JOSHUA ACHIRON

CLIMBING

Calligram Records

Joshua Achiron, guitar/composer; Geof Bradfield, tenor saxophone; Clark Sommers, acoustic bass; Dana Hall, drums & cymbals.

The bass of Clark Sommers tickles the air in my listening room, creating an interesting introduction to Joshua Achiron’s tune, “Troubles Become Triumphs.”  Achiron has composed all the songs on this debut album, and most of the song titles are positive and inspirational.

The album’s roots were planted back in summer of 2023, when Achiron performed with Bradfield’s group during a Jazz Showcase.

“That was the most important night of music that I have played. It was one of those nights that come once in a blue moon to remind you of why you started playing,” Achiron muses.

Joshua Achiron’s product, aptly named “Climbing” translates from his personal mantras and hard-won wisdom. His style is displayed in his original compositions, highlighting his composer and guitar talents. The title tune spotlights Achiron’s guitar style, at one point playing unison with Geof Bradfield’s tenor saxophone and then creating a groove line, locking in with bass and guitar. Clark Sommers dances away from the groove to solo atop the chord changes of Achiron. It’s a simplistic arrangement, but it snares the ear, like the hook on a diamond earring. Joshua Achiron is making an artistic statement.

Explaining his song titles, Achiron wrote in his press package: “I used the sayings to write the music.  I just tried to imagine what that would sound like if someone said it in a movie or in a speech.  How would the time be decorated when those words were said?”

Take for instance, “The Only Way is Through.”  It’s a ballad that sounds almost like a hymnal, with tenor sax and guitar showcasing the melody.

On, “The Pain That Hurts,” the drums of Dana Hall push the arrangement forward.  This original composition is meant to be paired to Track #7, “The Pain That Alters.”  So many times, after a painful experience, we come out or it stronger. “The Pain That Alters” sounds like a cut off this album that would get lots of airplay.

On “Mean Machine” Achiron was inspired by his drummer father. It features syncopated rhythmic counterpoint by drummer Hall. It was nice to hear Achiron cut loose on his guitar and take a solo that was expressive and free.  Achiron closes his album with a Duke Ellington composition called “Take the Coltrane.”  It’s the only ‘cover’ tune on his album. Geof Bradfield opens on tenor saxophone for the first seven bars, then is joined by Dana Hall, punching out the rhythm like a heavyweight boxer. Achiron lays in ‘the cut’ helping Sommers, and Hall to create a strong rhythm section. Although modern jazz is cool, this is the traditional swing jazz that I love. I expect beaucoup airplay on this one!

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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