Lionel Loueke "HH"

by

Wulfgar Darkenwald, Jr.

​Guitarist Lionel Loueke released his twelfth studio album, HH, late in 2020. The Western African artist pays homage to legendary pianist / composer Herbie Hancock with a moving and personal tribute to the master - teacher. 

​Having been a sideman in Herbie’s band, with the likes of Wayne Shorter and Terrence Blanchard after they selected the guitarist to the famed Monk Institute now named for Hancock, for a number of years has been deeply influential in the development and evolution of the Benin artist both musically and personally. So much so that Lionel felt the need to take on the Herculean endeavor of playing the maestro’s masterpieces and lessor known works solo after having played on “Possibilities” and Grammy-Award winning “River” albums by Herbie. Lionel’s ability to transcend genres and create unparalleled sounds on the guitar are on full display here; showing that the possibilities are nigh endless when timeless music is put in the hands of a true craftsman. When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear.