“Music always finds the path to create peace in the world.”

Such were the words of the Nicaraguan guitarist, Omar Rios Melendez when I interviewed him about his new duo album with the British pianist of Sierra Leonean roots, Alex Wilson, called, very aptly, The Art Of Deep Connection.

Born in Managua in 1994, he is from a family steeped in music. His grandfather was a musician and two uncles are guitarists: “Even my mum can play a few chords and sing.”

He grew up enthused by a combination of classical guitar and heavy metal. As a boy he went to music school in Managua’s Nicarao suburb, where friends introduced him to jazz: “I used to have a band called Sextet Circuit and we’d experiment with all kinds of styles, including jazz. My first musical inspirations were my guitar teachers and my country’s guitar heroes — Milciada Poveda, Dennis Miranda and many others. Also international guitarists like Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, Santana, Slash — and especially Pat Metheny.”

He was 26 when he left Nicaragua, living in Costa Rica, Belgium, Spain and, in December 2019, London. It made him into a genuinely cosmopolitan musician: “Through music we learn the cultures of all the world’s peoples, and open our minds and perspectives about life and beyond.”

He loves his partnership with Alex Wilson — 23 years his senior — who has spent years playing with Latin American musicians (hear his powerful album Anglo-Cubano).

“It’s wonderful. I admire his playing and enjoy making music with him so much. The musical connection we have is amazing, and it’s not often you find duos blending piano and guitar. He’s a very intuitive musician. I’m so blessed to work with him and have him as a very good friend.”

Omar’s favourite album tracks are the Nicaraguan traditional tune, La Mora Limpia, the album title composition which they wrote together and Yo No Se Manana. “They are very dynamic, emotional and euphoric simultaneously.”

What about the unity between the two of them?

“We love to make music, to give a message of being more present in the moment in a world where we are now absorbed by social media and a lot of other distractions. We’re giving our music as a gift to people for the enjoyment and reflection of the world we’re living in now. In the end, music is magic — medicine for our souls, minds, spirits and hearts.”

There are two parts to Omar’s very topical and deeply humane track, Nomad’s Prayer. He says of its meaning: “Every human should have the right to emigrate. Immigrants are very important in many roles in the world’s societies. We all need each other.”

Although it is a duo album, it often sounds as if a trio is playing as Omar frequently uses his guitar as a drum. The beginning of La Mora Limpia is such an instance: “I have to find sources to fill, in the most musical way, limitations that the guitar has against the piano, in terms of octaves and volume, so its percussive side creates a powerful blend with the piano.” When I suggested that this percussive element might link with the Nicaraguan people’s combative historical narrative, he agrees: “Yes, it’s connected to the struggles of my people. I cannot hide history.”

Listening to the harmonies and mutual timbral empathy between these two outstanding musicians, of Latin American and Anglo-African roots, to me their message is one of intimate inter-continental unity, so vital on every level at this juncture of history.

The Art Of Deep Connection is released by Alex Wilson Records.