Ari Joshua has unearthed a gem from the vaults with his latest release ‘Tagine’, featuring the extraordinary talents of Marco Benevento on organ and Joe Russo on drums. This track, recorded in the early 2000s at Wombat Studios, captures a moment in time when these three musicians, all in their early twenties, were beginning to carve out their places in the jazz and jam band scenes.
‘Tagine’ offers a rich, dark, and jazzy vibe, channeling the spirit of psychedelic jazz greats like John Coltrane and Miles Davis. The trio’s chemistry is palpable, with each musician bringing a unique energy that blends seamlessly into a cohesive and captivating sound. The track is a testament to the raw talent and creative exploration that defined their early careers, showcasing a virtuosic interplay that feels both spontaneous and deeply rooted in their collective musicality.
The story behind ‘Tagine’ is as intriguing as the track itself. Named after a Moroccan restaurant in midtown Manhattan where the trio regularly jammed, the song transports listeners to the basement of that eatery, where the air was thick with the magic of musical experimentation. It’s a rare audio document from a time when The Duo (Benevento and Russo) was just beginning to make waves at venues like The Knitting Factory, and Ari Joshua was fresh out of college, eager to immerse himself in the vibrant New York music scene.
For fans of jazz and jam bands, ‘Tagine’ is a glimpse into the early days of three musicians who would go on to become influential figures in their respective genres. Ari Joshua’s guitar work leads the charge, weaving through Benevento’s textured organ lines and Russo’s dynamic drumming with a fluidity that belies their youth. This release is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of musical collaboration and the raw, unfiltered creativity that comes from musicians in their prime.
