Credit: Ari Joshua
A key player in the modern music scene, guitarist Ari Joshua was raised in America but was born in Cape Town, South Africa. His skill and sense of style have brought him great recognition. After graduating from New York City’s The New School, Joshua has collaborated with a long list of notable figures in the business, such as Delvon Lamarr, John Medeski, Robert Glasper, and Skerik. In particular, Ray Paczkowski and Russ Lawton of The Trey Anastasio Band, with whom he founded the RAaR Trio, are among the persons he collaborates with. By fusing jazz fusion, soulful grooves, and psychedelic rock, this trio symbolizes Joshua’s desire to push musical boundaries and mix genres.
Following the epidemic, Ari Joshua decided to release a vault of previously unheard recordings, which signaled the start of a highly prolific release schedule. He has released these pieces worldwide via his record company, Music Factory Records, enhancing an expanding discography that never fails to enthrall listeners. To further highlight his commitment to encouraging musical development and creativity, Joshua founded The Music Factory, a center for adult and child music education.
Together with the powerful duo of Ray Paczkowski and Russ Lawton, who have both been longstanding members of The Trey Anastasio Band, Ari Joshua will release “The TriceraphClops” on August 30th, 2024. This original track by the RAaR Trio has an exciting fusion of acid jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock that highlights the group’s remarkable synergy. With Paczkowski’s soulful organ work, Lawton’s tight drumming, and Joshua’s evocative guitar playing, “The TriceraphClops” delivers a groove-filled, sonic journey that leaves listeners captivated. It’s a standout track in a year packed with stellar releases from Ari Joshua and Music Factory Records, a testament to the trio’s chemistry and musical prowess.
You can tell you’re in for a remarkable aural experience as soon as “The TriceraphClops” starts. The three musicians—drummer Russ Lawton, organist Ray Paczkowski, and guitarist Ari Joshua—produce music that is not limited by genre. This song, which benefits from the years of collective experience of the musicians, showcases their flawless synchronization and feels simultaneously balanced and spontaneous. From the very first note to the very end, the song’s strong energy captures and holds your attention. Paczkowski provides the song’s opening organ tune, which instantly establishes the mood. The sound transports the listener to another auditory realm with its rich, swirling quality that is yet recognizable and surreal.
Paczkowski, known for his soulful organ work with The Trey Anastasio Band, brings a unique texture to the song, fusing psychedelic tones with jazz-infused flourishes. The progression builds steadily, making space for each instrumentalist to shine without ever feeling rushed or forced. It’s a perfect balance—delicate but powerful, intricate yet accessible. As the organ envelops the track in rich tones, Ari Joshua’s guitar enters with a calm authority. His playing is a masterclass in restraint and precision, layering complex riffs and melodic lines over the steady groove laid down by Paczkowski and Lawton. Joshua’s guitar doesn’t just lead the song; it speaks, adding layers of emotion and nuance with each note.
The dynamic between his guitar and Paczkowski’s organ produces a captivating contrast, akin to a chat between two longtime friends who complement each other’s ideas with nuance. The manner “The TriceraphClops” develops is what makes it genuinely amazing. The music isn’t static; rather, it keeps changing as each artist challenges the others to reach new levels. The song is propelled ahead by Lawton’s drumming, which offers a constant foundation while allowing for spontaneous and lighthearted passages. His beats are crisp and clean, but they also have a looseness to them that gives the song a lively vibe.
Fans and admirers of The Trey Anastasio Band may just recognize the incredible sound and feel that Ray and Russ both showcase on this track. That classic ability to ground their sounds without overpowering the heart and soul of the composition while laying down a strong basis for the experimental expressive tones and sound above. “The TriceraphClops” is notable for its unique blend of genres. Psychedelic rock serves as the song’s main base, while acid jazz, funk, and progressive rock are also discernible. The fact that this music is difficult to pin down to a single style makes it even more fascinating. The groovy undercurrent gives it an irresistible beat, while the jazz-like improvisation adds a dimension of unpredictableness.
The group’s ability to produce something genuinely original by fusing several genres is evidence of their versatility as musicians. The song hits multiple climaxes along the way, each one stronger than the last. Joshua’s solos take on a life of their own as they dance over the varying rhythms, and his guitar work grows more and more expressive. Paczkowski’s organ, in the meantime, fills in the gaps and elevates the whole piece with its rich textures. The song builds to a powerful finish as Lawton’s drumming becomes increasingly forceful.
By the time the final notes hit, the listener has been taken on a journey that feels as emotional as it is musical—a testament to the chemistry between these three musicians. “The TriceraphClops” is a triumph of collaboration and creativity. Ari Joshua’s RAaR Trio has managed to craft a song that feels both grounded in tradition and daringly experimental. This type of music is one that pays off on repeated listens since there are constantly fresh nuances to notice and new levels to explore. “The TriceraphClops” is a must listen for anyone who like jazz fusion, psychedelic rock, or just fantastic music in general. You’re left excitedly wondering what the group will do next as it displays their incredible musical talent.
For more information about Ari Joshua, click on the icons below.
