Memphis guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Jad Tariq will release his sophomore album, Precious Company, on September 18 via MoMojo Records. Ahead of the album’s arrival, we’re premiering its title track today. “Precious Company” moves with an unhurried elegance, its warm vocal, graceful phrasing, and understated instrumental arrangement allowing atmosphere to take center stage.
He tells us:
I’ve always been a sucker for these slow swing tunes. This song initially started on a vacation with one of my childhood best friends, indie artist Kit Conway of Stello, who I hadn’t seen in quite some time. We discussed the idea of collaborating on a song, as I was starting to get ready to cut a new record.
Kit came up with the main lyric for this song as we were walking around in a grocery store together. We ended up finishing the tune a few weeks later, and I knew exactly how I wanted the arrangement to be on this song, with a swanky, almost New Orleans feel to it.
Recorded live in his Memphis living room studio, the album’s 10 original songs showcase Tariq’s growth as a songwriter and guitarist, while reflecting the deep musical history of his adopted hometown. Originally from Trumbull, Connecticut, Tariq began performing at age 12 before relocating to Memphis at 18 and immersing himself in the city’s blues community.
Since then, he has garnered national attention through collaborations with multiple Blues Music Award-winner John Németh, renowned musician Tony Holiday, and harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite, while earning a reputation as one of Memphis’ standout young guitarists. Most recently, he earned the prestigious honor of being invited to join Bob Dylan’s touring band for a series of dates.
The album’s lineup includes bassist Matthew Wilson (Buffalo Nichols), along with horn players Marc Franklin, whose credits include Solomon Burke, Gregg Allman, Robert Cray, and Lucero, and Kirk Smothers, who has worked with Don Bryant, Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, and Buddy Guy. Tariq says the songs on the album are “raw and honest,” adding, “I hope you enjoy listening to this record as much as I enjoyed making it!”
