Ari Joshua – Rare Groove (2024)
While singer-songwriter Ari Joshua explores different sounds, his melodies seem to have a cohesiveness in their diversity. We learned about Joshua’s music last year with ‘Soul Mine’ as he merged jazz and funk, and in ‘Country Stroll’ his enthusiastic jazz folded into a strong Americana style. ‘Elephant Walk’ brought us pure jazz and it is this essence that keeps people tapping their toes in a smoky jazz bar with Ari Joshua lingering through the air. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Rare Groove’.
Following his single ‘Elon’s Musk’, ‘Rare Groove’ is Joshua’s fourth release in 2024 – the fourth is an ambitious campaign to release 24 singles in one year. Shifting from a psychedelic five minutes of sound, ‘Rare Groove’ captures the core of jazz in a funk rock-inspired sound. Similar to his 2023 single ‘Soul Mine’, but slightly longer in length, ‘Rare Groove’ twirls you about in a kaleidoscopic flood of emotions from the get-go. Interestingly, the group of musicians collaborating in this single is the same as those on ‘Soul Mine’ – makes sense that there is a large similarity.
Recorded with Mell Dettmer (tracking engineer), Jason Gray (overdub and mixing), and Doug Krebs (mastering), ‘Rare Groove’ is a type of “supergroup” creation. Fusing the natural talent of Dalvon Lamarr (Hammond organ), Grant Schroff (drums), Skerik (saxophone) and Ari Joshua (composer and guitar), the single is a melting pot of experience, influences and inspiration. I’m unsure if the use of “high-quality vintage only” audio equipment contributes to the nostalgic whisper of old-school jazz but ‘Rare Groove’ drags us back to the laidback sounds of the 1970s.
Melodically, the ensemble is tight-knit playing a foundation of interwoven tones – like a rainbow breaking through the soundscape. Yet, as a rainbow each of the instruments brings its independent colour to the overall tune. Schroff’s drums hold a steady pace but with bold beats bringing up the rear. Lamarr gives a slick of jazz-filled organ; while Joshua’s guitar infuses a funk rock blast. For me, however, it is Skerik’s saxophone that adds the powerful stamp of jazz as it slices through the melody with a cheeky grin.
A magical melody with superior composition and production, ‘Rare Groove’ is a gift to my ears in a sometimes-stagnating genre. No leprechaun or pot of gold may sit at the bottom of the rainbow, but listening to Joshua and his companions is as rewarding as any mound of gold coins – if not more.
For more from Ari Joshua, check out his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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