Customer Reviews

Maximum Blues Piano

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

An aptly titled gem...this is a refreshing jolt. Simply electric the entire way through and never lets up. Gets strong recommendation from this fan.

This is really good! I don't think there is a bad track on it. I love the high energy blues and boogie instrumentals. I loaned this to my jazz/blues piano teacher (who has his own band) and he was also very impressed by the piano playing. The CD really should go back in print.

David Maxwell is still alive and kicking up a storm and you should check out his web site - he may play in your area - worth a trip.

The price of used CDs varies day to day. I waited until the price was right and got a fresh, new CD.

He has another album in print which is more of a mixed bag - some great, some so-so.

I'm not a blues fan, but this guy can really, really play the piano. In particular, Track 4 ("Sister Laura Lee") is super. Very dynamic and charged up.

Track Listing
1 Blues Don't Bother Me2 Breakdown on the Bayou3 After Hours4 Sister Laura Lee5 Down at P.J.'s Place6 Honky Tonk Train7 Heart Attack8 Deep Into It9 Walk the Walk10 Manhattan Max (Boppin' wit da Chippies)11 Take Me On Home

I love the blues... and David Maxwell can certainly play the 88's! Whether it's Chicago blues or down-home bayou blues, this is a "gotta have it" album for your collection!