Meridian 71 is a cross-cultural music project created and led by Giuseppe Paradiso since 2012. The group traverse entire countries in their music, imparting onto the listener sonic soundscapes that go far beyond the realm of traditional fusion into something wholly transcendent. On ‘Parallel Dimensions’, the group feels like they’re in the laboratory, imparting a flurry of experimental instrumental pieces that don’t feel like they should be as cohesive and well strung together as they are. The overarching orchestration on the record is simply sublime, somehow conceiving together a stylistic ensemble of musicians and sounds that have you breathtakingly bewildered and mind bogglingly inspired.
Blending music genres that range from jazz and improvised music to Mediterranean and West African styles, Parallel Dimensions features Giuseppe on drums, percussion, electronics & vocals; Mark Zaleski on alto & soprano sax/clarinet; Utar Artun on piano & keys; Phil Sargent on electric guitar; James Hazlewood-Dale on upright, electric and fretless bass and Malick Ngom on West African sabar drums, percussion and vocals.
There’s incredible diversity not just amongst each track, but within them too. Constant oscillations, continual beat changes, a whole host of different instrumental arrangements coming to the fore and dropping to the background equally quickly makes ‘Parallel Dimensions’ a delight unlike most. You’re not meant to juts sit and imbibe this record with passive attention, you’re compelled to let it ravish you, let it take you on a journey completely on its own as it sinks its constantly shapeshifting teeth into you. You won’t for a moment feel bored, perhaps confused and startled, but never once dull.
An instrumental record that revels in its madness, but is grounded in its mastery, Parallel Dimensions sees Giuseppe Paradiso & Meridian 71 at the top of their game. It’s ominous, it’s relaxing, and it’s wholly immersive. Don’t miss out on this bundle of so much, it’s impossible to not find flair in the majesty of it all.