DIGIPACK EDITION

Lionel Loueke, one of the jazz world’s most searingly original and sought-after guitarists, has devoted the bulk of his output to original music. But Close Your Eyes, originally released on vinyl by Newvelle in 2018, found the Benin-born Loueke focusing entirely on standards and canonical jazz classics.

Joined by the marquee rhythm section of bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland (known for their inspired teamwork in groups led by Charles Lloyd, Aaron Goldberg and more), Loueke applied his distinctive rhythmic and harmonic approach to material from the Great American Songbook as well as the oeuvre of jazz greats John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Now, thanks to Sounderscore Records, an independent label founded by Loueke’s longtime Gilfema bandmate Massimo Biolcati, Close Your Eyes is being issued for the first time on CD and digitally, streaming on all major platforms.

PERSONNEL:

Lionel Loueke - (guitar & vocals)
Reuben Rogers - (acoustic bass)
Eric Harland - (drums)

Recorded at EastSide Sound, New York on September 23, 2017

TRACKS:

01. Footprints
02. It Might As Well Be Spring
03. Countdown
04. Moon River
05. Solar
06. Blue Monk
07. Body and Soul
08. Close Your Eyes
09. Skylark
10. We See
11. Naima