Grammy-nominated vocalist Gretchen Parlato and acclaimed guitarist Lionel Loueke’s new album Lean In tells the story of 20 years of friendship between two musical tells the story of 20 years of friendship between two musical soulmates. Performed in English, Portuguese and Fon (the indigenous language of Benin), the songs blend sounds inspired by pop and R&B classics as well as Afrobeat and Brazilian tunes. The album features original songs and improvisational interludes along with a few select covers.

Parlato and Loueke met in 2001 at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in Los Angeles. Both musicians cut their teeth on New York’s jazz circuit, often playing duo concerts or inviting one another as guests within larger ensembles. Over the years, they both emerged as rising stars, with Loueke working with luminaries like Terence Blanchard and Herbie Hancock, and Parlato winning first place in the 2004 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition, gaining the attention and mentorship of Wayne Shorter and others.

Here's what The Guardian says of Lean In. “It’s a spare, almost languid set, driven by effortlessly funky codas from Loueke’s guitar, with some discreet percussion by Mark Guiliana (Parlato’s husband). Vocal duties are swapped and shared. There is dreamy bossa nova, but the palette is wide, embracing west Africa, R&B, and even a Foo Fighters cover. Loueke provides vocal yips and clicks, Parlato sings with unshowy elan, always sensuous and involving, while the duo’s joint vocals on opener ‘Akwe’ are positively joyous. A treat.”

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