West African guitarist Lionel Loueke was inspired by his brother, who taught him how to play during his late teenage years. Stops at the Ivory Coast’s National Institute of Arts, Paris’ American School of More Than Music, and Berklee College of Music led Loueke to appearances on a series of high-profile recordings, including Terence Blanchard’s Bounce and Flow, Charlie Haden’s Land of the Sun, and Herbie Hancock’s Possibilities. Apart from his role in the trio Gilfema (with bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth), Loueke has recorded on his own, including the live In a Trance and Virgin Forest. He released his first Blue Note album, Karibu, in 2008. In 2009, Loueke guested on Magos Herrera’s album Distancia. His second album for Blue Note, Mwaliko, appeared in early 2010. In 2012, Loueke released the trio album Heritage, which was produced by and features contributions from acclaimed jazz pianist Robert Glasper.
On Gaïa, his fourth album, Loueke continued use of the electric guitar exclusively. He explored expansive notions of African rock and jazz with Biolcati and Nemeth. The album was recorded in front of an invited studio audience, fulfilling the guitarist’s wish to capture the band in a concert setting. The album was released by Blue Note at the end of October in 2015. ~ Andy Kellman
BLUE NOTE ALL-STARS “CYCLING THROUGH REALITY”
BLUE NOTE ALL-STARS POINT FORWARD ON “OUR POINT OF VIEW”
Jazz as an art form is a lifelong work in progress. While in some camps the music of past masters represents the genre’s heralded Golden Age, others disagree, noting that there are artists in the present day with fresh original voices and their own point of view who are forging ahead with their imaginative visions for where the music is excitedly heading. Certainly steeped in the tradition,... read more
BLUE NOTE & UMG AFRICA ANNOUNCE NEW IMPRINT BLUE NOTE AFRICA
Blue Note Records and Universal Music Group Africa have announced the creation of Blue Note Africa, an exciting new imprint dedicated to signing Jazz artists from across the African continent, bringing them to a global audience, and promoting a cultural exchange of ideas that transcends borders. Blue Note Africa will... read more
“BLUE NOTE RECORDS: BEYOND THE NOTES” GETS SEPT. 6 DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASE + MORE U.S. THEATRICAL OPENINGS
Following acclaimed theatrical runs in New York and Los Angeles, Mira Film and Eagle Vision have announced a September 6th DVD, Blu-ray, and digital release for the award-winning documentary Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes – directed by Sophie Huber. The feature documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival... read more
