Leni Stern - Jelell (2013)

Jellel is Leni Stern's 20th full-length album release, which is a triumph and a celebration. The featured trio bridges her jazz prowess with the heart of its source in Africa, delving more deeply into the roots of rhythm with a featured sabar percussion band of Senegalese griots. Jellel is emotionally connected and hopeful, upbeat in its messages and emphasizing the strength of the human spirit. The Washington Post describes Stern as 'creating music that radiates a haunting power and beauty.'

Review:
Stern effectively allies her throaty vocals and thoughtful six-string playing with the hypnotic rhythms, percussive textures, and singsong choruses of West African music. The kaleidoscopic flickering of multiple-stringed instruments makes an entirely
natural sonic backdrop for the leader. --Jazziz Magazine

Stern twists her fluid guitar runs with strains of the banjo-like instrument n'goni to weave a gently intoxicating spell as she
sings in several languages. --LA Weekly

Stern never fails to fascinate, and is often mesmerizing. --Chicago Examiner