Lionel Loueke

The Journey Lionel Loueke

Lionel Loueke. The Aparté label, which has until now produced classical music only, is proud to present this great artist whose astonishing musical world is beyond

category. If he isn't a classic already, he will become one, without a doubt. As soon as you hear Lionel, you can feel the unique beauty of this virtuoso guitarist/

singer ("a spellbinding presence ... a strongly original voice" New York Times). His voice has a quality that touches the soul. His guitar mastery, a world unto itself.

"I've never heard any guitar player play anything close to what I was hearing from him", said Herbie Hancock, when he heard Loueke audition for the Thelonious Monk

Institute. Lionel has a dual heritage: he grew up in the Republic of Benin, steeped in the music of West Africa but also listening to jazz. He began life as a percussionist; at

the age of 17, he turned to guitar. His gifts were immediately apparent--he went to Paris to study jazz at the American School of Modern Music and then came to the US

on scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. His acceptance at the Monk Institute brought new dimensions to Loueke's world. From there he began to collaborate

with some of the greatest names in music, including Wayne Shorter, Sting, Chick Corea, and of course Herbie himself, who has consistently featured Lionel on the

tours they have done together A rarity and an absolute discovery!