Nicolas Meier
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.