LIONEL LOUKE - MWALIKO

Mwaliko (pronounced mwah-LEE-koh) which is Swahili for "invitation" is the follow up to Loueke's 2007 acclaimed debut,Karibu. Mwaliko is a series of searching, innovative, intimate duets with Richard Bona, Marcus Gilmore, Angelique Kidjo and Esperanza Spalding. Loueke also includes three new tracks featuring his longtime trio with Massimo Biolcati on bass and Ferenc Nemeth on drums and displays Loueke's inspired mix of acoustic and electric guitar. Originally from the small West African nation of Benin, Loueke has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past several years. Praised by his mentor Herbie Hancock as a musical painter, he has appeared on numerous standout recordings such as Hancock’s Grammy-winning River: The Joni Letters (2008) and Terence Blanchard’s Grammy-nominated Flow (2005). Loueke’s 2007 Blue Note debut, Karibu, established him as a one of the brightest new stars on the scene, and prompted The New York Times to declare him a startlingly original voice and one of the most striking jazz artists to emerge is some time.

Lionel Loueke tour dates:

Feb. 18: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 19: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 20: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 21: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 25: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Feb. 26: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Feb. 27: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Feb. 28: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Mar. 8: Blues Alley, Washington DC

Mar. 11: Regattabar, Boston, MA

Mar. 13: Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA

Mar. 25: Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI

Mar. 26: Mancheseter Craftsman Guild, Pittsburgh, PA

Apr. 6: Capilano College, Vancouver, BC

Apr. 7: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA
Apr. 8: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA
Apr. 9: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA
Apr. 10: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA