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

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