Nicolas Meier World Group
"Since John McLaughlin melted frets with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, we have become used to frenetic guitar-led groups. None, however, quite mixes styles and sounds like that of Nicolas Meier, a Swiss player as happy in Flamenco and Arab melodies as he is in Western jazz," wrote John Bungey of The Times.
In a few short years, Nicolas Meier has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most original and uniquely talented guitarists. Drawing from a love of Turkish, Eastern & Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more - all mixed with jazz - he’s one of the rising stars in a vibrant British jazz scene.
However, Nicolas' versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond that, as his considerable talents grabbed the attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, hiring him as a member of his group, which has seen him complete two world tours.
During the course of his six-string baptism and global sojourns, Nicolas has been the recipient of numerous awards. A truly dedicated student of the instrument, he has pursued advanced studies at Switzerland's prestigious Conservatoire de Fribourg, and subsequently earned a scholarship to Boston's illustrious Berklee College of Music.
Nicolas' sound is rooted in his love of playing jazz on acoustic guitar, especially his Godin nylon-string. It’s a sound that lends itself especially well to Flamenco and Middle Eastern music, also - conveniently - as these influences, and more, are brilliantly fused in his unique multilingual style.
Since his emergence on the UK jazz scene, violinist Richard Jones has been in demand as both a performer and studio musician, working with artists such as Gabrielle Ducomble, Christine Tobin and Robert Mitchell, while bassist Kevin Glasgow has performed with Tommy Smith, Tim Garland and Clark Tracey, among others.
Barcelona-born percussionist Demi Garcia has worked with a plethora of Flamenco artists, plus bassist Alec Dankworth's Spanish Accents and cellist Shirley Smart. He also teaches Cajon and Flamenco rhythms at Escuela Flamenco Londres (Flamenco Dance School London).
Nicolas Meier (Guitar and glissentar), Richard Jones (Violin), Kevin Glasgow (Electric Bass), Demi Garcia (Percussion).
"Meier is not only one of the jazz world's most exciting guitarists, he's also one of its more prolific recording artists. - Bruce Lindsey, All About Jazz, on Kismet.
"Surprise your friends with this beautiful melodic masterpiece. One of the best albums of 2016!!" - keysandchords.com on Infinity.
". . . the opening take on Coltrane’s Giant Steps, complete with Flamenco-esque handclaps, is a real statement of the quality throughout the whole album." - Jazz UK on Kismet.
www.meiergroup.com
View footage on youtube
Tickets £14 / £12 Concessions. Students £6.
Jazz Express Offer: Book for any three events and get tickets for just £10 each!
Doors open 7pm, starts 7.30pm.
