Ari Joshua (guitar), Ben Atkind (drums), and Kris Yunker (organ) who perform as The All’s Eye produced a magnetic two-track EP called ‘Saturday Sessions’ which was recorded live at Barbershop Studios for Matt Rifino’s Emmy-winning new series. The record label Music Factory Records supports a collection that captures the band in their rising phase as they perform with boldness and energy. The seasoned players of this trio demonstrate outstanding chemistry. Ari Joshua brings his music to life through his deep catalog and collaborations which includes his spring release with Medeski and Martin with a tone that expresses plenty even without soloing. Ben Atkind and Kris Yunker recently departed from jam giants Goose, Elephant Proof and Bearly Dead demonstrate real-time breathing and pulsating grooves during their performances. Through his production, Rifino creates a tight and unfiltered sound that allows each moment to communicate distinctly as though you were present in the recording room.
The EP centers around “Gramama”, a moving gospel-inspired tribute to Joshua’s grandmother known as Granny Queenie. The lyrics hit with a quiet gravity: “How lucid and beloved seem those days of which I covid”. Electric bluegrass rhythms mix with organ swells and bluesy guitar tones to create a song that feels timeless. The song shows its spiritual side through genuine recognition of family roots and affection. The intensity rises with “Say What You Wanna Say”. The song began as a boogaloo piece but has evolved into a psychedelic jazz-rock composition featuring fearless improvisation. The trio uses push and pull techniques to create openings for distinct solos and dynamic musical twists. It’s bold, edgy, and made for volume.
The launch coincides with a series of live performances at venues in Brooklyn and Bridgeport. The group members collectively have 18 performances scheduled for April which include Bearly Dead events with Yunker as well as Phish after-parties featuring The Ari Joshua Band together with Ben Atkind’s collaborations with Club d’Elf and DJ Logic. Their musical sound becomes clearer through this demanding schedule. ‘Saturday Sessions’ proves live music requires no further refinement when it achieves this level of precision. It just needs tape rolling. And luckily, Rifino caught every second.
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