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At its core, true improvisation transcends music it’s a dialogue, a ritualistic experience, and an act of faith. Ari Joshua’s newest single “Blurry Face,” released on April 25, 2025 by Music Factory Records, embodies this essence with vivid precision. Captured live in one seamless take at Applehead Studios, the track expresses unfiltered synergy and natural musical intuition. It features jazz legends John Medeski (organ and clavinet) and Billy Martin (drums), both celebrated for their contributions to Medeski Martin & Wood.
Joshua’s guitar tone acts as the gravitational pull of “Blurry Face,” characterized by its raw and unfettered nature. It skillfully balances gritty, fuzz-laden leads with intervals of delicate clarity. His performance is both instinctive and calculated, walking a fine line between order and chaos. Reflecting on his approach, Joshua says, “You never know when your dreams may come true. You plant a seed and it just may bring a great tree.” This sense of organic development is evident in his music what begins as a subtle whisper evolves into an expansive, multi-layered soundscape.
John Medeski’s exceptional skill on the clavinet and organ adds a vibrant, multi-hued flair to the music. His expansive organ swells create lush soundscapes, while his rhythmic clavinet jabs provide gritty texture that intertwines seamlessly with Billy Martin’s complex grooves. Martin stands out as a master of percussion architecture, crafting an enthralling foundation where jazz swing meets funk swagger. His natural sense of syncopation maintains dynamic momentum, propelling the trio forward with limitless energy.
“Blurry Face,” engineered and mixed by Chris Bittner at Applehead Recording Studios, with additional mixing by Jonathan Plum at London Bridge Studios and mastering by Joe Lambert, delivers an unfiltered and powerful sound. Its cover art, created by Seb Niark, reflects the track’s sonic surrealism through a blend of vibrant abstraction and raw emotion.
Joshua, Medeski, and Martin have collaboratively created a musical piece that is more than just listened to; it is truly experienced. This work reveals new dimensions with each encounter, demonstrating that skillful improvisation can be akin to alchemy.
