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Please click this image for more info on this compilation
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Please click this image for more info on this compilation
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In just a few short years, UK-based and Swiss-born Nicolas Meier has carved out a reputation as one of Great Britain’s most original and highly-skilled guitarists. Drawing from a love of Turkish and Middle-Eastern music, as well as Flamenco and Tango stylings, mixed with jazz and other progressive music elements, Meier has developed his own unique sound with his regular group that features some of the top musicians in the United Kingdom: Gilad Atzmon, Asaf Sirkis, Lizzy Ball, Peter Oxley and has performed and recorded with the guitarist John Etheridge, saxophonist Tim Garland, pianist Thierry Lang (Blue Note), saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, violonist Christian Garrick and more.
The Guardian’s John Fordham described Meier as ”… elegant in tone and bubbling with ideas … his originality as a writer, a player and a team leader dispatches any doubts,” and described his debut album, “Orient” as “… a seductive balance of strong themes, inventive improvising and dynamic variety.”
I was first introduced to the music of Nicolas Meier on my 48th birthday in 2010, by my good friend, legendary drummer Bill Bruford. Bill and I share the same birthday (May 17), and for years we have exchanged virtual birthday wishes. In May of 2010, Bill sent me an e-mail requesting my phone number, explaining that he would like to talk to me directly concerning an amazing talent whose path he had crossed in London. Knowing that I handle his good friend and long-time music compatriot, the greatest guitarist that ever roamed this planet, Allan Holdworth, and knowing my taste for fine, unique guitarists who refuse to be confined by boundaries and traditions, he (Bill Bruford) wanted to put me in contact with Nicolas Meier. Bruford was very enthusiastic, telling me that Nicolas is ‘the next big thing’ in terms of guitar playing. I still remember Bill’s wise words:“Leonardo, listen to what I am telling you now: Nicolas will go very, very far — he is an absolutely unique talent.“
Shortly thereafter, I got in touch with Nicolas and we instantly struck up a friendly repoire. He requested my contact information and sent me all his albums. I was simply blown away! — especially after hearing one of my favorite saxophonists, Gilad Atzmon, on his albums. Coincidentally, right about that same time I was discovering a drummer who very quickly became one of my favorite new drummers (if not the favorite), Asaf Sirkis. (Asaf arrived in London from Israel about 15 years ago, at about the same time as Nicolas was relocating there from Switzerland. Their musical journeys intersected and the two hit it off — forging a rock-solid friendship and initiating what would prove to be a long musical collaboration.)
Last year, Nicolas wrote to me, sharing the news that at the London launch of his latest album, “From Istanbul To Ceuta,” the ultimate British guitar legend Jeff Beck had come to check him out. He (Nicolas) was understandly excited. The performance served as an audition of sorts, as several weeks later I received news that Nicolas Meier was joining the Jeff Beck Group — playing electric, acoustic and synth guitar (covering the keyboard parts) — and that the band would be co-headlining a huge US Tour with Brian Wilson (of The Beach Boys fame).
This provided Nicolas and myself the opportunity to finally meet in person, courtesy of the NYC show at the Beacon Theater, last October (2013). The meeting was both cordial and productive, as some groundwork was laid and I was able to assist Nicolas in getting his albums licensed in Japan. It is our tentative plan, and my great hope, that in the coming year (2015) we can collaborate on multiple fronts.
So, I am very pleased to introduce to you, my fellow MoonJunistas, the exquisite music of Nicolas Meier. This promotional compilation includes one of my favorite songs from each of his ten albums, plus an additional bonus track. I trust you will enjoy the music of this extraordinary guitarist and composer, and, assuming you do, please remember that you help support him by purchasing one or more of his albums at www.mgprecords.bandcamp.com (where you can order CDs and/or purchase immediate digital downloads).
You can also check Nicolas’ website: www.meiergroup.com
And check also his metal group Seven7 CLICK HERE
… enjoy the musical universe of the extraordinary Nicolas Meier!
www.mgprecords.bandcamp.com
www.meiergroup.com
www.mgprecords.com
www.seven7.name
Stay tuned for more news, as there are a lot of exciting things happening in the MoonJuniverse!! … and, if You can, please get out and see the Jeff Beck Group — featuring Nicolas Meier, Rhonda Smith on bass, Jonathan Joseph on drums and the singer Jimmy Hal — perform live, when they come to a town near you!
Thanks for your loyal support!,
Leonardo/MoonJune
HERE BELOW ARE DIRECT LINKS FOR EACH ALBUM FEATURED IN THE COMPILATION. PLEASE CLICK ON EACH CD COVER FOR MORE INFO AND PURCHASING OPTION. PLEASE SUPPORT THE TRULY INDEPENDENT MUSIC.
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Nicolas Meier “From Istanbul To Ceuta With A Smile” (2013)
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Nicolas Meier “Journey” (2010)
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Nicolas Meier Trio+ “Kismet” (2013)
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Nicolas Meier Trios “Breeze” (2010)
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Nicolas Meier “Yüz” (2009)
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Nicolas Meier “Orient” (2007)
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Nicolas Meier “Silence Talks” (2008)
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Peter Oxley & Nicolas Meier “Travels to the West” (2012)
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(Nicolas Meier) Modern Guitar Quartet (feat. John Etheridge) “Vivaldi: Four Seasons” (2004)
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Eclectica! (feat. Nicolas Meier) “Flight of Fancy” (2010)
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If You have chance please go to see Jeff Beck featuring Nicolas Meier
on the upcoming
JEFF BECK USA TOUR 2014
(DOUBLE BILL with ZZ TOP)
JEFF BECK guitar
NICOLAS MEIER guitar
RHONDA SMITH bass
JONATHAN JOSEPH drums
AUG 8, 2014 – OGREN PARK, MISSOULA, MT
AUG 9, 2014 – CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, WOODINVILLE, WA
AUG 10, 2014 – CUTHBERT AMPHITHEATRE, EUGENE, OR
AUG 12, 2014 – THE MOUNTAIN WINERY, SARATOGA, CA
AUG 13, 2014 – GREEK AMPHITHEATRE, LOS ANGELES, CA
AUG 15, 2014 – IRONSTONE AMPHITHEATRE, MURPHYS, CA
AUG 16, 2014 – THE JOINT, LAS VEGAS, NV
AUG 17, 2014 – AVA AMPHITHEATER, TUCSON, AZ
AUG 19, 2014 – SANDIA CASINO, ALBUQUERQUE, NM
AUG 20, 2014 – FIDDLERS GREEN AMPHITHEATRE, ENGLEWOOD, CO
AUG 22, 2014 – ZOO AMPHITHEATRE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
AUG 23, 2014 – STARLIGHT THEATER, KANSAS CITY, MO
AUG 24, 2014 – VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER, MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO
AUG 27, 2014 – DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE, CLARKSTON, MI
AUG 28, 2014 – RAVINIA FESTIVAL, HIGHLAND PARK, IL
AUG 29, 2014 – SENECA ALLEGANY CASINO & HOTEL, SALAMANCA, NY
AUG 30, 2014 – CEASARS CIRCUS MAXIMUS, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
AUG 31, 2014 – MGM GRAND AT FOXWOODS CASINO, MASHANTUCKET, CT
SEP 2, 2014 – BLUE HILLS BANK PAVILION, BOSTON, MA
SEP 3, 2014 – MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION, COLUMBIA,MD
SEP 4, 2014 – NIKON, JONES BEACH THEATER, WANTAGH, NY
SEP 6, 2014 – VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER, ALPHARETTA, GA,
SEP 7, 2014 – ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATER, ST AUGUSTINE, FL
SEP 9, 2014 – CRUZAN AMPHITHEATRE, WEST PALM BEACH, FL, USA
SEP 10, 2014 – MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE, TAMPA, FL
SEP 12, 2014 – THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION, SRING, TX
SEP 13, 2014 – WINSTAR CASINO, THACKERVILLE, OK
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Check two video clips featuring NICOLAS MEIER
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YouTube video clip of JEFF BECK GROUP featuring NICOLAS MEIER performing Nicolas’ tune “Yemin” (click on image to watch the video)
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NICOLAS MEIER GROUP with Lizzy Ball (violin), James Pearson (piano), Pat Bettison (bass & harmonica), Asaf Sirkis (drums), Demi Garcia (percussion).
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MoonJune Records SAMPLER
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