DATE: SAT, OCT 7, 8 PM
VENUE: LeFrak Concert Hall
TICKETS: $45 Orchestra / $35 Balcony (No Fees!)

Gretchen Parlato – voice, hand percussion
Lionel Loueke – voice, guitar, percussion

As hailed by The Guardian, GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Gretchen Parlato and guitarist Lionel Loueke join forces on “a languid mix of bossa nova, power ballads – and Foo Fighters.” Don’t miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself.

Lionel, acclaimed as a ” West African improvising ninja on guitar” by The New York Times, and Gretchen, renowned for her “consummate control and slow-burning intensity… at the crossroads of sensuous and spiritual,” according to DownBeat will come together to deliver an extraordinary concert that tells the story of 20 years of connection, inspiration, and friendship.

“The American singer and Benin guitarist join forces on a languid mix of bossa nova, power ballads – and Foo Fighters” (The Guardian)

“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.” (Wall Street Journal)

“rainforests of sonic wonder” (Downbeat)

The very first duo recording from two musicians who have performed together for more than two decades, Lean In is all about healing, deep trust, love and family. In a time when warmth and compassion are needed more than ever before, both artists felt compelled to make a record sharing songs of inspiration, reflection, wonder and unity, with the title encouraging us to ‘lean in’ to ourselves and to those around us.

The intimacy of the duo songs reveals the depth of the trust and connection between the two artists at the core of the music, an intensity that gradually unfolds and blossoms out into a larger, universal whole as they are joined on the record by members of their families: Mark & Marley Guiliana, Lisa Loueke, & close friend Burniss Travis.

Both Gretchen and Lionel are individually renowned for the extraordinary mastery of body and voice in their music enabling them to create intricate, infectious rhythms. Fans will undeniably be excited to hear what happens when these two rhythmic virtuosos come together – the two styles seamlessly intertwined – and the resulting sound is truly magical: soothing yet joyful and full of light with Gretchen’s love for Brazilian music and Lionel’s West African roots shining through – it’s like nothing you’ve ever heard before! Released on May 19, 2023 on Edition Records, this really is a record for the soul.