Long ago, in a land, far far away…
There were jazz clubs, and people would sit or stand within 6 feet of each other and NOT WEAR MASKS! No one used disinfectant, and they ate and drank, sitting within spitting distance while listening to something called LIVE MUSIC.
Near LAX, Sam First Bar hosted some of the best local gigs, with trio outing by pianist Max Haymer along with drummer dan Schnelle and bassist David Robaire reflecting a “typical” night out, something we’d all beg for in retrospect.
Haymer has a swinging touch for this set, bookending the show with Cole Porter tunes that arc like a Bell Curve, gently ruminating on “So In Love” and eventually reaching a climax before reclining, while “Love For Sale” has Haymer’s fingers extended in a wide stride. Robaire gets some nice solo space on the fluid “Passed Time” “Whirlwind” and “Gold Plated Dime” while locking arm and arm with Haymer on “Speak Low”. Haymer delivers a solo for “Killing Time” that makes you beg for more. Impressive post bop sounds that make you reveal what you’re missing.