Ari Tsugi’s debut album, “Simultaneity (同時性),” offers a rich tapestry of sound that blends spoken word with a dynamic mix of guitar grooves, brass, and wind elements. The title track sets the tone with its engaging structure, starting with spoken word before transitioning into instrumental sections featuring skillful performances. The track seamlessly shifts between tempos, with vocals serving as bridges that connect the harmonic and improvisational elements, creating a cohesive and captivating musical experience.
Released on Rebecca Vasmant’s imprint, Rebecca’s Records, “Simultaneity” brings together an impressive array of Scottish talent, including Mateusz Sobieski of corto.alto and India Blue of Azamiah. The album, which has received support from prominent platforms like BBC 6Music, Jazz FM, and Worldwide FM, transcends genre boundaries, exploring spiritual jazz, psychedelic fusion, and Brazilian rhythms. Each track on the album symbolizes a different season, using instruments like trombone, saxophone, and trumpet to evoke the passage of time and the spirit’s journey through the seasons.
Ari Tsugi, originally formed in Glasgow, Scotland, by Clement Gaud, Joe Weisberg, and Mashu Harada, have grown into an eight-member ensemble. Their music, which started from a chance encounter and jam session in a Glasgow flat, now encompasses a global sound that reflects their diverse influences and backgrounds. With multiple DIY residencies and tours across Europe, including a performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2024, Ari Tsugi continues to push artistic boundaries and invite listeners on a transformative journey through their intricate arrangements and evocative melodies.