Bill Mays has long been an underrated but valuable pianist on the jazz scene. In addition to his extensive studio work, his career includes stints with
Sarah Vaughan,
Al Jarreau,
Bud Shank,
Bobby Shew,
Mark Murphy,
Gerry Mulligan,
James Moody,
Sonny Stitt, and
Art Pepper. He has also recorded at least 13 albums as a leader. That said,
Live at Jazz Standard is one of
Bill Mays' finest recordings. Teamed in a trio with bassist
Martin Wind and drummer
Matt Wilson,
Mays digs into two originals and eight diverse standards. On material ranging from "How Are Things in Glocca Morra,"
Thelonious Monk's "Let's Call This," and
Ornette Coleman's "When Will the Blues Leave" to
Charlie Chaplin's "Smile,"
Mays is consistently inventive, using dynamics and changes in mood quite effectively.
Wind's bowed solos and
Wilson's stimulating playing clearly inspired
Bill Mays to play at his very best and every selection has its surprises. This set, which revitalizes the piano trio within modern mainstream jazz, is highly recommended.