Nic Meier playing with Roger Odell, Simon Brown and Bernie Hodgkins with vocals from Larraine Odell at Jazz-Nights, The Bell, Clare on Sunday 20th October 2019

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

Nicolas Meier

Meier originally hails from Switzerland; born in 1973, to parents who are great lovers of the arts. Never short on ambition, Meier founded his own record label, MGP Records, in 2009. To date, he’s produced twelve albums: as a solo artist; in various group formats (The Nicolas Meier Group; Nicolas Meier Trio; Eclectica!; Nicolas Meier World Group); with his heavy metal band, Seven7, and; in a duo format, with long-time partner, fellow guitarist and collaborator, the fabulous UK master, Pete Oxley. (Their 2015 release, “Chasing Tales,” was a masterful, benchmark album, in the dual-guitar format.)

Nicolas Meier

2017 was a breakthrough year: one in which Steve Vai’s Favored Nations Records released Nicolas’ brilliant solo album, “Infinity.” The album was recorded in LA and performed in a trio format — featuring fellow virtuosic veterans, Jimmy Haslip, on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. Most recently, Nicolas has completed and released two new albums on MGP (Meier Group Productions): the already-well-received album new duo album with Pete Oxley, “The Alluring Ascent,” and; (as of this writing) the just-released Nicolas Meier World Group’s pristine effort, “Peaceful.” Meier will support the new release with a 30-date UK tour; with European dates, early next year, followed by more US dates in the fall (of 2020).

Simon Brown, Nic Meier, Bernie Hodgkins and Roger Odell

Having made a lasting impression on gentlemen the likes of the great Bill Bruford, (the aforementioned) Jeff Beck and Steve Vai, Nicolas Meier is unquestionably one of today’s most well-rounded, ambitious and masterful up-and-coming talents on guitar. Stay tuned … this is one star that is still on the rise!

Nic Meier was playing with the Jazznights Trio who were:

Roger Odell
Simon Brown
Bernie Hodgkins
Larraine Odell
Bernie Hodgkins, Larraine Odell and Roger Odell

Following the raffle of three jazz CDs we had the sitting in spot where local musicians can play with the Trio. Tonight we had Geoff Harriman playing his harmonica and our MC Gareth Williams-James paying with Nic Meier

Geoff Harriman
Gareth Williams-James playing with Nic Meier
Nic Meier, Bernie Hodgkins and Roger Odell

Sunday 3rd November 2019 – DEBBY BRACKNELL (voc) will be at Jazznights

Debby has many years of experience as a professional singer in both live settings and in the studio. She started her vocal training at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford receiving the high accolade of most outstanding vocalist of the year. She has worked as backing vocalist for Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Shakatak & Mica Paris.

THE BEST IN BRITISH MODERN JAZZ is at Jazznights, Admission £10. Doors open 7.00 pm. Music 7.30 – 10.00 pm.

Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or email info@jazz-nights.com

Pay on the night.

You can join us at facebook, read reviews of previous performances on more opinions blog or tweet at twitter.com/jazznightsuk

The Jazznights blog and pictures is now at  https://moreopinions.wordpress.com

Pictures from past gigs can also be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/dancerd/
and at google photos Here

Estelle Kokot at Jazznights at The Bell Hotel, Clare on Sunday 6th October 2019 with Roger Odell, Simon Brown, Bernie Hodgkins and Hannah Horton with additional vocals from Larraine Odell

Estelle performed at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival in 2015, with Chicago born saxophonist Chico Freeman and launched an album they recently recorded in Cape Town called The Sound of You. It featured South African jazz greats, Herbie Tsoaeli on bass and Kevin Gibson on drums.

While touring South Africa during the past five years, Estelle has appeared at The Orbit in Johannesburg 6 times, The State Theatre African Jazz & Music Nights, Arts Alive Festival in Johannesburg, The Crypt in Cape Town, UKZN in Kwazulu Natal, PE Opera House and the music college at Fort Hare University amongst others.

Estelle Kokot


Estelle performed with UK cellist Kate Shortt at the London Jazz Festival in November 2016 and they presented their show at The Pheasantry and The Vortex. She is back at The Vortex Jazz Club on the 30th of December 2017 showcasing new material with her trio and will be featuring contemporary classical composer and climate change activist Lola Perrin’s piano pieces.

“If you want to hear a genuine innovator with a creative twist on Jazz vocals include Estelle Kokot” London Jazz Festival

Estelle Kokot

Estelle recorded 2 singles when she was 18 with guitar legend Johnny Fourie and piano maestro Lionel Pillay. Her stage debut in 1987 with jazz super group Phambili at Kippies in Joburg caused a sensation. She went on to guest with South African World Music Stars Bayete, also appearing with SA Jazz greats Barney Rachabane and Mike Makhalemele.  “South Africa, here is a real jazz singer” Don Albert, South Africa

1988 saw Estelle Kokot joining jazz fusion band Rush Hour and their album ‘The Perfect Way’ went on to top the charts. The band embarked on a successful tour of the club, festival and concert circuit in South Africa.

“Nothing short of stunning” Bongani Hlatshwayo

Simon Brown, Bernie Hodgkins and Roger Odell (hidden)

In 1990 Estelle went solo. She has sung at 5 Big band Jazz Galas at Pretoria’s State Theatre and presented her solo shows at the Windybrow and Grahamstown Arts Festivals.

Estelle moved to London at the end of 1993 and soon established herself on the live scene, performing at Pizza Express and The Vortex Jazz Clubs, Cambridge Modern Jazz Cub and Band on the Wall in Manchester.

She has performed at the Cork, London and Soho Jazz festivals, as well as the Dusseldorf Jazz Rally and clubs and theatres in Switzerland and Germany.

Estelle sang with the Jazznights Trio who were:

Roger Odell
Simon Brown
Bernie Hodgkins

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Hannah Horton
Larraine Odell
Estelle Kokot, Bernie Hodgkins, Roger Odell and Hannah Horton
Bernie Hodgkins, Larraine Odell and Roger Odell

Sunday 20th October 2019 – NIC MEIER (gtr) will be at Jazznights

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 & Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more — all mixed with jazz — Meier is one of the rising stars in a vibrant British jazz scene.

THE BEST IN BRITISH MODERN JAZZ is at Jazznights, Admission £10. Doors open 7.00 pm. Music 7.30 – 10.00 pm.

Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or email info@jazz-nights.com

Pay on the night.

You can join us at facebook, read reviews of previous performances on more opinions blog or tweet at twitter.com/jazznightsuk

The Jazznights blog and pictures is now at  https://moreopinions.wordpress.com

Pictures from past gigs can also be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/dancerd/
and at google photos Here