“SCARED OF ERIC” by Ari Joshua

Ari Joshua’s Scared of Eric is a masterclass in improvisational dexterity and boundary-pushing musicianship. Released on September 26th, 2025 via Music Factory Records, this instrumental track serves as both a heartfelt tribute to saxophone luminary Skerik and a thrilling display of the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant music scene. Featuring Joshua on guitar, Skerik on saxophone, Delvon Lamarr on organ, and Grant Schroff on drums, the track is a psychedelic boogaloo-funk jam that instantly captivates with its cinematic opening, gradually unfurling into a groove that is equal parts tight and adventurous. From the first notes, Joshua’s guitar commands attention—angular yet fluid, balancing a sense of urgency with playful lyricism. Skerik’s saxophone enters like a force of nature, raw and unrestrained, weaving fiery lines that simultaneously honor tradition and challenge expectation. Lamarr’s organ provides a simmering undercurrent, complementing the frontline with warmth and texture, while Schroff’s drumming anchors the ensemble, establishing a pocket that is both precise and responsive, leaving space for each improvisational flourish.

The interplay between the four musicians is electric, a conversation that feels spontaneous yet perfectly attuned, reflecting the high-level musicianship that has defined each player’s career. What sets Scared of Eric apart is its dual role as homage and innovation. Joshua, who first encountered Skerik as a young teen at all-ages Peace Concerts, channels a lifetime of admiration into a composition that is technically daring yet deeply personal. The track captures the essence of Skerik’s influence—his rhythm, his tone, and his fearless commitment to musical exploration—while allowing Joshua and his collaborators to inject their own voices. The resulting soundscape is hypnotic, unpredictable, and endlessly engaging.

Recorded live at Studio Soli and enhanced with meticulous overdubs and mixing, the track’s production is pristine, highlighting every nuance without sacrificing the energy of a live performance. The artwork by Chris Ball visually mirrors the track’s dynamic energy, offering a striking complement to the sonic adventure within. Scared of Eric is also a testament to Ari Joshua’s wider impact: a multi-faceted musician whose work is currently under 68th GRAMMY® Awards Round One consideration, including nominations for Producer of the Year and Best Jazz Performance. This single exemplifies why Joshua’s compositions, collaborations, and productions continue to resonate across genres. In celebrating a hero while pushing his own artistic boundaries, Ari Joshua has delivered a piece that is as exhilarating as it is reverential—a vibrant, unmissable statement from one of contemporary music’s most fearless innovators.