This track exemplifies Meier’s carefully-crafted writing, where the solos emerge naturally from the rich soft focus background, with its sweet harmonies. The ensemble playing is excellent: Bernard Gregor-Smith (cello) was a founder member of the Lindsay Quartet, and Lizzie Ball is leader of Nigel Kennedy’s Orchestra. Various instruments double on different parts of the haunting melody. When Pat Bettison plays harmonica in unison with Meier, it sounds uncannily and wonderfully like some of Pat Metheny’s guitar synth sounds- another of Meier’s cited influences.
One of Meier’s early teachers got him to transcribe rock as well as jazz solos, and Meier also leads a Heavy Metal band- he’s written books on both styles. To Ceuta brings us back to Turkey and Spain with just a hint of Metal in the rocky urgency of the themes as well as Flamenco in the handclaps. Then the violin softens everything before Pearson’s piano solo, where he plays guitar-like trills before gliding up the keyboard in expressive Lyle Mays style.
Part II: The Gate of Memories feels like the emotional heart of the album: Memories (in the memory of Peter) is a graceful elegy for Meier’s cousin. Garcia plays some ethereal hand drums and bells. Atzmon’s clarinet sounds like a kaval in its breathy flickering- it’s very beautiful. The track dissolves into The Gate, influenced by Meier’s love of Piazzolla. Garcia is known for his Flamenco as well his jazz percussion, and here his cajón melds with Asaf Sirkis’ sensitive Latin drumming and the luscious pizzicato strings. Lizzie Ball’s sinuous violin solo calls to mind L. Shankar with Shakti.
The Wind opens Part III: The Lightness of the Wind. The changing time signatures are like gusts, as Meier’s solo flutters like kites in the breeze; everything’s swept along by Sirkis’ powerful drumming. Bettison’s electric bass solo has a Pastorius-like joyfulness. The notes eddy away as the Lightness begins. Sirkis holds everything in check, like a horse waiting for the race, before his explosive drum solo.
The musicians are virtuosic as individuals and together they’re superb. Meier blends a heady mixture of cultures and styles, and I’m still finding new things to listen to in this recording.
