03/07/12

Lionel Loueke’s ‘Virgin Forest: The Complete Sessions’ Due March 13

Deluxe digital edition features six previously unreleased solo acoustic tracks

By Jeff Tamarkin

ObliqSound Records has announced the March 13 digital-only release of a reissue of Benin guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke’s debut album Virgin Forest. The album features guest performances by Herbie Hancock, Gretchen Parlato and Cyro Baptista. Virgin Forest: The Complete Sessions arrives exactly five years after its original U.S. release with eight previously unreleased studio recordings among its 26 tracks, including six previously unreleased solo acoustic performances by Loueke. The iTunes LP edition will also include rare and unseen photos from the sessions, lyrics and a bonus video with behind the scenes studio footage.

Loueke and Parlato will be joined by vocalist Becca Stevens for a concert at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall in New York City this Friday, March 9.