Perry Smith Peace

Perry Smith
Peace
Smith Tone Records

About his new album "Peace," Perry Smith states, "I had been interested in recording a trio album of standards to really draw the listener in through classic melodies, dynamics and the natural sound of my Gibson ES-175. Using a traditional archtop hollow body, my style of jazz guitar can really work with a sensitive and swinging rhythm section like Schnelle and Minaie. I chose to record a variety of standards that have meant a lot to me over the years, and what I discovered is that as my own life experiences have unfolded, my connection to these songs, and what I have to offer musically has only gotten deeper."

Born in the San Francisco Bay area, Smith has degrees from the University of Southern California (where he studied with Joe Diorio) and New York University (where's he studied with John Scofield). As a guitarist, he generally blends the traditions of jazz with contemporary sounds, although on this recording, his playing is directed more to the straight-ahead tradition. Six of the nine songs were recorded when Perry was in Los Angeles with bassist Sam Minaie and drummer Dan Schnelle. He has a long association with both members of his trio, and they recorded those tracks on an off-day from their playing together. The other three selections are solo performances that he recorded in Los Angeles a few months later before the pandemic struck. This album is Smith's 5th full album as a leader.

The music is thoroughly delightful with Smith's exquisite tone, clean and nuanced phrasing, and lyrical playing complemented by Minaie and Schnelle. Indeed, the beautiful rendition of Richard Rogers' "This Nearly Was Mine" shines with his crystalline single note runs mixed with chords carefully played over Minaie's light bass and Schnelle's use of brushes. The repertoire is not limited to the Great American songbook as heard in the take of Sam River's "Cyclic Episode." Perry and trio readily negotiate the leaps and twists of Rivers' melody with some energized guitar. As marvelous as Smith is throughout, his playing on "Darn That Dream" is gorgeous, with Schnelle again adeptly playing brushes. Also striking is the rendition of Horace Silver's "Peace" with Smith's careful and precise placement of notes as well as chording behind Minaie's bass solo.

The three solo performances that close this album, "A Child Is Born," "I Remember You," and "Alone Together," are gems of melodic improvisation. They complete a thoroughly engaging and marvelous jazz guitar album. It is available at bandcamp, https://perrysmithmusic.bandcamp.com/album/peace.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is a solo guitar performance from Perry Smith.

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."