Shawn Maxwell
"Maxwell's House" CD release

Andy's, Chicago, IL
Saturday Dec. 5, 2009

Shawn Maxwell

Story by Brad Walseth
Photos by John Broughton

The Shawn Maxwell Quartet played Andy's last weekend in support of their new release "Maxwell's House" on Chicago Sessions records. Their well-received sets included numbers from this fine new album, some interesting standards and some favorites from Maxwell's previous recordings. With Ben Neumann filling in for Matt Nelson, the quartet was rounded out by drummer Brandon Dickert and bassist Kevin Martinez. Maxwell, showing increased confidence as a front man and player, adroitly showed his skills on alto sax and flute. Martinez's bass was solid with an appealing woody tone, while Dickert showed his usual combination of tightness and creativity. Neumann - one of the city's young lions on piano, filled in nicely and provided several melodic solos.

Strong original compositions like "Dangerous Curve," "If Only" and the lovely ballad "Ava," as well as "The Sixth" and "Mr. Strongbow" (from Originals and Originals II) sparkled when performed live by this solid unit. The latter featured perhaps Maxwell's strongest solo of the night. Meanwhile, Maxwell's choice of standards was inspired as always, with versions of Mingus' "Boogie Stop Shuffle," Tadd Dameron's "Ladybird," "A Child is Born," "Invitation" and Monk's "Well You Needn't" enchanting the crowd.

The evening also included a groovy samba, the New Orleans-style "The Preacher," the blazing "Sister Ray" and a cover of Kenny Garrett's wonderful "Sing a Song of Songs" - with Maxwell paying tribute to one of his heroes. Great to see and hear Maxwell and his combo performing at Andy's and hopefully this new recording will lead to this fine young alto player/composer getting the recognition he deserves.