Benin musician, Lionel Loueke, has teamed up with Hungarian drummer, Ferenc Nemeth, and Swedish-Italian bassist, Massimo Biolcati, to produce an album that explores a range of jazz expression that includes the syncopated rhythms of Africa with European beats and influences. The group’s name, Gilfema, is extracted from Lionel GILles Loueke, FErenc Nemeth and MAssimo Biolcati and all three have been friends since their days at the Monk Institute. Their collaborative work has resulted in the album, Gilfema+2.

Smooth and liquid, blending traditional and contemporary jazz, this album takes you on a journey through the type of music that symbolizes all that has made jazz great! Question of Perspectiveblends so many jazz old-school beats and styles that it really harkens to the more experimental era of jazz. Old and new work together to provide a sound that all can enjoy. Your Worldsounds like older African music with a jazz beat to it. Lionel Loueke adds his vocals to it and the sound of clarinets (played by Anat Cohen and John Ellis), so common in songs of yesteryear from the West African sector play a prominent role in the song.Festa is a fun song that a great beat and a hint of latin influence in it, almost bossa nova in style.

This album showcases the collective talent for three jazz heavyweights who have been so good that they have been asked to tour with Herbie Hancock. To learn more about the group, visit their myspace page or visit their website.