A fantastic evening to the close this year’s Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival, with the official album launch of “Elysian Drift” from the Nicolas Meier World Group.
"Nicolas Meier is one of the most brilliant, original guitarists on the planet".
Nicolas Meier is one of those musicians who has deep-dived into many genres of music, resulting in a unique approach to the guitar that encompasses a mastery of jazz, Turkish idioms and metal! (He has also studied classical and flamenco, so this is all to be found in the sonic melting pot too!). Of the Turkish idioms, he has comprehensively absorbed the sounds, making use of the quarter-tone scales to outstanding effect on his fretless guitar and Glissantar (the 11-string, fretless guitar based on the Oud [Arabic lute]).
Meier’s compositions and playing came to the attention of the great Jeff Beck, resulting in Jeff inviting Nick to become a mainstay part in his band – which led on to 3 world tours of major venues. Nick has also recorded with bassist Jimmy Haslip (stalwart of The Yellowjackets) and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa…erm, everyone!).
For this very special gig at Guildford Jazz, Nick brings his full ‘World Group’ sextet which features the phenomenal Randolph Matthews on vocals, the extraordinary violinist Richard Jones, virtuosic percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat, the wildly inventive pianist, Alex Hutton and Paul Michael on electric bass.
Nick has performed many times at Guildford Jazz over the years, and we are delighted to be hosting the luanch of the band’s latest album as the closing event of the 2026 Jazz and Soul Festival!
Click the links below for more information and to book tickets
EVENT INFO
The performance is in the function room of The Stoke, 103 Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 4JN
The function room has it’s own entrance, behind the pub, and it’s own toilets and private bar.
There is a small car park outside the pub but we would recommend parking at the Guildford College student car park, Stoke Road GU1 1EZ (located off the Recreation road roundabout). Parking is free after 6pm and is a couple of minutes walk from The Stoke .
Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive.
Doors open from 7.15pm, and the performance starts at 8pm. There will be an interval and there is a licensed bar.
Seating is unreserved cabaret style. - please select your sets when you arrive.
Food is available, order in the main pub with your table number when you order and they’ll deliver it to your table.
If you have any questions please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjazz.org.uk
About the Venue
A jazz club in a pub with an emphasis on bluesy, soulful jazz
The rear function room of this traditional town pub in Guildford hosts our jazz nights for occasional performances through the year. Seating is unreserved cabaret style and there’s a bar in the club, with food available from the main pub menu delivered with table service. Musicians are all leading UK jazz artists with an emphasis on bluesy and contemporary, accessible jazz. Expect something a little different!
TICKETS
Full Price £20* /Guildford Jazz Members £18
Students £7* / Student Members £5
*Ticket price includes £2 temporary membership of the club for this event
WHO'S PLAYING?
Nicolas Meier (guitars)
Randolph Matthews (vocals)
Alex Hutton (piano)
Richard Jones (violin)
Demi Garcia Sabat (percussion)
Paul Michael (bass)
DIRECTIONS
The performance is i the function room of The Stoke, 103 Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 4JN
There is a small car park outside the pub but we would recommend parking at the Guildford College student car park, Stoke Road GU1 1EZ (located off the Recreation road roundabout). Parking is free after 6pm and is a couple of minutes walk from The Stoke ..
SEATING
Seating is unreserved cabaret style,