Search - David Maxwell :: Maximum Blues Piano

Is there a level above 'maximum' . . . ?

10/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I can't remember the exact route through which I came to this album. I was looking for some fresh new blood in my CD collection and I think I started with a 'Google' search for "CD blues piano" or something like that. I saw an encouraging reference to David Maxwell in one of the hits, and then came to Amazon to find out more. I then took advantage here of the excellent MP3 downloads, and from that point on my decision was made! A purchase was in order. This is definitely not a deep cerebral CD - this is good-natured high-energy fun! Even the slower numbers are bursting with verve. The piano playing throughout is tremendous - I don't know if there are any of the 88 keys he didn't touch during the performances, but I wasn't aware of them! David Maxwell, as an experienced sideman with many other blues players, obviously knows a thing or two when it comes to selecting his own sidemen. The band are excellent - crisp percussion, solid bass, rasping saxes, and blues guitar reminiscent of the Kings. Only one track has vocals, but as I was really looking for an instrumental album when I started my search this is no hardship. My only slight negative comment is with the old standard "Honky Tonk Train". I was really looking forward to hearing Maxwell's take on this, but after a long thunderous intro he takes off at an incredible rate. So fast, indeed, that I feel he loses some of the syncopated rolling gait of this tune. It's undoubtedly technically impressive, but I can't help feeling I've enjoyed other less proficient performances more. Anyway, that really is a minor aside. Go for this album with the full confidence that the MP3 samples give you a good impression of this artist and this recording. If you like them, you'll love the CD."

So good it's wierd!

pst1956@aol.com | Springfield Oregon | 07/06/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's mostly vocal-less but thats ok because his piano does all the talkin that needs said! Very Nice."

A rockin' good time!

Andrew | Seattle, WA USA | 08/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great fun! Maxwell lays down the keys on the 88, and doesn't let up! I bought this after hearing one of the tracks ("Breakdown on the Bayou") on KPLU, and I loved it, so I listened to more of the tracks, and decided to buy it.I wouldn't call it "slow" blues, such as T'aint Nobody's Business, or How Blue Can You Get?, or other B.B. King classics, but it makes up for it with just plain fun."