Despite the reality of the musical world today - there isn't one style that hasn't by this point been fused with another - the idea of mixing indigenous West African music with modern jazz is sort of hard to imagine.

Fortunately, Benin's Lionel Loueke, a guitarist/singer/composer of delightful vision, provides a stunning example of what happens when the two forms collide. A veteran of Herbie Hancock's band as well as a fond expert of the rhythms and intricacies of his homeland, Loueke is creating astonishing work.

Tonight, Loueke brings his Trio - with Swedish-born bassist Massimo Biolcati and Hungarian drummer Ferenc Nemeth (further throwing international flavors into the marinade) - to the Oasis Room in New London's Garde Arts Center. A listen to the new album, "Heritage," confirms that this is one brilliant and creative outfit.

- RICK KOSTER

Lionel Loueke Trio, 7:30 tonight, Oasis Room, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $43; (860) 444-7373, gardearts.org.