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Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke: Lean In
ByThe 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. They continue swooping and dipping up and down the scales through pop covers and eloquent originals alike. Loueke's guitar lines and vocal pops make the sound feel as full as that of a whole band already, but a delightfully simpatico rhythm section fills things out that much more in some well-chosen spots, percolating through wandering interludes and fetchingly slinky funk grooves alike.
The group makes a sunny whirl across practically the whole globe, bridging Benin with Brazil and singing in languages from three continents. Parlato's croon stays dreamy and appealing, even when singing of lost loves and ended relationships. Loueke coasts in step with equally fluid melodicism and unreserved cheer. It's a work all about connection, discovery and the simple joy of exploring together.
Track Listing
Akwê; I Miss You; If I Knew; Okagbé; Astronauta; Mi Wa Se; Muse; Nonvignon; Lean In; Painful Joy; Dou Wé; Walking After You.
Personnel
Gretchen Parlato
vocalsLionel Loueke
guitar, acousticAdditional Instrumentation
Burniss Travis: bass; Mark Guiliana: drums.
Album information
Title: Lean In | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Edition Records
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About Gretchen Parlato
Instrument: Vocals
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