The third studio album by Gilfema, the aptly titled Three finds the expansive international trio led by West African guitarist and vocalist Lionel Loueke investigating a richly textured and harmonically engaging sound. Recorded in one epic 12-hour session, these are groove-oriented tracks rife with funky rhythms, nuanced solos, and global influences. Joining Loueke again are his longtime bandmates, Swiss-born bassist Massimo Biolcati (who also produced) and Hungarian drummer Ferenc Nemeth. Friends since they first met at Bostons Berklee College of Music in the late 90s, the trio also work together regularly in Louekes numerous solo projects. However, Gilfema stands uniquely as a democratic project in which each member brings his own songs to the table. Three is their first album in 12 years, and the wait definitely reflects the level of quality that they reserve for songs released under the Gilfema banner. You can hear how the tracks connect to Louekes solo work, but the album still stands distinctively on its own. The opening Teke is a spiraling fusion number that evokes a mix of 60s John Coltrane and 70s Mahavishnu Orchestra. Theres also a futuristic edge to the track, as Loueke inserts a call-and-response solo section that sounds like his guitar is having an intergalactic conversation with a groovy robot. Also bringing to mind a classic fusion aesthetic is Nemeths Afro-funk-leaning Happiness, which finds Louekes wah-wah riffs and repeated vocals dancing off Biolcatis kinetic bass line, all before a breathy vocal-and-synth melody descends from the cosmos. There are also several vibrant co-written pieces here, as on Loueke and Biolcatis sprightly Brio and their slow, gut-bucket blues song Algorithm Blues. No less engaging are the more languid and intimate moments like the ones you hear on Louekes beachy, West African-meets-Cuban song Fleuve Congo and the warm Le. Particularly compelling is the trios sparkling rendition of Jimi Hendrixs Little Wing, inventively rearranged by Biolcati in a wonderfully odd time signature that adds to the songs lilting, poignant beauty. ~ Matt Collar

Rovi