album presents seven new compositions by Loueke, two by producer Robert Glasper, and one co-written by the two. Glasper also contributes piano and keyboards to six tracks, while singer Gretchen Parlato provides background vocals on two tracks. A veteran of bands led by Terence Blanchard and Herbie Hancock, Loueke is bringing jazz into vibrant contact with the sounds of West Africa, in particular his native Benin. The title Heritage is a direct reference to his personal odyssey.

Price: $15.98