Writer's picture Kortnee M.
https://www.thecmplx.com Jan 13
'Country Stroll' by Ari Joshua: A Musical Odyssey through Nature and Virtuosity with Icons John Medeski & Billy Martin
Ari Joshua on a stool under a studio light in a dimly lit room
Ari Joshua's latest release, 'Country Stroll,' featuring the legendary John Medeski on organ and Billy Martin on drums, is a captivating musical journey that seamlessly blends genres and showcases the virtuosity of these accomplished musicians. Released on January 12, 2024, this instrumental masterpiece is a celebration of the natural world and the simple joys of life. The intro to this song, coupled with the title, immediately made me feel like I was in The Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie (the Pooh). Do I see a collaboration with Disney in the future? Despite the childhood feelings this experience of a song may invoke, there is nothing amateur or immature about this production.
The track unfolds with subtle snare rolls, framing the opening phase and conjuring an imaginative sonic landscape. The elemental country blues form gracefully transitions through surprising passages and clever chordal movements, leading to the punctuation of a classic rag. Joshua's compositional prowess is evident as he skillfully weaves together twang, jazz, and playful elements, creating a cohesive and innovative piece that defies traditional genre boundaries.
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A brown bear holding a white duck's hand on green grass with blue clouds in the sky.
Cover Art for 'Country Stroll' as designed by Paul Delaney
One of the standout features of 'Country Stroll' is the guest appearance of John Medeski, whose improvisation on the organ adds depth and richness to the composition. Medeski's mastery is on full display as he paints masterfully upon the canvas created by Joshua, contributing to the track's dynamic and immersive quality. His performance commands your attention from the very beginning; and continues to stand out without overpowering the ensemble or overplaying - though it's giving a bit of gospel. The seamless transition from Medeski's organ to Joshua's electric guitar around 1:40 is a testament to the trio's musical synergy.
Billy Martin's drum solo is a highlight of the track, showcasing not only technical excellence but also a rich display of lyricism and ingenious rhythmic contortions. This is where I felt the jazz vibes. It was creative, yet, in the pocket. The incorporation of nature sounds, specifically the crunching of gravel, enhances the overall listening experience, aligning with the song's theme of a country stroll and the celebration of the beauty of the natural world. As a country-hearted northern boy, this truly feels like the soundtrack to many fond memories with my brothers down south.
The technical brilliance behind 'Country Stroll' is a collaborative effort, with Chris Bittner's engineering at Applehead Recording (Shoutout out to Woodstock), Ed Brooks' mastering at Resonant Mastering, and Ari Raskin's mixing at Deepwater Studios. These contributions elevate the track to a higher echelon of audio quality, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of the composition.
For those who know I used to live in the Hudson Valley, I highly recommend Applehead. The owners were nice enough to let my younger brother produce his mixtape promo there.
The album art, created by Paul Delaney, adds a visual narrative to the music. The image of a brown bear holding the hand of a white duck taking a stroll is thought-provoking and complements the nostalgic yet modern feel of the song. The choice of animals and the variation of colors create a visual representation of the song's intention, pulling at the listener's inner child.
Paul's style of art stuck out to me a bit. It reminds me of Eric Carle in the best ways! For those who don't know or remember, Eric Carle is the man responsible for 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. My favorite elements: are the choice and variation of colors, the mix of textures and patterns, and the striking lines between each piece that make the whole.
"'Country Stroll' is a boundary-defying odyssey, seamlessly blending twang, jazz, and whimsical elements, showcasing Ari Joshua's guitar mastery, John Medeski's legendary organ improvisation, and Billy Martin's inventive drum solo. This composition stands as a milestone in Ari Joshua's diverse career, where virtuosity meets innovation in a celebration of the natural world."
As a musician known for pushing boundaries and transcending genres, Ari Joshua's 'Country Stroll' is not just a song but a journey through sound, skill, and homage to musical greats. The collaboration with jazz icons John Medeski and Billy Martin, coupled with technical excellence and thoughtful visual artistry, makes this release a standout addition to Joshua's impressive body of work.
Connect with Ari on Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/arijoshualovesyou
https://www.facebook.com/arijoshua
https://www.twitter.com/arijoshuamusic
https://www.soundcloud.com/arijoshua-music
Tags:
acoustic americana folkj azz cinematic instrumental nostalgiac studying vibes lounge easy listening quirkyc lassic sound us based soundtrack country stroll ari joshua john medeski billy martin artist interviewsong premiere
https://www.thecmplx.com/post/country-stroll-by-ari-joshua-a-musical-odyssey-through-nature-and-virtuosity-with-icons-john-mede