Shawn Maxwell Originals II review by Ian Tiele
Published on October 6th, 2008
The Shawn Maxwell Quartet – Originals II (Dangerous Curve Productions)
The Aurora, Illinois based Shawn Maxwell Quartet’s second CD offering is appropriately titled "Originals II," being the follow-up to Shawn’s first album “Originals.” Here we have a further twelve compositions from Mr. Maxwell’s ever-growing repertoire of innovative work. While many jazz musicians are more than happy to cover the work of other more-gifted talents, multi-instrumentalist Shawn is not happy unless his music creates a whole new listening experience for his devotees.
This CD features Maxwell’s regular working band of himself (alto saxophone, flute and clarinets), Matt Nelson (piano and keyboards), Graham Czach (bass) and Brad Dickert (drums), as well as guest appearances by Aaron Koppell (guitar) and Johanna Mahmud (trombone) on two tracks to add some additional musical texture to the quartet’s sound. This group has been together since 2004, and as a result, the unit sounds extremely tight-knit throughout the album.
The opening track Rice sets the tone for the rest of the recording, with Matt Nelson’s swinging piano and Shawn’s modal saxophone lines linking together to good effect. Duck Snort moves along at a more sedate pace, featuring some rather introspective playing by Shawn, which together with Matt’s delicate piano phrasing, helps unfold an interesting musical tale. Insert Title Here with some laid-back George Bensonish guitar from guest Aaron Koppel, is an extremely mellow tune that showcases both Maxwell’s writing and performing skills. Year Three has Shawn switching to flute, for this sad, yet pretty neo-classical piece, featuring a fine bowed bass solo by Graham Czach.
Working Dog has Shawn switching to bass clarinet, an instrument that works nicely with Johanna Mahmud’s quirky trombone playing, and Matt’s use of the electronic keyboard. Leather fairly bristles along with Shawn’s clarinet and Nelson’s piano combining to produce a jaunty melody that lingers in the memory, long after the track has ended. Brad Dickert, who helps propel the music along with a steady workman-like performance, also gets a rare chance to show his mettle with a snappy drum solo. Zoned Out is another catchy upbeat number, which has Shawn back on saxophone, and some fine pizzicato work by Graham. The final track Fifth Quarter, starts off with mournful saxophone lines that create an extremely somber mood, until the tune does a 180 degree turn, changing it into an all-out riot that gives each member of the band a chance to strut their funky stuff.
All in all, this album is an exceptionally good example of Shawn Maxwell’s unique brand of “original” jazz, which is performed with an empathy that only comes from musicians that play together in a working band.
Ian Tiele (President, Brookfield Jazz Society/Publicity & Artist Liaison for Chicago Sessions)
The CD is available from www.shawnmaxwell.com/store.
