The University of Chicago presents the Lionel Loueke Trio

West African jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke is about to heat up Hyde Park! Loueke, who has been praised as a “musical painter” by his mentor Herbie Hancock, performs with his trio (Massimo Biolcati, bass; Ferenc Nemeth, drums).  Originally from the small West African nation of Benin, Loueke has enjoyed a rapid ascent over the past several years.  In 2008 and 2009, he was picked as top Rising Star guitarist in Down Beat magazine’s annual Critics Poll and he has recently recorded and performed with Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding.  Loueke combines harmonic sophistication, soaring melody, a deep knowledge of African music, and conventional and extended guitar techniques to create a warm and evocative sound of his own.

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