Record Reviews

NICOLAS MEIER ~ INFINITY FAVORED NATIONS 2870 (Barcode: 6908972870161) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is a brilliant album by Swiss (resident in UK) guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist, one of the fastest rising stars of the guitar world in the last few years. The album was recorded with a superstar American rhythm section comprising of bassist Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. In addition three guest violin players (Richard JonesFind albums by this artist, Sally JoFind albums by this artist and Lizzie BallFind albums by this artist) play on eight tracks of the album and guest guitarist Gregor CarleFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Meier. Contrary to the expectations one might have from examining the lineup, the music has very little to do with classic Jazz-Rock Fusion and is in fact mostly World Music oriented, exposing both Meier´s ethnic (Turkish and Romanian) roots and his deep interest in Middle Eastern, Gypsy and other musical folklores. The beautifully melodic compositions, deeply rooted in the eastern mysticism and heavily spiced with Oriental tonality, are all delightful from start to finish. The addition of the violin on most of the tunes also adds another ethnic layer to the music. Meier plays mostly acoustic guitars (and guitar-like glissentar and baglama), which dominates the sound of the album, which is soft, elegant, precise and gentle. Haslip and Colaiuta do a remarkable job on this album, limiting their usual powerful Fusion sound to suit this delicate music, driving it powerfully but staying in the background in order not to overshadow it. These veteran Masters fully justify here their reputation as some of the best players on earth. Haslip plays several wonderfully structured and brilliantly executed bass solos, which fit the overall atmosphere of this album perfectly. Meier proves again not only his abilities as an instrumentalist and composer, but most importantly his open-minded approach to music and the effort to explore and discover new areas and create new cross-genre and cross-culture amalgams. The resulting work is moving and exciting and should be able to delight all true music connoisseurs, especially those who love the combination of Jazz improvisations and exotic World Music themes. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

Updated: 15/11/2016Posted: 15/11/2016

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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

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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

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PETE OXLEY / NICOLAS MEIER ~ CHASING TALES MGP 016 (Barcode: 5051078939728) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the second album by the guitar duo which pairs veteran players / composers British Peter OxleyFind albums by this artist and Swiss (resident in UK) Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist, forging an intimate musical unit which is an oasis of sanity in today´s bare music desert. The combined biographies of these two Gentlemen and their collected prolific recording legacies speak for themselves, and are of course highly recommended for further exploration. The album presents twelve compositions, eleven of which are originals by Oxley and Meier and one if a Turkish song. The music spans a diverse collection of moods and styles, which paints a cohesive emotional image of melodic serenity and gentle flow, which involves virtuosic instrumental delivery, yet concentrates on the music rather than on technical proficiency. Acoustic and electric guitars are used interchangeably, and of course plenty of improvisation is present, but this is not a Jazz album per se, but rather contemporary cross-genre instrumental music spiced by Jazzy phrasing and delivery. Music connoisseurs will obviously enjoy the finesse of the arrangements and the intimate conversation between the two players, who manage to sound as if a much larger group of musicians is involved, but on the other hand the listener is able to hear every touch of every string. The modest approach of "less is more" is the leading scheme present throughout this album, which is rather rare as far as guitar oriented albums are concerned. Overall this is a gem of an album, which provides the listener with an opportunity to sit back and relax, enjoy the beauty of the sounds and absorb it straight into the soul.

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PETE OXLEY / NICOLAS MEIER ~ THE ALLURING ASCENT MGP 021 (Barcode: 5051078966120) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2018 - 2019 Released: 2019 This is the fourth album by the wonderful guitar duo comprising of British guitarist / composer Pete OxleyFind albums by this artist and Swiss (resident in UK) guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist. On this album they are supported by bassist Raph MizrakiFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul CavaciutiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Keith FairbairnFind albums by this artist, who plays on five of the ten tracks on the album, all of which are originals composed by Oxley and Meier, each contributing five compositions. The music is the usual exquisite Jazz-World Fusion, beautifully melodic and lyrical, with exotic rhythm patterns and diverse moods. The tunes are then developed into a continuous flow of guitar solos and interplays by the two leaders, who seem to have an infinite imagination as far as guitar licks are concerned. The three supporting musicians contribute a splendid accompaniment with Mizraki delivering some hair-raising parts and Cavaciuti driving the music forward with a steady and tasty pulsation. The entire album, from start to finish, is a wonderful display of superb musicianship and musical joy, delivered with virtuosity and obvious dedication by the musicians involved. It is a blissful listening experience and seems to be over in a blink of an eye, delivered with elegance, panache and typical European grace. This album is basically accessible to every music lover, completely free of any genre / style limitations, as the honesty and communicativeness of this music is completely universal. Well done again, my friends, hats off!

Updated: 13/04/2019Posted: 13/04/2019

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PETE OXLEY / NICOLAS MEIER ~ THE COLOURS OF TIME MGP 019 (Barcode: 5051078952628) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the third album by the superb guitar duo consisting of British guitarist / composer Pete OxleyFind albums by this artist and Swiss (resident in UK) guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist. This album presents an ambitious double CD release, with the first CD dedicated to the duo performances by the two guitarists, whereas the second CD presents them in a quartet setting with the addition of bassist Raph MizrakiFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul CavaciutiFind albums by this artist. Altogether the two CDs present eighteen original compositions by Oxley and Meier. The music presents a wonderful kaleidoscope of deeply melodic tunes, which flow gently, elegantly and touchingly one after another, mesmerizing the listener with their highly aesthetic beauty. But the music is also breathtakingly performed by these two virtuosi, producing a feast of sounds that simply takes no prisoners. Following in the steps of their previous album "Chasing TalesFind albums with this title", this album takes one more step towards perfection. Oxley and Meier sound as if they were one person and it is very hard to actually realize that the music is performed by two separate musicians. The finesse of their conversations and the telepathic communication is beyond perception. The music ventures again into World Music explorations, gliding over the Middle East and reaching the far shores of India. It is a great example of "music without borders", which is able to eradicate cultural and geographical boundaries, proving that music is indeed one. The technical proficiency and the diversity of sounds produced by these two players are phenomenal. The quartet recording is very much in the same frame of mind, with the rhythm section playing rather delicately and unobtrusively, expanding the sound to an ensemble environment, but still emphasizing the serene, relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The feel is much more Jazzy, but cleverly eschews entering any Fusion excursions. The quartet CD compliments the duo recording perfectly, showing somewhat different aural environment but following the same principle of mutual respect and combining forces to achieve an effect greater than the sum of its ingredients. Overall this album is a masterpiece, not only due to the superb guitar performances and the beauty of the music, but also because it is completely different from anything else currently available on the music market. This album is a must not only to guitar connoisseurs, but also a fabulous lighthouse to other guitar players, which clearly points out that "less is more". I can´t imagine any music-loving person on earth not falling in love with this music instantly!

Updated: 16/07/2017Posted: 16/07/2017

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PETE OXLEY / NICOLAS MEIER ~ TRAVELS TO THE WEST MGP 008 (Barcode: 5060237700123) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the debut album by the fabulous guitar duo comprising of British guitarist / composer Pete OxleyFind albums by this artist and Swiss (resident in UK) guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded live during the duo´s 2011 tour, presents ten compositions, three originals each by Oxley and Meier, two pieces by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and one each by Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist and Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist. In spite of the technical problems involved with recording this delicate music live, the resulting album has a wonderful sound quality. Readers interested in more detailed analysis of the music by Oxley and Meier and cordially invited to read my reviews of their albums: "Chasing TalesFind albums with this title" and "The Colours Of TimeFind albums with this title". Suffice to say that the duo presents the ultimate experience in virtuosity, elegance, good taste and human teamwork of the highest caliber and this album is every bit as good as those that followed. Presenting a wide rage of stylistic influences, the duo already at this early stage of their work together displayed superb intelligence and sensitivity. Mixing Jazz with World Music influences they created their own individual sound, by using a plethora of different guitars, each with its unique sound idiosyncrasies. As a result they managed to amalgamate a highly effective approach to the listener, making their music simply irresistible. If you don´t have any of their albums, this one is a great place to start, and if you do have others, but not this one, grab it as soon as possible, since your record collection is not complete without it!

Updated: 30/09/2017Posted: 30/09/2017

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