The Bad Wolf Team
- Sep 9
- 4 min read

A Psychedelic Journey Through Time: Ari Joshua teams up with Joe Russo, and Marco Benevento in ‘Tagine’. “Melodies Born in the Shadows of 9/11”

On September 11, 2001, there’s no doubt that the world changed forever. That tragic day left indelible scars on our collective memory, and in the week that followed, a unique musical composition emerged, capturing the profound sense of chaos, confusion, and introspection experienced by thousands in New York City and millions around the globe.

“Tagine,” a masterpiece of psychedelic jazz created by renowned guitarist Ari Joshua in collaboration with talented musicians Joe Russo and Marco Benevento, is more than just a musical piece; it stands as a powerful interpretation of the events of 9/11, offering a unique and transformative perspective through its magnificent sonic fusion.

Inspired by jazz legends like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Medeski Martin & Wood, "Tagine" was composed during one of the most challenging weeks in modern history. At a time when the entire world seemed to come to a halt, Ari Joshua, Joe Russo, and Marco Benevento continued to focus on what they did best: creating music. This was not an attempt to seek refuge from the chaotic events but rather a natural continuation of their passion, which had been abruptly interrupted. Thus, “Tagine” does not arise solely from a need to process the pain of that moment, but as a spontaneous and creative response to the apocalyptic atmosphere of those days, making this piece unique in its style.

Stay with us as we delve into the captivating story behind the creation of this remarkable composition.

Track Analysis:

"Tagine", named after a Moroccan restaurant in New York that used to host a weekly jam session where the trio frequently attended and participated, and which became incredibly iconic for its dedication to artistic expression, begins with an incredibly skillful and creative approach. Making its entrance with the sound of police sirens and the characteristic noise of the bustling city, this captivating track serves as a haunting reminder of the chaos that reigned on the streets of New York during those days, effectively capturing the listeners' attention from the very first moment.

It’s then that Ari’s guitar takes center stage. His use of the ‘palm mute’ technique, combined with the solitary hi-hat hits in the percussion, sets the rhythm and intention of the composition, creating an atmosphere of tension that quickly becomes palpable and tangible.

This gripping start establishes a strong sensory connection with the listener, evoking the sense of suspense many felt as the entire world seemed paralyzed—a moment suspended in time while the events of September 11 unfolded.

As “Tagine” progresses through its nearly 8-minute duration, the reverberation of the instruments—especially Joe Russo's percussion and the warm melodic lines of Ari Joshua’s lead guitar—creates a deep sense of immersion. They weave through the mix stablishing themselves like the backbone of the composition itself, enriching the sonic landscape and allowing new sounds to gradually emerge. From the strident and electrifying sound of Marco Benevento’s organ to the array of sound effects that heighten the atmosphere as it develops. As the tempo accelerates, the musical improvisation comes alive, creating a piece that, though experimental, feels meticulously crafted at the same time. Every sound, every note, and every chord fit together like pieces of a huge puzzle, forming a psychedelic and unsettling landscape that is as evocative as it is disturbing.

Understanding the details behind the creation of "Tagine" only enriches the listener's experience. Instrumental music, often free from interpretative constraints, finds in this piece a means to convey a specific feeling and a scene etched in the memory of those who lived through those moments. Nonetheless, capturing a particular emotion through this form of composition is a monumental challenge, but "Tagine" achieves it with a precision that only this trio of musicians, deeply connected to their emotions and their instruments, could accomplish.

The story behind the creation of this piece is as fascinating as the music itself. The song was written by Ari Joshua just a week after the events of September 11, while Ari was traveling in Marco Benevento’s Subaru, with Marco driving across the bridge into Midtown from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Chaos reigned in the city, and the military was stopping every vehicle to search for potential threats in light of recent events. It was during this time that the musicians’ car was inspected for possible threats. As Ari Joshua recalls: “They searched the vehicle, but the guys must have known the difference between an hammond organ and a bomb cause they let us though, and we crossed the bridge and played at Tagine.” This tragicomic event encapsulates the tension of those days but also highlights the resilience of these talented musicians, who continued to share their innate talent with the world, even as it seemed to be falling apart.

Marco Benevento’s contribution on the organ and Joe Russo’s percussion are undoubtedly key elements in this evocative piece. Both musicians are renowned figures in the North American music scene. Benevento, a versatile artist known for his work with Garage A Trois and JRAD (Joe Russo's Almost Dead), brings a distinctive, improvisational style to the track. Russo, a two-time New Groove award winner at the Jammys and celebrated drummer in projects like The Benevento/Russo Duo and Furthur, adds rhythmic depth with his powerful and precise percussion. Their contributions enhance the sonic layers of "Tagine," imbuing it with a unique and unparalleled essence. Unlike other releases by Ari Joshua, this piece possesses a much darker and unsettling aura, making it a strange yet valuable gem within his extensive repertoire.

At Bad Wolf, we’re grateful for this rare glimpse into the early days of these three talented musicians, captured in their 20s on a timeless trio recording. Meeting in Brooklyn, on a relaxed record date, "Tagine" recently emerged after nearly two decades. Mixed over time, the track reflects their shared synergy and vision, and its timeless elegance continues to resonate with over 3,000 streams on Spotify. It makes you wonder: what hidden gems are still in the vaults of our favorite artists, waiting to be released? What treasures have been considered unfinished or not yet ready? We hope they share everything they can while they’re here, giving us a full look at their creative journeys.

If you’ve enjoyed "Tagine," we invite you to learn more about Ari Joshua by visiting his website at www.arijoshua.com, where you can explore his full discography and access exclusive content. Also, don’t forget to follow him on social media to stay updated on his latest news and upcoming releases.