“…the array of changing sounds, moods and textures they create is gorgeous, fascinating and apparently endless. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that this is something exclusively for guitar buffs, or even jazz buffs. If you love music of any kind you’ll probably fall for this.” Observer

An extra special Chandos Arms Jazz tonight as we welcome back two virtuoso guitarists to Colindale. Pete and Nick have been recording and touring together for a few years now, with a set of their own compositions which cover a vast range.

When playing live, they aim to recreate their broad palette of sounds, bringing at least ten differing guitars with them (nylon 7-string, steel string, fretless, 11-string fretless, sitar-guitar, 12 string, etc.). Having clocked up hundreds of concerts together throughout the UK and Europe over the last five years, they perform with an almost uncanny empathy in their interplay. Expect the unexpected: lush and scintillating soundscapes ranging from Turkey to Brazil.

Pete Oxley: Pete began his musical career in Paris in the mid ‘80s before relocating to the UK in 1997. Shortly afterwards he opened The Spin jazz club in Oxford which in 2012 won the Parliamentary jazz award as ‘The Best Jazz Venue In The UK’. He regularly performs with some of the world’s leading jazz artists including Chris Garrick, Gilad Atzmon, Tim Whitehead, Dave O’Higgins, Bobby Wellins, John Etheridge and his own band Curious Paradise. He has now released 14 critically acclaimed CDs featuring his original compositions.

Nicolas Meier: With his unique style that is a blend of Metheny-esque jazz and Turkish inspired world music, Nick has toured extensively around the world with his band the Meier Group, sharing the bill with some of the biggest names in jazz including Bill Evans and Brad Mehldau, Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Coliauta. This wonderful band (featuring sax maestro Gilad Atzmon) won the overall prize for ‘best band’ at the Juan-les-Pins jazz festival! Nick has also toured extensively with guitar supremo Jeff Beck.

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.

During the course of his six-string baptism and global sojourns, 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."

“**** A fascinating fusion opulent with evocative splendour”

“These are two masterly guitarists…If you love music of any kind you’ll probably fall for this.” Observer

“Exemplary” John Etheridge

“[The Colours of Time] is a wonderful example of the high level of music that can be made by combining two great guitarists/composers/improvisers such as Pete and Nicolas. They have put together a feast of virtuosity, delivered with depth, wit and joy.” Ralph Towner

“when it comes to empathy this duet of guitar virtuosi comes close to perfection" Guardian; "A fascinating fusion opulent with evocative splendour" MOJO,  ★★★★; "Oxley and Meier, two outstanding players...a worthy addition to the guitar duo Hall of Fame.” Bebop Spoken Here  

with Raph Mizraki: bass • Rick Finlay: drums

£10 | unwaged: pay what you like on the night

“An awesome jazz musician, composing dazzling melodies with extraordinary harmonies, and playing with exceptional swing, demonstrating a brilliant virtuoso technique. His world-class playing has the reach and breadth of continual inventiveness and sensitivity.” Jazz Direct

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David is an award-winning composer, a harpsichordist for the highest-level baroque orchestras, a world-touring tango-ist (?!) and one of the most creative contemporary jazz pianists you are ever likely to hear!

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David writes: “I started piano lessons at age 4, composing at 6, and discovered jazz for myself at the keyboard one day at 10. The house where I grew up was always full of baroque music, and contained a harpsichord. Jazz and baroque music have remained equally irresistible forces on me ever since.

While a mathematics student in Bristol in the mid to late 80s, I was fortunate enough to play with all the great musicians around, including Keith Tippett, Andy Sheppard and Jerry Underwood. If I hadn’t been a part of this thriving jazz scene, I would undoubtedly be a maths teacher in some school now.

Dance then saved my life. Playing for classes at various London dance schools taught me self-sufficiency as an improviser, really challenging my power to create – and the nature of suffering. And playing for rehearsals and performances – some of them including the really great ballet dancers – raised my game no end.”

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with Jeremy Shoham: sax • Rick Finlay: drums • bass tbc

£10 | unwaged: pay what you like on the night