Releasing September 26, 2025 via Music Factory Records
When four fearless musicians enter the studio with nothing but groove, heart, and mutual respect, magic tends to follow. That’s exactly what happened on Scared of Eric, a bold instrumental release by Ari Joshua, Skerik, Delvon Lamarr, and Grant Schroff—out this fall through Music Factory Records.
The single is a lively, genre-blurring tribute to saxophone pioneer Skerik, whose unique approach to improvisation and tone has made him one of the most innovative players in modern music. Known for his work with Critters Buggin, Garage A Trois, and Les Claypool’s Fancy Band, Skerik has built a reputation for tearing down musical boundaries and reinventing what jazz and funk can sound like.
For guitarist and composer Ari Joshua, this track holds deep personal meaning. He recalls seeing Skerik perform when he was just thirteen years old—a moment that would shape his entire musical journey. “There was this raw power and honesty in his playing,” Joshua says. “Writing a song for him, and then hearing him perform on it, feels like the circle has come full.”
Musically, Scared of Eric is a psychedelic boogaloo-funk fusion filled with deep grooves, textured harmonies, and spontaneous interplay between four players who clearly trust each other. Delvon Lamarr’s soulful organ work and Grant Schroff’s tight yet unpredictable drumming lay the foundation for Joshua’s expressive guitar and Skerik’s explosive sax lines to dance freely.
The track was captured live by Mell Dettmer at Studio Soli, mixed by Jason Gray at Blue Mallard Recording, and mastered by Doug Krebs, giving the final product both warmth and clarity. The cover artwork by Chris Ball (Deepgroove Designs) mirrors the wild, colorful energy within the music itself.
Scared of Eric isn’t just a tribute—it’s a reminder of how influence becomes legacy. It celebrates one of jazz’s great visionaries while shining a light on a new generation of boundary-pushing artists who continue to expand what instrumental music can be.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lqj00wvJTOQ?si=3O_GISgnaFndk_Cr
Listen here: https://s.disco.ac/xtuksnyabqst
Links:
Official Website: https://www.arijoshua.com
Bandcamp: https://arijoshua.bandcamp.com
Ari Joshua Music Pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arijoshua
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arijoshualovesyou
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/arieljoshua
Music Factory Records:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusicfactorylabel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusicfactorylabel/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themusicfactorylabel