Music Factory Records and Ari Joshua’s latest single, The Clinic, is a transcendent sonic exploration, melding virtuosity with an ethereal consciousness that elevates the listening experience to something both meditative and neuroplasticity-enhancing. Joined by a powerhouse ensemble including Skerik on saxophone, Delvon Lamarr on Hammond organ, and Grant Schroff on drums, Joshua’s composition bridges the gaps between genres, traditions, and soundscapes, inviting the listener on a journey of harmonic tension and release.
From the moment the opus begins, it envelops us in a cerebral stereophonic gaze. The opening soundscape, sculpted meticulously by engineer and Polyrhythmics bassist Jason Gray, is a masterclass in the art of space and texture. The capture of these elements by Mell Dettmer enhances the auditory canvas, blending a delightful rawness with the polish of vintage analog gear. Dettmer’s use of classic reverb tanks and real tape delays creates a dichotomy that defines the piece: it is both grounded in old-school warmth and elevated into a dream-like, head-in-the-clouds atmosphere. This interplay of the organic and the ethereal quickly becomes a hallmark of Joshua’s signature sound – feet firmly planted on earth, but head soaring in the cosmic realms.
Musically, The Clinic walks a tightrope between the past and the future. The chord progression, centered around the iconic ‘Hendrix Sharp 9’ sound, explores tritone substitutions with a deft touch, guiding the listener through sequences of dissonances that build tension before offering a satisfying release. It’s in these harmonic shifts that the track finds its intellectual edge, inviting not just passive listening, but active engagement. The mastery with which Joshua and his collaborators navigate these complexities – capturing them in a seamless, one-take recording – speaks to their collective expertise. It’s as much a testament to their musicianship as it is to their ability to communicate through improvisation.
Grant Schroff’s drums lay a firm yet flexible foundation, anchoring the groove while allowing space for Lamarr and Joshua to paint their intricate lines. Lamarr’s gritty Hammond organ lines interweave seamlessly with Joshua’s tight, expressive guitar work, creating a dynamic conversation that feels both grounded in the traditions of bebop and boogaloo, yet ever-expanding toward new sonic horizons. There’s a looseness to the playing that belies the technical precision underlying every note, a skillful balance of groove and exploration. Skerik’s saxophone, meanwhile, injects a bold, colorful improvisation, adding an edge to the composition that keeps us on our toes.
The afro-space-boogaloo feel of The Clinic is undeniably modern, yet its roots are deeply embedded in the soul of classic jazz and funk. The fluidity with which the players move between loopable grooves and improvisational flights of fancy is reminiscent of the exploratory spirit of early fusion, but with a contemporary sensibility that makes the track feel fresh. This modern edge is further reinforced by the production – Jason Gray’s meticulous layering of analog warmth over digital clarity allows the track to breathe, with each instrument occupying its own distinct space within the soundstage.
At its core, The Clinic is a study in balance: between tension and release, between the analog and the digital, between the meditative and the cerebral. There’s a consciousness to the way the sounds are arranged, almost as if the music is sculpting new neural pathways in the listener’s mind. This neuroplasticity-enhancing quality is one of the track’s most intriguing aspects; it engages the brain in a way that feels simultaneously grounding and expansive, offering a form of sonic meditation that lingers long after the final note fades away.
Joshua’s ability to continuously evolve this piece – having performed it with over a dozen different lineups – speaks to its versatility. While previous versions, such as the psychedelic rendition with his RAaR Trio, offered a more lush, cinematic experience, this stripped-down version shines in its raw honesty. It’s this adaptability that has allowed The Clinic to become something of an anthem in Joshua’s live repertoire, evolving with each performance but always retaining its core identity.
The track’s production, engineered by Mell Dettmer and Jason Gray, with mastering by Doug Krebs, is rich and textured, offering the same high-quality production values that fans of Music Factory Records have come to expect. The analog warmth of the mix, combined with the organic nature of the performances, creates a listening experience that is both immersive and reflective. The accompanying visuals by Deep Groove Designs further complement the music, capturing its evolving and vibrant essence.
As Ari Joshua steps into Grammy consideration territory, The Clinic stands as a shining example of why his work is garnering attention across genres and categories. Whether it’s for Song of the Year, Best Jazz Performance, or even Best African Music Performance, Joshua’s ability to transcend musical boundaries while remaining true to his roots is what sets him apart. With streams accumulating and an ever-growing fanbase, The Clinic is poised to become a defining track in his already impressive catalog – a piece that invites listeners to not only hear the music but to feel it, think with it, and ultimately grow through it.