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Music Factory Records is excited to announce the release of “Blurry Face,” a powerful new trio track from guitarist and composer Ari Joshua, featuring jazz legends John Medeski (organ, clavinet) and Billy Martin (drums) of the renowned improvisational group Medeski Martin & Wood.
“Blurry Face” was recorded live in a single take at Applehead Studios, capturing the magic of pure improvisation. There were no overdubs, edits, or second chances, just three master musicians connecting in the moment and letting the music flow. This performance truly captures the urgency, risk, and deep musical connection that define great improvisational music.
Ari Joshua arrived at the studio with a fresh batch of material and a dream to collaborate with two of the most influential voices in modern jazz and groove music. The track is built on a hypnotic loop conceived by Billy Martin, originally heard in his “Loops from the Underground” collection. Martin’s signature blend of earthy pulse and polyrhythmic finesse anchors the groove, providing a strong foundation for the trio’s musical conversation.
John Medeski, a graduate of the New England Conservatory and a veteran of bands with Dewey Redman, Jaco Pastorius, and John Scofield, brings his unmistakable keyboard sound to the session. His clavinet playing bounces with joyful grit, while his organ swells shimmer with psychedelic warmth and modal depth. There is no bass guitar on this track; Medeski covers the bass lines on keys, adding another layer of groove and complexity.
At the heart of it all is Ari Joshua, whose background in jazz, psych rock, and avant-garde music shapes his distinctive guitar voice. On “Blurry Face,” Joshua’s guitar tone is unapologetically “phat”, equal parts fuzz and finesse, pushing and pulling against the rhythm section with both respect and individuality. The solos unfold naturally, showcasing each artist’s unique voice and the deep musical understanding that comes from decades of fearless exploration.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Ari Joshua says, “You never know when your dreams may come true. You plant a seed, and it just may bring a great tree. If you do it right, the tree may bring sweet fruits, and more seeds for more trees.” Joshua has been talking with John Medeski about working together since he was 19 years old, and he describes this session as a dream come true.
“Blurry Face” is the latest in a growing series of collaborations between Ari Joshua, John Medeski, Billy Martin, and bassist Jason Fraticelli. Together, they have already released over a dozen compositions and improvisations through Music Factory Records. They’ve also collaborated with bassist Jason Fraticelli on a growing body of work, including “Reversible Submersible,” another expansive improvisational piece set for release this Friday.
Listen Here:open.spotify.com/track/5hrJe
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