Guitarist Lionel Loueke has announced a first run of tour dates in support of Mwaliko, his sophomore album for Blue Note Records, which will be released on February 9. Mwaliko (pronounced mwah-LEE-koh), Swahili for “invitation,” comprises a series of intimate duets with vocalist Angelique Kidjo, vocalist/bassist Esperanza Spalding, vocalist/bassist Richard Bona and drummer Marcus Gilmore. The album also includes three new tracks featuring Loueke’s longtime trio with bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth.
Originally from the small West African nation of Benin, Loueke — who was recently awarded a 2009 USA Fellowship — has appeared on numerous standout recordings such as Herbie Hancock’s Grammy-winning River: The Joni Letters (2008) and Terence Blanchard’s Grammy-nominated Flow (2005). The guitarist’s 2007 Blue Note debut, Karibu, established him as a one of the brightest new stars on the scene.
Lionel Loueke—2010 tour dates
February 18-21: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
February 25-28: Jazz Standard, New York, NY
March 8: Blues Alley, Washington D.C.
March 11: Regattabar, Boston, MA
March 13: Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA
March 25: Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI
March 26: Manchester Craftsman Guild, Pittsburgh, PA
April 6: Capilano College, Vancouver, BC
April 7-10: Mondavi Center @ UC Davis, Davis, CA
Photo credit: Jimmy Katz
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