Max Haymer Whirlwind - Live at Sam First

Max Haymer
Whirlwind - Live at Sam First
Emerald City Records

Pianist and composer Max hammer leads his trio on a spectacular piano trio release. Bassist David Robaire and drummer Dan Schnelle joined him for this live recording at the Los Angeles club, Sam First in June of 2019. "Whirlwind" is Haymer's first album in twelve years, in part because he has been busy touring with Arthur Sandoval and is also the West Coast accompanist for Jane Monheit. Originally classically trained, he later studied jazz performance. He was a Division 1 soccer player in college, and he finds his athleticism an asset in performance,

Given Haymer's time with Sandoval, one should not be surprised by the Latin feel of the interpretation of "So In Love" that opens this album. It starts dreamily before the trio launches into a mambo groove. With first-rate support, Haymer showcases not merely his technique but his inventiveness as he moves from delicate segments into spellbinding mixes of chords and arpeggios. Haymer composed the title track, a relaxed jazz waltz that serves as a showcase for Robaire. The influence of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter is heard on "Proof of Evil," a dazzling performance influenced by Hancock's "Actual Proof" and Shorter's "Speak No Evil." Haymer dazzles with the fluidity and crispness of his playing. Perhaps the highpoint of this recording is the Kurt Weill standard "Speak Low," which starts in a subdued fashion but slowly builds in intensity. In contrast, Haymer's "Gold Plated Dome" brings a different tone with plenty of fiery playing. "Welcoming," inspired by the birth of his first daughter, is a lovely ballad performance.

A rendition of Porter's "Love For Sale" closes this album. Taken at a frenetic tempo, it is a dazzling, virtuoso performance with a Schnelle also taking a strong drum solo. It is a coda on a superb jazz piano recording.

I received a CD to review from a publicist. Here is "Proof of Evil."