Notes from the living room

Notes from the Living Room reflects the distinctive musical world of Meraki Duo, whose repertoire moves freely between classical, folk, jazz and global traditions. Bringing together music from Jamaica, Trinidad, Japan, Macedonia, France, Britain and the USA, flautist Meera Maharaj and guitarist James Girling have built a programme shaped by curiosity, connection and a shared belief in music's power to communicate across boundaries.

At its heart is the intimate partnership of flute and guitar, an instrumental combination whose warmth and versatility invite conversation. Alongside works written for the duo's forces are imaginative new arrangements by Girling, expanding the repertoire and revealing fresh colours in music by William Grant Still, Olivier Messiaen and Dominique Le Gendre. The rich sonority of the alto flute adds an additional layer of colour and depth, while in Eleanor Alberga's exuberant Animal Banter the duo are joined by double bassist Roberto Carrillo García. From beginning to end, this captivating recording renews our sense of chamber music as direct, immediate communication between players and listeners - shared from one living room to another.