“Blurry Face” by Ari Joshua – A One-Take Masterclass in Groove and Grit
- Alexander Asiedu
- May 18
- 1 min read
Something rare happened at Applehead Studios. Three boundary-pushing musicians—Ari Joshua, John Medeski, and Billy Martin—walked into a room and captured magic in a single take. No overdubs, no edits, no second chances. “Blurry Face,” a gripping new release from Joshua, pulses with the kind of raw, fearless energy only live improvisation can bring.
The track begins on a hypnotic loop laid down by Billy Martin, originally from his Loops from the Underground series. That loop becomes the engine, ticking forward with swagger and depth, while Medeski colors around it—his clavinet growling and snapping like it has a mind of its own. Then comes the warmth of the organ: rich, woozy, and dripping in psychedelic soul. Meanwhile, Joshua’s guitar tone is thick and unapologetic—distorted but full of feeling.
It pushes into the mix with force, then backs off just enough to let his collaborators shine. Nothing feels rehearsed, but everything feels right.
Born from years of dreams and decades of musical grind, “Blurry Face” is a high point in Joshua’s evolving partnership with Medeski and Martin. According to Joshua, this was a seed planted long ago, one that grew into “a great tree… with sweet fruits.” And sweet it is. For lovers of groove-heavy, risk-taking music, this track doesn’t just work—it thrives.
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