Record Reviews

NICOLAS MEIER ~ MAGNIFICENT / LIVE / STORIES MGP 25 (Barcode: 5051078990521) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2020 - 2021 Released: 2021 This is an album by Swiss born, resident in UK guitarist / composer / bandleader Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist, which in fact is no less than a three albums package. The “MagnificentFind albums with this title” and “LiveFind albums with this title” albums feature Meier’s World GroupFind albums by this artist, which also includes violinist Richard JonesFind albums by this artist, bassist Kevin GlasgowFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Demi Garcia SabatFind albums by this artist. The live album was recorded during the tour supporting Meier’s previous album “PeacefulFind albums with this title”. All the compositions on these two albums are originals by Meier. The “StoriesFind albums with this title” album is a solo guitar outing, which includes five original compositions by Meier and the rest are his interpretations of music written by others. All the music on these three albums was recorded between February 2020 and June 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Meier’s incredibly prolific activity has no negative impact on the quality of his music, as these three albums demonstrate. The music is, not surprisingly, absolutely stunning from start to end. Meier is not only one of the best and most unique guitar players around (ask Jeff Beck who hired him), but perhaps more importantly an incredible composer, who is able to weave a completely natural amalgam of Jazz and World music, which is incorporating influences from European and Middle Eastern Cultures in a most inimitable way. But of course he also plays brilliantly, both on acoustic and electric guitars, in perfect harmony with his group or as a soloist. He is one of the most melodic guitarists, shunning needles guitar pyrotechnics but putting his soul into the strings entirely. Although the music is purely melodic, it is by far not trivial and exhibits complexity and sophistication to the attentive listener. Listening to this music is like taking a musical magic carpet ride around the Mediterranean, from Spain to France, Italy, the Balkans, Turkey, Middle East, North Africa and back. Just sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the wonderful trip. Overall, this is a superb 3CD set that offers incredibly beautiful music, which is heaven on earth for the Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts. Brilliant melodies and excellent playing from start to finish make this an irresistible package. Enjoy!

Updated: 26/09/2021Posted: 26/09/2021

CD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS MEIER ~ PEACEFUL MGP 022 (Barcode: 5051078970325) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is a wonderful album by Swiss born and resident in UK virtuoso guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist recorded with his World GroupFind albums by this artist quartet, which also includes violinist Richard JonesFind albums by this artist, bassist Kevin GlasgowFind albums by this artist and Spanish percussionist Demi Garcia SabatFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Meier. Playing only acoustic guitars, Meier concentrates this time on a beautifully serene, relaxed amalgam of acoustic World Music inspired themes, which encompass a kaleidoscopic vista of Gypsy, Samba, Middle Eastern, Spanish, Turkish and other Folkloristic elements, combined with Jazz inspired improvisation. Although these influences have always been present in his music over the years, this is probably the most "ethnic" album he recorded so far and certainly the most diverse musically. It is difficult to imagine that one person is able to compose such an assortment of music originating from distant, both geographically and musically sources. Nevertheless Meier manages to stand up to the challenge with ease and elegance and all these pieces sound as authentic as if they were composed by nine musicians originating from different corners of the world. Meier´s guitar playing is of course the focus of this music, and he never ceases to amaze with his virtuosic touch and incredible feel for the music he plays. The three musicians accompanying him on this album are truly ideal companions for the task. Jones adds to the melodic and harmonic richness of the overall sound, Glasgow sets the pulse of the music keeping the bottom range busy with a layer of sound upon which the music flows gently and finally Garcia is the key element as far as the diverse rhythmic requirements are concerned, handling the difficult odd time signatures with precision and confidence. Overall this is stunning trip round our musical world, which is performed by true Artists, who put their soul into the music. For people, who are not familiar with Meier´s music, this is an absolutely perfect introduction. For connoisseurs of Jazz-World Fusion this album is an unconditional must. Completely wholeheartedly recommended! Thank you my Friend for the gift of music!

Updated: 26/09/2021Posted: 09/08/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ASAF SIRKIS ~ SOLAR FLASH MOONJUNE 117 (Barcode: 692287911720) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2021 This is an album by Israeli drummer / composer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist recorded with a great trio including also British keyboardist (and a drummer himself) Maestro Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and bassist Kevin GlasgowFind albums by this artist. Polish vocalist Sylwia BialasFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks as does British guitarist Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Sirkis. I have had the pleasure of knowing Sirkis since his first steps as a musician and his first recordings were on my JazzisFind albums on this label label in the early 1990s and I enjoyed his success as one of the busiest drummers on the European Jazz scene over time. His impressive recorded legacy, both as a leader and sideman, recently mostly associated with the MoonJuneFind albums on this label label, is the best testimony of his great talent. The music on this album is probably his finest achievement as a composer so far. Most of the compositions are deeply lyrical and melancholic, resembling the music that characterizes Polish Jazz, and his examination of his Polish roots (that we both share) in the three-part “Polish Suite” present on this album, is definitely a deeply moving experience, with his wife’s vocalese emphasizing the East European influence. The instrumental performances are of course stellar, with Husband’s great sensitivity and Wingfield’s virtuosity combined into an irresistible flow of melodic magic. Sirkis keeps his drumming parts to a minimum, as highly appropriate for this deeply emotional music, which is a sign of his great taste and modesty. Overall, this is a monster album, full of great music and hair-raising performances by some of the best musicians around, which should keep all true music lovers around the globe perfectly happy. Although rooted in the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, it is so diverse and open-minded, that straightforward labeling does not apply to it at all. Hats off, my friend!

Updated: 16/09/2021Posted: 16/09/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend