Meridian 71

Meridian 71
Burnside Stage Directions
Friday, September 5 |
7:45PM - 8:15PM

Meridian 71 is a cross-cultural project with a driving vision to use music and sound to inspire, bridge cultures and create links within different traditions. Created and led by drummer-composer Giuseppe Paradiso, this eclectic and international ensemble performs his original compositions distinguished by a unique sonic identity that blends jazz with Mediterranean and West African influences. Their captivating live performances engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, taking listeners on an extraordinary journey of instrumental music.

Meridian 71 has released three albums of original compositions by G. Paradiso:

• Otherness Collection (2012)
• Metropolitan Sketches (2020)
• Parallel Dimensions (2022), released on Ubuntu Music (London, UK) and distributed globally by The Orchard (Sony).

The group’s work has been featured on international platforms including Jazz FM (UK) on Ruth Fisher’s Full Circle, NPR (USA), and Djolo – Culture d’Afrique, among others.

Since its inception, the ensemble has actively performed at notable events and venues such as the Arlington Jazz Festival, Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival, Joe’s Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Regattabar Jazz Club, among others.

Meridian 71 has received support from The Boston Foundation, the Barr Foundation, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture of Boston, The Record Co., and a considerable number of local and international supporters.

Press Highlights:

• “Parallel Dimensions steers the listener’s imagination through a luxurious multicultural tapestry woven in music by drummer, composer, arranger and producer Giuseppe Paradiso and his sextet.”
— Chris M. Slawecki, All About Jazz
• “Paradiso’s drum set artistry is prominent but never too indulgent. Easily classifiable as jazz, Metropolitan Sketches has plenty of global shadings and is a sonic adventure of a very high order.”
— Tom Orr, World Music Central
• “Meridian 71 combines jazz with Mediterranean and West African influences to conjure cinematic soundscapes of a multicultural home on Metropolitan Sketches.”
— Rock Paper Scissors

Performers
Giuseppe Paradiso: drums, compositions; Phil Sargent: elec.guitar; Maxim Lubarsky: piano/keys; James Heazlewood-Dale: elec.fretless bass; Malick Ngom: sabar drums.

Websites & Links