With a wealth of combined musical expertise and a mutual passion for collaborative sound exploration, Ari Joshua’s dynamic RAAR Trio, featuring Russ Lawton, Ari Joshua, and Ray Paczkowski, delivers a powerful rock performance, enriching the project’s catalog with their thunderous rock sound.
Being raised in the United States and born in Cape Town, South Africa, Ari Joshua, the trio’s guitarist and vocalist, brings a wealth of musical experience to the table. Ari has developed a varied and remarkable career, working with well-known musicians including Robert Glasper, Delvon Lamarr, Skerik, John Medeski, and more. With a degree from The New School in New York City, his creative methods and unwavering support for music education via The Music Factory demonstrate his devotion to both his trade and the next generation of artists.
Russ Lawton, on drums, and Ray Paczkowski, on organ, are long-standing members of The Trey Anastasio Band, with over two decades of experience performing with the legendary leader of Phish. Their deep-seated musical chemistry and rhythmic synergy are the backbone of multiple projects including Soule Monde, LaMP and just the same with the RAAR Trio. 20 years of sharing the stage and the studio provide a rock-solid foundation that supports and elevates Ari Joshua’s expressive guitar work and vocals.
Together as a unit the trio embodies the spirit of teamwork and the pursuit of artistic brilliance. Their explosive fusion of jazz, rock, soul, classical and jam-band influences create a distinct and captivating original sound. While each member’s individual talent is undeniable, it’s their combined synergy that truly makes it something to dig into, turning every song into an experience. Listening to the past dozen or so releases from RAAR Trio, it’s clear that their capabilities are boundless.
On May 17th, 2024, the RAAR Trio’s newest single, “Star Light Mountain,” will be released. Get ready to go on a musical journey. With Ari Joshua on guitar and vocals, Russ Lawton on percussion, and Ray Paczkowski on organ, this song is a bright example of the strength of musical teamwork. Recorded in the dead of winter, in the final days of the government shutdown, “Star Light Mountain” radiates creativity and hope, a true rock hymn.
I was first taken aback by the complex interplay of guitar, organ, and percussion when I first hit play on “Star Light Mountain”. I’m transported to a realm where each note conveys a narrative by the trio’s composition. To my ears, this track stands out as a shining example of inventiveness and resiliency.
Ari Joshua’s enthralling guitar chords and layered electrified guitars and overdubbed bass guitar open the song creating a lively atmosphere that immediately captivated me. He skillfully combines technical ability with unadulterated emotional expression, demonstrating his command of the instrument. The atmosphere grows as Ray Paczkowski’s organ enters, immersing me in a rich, layered texture that feels at once delightfully modern and nostalgic. It is evident how well the guitar and organ work together, with each instrument enhancing the other to create a beautiful conversation that is thrilling and captivating.
Russ Lawton’s drumming is the heartbeat of “Star Light Mountain,” providing a dynamic foundation that propels the song forward. His rhythms are both complex and accessible, grounding the track while adding an element of unpredictability that keeps me on my toes. The way he interacts with Ari and Ray showcases his deep understanding of musical chemistry, honed over decades of playing as a full time studio musician in the Vermont and Boston areas including his tenure with The Trey Anastasio Band. His beats are more than just a backdrop; they are integral to the narrative the song weaves.
Another standout feature is Ari Joshua’s voice, which combines passion and accuracy to give songs that have a powerful emotional impact. His voice has an earthy, primal sound that is a fantastic match for the instrumental parts. I could feel the feelings he put into every word as I listened, which is evidence of his talent as a musician and storyteller. The addition of Josephine Howell’s background vocals raises the song even further by bringing a layer of soulful warmth and striking a lovely contrast.
The production quality of “Star Light Mountain” is impeccable, with every element meticulously balanced to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The track was recorded by Ben Collette at Tank Recording in Burlington, Vermont, with additional overdubs by Aaron Harmonson at Ari Joshua’s Music Factory Studios. The high-resolution mix by Jonathan Plum of London Bridge Studios ensures that every nuance is captured, allowing me to fully appreciate the intricacies of the trio’s performance.
The lengthy instrumental passage that starts at 2:10 is what, in my opinion, really makes this song stand out. As they do on their self titled EP and collection of about a dozen releases RAAR Trio takes you on a musical trip where their inventiveness and brilliance are on full display. Ari Joshua’s guitar solos are incredibly beautiful, with complex and incredibly expressive melodies. The crescendo produced by the guitar, organ, and drums reaches new heights and is captivating and strong. With each instrument lending its voice to a broader story, this portion of the song had the feel of an old buddy conversing with one another.
“Star Light Mountain”‘s themes, which depict a journey of resiliency, optimism, and artistic expression, are both timeless and contemporary. The song reminds me of the eternal ability of music to unite people in a world that frequently feels chaotic and uncertain by providing a sense of undeniable continuity and connection. This song invites listeners to not just hear but also experience the story it recounts since it strikes a chord on many levels.
The RAAR Trio’s “Star Light Mountain” is a masterwork that honors the history of modern rock while showcasing its greatest qualities. Ari Joshua’s stirring guitar and vocals, Ray Paczkowski’s exquisite organ and piano work, and Russ Lawton’s forceful drumming come together to create a soundscape that is both well-known and fresh. This music is a journey that lingers in your head long after the last note fades, not just something to listen to. I urge you to start listening to this song and allow it to lead you on an incredible journey.
So, experience the magic of Ari Joshua’s latest release “Star Light Mountain” via the RAAR Trio. With its dynamic instrumentation, soulful vocals, and masterful production. Don’t miss Ari’s upcoming shows featuring a rotating cast of players:
Upcoming Tour Dates And Links:
The Suncatchers featuring Joe Doria & Ehssan Karimi
May 22 – Seamonster Lounge – Seattle, Wa
Interview
May 23rd, 2024 – Helping Friendly Podcast with RJ Bee and Hosts – Osiris
Ari Joshua Band
May 31st, 2024 – Nectars – Burlington, VT
June 2nd – TBA – New Tork, NY
Kris Yunker, Ari Joshua, Ben Atkind Trio dates
June 5th, 2024 The Stone Church – Bratelboro, VT
June 7th, 2024 Art Walk – Brattleboro VT.
Nectars in Vermont
Fri, May 31st, 2024 @ 9:00PM
Nectars, 188 MAIN STREET , BURLINGTON, VT
FUNK NIGHT Yunker, Atkind, Joshua with Dolliver & Nephrock
Wed, Jun 5th, 2024 @ 7:00PM
The Stone Church, 210 Main St, Brattleboro, VT
Kris Yunkers Funk Night
All’s Eye Trio
Fri, Jun 7th, 2024 @ 7:00PM
Art Walk , Brattleboro, VT
Hurricane Dreams
Wed, Jul 10th, 2024 @ 10:00PM Seamonster Lounge, 2202 N 45th , Seattle, Wa.
For more information about their shows, events and interviews, click on the link below.
For more information about RAAR Trio, click on the icons below.
