Record Reviews

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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