Hugo Lippi - Olha Maria (2026)

Hugo Lippi's second album for For Musicians Only and Caramba Records, Olha Maria is a vibrant tribute to jazz guitar and the sound of the 1960s and 70s, inspired by Creed Taylor's legendary CTI label. Born in Portsmouth and raised in Le Havre, Lippi draws on his family memories and a sincere love of analog sound to fuel his music. Recorded at the legendary CBE studio in Paris, home of “Baron” Bernard Estardy, the album captures the warmth and authenticity of a bygone era.A refined guitarist, heir to Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall, winner of the Django Reinhardt Prize, Lippi plays with artisanal sincerity, without artifice.Accompanied by Gael Rakotondrabe (piano), Laurent Vernerey (double bass) and Denis Benarrosh (drums), he revisits classics such as Babooshka by Kate Bush, Little Sunflower by Freddie Hubbard and L'Hymne à l'Amour with Stéphane Belmondo, and delivers two original compositions: Alley Cats and Spolète.Under the artistic direction of Manou Pallueau, Olha Maria elegantly explores jazz, folk, classical, and Brazilian music. Guided by taste rather than virtuosity, this album is a sensory and timeless journey, a testament to a rare musician who plays “the truth of the finger on the string.”

Hugo Lippi - Guitar
Gael Rakotondrabe - Piano
Stephane Belmondo - Trumpet
Laurent Vernerey - Bass
Denis Benarrosh - Drums