About the Speaker

Nicolas Meier

www.meiergroup.com

meiergroup@hotmail.com

In just a few short years, UK-based guitarist Nicolas Meier has carved a reputation out as one of the UK’s most original and uniquely talented guitarists. Drawing from a love of Turkish, Eastern and Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more -- all mixed with jazz -Meier is one of the rising stars in a vibrant British jazz scene. But, his versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond that ... so much so, that his considerable talents drew the attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, who has since made Nicolas a mainstay in The Jeff Beck Group, carrying him on two world tours during the course of the last several years.

Meier originally hails from Switzerland; born in 1973 to parents who are great lovers of the arts, with wide-ranging musical tastes extending to the Classical, Jazz, Latin, Flamenco, Rock and (even) Pop genres. A true gypsy spirit with a disciplined maestro's touch, Nicolas has embraced a number of different cultures and studied their music forms, nuances and idiosyncrasies.

Having made a lasting impression on gentlemen the likes of Jeff Beck, Bill Bruford and Steve Vai -- just to name a few! -- Nicolas Meier is unquestionably one of today's most well-rounded, ambitious, masterful up-and-coming talents on guitar. Steve Vai's Favored Nations Records released Nicolas' brilliant solo album, Infinity, featuring Jimmy Haslip, on bass and Vinnie Colaiuta.

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. His burning passion for both rock and jazz persists to this day.