Ari Joshua Seattle Psychedelic Guitarist

Music Mingle
https://www.musicmingle.org/post/voodoo-chile-by-ari-joshua 

KIMU reviews
https://karlismyunkle.com/2025/03/16/ari-joshua-and-raar-trio-take-us-on-a-psychedelic-trip-with-evocative-intricate-and-mind-bending-cover-of-jimi-hendrixs-voodoo-chile/

Radio Armazem
https://radioarmazem.net/noticia/118747/indie-noise-nation

Music Earshot
https://www.musicearshot.com/2025/03/ari-joshua-s-voodoo-chile-a-psychedelic-revival-with-a-modern-edge.html 

Happy Vibes Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Eb3hIq4uBOicvBE8s3cQx?si=PGQsfb6DR2OyazbcpVpulQ&nd=1&dlsi=258456c80b7749f9

Main Character Vibes, Indie Pop Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2T4nb77XgxTrZjeHI9DRkD?si=9zEYtnrTSKSWSmGPOa-wZQ&nd=1&dlsi=deeaad78e14c4eb7 

 

Press Quotes on Voodoo Chile featuring Ray Paczkowski & Russ Lawton 

On the Performance & Interpretation from KIMU:

• “You don’t just play Hendrix – you conjure his spirit.” – Ari Joshua
• “The performance rivals the original in creative essence, but also in finger work.”
• “It’s no small feat to cover a Jimi song, so there is no doubt that Ari’s intention was clear from the outset—to ensure that he did it not only justice, but made it his own – and the results are tangible.”
• “Ari Joshua and RAAR Trio take us on a psychedelic trip with evocative, intricate, and mind-bending cover of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile.’”
• “The cover kicks off with cerebral, trippy guitar work which feels akin to a psychedelic trip into another dimension.”
• “The take on ‘Voodoo Chile’ was done in a single recording and no doubt retains all the aura and electrifying energy of the original.”

On the Musicianship & Collaboration from KIMU:

• “Ari Joshua slays on guitar and vocals, Russ Lawton brings to life his kinetic energy on drums, Ray Paczkowski manifests intricacy on keys, whilst Ben Collette heads up tracking at Tank Recording, Jonathan Plum shares his skill as mixing engineer at London Bridge Studios, with Joe Lambert’s expert mastering.”
• “This is brought to life masterfully by Ari and his collaborators.”

On the Song’s Legacy & Meaning from KIMU:

• “‘Voodoo Chile’ started as a candid jam session, and eventually became one of the most iconic songs in Hendrix’s discography. This is brought to life masterfully by Ari and his collaborators.”
• “The lyrics are filled with references to voodoo magic and religion, providing plenty of haunting images throughout the song.”
• “Ari and Jimi sing about being a ‘voodoo child,’ which confirms their shared belief in magic and superstition.”

On the Artistic Vision & Impact from KIMU:

• “Ari Joshua’s wider discography has always had a conscious and psychedelic edge, so it is inspiring to not only have this confirmation, but see it manifest with this cover.”
• “We have added Ari Joshua’s version of ‘Voodoo Chile’ with RAAR Trio to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists.”
  
  On the Performance & Interpretation:
• “Some songs are so iconic that covering them feels like stepping into sacred territory. Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile’ is one of those tracks—a swirling, electric storm of blues, rock, and raw emotion. Yet, when guitarist Ari Joshua, drummer Russ Lawton, and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski of the RAaR Trio take on this legendary piece, they don’t merely recreate it. They dive deep into its cosmic essence, summoning the spirit of Hendrix while weaving their own unique narrative.”
• “The result is a reimagined ‘Voodoo Chile’ that feels both reverent and boldly original, capturing the improvisational energy that has become the trio’s signature.”
• “Joshua doesn’t shy away from Hendrix’s fiery intensity—he embraces it, blending blues-infused licks with his own brand of fearless improvisation.”
• “His playing is both technical and deeply expressive, capturing the raw power of the original while pushing the boundaries into uncharted territory.”
• “His vocals, understated yet emotive, ride the waves of sound like a distant echo of Hendrix’s own voice.”
   

On the Musicianship & Collaboration from Music Mingle:

• “Lawton’s drumming is deep-pocketed and groove-driven, providing a solid foundation while exploring syncopated patterns that keep the track feeling fluid and alive.”
• “Paczkowski’s Hammond organ swirls through the mix like a sonic mist, adding layers of texture and warmth. His playing evokes the smoky atmosphere of a late-night jam session, shifting between haunting chord voicings and blistering solos that dance with Joshua’s guitar lines.”
• “What sets this rendition apart is the trio’s ability to tap into the raw, live-in-the-moment energy that made Hendrix’s original so electrifying.”
• “There’s a sense of danger in their playing—a willingness to take risks and let the music guide them, rather than sticking to a predetermined path.”

On the Production & Artwork from Music Mingle:

• “The production, handled by Ben Collette at Tank Recording, Jonathan Plum at London Bridge Studios, and Joe Lambert’s mastering, gives the track a warm, vintage feel while ensuring every note and nuance is crystal clear.”
• “The mix balances Joshua’s fiery guitar work with Paczkowski’s swirling organ and Lawton’s rock-solid grooves, creating a lush sonic landscape that pays homage to the psychedelic roots of the original.”
• “Burgandy Viscosi’s illustration and Monte Mitchel’s art layout further enhance the experience, capturing the trippy, otherworldly vibe that permeates the track.”

On the Overall Impact from Music Mingle:

• “RAaR Trio’s ‘Voodoo Chile’ is more than just a cover—it’s a celebration of musical exploration and fearless creativity.”
• “Joshua, Lawton, and Paczkowski don’t just play the song—they inhabit it, channeling its spirit while leaving their own indelible mark.”
• “Whether you’re a die-hard Hendrix fan or a lover of mind-expanding jams, this rendition is a journey worth taking—a wild ride through the heart of psychedelia, blues, and rock, where past and present collide in a burst of electric energy.”
  
   

On the Performance & Interpretation from Radio Armazem:

• “Ari Joshua, the shamanic guitarist from Seattle, is not content with simply playing music—he invokes it, as if it were a sacred ritual.”
• “This single is not a mere cover but a channeling of the raw, psychedelic spirit that Hendrix immortalized.”
• “Joshua establishes a tone that is both reverent and bold, his guitar resonating with a timbre that seems to transcend time—a sound that is both sinuous and explosive.”
• “Together, the RAaR Trio not only pays homage to Hendrix but also expands his vision, transforming ‘Voodoo Chile’ into a jam session that feels like it was pulled straight from the golden age of sonic exploration in the 1960s.”

On the Musicianship & Improvisation from Radio Armazem:

• “Electricity is the keyword here. Joshua’s guitar glides between notes with a fluidity that borders on the transcendental.”
• “Lawton, with his deep, immersive beats, and Paczkowski, whose keyboards swirl like a cosmic whirlwind, create a foundation that is both groove and trance.”
• “Lawton and Paczkowski weave a rhythmic tapestry that is both organic and hypnotic.”
• “The magic of this recording lies in its spontaneity.”

On the Production & Artwork from Radio Armazem:

• “The production, meticulously crafted by Ben Collette (recording), Jonathan Plum (mixing), and Joe Lambert (mastering), captures the live essence of the performance, preserving its raw energy and intimate atmosphere.”
• “The artwork by Burgandy Viscosi and the layout by Monte Mitchel and Forest Shore Designs complete the package, offering a visual experience that complements the sonic journey.”

On the Impact & Legacy from Radio Armazem:

• “This single is a testament to the power of improvisation and human connection through music.”
• “It is a celebration of the past but also a glimpse into the future—a future where music remains a vital force, capable of healing, uniting, and transcending.”
• “Ari Joshua and his trio not only honor Hendrix’s legacy; they reimagine it, proving that the spirit of ‘Voodoo Chile’ is more alive than ever.”
  
   

On the Performance & Interpretation from Music Earshot:

• “Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile’ is one of rock’s most untouchable anthems—a sprawling, blues-drenched epic that defines the raw power of psychedelic rock.”
• “When guitarist Ari Joshua, alongside drummer Russ Lawton and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, decided to take on this classic, they didn’t merely attempt to replicate Hendrix’s magic; they reignited its soul.”
• “This version of ‘Voodoo Chile’ is a fearless, electrified reimagining that pays homage while standing firmly on its own as an inspired and fresh interpretation.”

On the Musicianship & Improvisation from Music Earshot:

• “From the moment Joshua’s guitar cries out, it’s clear this isn’t a simple cover—it’s a spiritual summoning of Hendrix’s essence.”
• “His playing is expressive and unrestrained, bending notes with the same kind of fearless energy that defined the original but with a signature touch of modern improvisation.”
• “Lawton’s drumming is deeply rooted in groove, effortlessly shifting from thunderous fills to restrained, in-the-pocket beats.”
• “Paczkowski’s Hammond organ swirls and soars, adding a layer of rich, vintage texture that blends blues, jazz, and psychedelic rock in one hypnotic brew.”

On the Recording & Energy from Music Earshot:

• “What makes this rendition so captivating is its live, unfiltered energy.”
• “The trio approaches ‘Voodoo Chile’ as an open-ended jam, allowing space for musical conversation between instruments.”
• “There’s a rawness here, an unpolished immediacy that gives the recording a truly organic feel, almost as if Hendrix himself were in the room, nodding in approval.”

On the Impact & Legacy from Music Earshot:

• “Ari Joshua’s ‘Voodoo Chile’ offers a thrilling listening experience. It’s not just a tribute—it’s an expansion of the original’s spirit, channeled through three masterful musicians unafraid to explore new sonic territory.”
• “This is how legends live on—not through imitation, but through fearless reinvention.”