Praysue

Woven with threads of memory, place, ancestral motifs and emotion, Praysue is a composition that sits at the crossroads of classical, and jazz. Inspired by Ari Joshua’s  late grandfather and the enigmatic town of Przysucha, the composition unfurls as a cinematic journey through time and space. At its heart lies a classical sensibility, reimagined through a contemporary lens. Orchestral strings, their voices ethereal and haunting, intertwine with the rhythmic pulse of vintage magnetic tape-driven keyboards and organs, creating a sonic landscape both familiar and ethereal.

The rhythmic bedrock of the piece is laid by the formidable drumming of Billy Martin, whose percussive explorations add a layer of depth and complexity. John Medeski’s keyboard wizardry imbues the track with a kaleidoscopic palette of colors and analog textures, elevating the composition to new heights of sonic grandeur. Recorded at the legendary Applehead Studio in Woodstock, New York, the album captures the essence of a bygone era, a time when music was crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail.

Engineer Chris Bitner's deft hand captured the nuances of each instrument, preserving the intimacy and authenticity of the performances. The subsequent surround sound and stereo mixes by Pierre Grill at Rendez Vous Recordings expanded the sonic canvas, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully in the music. The result is a breathtaking soundscape that envelops the listener, creating a profound and immersive listening experience.