A guitarist based in Brooklyn, NY, Max’ recent release, “Chaotic Neutral” (AGS Recordings 2024), was called “complex, shrouded in mystery and endlessly intriguing” and “essentially a master class in cutting paths through tricky meters” by Downbeat Magazine in a 4-star Editor’s Pick review.

Jazzwise Magazine declared “Max Light might already be emerging as a model for the generation around the corner” in John Fordham’s 4-star review.

Max won 2nd place in the 2019 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition, judged by Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Lionel Loueke etc.

His sophomore recording as a leader, “Henceforth” was released June 15 2023 on Steeplechase Records.
The album features Noah Preminger, Dan Weiss and Kim Cass.

Most recently, Max and pianist Julian Shore released “Duo” on July 7, 2023 and embarked on a release tour all over Japan.

Critic Elis Ragina of Jazz The New Chapter in Tokyo wrote “an authentic style within an authentic framework…Hearing it live was amazing.”

Max has performed and recorded with Noah Preminger, Christian Sands, Donny McCaslin, Jeremy Dutton, Kaisa Maensivu, Jason Palmer, Jon Gordon, John Ellis, Dan Weiss, Colin Stranahan, Kevin Sun among others. He is a regular collaborator with Downbeat Rising Star tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger.

He appeared on Jason Palmer’s seminal 2018 recording “Live at Wally’s Jazz Club: Volume 1-2” (Steeplechase).

Max lived in Boston for 6 years where he received his Bachelor’s Degree at New England Conservatory and performed every Friday and Saturday at the legendary Wally’s Jazz Cafe with world-renowned trumpeter Jason Palmer.

He received his Master’s Degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and currently teaches at The New School in NYC.