Ari Joshua’s latest release, “Tagine,” is a captivating dive into the vault of early 2000s sessions, featuring Joe Russo on drums and Marco Benevento on organ. This trio, recorded at Wombat Studios, channels the spirit of psychedelic jazz legends like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Medeski Martin & Wood. It’s got that acid jazz energy firmly embedded within it, an eclectic, imaginative, and wholly innovative tune that’s a whole lot deeper than one can get off of a single listen.
“Tagine” offers a dark, jazzy vibe perfect for fans of jazz and jam bands. The track highlights the raw talent and chemistry of these musicians in their early 20s, reminiscent of discovering an old, unlabeled reel-to-reel recording that showcases their youthful virtuosity and creativity. It’s wildly creative, utilising a mixture of energies and flows to deliver its almost staccato feeling sumptuously.
Named after a Moroccan restaurant that hosted weekly jam sessions, “Tagine” captures the magic of those basement gatherings. Ari recalls those days fondly, noting the incredible synergy with Marco and Joe. This track, written after the 9-11 tragedy, also carries an immense historical and emotional weight.
A wildly explorative and innovative acid jazz record.