Description
Giuliano Modarelli is a virtuosic guitarist, composer, producer, and educator from Italy whose music is rooted in cultural exchange, collaboration, and a deep respect for musical traditions. Based in London, Giuliano's artistic voice has been shaped by his experiences as an immigrant and by the city's rich international community. His sound blends jazz, electronic music, dub, Indian classical music, and folk traditions, creating an experimental and boundary defying sonic language. Giuliano is a co-founder of the award-winning band Kefaya. Together with Hazara singer Elaha Soroor, they bring together Afghan folk traditions, psychedelic rock, jazz, and electronic music.
Ridley Road is inspired by the renowned marketplace of the same name in Hackney, East London. This vibrant market, a fixture since the late 1880s, embodies the area's rich history of immigration and cultural diversity. Ridley Road Market has often been a focal point of cultural and political clashes, notably between immigrants and right-wing groups, and has been a stronghold for anti-fascist movements such as the renowned 43 Group.
The tracks feature traditional Hindustani classical vocal compositions called 'bandish' (common in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan), performed by the talented Hindustani classical singers Suhail Yusuf Khan, Aditya Prakash and Kaviraj Singh Dhadyalla. Each track intricately combines the melodic structures of ragas with heavy dub-inspired grooves and contemporary electronic productions. This release represents a significant milestone in the guitarist and composer's career, showcasing his unique synthesis of Indian classical training, contemporary jazz, and collaborative folk traditions. Ridley Road is a vibrant, genre-defying instrumental journey. Written and recorded with an exceptional group of collaborators, the album's eight tracks navigate complex rhythms and soaring melodic lines, reflecting the diverse cultural melting pot of modern Britain. From the driving intensity of 'Riot' and 'Group 43' to the serene, introspective beauty of 'The Lark' and the innovative 'Madhuwanti Rejig', Modarelli displays his virtuosic command of the acoustic guitar and his sophisticated approach to ensemble arrangement.
