Scared of Eric

Scared of Eric Out September 26th, 2025 via Music Factory Records
Featuring Ari Joshua, Skerik, Delvon Lamarr, & Grant Schroff
Artwork by Chris Ball / Deepgroove Designs

Music Factory Records is proud to announce the release of Scared of Eric, a bold new instrumental single composed in tribute to saxophone legend Skerik, who also features prominently on the track. This psychedelic boogaloo-funk jam brings together four of the Pacific Northwest’s most adventurous musicians: guitarist Ari Joshua, organist Delvon Lamarr, drummer Grant Schroff, and Skerik himself on saxophone.

Known for pushing the boundaries of jazz, funk, and punk rock, Skerik has left a lasting mark on the improvisational music scene. A founding member of bands like Critters Buggin, Garage A Trois, and Les Claypool’s Fancy Band, his career has spanned decades of genre-defying performance. His singular tone and explosive creativity have inspired countless players, including Joshua, who channels that admiration into the composition of Scared of Eric.

The track begins with a creeping, cinematic intro that unfurls into a tightly wound groove. With Delvon Lamarr’s organ lines simmering beneath Skerik’s ferocious horn phrasing, Ari Joshua responds in kind with slinky riffs and angular leads. Schroff’s drumming maintains a taut groove while remaining loose enough to allow for risk-taking interplay.

This session was tracked live by Mell Dettmer at Studio Soli and further shaped through the engineering and mixing talents of Jason Gray at Blue Mallard Recording. The final master was polished by Doug Krebs, and the accompanying artwork was created by Chris Ball of Deepgroove Designs—visually matching the sonic chaos and brilliance contained within.

Scared of Eric is both a celebration and a creative provocation, rooted in tradition but reaching toward the unknown.

Credits:

Ari Joshua – Guitar
Skerik – Saxophone
Delvon Lamarr – Keyboards
Grant Schroff – Drums
Tracking Engineer – Mell Dettmer (Studio Soli)
Overdub & Mixing Engineer – Jason Gray (Blue Mallard Recording)
Mastering Engineer – Doug Krebs
Artwork – Chris Ball (Deepgroove Designs)