Inception (2023)
“Inception” is a genre-fluid exploration of rhythm, sound, and imagination. Blending Afro-electronic textures, jazz improvisation, and experimental percussion, JoVia Armstrong creates immersive soundscapes that are at once meditative and electrifying. The album invites listeners into a world where groove, innovation, and spiritual depth converge, offering a powerful journey through Armstrong’s visionary artistry.
“JoVia Armstrong offers something unique- and tough
Indeed, Armstrong has once again taken freely from a number of sources in African-American music and put it all together into an exceptionally tasty gumbo.”
“Meditative and expressive, Inception is a thrilling exhibition of Eunoia Society’s mesmerizing sympatico and dynamic jazz mentality.”
“The result is a production that very much feels like a companion to The Antidote Suite as Armstrong crafts a heady blend of electric jazz fusion, atmospheric soundscapes, and hip-hop-informed rhythms.”
The Antidote Suite (2022)
The Antidote Suite was commissioned by curator and professor Dr. Bridget Cooks for the Black Index Art Exhibit.
Composed and Performed by Eunoia Society: JoVia Armstrong- Composer/Percussionist and Leslie DeShazor, 5-String Electric Violin. This album features several prominent musicians that we want to thank. Jeff Parker, guitar; Isaiah Sharkey, bass, Nicole Mitchell, Flute; Amr Fahmy, piano, Yaw, vocals; and Phenom, lyricist. This film was created by Jonathan Woods for the Black Index Index as well.
Read more here: Eunoia Society Website.
“The Future Is JoVia Armstrong”
“Comparisons to Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi band from the 1970s are purposeful and warranted.”
“From the album artwork to the various rhythms swallowing up the energetic aura, it all comes together and unites the body, the soul, and the mind, providing relaxation that comes with a bit of disruption. It is what is needed amidst so much change. It is the antidote to our pain, an energetic release.”
“While Alice Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Pauline Oliveros are cited as influences by Armstrong, Promises, the recent well-received collaboration between Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders, arguably serves as a better touchstone. In her music too, atmospheric electronics and ambient textures merge with jazz elements to generate a heady Afrofuturist swirl capable of inducing meditative altered states.”
“The Antidote Suite showcases Armstrong’s superb command of her instrument, inventive writing and confident leadership. It is brief yet poignant, diverse yet cohesive, a strong first statement from a young musician with a bright future.”
Fuzzy Blue Robe Chronicles (2009)
Fuzzy Blue Robe Chronicles is an intimate sonic journey that blurs the lines between everyday ritual and boundless imagination. With textures that flow between warmth and experimentation, the album captures moments of solitude, reflection, and transformation—inviting listeners into a world where vulnerability becomes sound and the ordinary turns extraordinary.
“The overall vibe this was at times relaxing and hypnotic, such as on the great track “Think Twice” feat. Phoenix, and at other times upbeat and make-you-wanna-get-up-and-dance inducing such as the fantastic “Head Games” featuring Pathe Jassi, Fred Jackson and Kafele. And don’t even get me started on the absolute fire that is Miss Con Strued with emcee S.M. featured.
It’s amazing how we sometimes get caught up in the music that is mass produced and delivered to us via the radio and magazines and whatnot, and often there are some diamonds in the rough, so to speak, that are criminally under represented and under appreciated.”