Although best known for his work in saxophonist Noah Preminger's Quartet, guitarist and composer Max Light is just now climbing into the spotlight. His debut album, "Herplusme" (Red Piano Records), was a trio date recorded in 2018 but not issued until February 2020, just a month before the COVID-19 Pandemic shut the door on touring musicians (and the rest of us). He'd already recorded two live albums with trumpeter Jason Palmer, two studio albums with Preminger's ensemble, and albums with Yong Lee, Kevin Sun, Chris McCarthy, and others. Last year, SteepleChase Records released "Songs We Love", a collection of 14 tunes (mostly standards old and new) performed by Preminger and Light––it's well worth seeking out for the delightful conversations the two musicians over the course of 65 minutes. When producer and label owner Nils Winther offered Light the opportunity to record his second album as a leader, it was obvious from the get-go the guitarist would reach out to Preminger.
In fact, the new album, "Henceforth", is the Noah Preminger Quartet (bassist Kim Cass and drummer Dan Weiss fill out the lineup) recording a program of Light originals save for the tenor saxophonist's "High or Booze" that closes the recording. One can hear that this is a "working ensemble" as the band has no trouble making each song sound fresh and alive. The album opens with "Barney and Sid", a medium piece that has a touch of funk in its rhythm and angular melodic lines. After an unaccompanied guitar opening statement, and feeding off the band plays through the theme and then into the tenor sax solo. Preminger has the time and the talent to truly develop his solo, working up a sweat over several minutes. Light is next, picking up on the energy of the previous solo and feeding off the insistent rhythms.
The title track is next. The rhythm lopes along giving the piece an "Americana" feel. As the four musicians move through the theme, the music picks up in intensity (pushed by the thrashing drums) before moving back to the gentle lope (listen below). Check out how both Cass and Weiss move in and out of the foundation as Light builds his intense solo. The bass solo is impressive for its power, its playfulness, and melodic flourishes. Later in the program, "Animals", originally composed as an assignment in college, is a mature ballad––the guitar solo flows like a mountain stream while the rhythm section offers gentle support (Weiss on brushes, Cass playing counterpoint). "Half Marathon", so named for the John Coltrane piece "26-2" that influenced it, gives Light the opportunity to strut his stuff before Preminger jumps into the high-speed dance.
"High or Booze" is the final track. It has a strong, well-developed, melody (no mere blues, this) that leaves room for an emotionally rich tenor sax solo and a fiery guitar spot (it's a joy listening to the rhythm section interact with the soloists and each other.
Listen to "Henceforth" several times before passing judgement. Max Light has created an excellent quartet recording filled with substantial melodies and spirited playing. Having listened to Noah Preminger live and onstage for the past 14 years, it's a joy to hear how he has matured as a musician to the point of possessing his own sound. Kim Cass and Dan Weiss are excellent throughout (no surprise there). A major step forward for young Mr. Light!
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