gretchen parlato

By Will Layman, Pop Matters, 31 May 2023

Has there ever been a more natural musical pairing than Lionel Loueke and Gretchen Parlato? Loueke is a guitarist and singer from Benin who has been playing jazz in the United…

By Geno Thackara, All About Jazz, May 27, 2023  

The closeness is on display from the first minute, where the duo weave a catchy lead melody and begin scatting their way through the opener in flighty but clearly honed unison.…

“lifts the spirits like helium inside rubber balloons”

Parlato & Loueke offer the listener a contemporary duet, blending two individually talented artists with a collaboration that…

by Barney Whittaker, Prestomusic, May 19, 2023

Like all great friendships, there is a certain vulnerability reflected in this music… the warmth and reciprocity of this shared musical creation is a testament to the strong bonds made between friends and…

by Jim Hynes, Making a Scene, May 20, 2023

Only synergistic, like-minded musicians could craft an album so rich in rhythms, textures and harmonies through the use of so few instruments.

Although the duo of vocalist-arranger Gretchen Parlato and guitarist-vocalist …

by Craig Byrd, Cultural Attaché

Lean In - Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke

Vocalist/songwriter Parlato and guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Loueke team up for this album of 12 songs – most of them composed by Loueke and Parlato. There are a couple of…

- John Fordham, The Guardian, May 19, 2023

The long rapport between unique American vocalist Gretchen Parlato and frequent Herbie Hancock guitar partner Lionel Loueke illuminates the alluring Lean In (Edition). Loueke’s Benin roots on the joyously buoyant Akwê, Parlato’s…

by Chris Baber, Jazz Views, May 18, 2023

Parlato’s husky vocals finding sympathetic accompaniment in Loueke’s guitar and voice. At times, Loueke’s plucked guitar takes on the timbre of a kora or other traditional stringed instruments. At other times, his…

By Martin Johnson, Wall Street Journal, May 17, 2023

The less-is-more approach is as old as music itself, but very few performers on the contemporary jazz scene are as accomplished at it as Ms. Parlato and Mr. Loueke.

Vocalist and…

Radio France, may 17, 2023

A highly anticipated collaboration between vocalist Gretchen Parlato and guitarist Lionel Loueke, "Lean In" tells the story of 20 years of connection, inspiration and friendship between two kindred spirits in music. 

» hear tracks &…

With Lean In, American singer Gretchen Parlato and Benin-born guitarist Lionel Loueke celebrate musical cultures in a successful pairing where they complement each other on 12 absorbing cuts. This session, a response to pandemic…

by Thierry De Clemensat, Bayou Blue News,  Paris Move

“no superlative would be powerful enough to describe it. …Joe Zawinul and his group Weather Report paved the way for joyful cultural blends, which are only mastered by the greatest…

by Ammar Kalia, the Hot Box, Downbeat

The twin vocal styles of Parlato and Loueke — melismatic and effortlessly melodic for the former, percussive and intricately powerful for the latter — are the perfect match. Through voice and guitar alone…

by John Murph, Downbeat, May 2023

“rainforests of sonic wonder — a superb album”

The artistic accord between Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke can be compared to one Billie Holiday shared with Lester Young. Why? Because it's so winning and…

by James Hale, the Hot Box, Downbeat

Spritely, delightful and snapping with syncopated percussion, this has the feel of a classic summer jam. Parlato has never sounded better.

by Matt Micucci, JAZZIZ

Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke, Lean In (Edition)

Lean In showcases the earthy connection and palpable synergy of musical collaborators and friends, vocalist Gretchen Parlato and guitarist Lionel Loueke. 
The soul-stirring set finds them joined by…

by Neil Spencer, The Guardian, 29 Apr 2023

The American singer and Benin guitarist join forces on a languid mix 
of bossa nova, power ballads - and Foo Fighters

"Parlato sings with unshowy elan, always sensuous and involving…
effortlessly funky…

“Parlato's sound is metrically astounding and highly expert in harnessing the power of difficult syncopated runs that still retain their communicative rather than impressive-for-the-sake-of-it appeal to gain traction and a sense of rewarding release.”

Highly influential and innovative US…