artist info

United, the highly anticipated release from jazz legends Dave Holland and Lionel Loueke transcends mere collaboration; it embodies a soulful conversation between two masters from distinct backgrounds, merging their unique voices into something beautifully transcendent. What began as an impromptu moment during a soundcheck has blossomed into an album that reflects the spirit of two musicians dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons. The album is a profound testament to true collaboration, beautifully fusing Loueke’s rich West African roots with Holland’s profound influence on modern jazz.

Dave Holland is a renowned bassist, composer and bandleader whose passion for musical expression of all styles and dedication to creating innovative ensembles have propelled a career of more than 50 years. A guiding light on acoustic and electric bass, Holland has earned top honors including multiple Grammy Awards and Grammy Nominations and the title of NEA Jazz Master. Holland rose to prominence in groundbreaking groups led by such legends as Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Sam Rivers, Betty Carter and Anthony Braxton and Joe Henderson—as well as collaborations with Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Jack DeJohnette and John Abercrombie. Today he is equally celebrated for his own remarkable ensembles, ranging from duos and trios to big bands, featuring innovative collaborators like Steve Coleman, Lionel Louke, Robin and Kevin Eubanks, Jason Moran, Chris Potter and Eric Harland.

Starting out on vocals and percussion, Lionel Loueke picked up the guitar late, at age 17. After his initial to exposure to jazz in Benin, he left to attend the National Institute of Art in nearby Ivory Coast. In 1994 he left Africa to pursue jazz studies at the American School of Modern Music in Paris, then went to the U.S. on a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. From there, Loueke gained acceptance to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

Praised by his mentor Herbie Hancock as “a musical painter,” Lionel Loueke combines harmonic sophistication, soaring melody, a deep knowledge of African music, and conventional and extended guitar techniques to create a warm and evocative sound of his own.

After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Lionel Loueke was accepted to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in Los Angeles where he had the opportunity to study his greatest mentors: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Terence Blanchard. Soon after his time at the Monk Institute, Lionel Loueke began focusing exclusively on nylon-string acoustic guitar, an instrument on which he's developed a signature voice.

Loueke has appeared on numerous standout recordings such as Terence Blanchard’s Grammy-nominated Flow (2005) and Hancock’s Grammy-winning River: The Joni Letters (2008). Lionel appeared on recordings by such legends as Jack DeJohnette (Sound Travels), Charlie Haden (Land of the Sun), Kenny Barron (The Traveler), and Gonzalo Rubalcaba (XXI Century). He has also appeared on recordings by Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Gretchen Parlato, Avishai Cohen, Kendrick Scott and other leading peers.

He toured the world as a member of Herbie Hancock’s band for more than ten years. JazzTimes wrote “Loueke's lines are smartly formed and deftly executed. His ear-friendly melodicism draws both from traditional African sources and a lifetime of closely studying the likes of Jim Hall and George Benson, and his rhythmic shifts come quickly and packed with surprises.”