About

Giuseppe Paradiso is an Italian-born drummer, recording artist, and composer known for his versatile approach to music across jazz, world music, and beyond. As the bandleader of Meridian 71, a world-jazz project based in Boston, Paradiso blends intricate rhythms and cross-cultural influences into his original compositions. He is also a sought-after freelance musician, performing and recording across a wide range of genres, from jazz and world music to pop.

As a leader, Paradiso has released three critically acclaimed albums: Otherness Collection (2012), Metropolitan Sketches (2020), and Parallel Dimensions (2022) on the UBUNTU MUSIC label, globally distributed by The Orchard (SONY). The latter album, supported by a Live Arts Boston grant from The Boston Foundation, explores new sonic landscapes and was lauded for its innovative fusion of jazz and world music.

Born in Santeramo in Colle, Bari, Italy, in 1983, Giuseppe began playing drums at the age of four. In 2007, he graduated with honors from the Conservatorio N. Piccinni in Bari, where he studied percussion, mallets, classical piano, and contemporary composition. He later earned a magna cum laude degree in drum set performance from Berklee College of Music in 2011, where he studied as a scholarship recipient. During his time at Berklee, Paradiso honed his skills under the guidance of world-renowned musicians including Grammy Award winners Terri Lyne Carrington, Antonio Sanchez and Ralph Peterson, among others. Over the past decade at Berklee, Paradiso has worked as an accompanist drummer for various departments and special programs, and is currently working with the Dance Department at The Boston Conservatory.

Paradiso has performed and recorded with a range of artists such as Latin Grammy-winner and producer Javier Limón, Neotolia and guitarist pioneer David Fiucynski, Grammy Award-winning percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, Italian jazz artists Vince Abbracciante and Cettina Donato . His collaborations span genres from jazz and world music to pop, and he has performed at major international venues including the Panama Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and Les Journées de la Percussion at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Paris. His performances have also been featured at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Harvard University, and Regatta Bar in Cambridge, MA, to name a few.

Over the years, Paradiso has gained extensive experience in organizing concerts and events, often taking on leadership roles in addition to his work as a performer. In 2013, for example, he co-led the In Momentum Concert Series at Outpost 186 in Cambridge, MA, alongside Swiss vocalist Gabriela Martina. This series, centered around free improvisation and creative music, featured bi-weekly events that fostered collaborations among a diverse group of local and international musicians. In Momentum became a vibrant platform, cultivating a strong community and creating a unique environment that celebrated freedom in musical expression.

Giuseppe's discography, encompassing approximately 30 albums, is characterized by its diversity, featuring recordings that highlight his versatility and profound skill as both a drummer and percussionist. He was recently featured on Neotolian Song (Interrobang Records), alongside internationally renowned musicians like Dave Weckl and David Fiuczynski. Other releases as a drummer include Octave and Crescendo with the Cettina Donato Jazz Orchestra.

Paradiso has received numerous honors, including the Opportunity Fund for Artist Career Development (2021) from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture in Boston, and the Live Arts Boston grant (2020) from The Boston Foundation to support the production of Parallel Dimensions. He was also awarded the James David Harber Award and the International Grant from Berklee College of Music in 2010 and 2011. Additionally, he has received scholarships from Umbria Jazz (2007) and GAI - Giovani Artisti Italiani (2008).