L'Antidote: 'L'Antidote'

One of the best ways of discovering new music - for me, at least - is to research the other musicians on stage. Asking a few questions has brought me to the simply stunning 'L'Antidote' album from percussionist Bijan Chemirani, pianist Remi Khalifé and cellist Redi Hasa. All because the latter's cello deeply moved me when I saw him performing recently with Ludovico Einaudi at the Royal Albert Hall.

I loved Hasa's playing for Einaudi and it was a delight to hear that he had a forthcoming album due with L’Antidote trio. The first single, Na Na Na is out now to whet your appetite.

This is a genuinely extraordinary trio - geographically, culturally and musically. Using percussion, piano and cello in this collection of ten tracks allows an exploration of the influences from these three musicians: Chemirani from Iran, Khalifé from Lebanon and Hasa from Albania.

I can only suggest you put the album on repeat and allow each track to play in sequence to explore the collective composition and creativity of L'Antidote.

Each of these musicians has collaborated with a string of the biggest names in music around the world and together they produce something very special. Tracks like Dates, Figs and Nuts will make your feet itch to dance: it builds rhythmically and melodically with each musician contributing layer upon layer of sound. Closing the album with the plaintive cello opening to L'Ombre Qui Passe (the passing shadow) is extraordinary. Lines interweave and a piano melody sits alongside on this poignant, all-too-brief ending to a stunning collection of tracks.