Rock/Review RAAR Trio - Star Light Mountain

Ari Joshua, Russ Lawton, and Ray Paczkowski first met in the snowy Vermont winter at the peak of the pandemic, just after the Beacon Jams sessions. After isolating safely, they met up at a recording studio run by engineer Ben Collette called Tank Recording and produced the first batch of songs to be released to the public. A second session took place the following year.

The RAAR Trio's "Star Light Mountain" is a brilliant fusion of contemporary and vintage rock elements that enthralls listeners from the first note. With this record—Ari Joshua, Josephine Howell, Russ Lawton, and Ray Paczkowski—showcases their virtuosity and well-coordinated sound, exhibiting perfect connection and harmonic synergy.

Joshua's guitar and Paczkowski's organ combine to create a catchy opening riff that instantly establishes a dynamic and captivating mood. Lawton's drumming creates a strong foundation that drives the song ahead by blending in perfectly with the groove. Howell's ethereal background harmonies and Joshua's grounded vocals combine to provide a rich, complex vocal interaction that deepens the song's emotional impact.

Joshua's face-melting, sweeping guitar solo serves as the track's building suspenseful bridge to an explosive finale. He captures the spirit of the song with his passionate playing, which is both technically outstanding and very expressive. With this solo, the rhythm section's tight performance, and the organ's expert accompaniment, "Star Light Mountain" stays captivating the entire time.

Both traditional rock jam bands like Dead and Company and The Trey Anastasio Band, as well as roots rock acts like The Black Crowes and Alabama Shakes, can be heard harmoniously on "Star Light Mountain" in terms of tonality. The RAAR Trio's ability to combine classic rock elements with a contemporary twist to produce a sound that is simultaneously nostalgic and new is demonstrated by this track.

Thanks to the joint efforts of Ben Collette at Tank Recording, Aaron Harmonson at Ari Joshua's Music Factory Studios, and Jonathan Plum at London Bridge Studios, "Star Light Mountain" has an outstanding production quality. A high-resolution mix capturing the spirit of the Vermont Green Mountains and the Washington Cascades and Olympics is the product of this cross-country cooperation.

Finally, the song "Star Light Mountain" by RAAR Trio is a highlight that exemplifies the group's remarkable skill and mellow harmony. Fans of both current and vintage rock should definitely listen to this song because of its fascinating rhythms, powerful solos, and excellent production.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

The Suncatchers featuring Joe Doria & Ehssan Karimi
May 22 - Seamonster Lounge - Seattle, Wa

Interview
May 23 - Helping Friendly Podcast with RJ Bee and Hosts - Osiris

Ari Joshua Band
May 31 - Nectars - Burlington, VT
June 2 - TBA - New Tork, NY

Kris Yunker, Ari Joshua, Ben Atkind Trio dates
June 5th The Stone Church - Bratelboro, VT
June 7th Art Walk - Brattleboro VT

Check www.arijoshua.com for more dates