A Joyous Opus
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The jazz pianist and Savannah, GA resident Aaron Lehrian makes quite an impression with this debut album, where classical and worldly ideas enter the 10 well thought out tracks.
The title track leads with Stan Piper’s throbbing bass that suits Lehrian’s bright and fluid keys that emit much melody, and “Time’s Knockin’ At The Door” follows with Stefan Klein’s crisp drumming populating the rich and dynamic climate that has the piano mesmerizing us.
“Whispers Of A Sleepless Night” arrives at the halfway point and finds itself in intimate areas, where emotive keys are spotlighted, while “Prayer’s March” rumbles a bit lower amid a hint of mystery buried in the cautious song craft.
Close to the end, the dreamy “Why Do The Stars Fade?” is packed with agile key gestures and warm bass lines, and “Words Forgotten” exits with Lehrian’s flawless playing surrounded by gentle drums and cozy bass work.
A deeply personal body of work, the rhythm section on hand is superb, and they sure do illuminate Lehrian’s expressive and diverse piano playing that’s heartfelt and soulful.
Travels well with: Joel Goodman- An Exquisite Moment; Craig Akin- Me, My Bass And I