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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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