Nicolas Meier World Group - Peaceful (2019)

This is a wonderful album by Swiss born and resident in UK virtuoso guitarist / composer Nicolas Meier recorded with his World Group quartet, which also includes violinist Richard Jones, bassist Kevin Glasgow and Spanish percussionist Demi Garcia. 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.