Bill Mays

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. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide