Josi Costi’s debut album, ‘Joya’, arrives not with a bang, but with the quiet confidence of a story that needs to be told.
The story behind ‘Joya’ is as organic as the music itself. Picture this: spring 2024, a borrowed house in Richmond, UK. Josi, along with sound engineer Viktor Volaric-Horvat, transformed a living room into a makeshift studio.
A 4-track tape machine, a console, and a handful of carefully chosen gear became their tools. This wasn’t about pristine, sterile recordings; it was about capturing the moment, the air, the very breath of the space.
The result is a collection of ten songs that feel less like a polished product and more like a living, breathing document of a specific time and place.
The creaks of the floorboards, the distant hum of the city, and the birdsong from the garden all become part of the sonic fabric. These are not imperfections to be edited out, but rather evidence to the album’s authenticity. It’s a bold choice for a debut, and one that pays off handsomely.
Costi, a musician with a background in jazz and world music, brings a sophisticated harmonic sensibility to his songwriting. His guitar work is intricate yet understated, weaving delicate melodies around his gentle, introspective vocals.
The songs are deeply personal, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with a raw honesty that is both disarming and deeply moving. There’s a sense of an artist finding his voice, and the listener is invited to witness that process in real time.
The supporting musicians, including Tal Janes on guitar, Ben Reed on bass, and Rod Oughton on percussion, are all long-time friends and collaborators.
Their shared history is palpable in the music, a silent communication that underpins every note. There is a sense of ease and trust in their interplay, a musical conversation between old friends.
This is not a collection of session musicians for hire, but a band of brothers united by a shared musical vision. The album was then mixed by Brett Shaw at 123 Studios, a familiar collaborator from Josi’s session musician days.
This collaborative spirit, built on years of shared experiences and mutual respect, shines through every note. It’s the sound of old friends, walking through many seasons together, bringing that closeness and trust into the creative process.
His sound is organic, yet it’s not afraid to venture into unexpected territories. Warm harmonies intertwine with hypnotic grooves, and textures emerge that feel both familiar and entirely new.
Every detail, whether it’s an intricate piano line, a pulsing synth, or a moment of pure silence, is placed with intention. There’s no rigid formula here, just pure feeling.
‘Joya’ is an album that rewards close listening. It’s a slow burn, a record that reveals its secrets over time. In an age of instant gratification, it’s a reminder of the power of patience and the beauty of imperfection.
Josi Costi has created a work of quiet power and profound emotional resonance. He has given us a glimpse into his world, and it is a world worth visiting.
‘Joya’ is a whispered conversation with the soul, a gentle reminder that true artistry blossoms when you dare to be utterly, beautifully, and imperfectly yourself.
https://open.spotify.com/album/6MAsoDI964RgVKvZWVttnU?si=NS4E3u1OQKCZT_95xnXvhA
