Nicolas Meier - From Istanbul to Ceuta with a Smile (2013) [Hi-Res]

Nicolas Meier is one of the most original guitarists performing in the UK today having developed his own unique sound that fuses elements of world music with jazz rhythms and improvisation. From Istanbul to Ceuta with a Smile is the follow up to Meier s 2010 album Journey with music that evokes different landscapes and represents Meier s journey through life. Most of the album was written in 2011 whilst Meier was travelling through Turkey and Spain with his wife and muse Songül. Meier s regular visits to Istanbul are reflected in From Istanbul where he performed with Turkish musicians and flamenco melodies and rhythms dominate his music in To Ceuta . Memories is a particularly touching piece written as a tribute to Meier s cousin who passed away last year and features the daunting yet beautiful sound of Gilad Atzmon s clarinet. Meier had the opportunity to play some music by Piazzola that inspired the Argentine tango in The Gate and With A Smile introduces the cello and violin showing that Meier is equally adept at arranging strings. Meier plays acoustic nylon and steel guitar as well as glissentar and baglama on this album and is joined by Gilad Atzmon soprano saxophone and clarinet; Pat Bettison bass and harmonica; Bernard Gregor Smith cello, Demi Garcia percussion; James Pearson piano; Asaf Sirkis drums and Lizzie Bell violin.

Tracklist:
01. Nicolas Meier - Opening (2:41)
02. Nicolas Meier - From Istanbul (9:29)
03. Nicolas Meier - With a Smile (7:38)
04. Nicolas Meier - To Ceuta (9:23)
05. Nicolas Meier - Memories (7:02)
06. Nicolas Meier - The Gate (6:36)
07. Nicolas Meier - The Wind (4:58)
08. Nicolas Meier - Lightness (7:51)