Arjun – Gravity – Album Review | The Ark of Music – The best music in the world…you never knew existed.

A lot of good things have been said about the New York rock-blues-jazz fusion instrumental jam-band known as Arjun, and we are happily and shamelessly jumping on that wagon of praise.

Consisting of Eddie Arjun Peters (guitar), Lamar Myers (drums), and Andre Lyles (bass), the veteran trio has been creating their unique and articulate brand of sonic art since 2003. Their new album, Gravity, is the final installment of an epic trilogy that began with 2013’s Space, followed by 2014’s Core.

Gravity bravely picks up where Core left off. Here’s what we dug the most…

Opening with Prince, a song that immediately drew my attention to its seamless transitions, I was reminded of a trek I once took through the Himalayas. Indeed, this track launches listeners on an adventure.

Ascent (feat. Cory Henry) earns a permanent position on your weekend-chill playlist. With its slow, smooth, and bluesy riffs, I’d recommend waiting ’til all your day’s work is done before hitting play here.

Endless Again‘s sparkling percussion makes it a magical number with strong blues elements once again. Dancing between light riffing and a full-on jam, the dynamics here are what Arjun fans have undoubtedly come to know and love.

True to any journey, Gravity (feat. Molly Cherryholmes) melodically brings its listeners back to calm after a long and weathered trek. With the addition of Cherryholmes’ soothing strings, the track leans more toward a light, ambient form of jazz, grounding the preceding experience in a pleasant pillow of sound.

Which brings me to a point about “jazz” that I feel is worth making: When an artist gets this good (in this case: three artists), eventually, some nuanced and unique variation of what most might call “jazz” is really the only music that’s left to be made. Preemptively-patterned repetition no longer inspires the master(s) who can speak spontaneously—at will—in real time—through their chosen instrument. And, for those of you who cringe at the “J” word (I understand, I’ve been there too), I implore you, just for a moment…open your mind. Do so at least for the 51 minutes that is Gravity. You will not be disappointed.

Though our musical culture’s understandable obsession with the electric guitar will undoubtedly make Eddie’s role on Gravity the central component for most listeners and fans—make no mistake—Lamar and Andre are razor sharp in their rhythm section roles. Confident and crisp, their flawless execution of drum and bass provide a rich and expansive foundation for Eddie’s expression. All in all, the trio seem to exist in their own musical-ecosystem as they move in perfect harmony in, out, and through one profoundly complex transition after another—and with seeming ease we might add. An ease that only masters attain.

Whose lovechild…?
The following comparisons have already been made of this talented trio, and I can think of none more accurate: Toss together Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck, and add a touch of Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble.

Below, you can listen to Arjun’s album, Gravity, connect with their website and social media platforms, watch their music video, check out their live show/tour schedule, and find their booking & contact information. Please support Arjun by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!