Pete Oxley & Nicolas Meier – The Alluring Ascent (MGP Records, 2019)
Pete Oxley and Nicolas Meier continue their guitar collaboration with The Alluring Ascent, an album that presents an outstanding set of musical pieces. The two European guitarists mix jazz sensibilities with contemporary influences and Middle Eastern sounds. The sequencing of the album features upbeat tracks followed by laid back, melancholic works.
The interaction of the two guitarists is delightful and varied, showcasing virtuosity and melodic creativity. The two guitarists use a fascinating mix of guitars, ranging from acoustic 12-string and nylon guitars to electric 12-string guitars and the captivating sitar guitar, which is one of the highlights of the album.
The two guitarists are joined by a solid rhythm section that takes the music to a higher level. The lineup includes Pete Oxley on sitar-guitar, jazz guitar, nylon acoustic, steel, slide and electric guitars; Nicolas Meier on acoustic 12-string guitar, nylon guitar, glissentar, steel guitar; Raph Mizraki on acoustic and electric basses, darbuka; Paul Cavaciuti on drums; and Keith Fairbairn on percussion.