When three masters of improv and rock lock in, the results are electric. Guitarist Ari Joshua, drummer Russ Lawton, and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski—takes on Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile”, crafting a soul-drenched, electrified rendition dripping with the sounds of blues and psychedelia. Out March 14, 2025, via Music Factory Records, the trio’s reimagining of this rock classic is equal parts reverent and revelatory, channeling the raw spirit of Hendrix while injecting their own fearless improvisational energy.
From Joshua’s scorching guitar lines to Lawton’s deep, pocket-driven rhythms and Paczkowski’s swirling Hammond organ, “RAaR Trio” captures the song’s cosmic essence with a fresh, live-in-the-moment feel. This release follows in the footsteps of the group’s growing catalog, where jazz fusion, soul, and rock converge in mind-expanding ways.
A Lineage of Sonic Explorers
There is an effortless chemistry, each player bringing decades of experience to the table. Lawton and Paczkowski—both longtime members of Trey Anastasio Band—lay down the kind of locked-in, free-flowing grooves that have made them festival favorites. Joshua, a genre-blurring guitarist with deep roots in improvisation, bends notes and expectations with fearless precision. Together, the trio pays homage to Hendrix while making “Voodoo Chile” feel like a long-lost jam from the golden age of psych-rock exploration.
“You don’t just cover Hendrix—you summon his spirit,” says Joshua. “This track has an aura, a weight to it, we didn’t pre-meditate it, this was the one take, we wanted to tap into that OG 1960’s electricity while bringing our own spirit to the table.”
A Growing Discography of Inspired Explorations
“Voodoo Chile” adds to a string of recent releases that showcase the ensembles deep musical synergy and boundless creativity:
• “Star Lord” – A vibrant, interstellar jam with raw psychedelic energy.
• “Father Time” – A deep-pocketed groove showcasing the trio’s musical telepathy.
• “Rae of Light” – A soulful, organ-driven tribute to Joshua’s grandmother.
• “For Ray” – A spotlight on Paczkowski’s signature touch, blending jazz and soul.
• “Audio Bicycle Day” – A trippy, effects-laden journey into Joshua’s sonic influences.
• “The Bernie Meme” – A playful yet masterfully executed blend of pop, funk, and groove.
Other notable releases from Music Factory Records include “Star Light Mountain,” “Kambo Wambo,” “Burlington Coat Factory,” “The Saga of Milly and Fee,” and “Waltz of 1000 Stars”, each expanding the label’s rich, eclectic catalog.
