Lionel Loueke (vocals, guitar) performs his own compositions with the WDR BIG BAND under the direction of chief conductor Bob Mintzer (arrangements). Sebastian Nickoll is a guest percussionist. Produced as part of the WDR JAZZCLUB concert "African Soul" at the WDR Studios Bocklemünd / Cologne (December 2022).

00:00:00 Virgin Forest Benny's Tune
00:13:13 Benny's Tune
00:26:40 Stranger In The Mirror
00:34:00 Mivakpola
00:43:35 Aziza Dance
00:54:53 Farafina
01:08:00 Molika
01:19:03 Vivi
01:27:35 Pure Thought
01:39:55 Freedom Dance

The internationally awardwinning guitarist Lionel Loueke comes from Benin in West Africa. His strongly rhythmic music with its thoroughly independent sound can be heard on numerous albums, including those on the renowned jazz label Blue Note. Loueke's bands regularly feature renowned soloists such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding.

More about the WDR BIG BAND:
  / wdrbigband  
http://www.wdrbigband.de

WDR BIG BAND
Johan Hörlén alto saxophone
Pascal Bartoszak alto saxophone
Ben Fitzpatrick tenor saxophone
Paul Heller tenor saxophone
Jens Neufang baritone saxophone
Ludwig Nuss trombone
Raphael Klemm trombone
Andy Hunter trombone
Mattis Cederberg bass trombone
Andy Haderer trumpet
Rob Bruynen trumpet
Wim Both trumpet
Ruud Breuls trumpet
Hans Dekker, drums
Billy Test, piano
Ricky Rodriquez, bass
Sebastian Nickoll, percussion

Arnd Richter Manager WDR Big Band
Christian Schmitt Sound Engineer / Recording Producer
Walter Platte Sound Engineer
Nils Schröder Sound engineer
Michaela Höck sound engineer
Peter Krachten Director