Nicolas Meier – Infinity (Favored Nations, 2016)
In terms of jazz-rock fusion, this is one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. Swiss-born guitar maestro Nicolas Meier delivers a fabulous set of instrumental pieces filled with memorable guitar work and outstanding interplay with bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta.
What catches your attention quickly is the versatility of Meier. He uses a wide range of guitars and also the Turkish blaglama. With his arsenal or acoustic and electric axes, Meier treats the listener to state of the art fusion where jazz and rock meet Turkish, Egyptian, Balkan and Spanish musical influences.
I usually highlight the best pieces on an album. In this case, the choice is very difficult because all of Meiers compositions are equally good. Meier and his colleagues make flawless transitions throughout the album, combining high energy fusion with delightful laid back sections.
Jimmy Haslip gets plenty of opportunities to deliver his remarkable electric bass solos. And Vinnie Colaluta is a master of creative drumming, which he practices throughout the album. In addition to the core bass and drums, Meier also invited three violinists, Richard Jones, Sally Jo and Lizzie Ball and a fellow guitarist, Gregor Bale, to the album sessions.
Infinity showcases the talent and open mind of one of the finest jazz-rock guitarists in the current scene.
Buy Infinity in the Americas
Buy Infinity in Europe