This is an introduction for me of hearing the sounds of both
Pete Oxley and Nicolas Meier. This is their second album released on the MGP
record label that was co-founded by Nicolas himself and bassist Arran McSporran
six years ago. Both Pete and Nicolas started working together with the release
of Travels to the West back in 2012, which was their debut album recorded live.
Chasing Tales sees
the duo in a more layered, relaxing and laid-back sound that fits the atmosphere. It’s a mixture of Jazz, Smooth, Classical, and
Flamenco music that they have written on here of 11 compositions. And not to
mention a traditional Turkish theme that closes the album also (Uzun Ince Bir Yoldayim). With the two of
them together, it’s a combination between Al Di Meola, Robert Fripp, Ottmar
Liebert, Mason Williams, and Django Reinhardt all rolled up into one giant
smoothie that is healthy and spot on.
Bluster is a
walking rhythm beat between the chords and lead section in a bluesy touch that
gives both of them a chance to loosen up and have a great time. It almost
sounds like a Jazz standard, and it works very well to fit in the ensemble to
that arrangement for all instruments alongside Guitars. The Bridge which shows Pete playing the synths as he gives it a
cooling groove whilst Nicolas goes into the improvisations through the Glissentar.
The Glissentar is an 11-string fretless instrument and Meier
himself shows a lot of wonders on his solos through the rhythm. He also plays
it again on Riversides. On this
track, it has a combination the sounds of Greece and Egyptian folk music
featuring an ascending midsection that carries the essence of the sounds of
middle-eastern melodies.
The title track fades in as the duo really get into the
Latin groove for a dance to see the sun go up on the beach. Beautiful melodies
in between, it shows some spirit and harmonious wonders while The Followers, the opening track,
carries a mid-tempo rhythm as Pete starts with an Holdsworth and McLaughlin
clean electric guitar solo and the Nicolas comes in with the nylon solo in a
Steve Howe-esque adventure that you might want to take note of.
Chasing Tales is
very well structured and an intriguing album this year. Pete and Nicolas have
brought accomplishment here. And as I’ve mentioned earlier, it is my
introduction to the duo’s work. With my fifth listen to the album, I’m very
impressed of what they have done here to bring the elements together. A knockout for a beautiful exquisite sound.
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