Amidst a wave of younger pianists seeking to turn the jazz world on its ear with their overstated technique or unorthodox composition, the refined use of space and dynamics demonstrated by pianist Max Vax is refreshing indeed. Born in Gorky, Russia, Vax received his first classical piano lesson at the age of six, going on to train at the Balakirev College of Music in Russia, and subsequentIy the Rotterdam Conservatory in Holland. Vax's classical training was no doubt formative: his clean, subtle approach to standards and original compositions has been compared to the work of Ahmad Jamal for both its voicing and clarity. Vax's recent release "A Personal Touch" is the perfect showcase for his fast hands and classical methodology, featuring some memorable dialogue with Dutch bassist Hein van de Geyn-a long-time staple of the Netherlands jazz" scene. Rounding out the Max Vax Trio in its lowa City incarnation are Poland's Maciej Domaradzki on bass, and former local talent Marc Gratama (now living in the Netherlands) on drums. Since leaving lowa City for studies at Berklee, Gratama has leveraged his aggressive and adaptive percussive style to play with such luminaries as Jerry Bergonzi, Cuba Gooding, Hans Dulfer, and Saskia Larou. Together, Gratama and Domaradzki provide the perfect rhythmic and dynamic counterparts to Vax, effortlessly communicating their ideas at any tempo.