Gretchen Parlato’s album Lean In,
in collaboration with Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke, marks a particularly beautiful moment in jazz music.
This album showcases Gretchen’s unique ability to create deep emotional connections, while her voice moves effortlessly between languages and cultures. The collaboration with Lionel Loueke amplifies her vocal performances, with his guitar playing and vocal input adding a rhythmic depth that perfectly complements her singing. Enriched with subtle percussion by Mark Guiliana, this album creates a vibrant, almost tangible sense of togetherness.
It is a reflection of the warmth and depth of a two-decade friendship between Parlato and Loueke. Their shared sensitivity to rhythmic subtleties and complex musical phrases makes each song an intimate dialogue. The album, which was created during the Covid-19 lockdowns and the period that followed, is an impressive result of their ability to develop and exchange musical ideas, even from a distance. Gretchen blends vocal finesse with percussive vocals and handclaps, creating a sound that is both elegant and catchy. From soft bossa nova to swinging Afrobeat and pop, she hits it all with ease.
This album is not only a showcase of Gretchen’s vocal talent but also her ability to navigate through musical genres and cultures, which the jury felt made her a worthy winner of this award. Lean In is a confirmation of her status as one of the most outstanding jazz vocalists of our time, whose voice and artistic vision continue to captivate and inspire the listener.