Maxwell’s House Review by Matthew Warnok at All About Jazz
Published on January 26th, 2010
Maxwell’s House is a hard-swinging, deep in
the pocket release by Chicago- based alto
saxophonist Shawn Maxwell. The maturity
displayed by all four musicians on the album is
both refreshing and exciting. Instead of
building energy and interest with long-streams
of notes, Maxwell and pianist Matt Nelson favor
shorter lines, longer-held notes and a strong
focus on tone to draw in their audience. There
is a solid sense of groove and swing across the quartet and the laid-back
nature of the soloists sets the focus on tone, something that these
players have in spades.
All of the tunes on Maxwell’s House were written by the young
saxophonist, with the exception of “If Only,” which was co-written by
Nelson and Matt Nischan. Though the tunes tend to stick closely to the
medium tempo range, the quartet is able to create stimulating music
through the application of various grooves, feels and time signatures.
One of the albums highlights is the ballad “Five.” Set in a slow, 5/4, time
signature, the quartet explores myriad possibilities of the odd time feel.
Branching out from the standard 3+2 or 2+3 groupings, which 5/4 often
implies at faster tempos, Maxwell and company do their best to disguise
the odd time feel, while at the same time bringing out nuances that are
often unexplored at faster tempos.
As soloists, all four musicians bring a unique approach to the modern
jazz vernacular of the album’s different grooves and harmonies. Of note
is Nelson, who is never less than stellar throughout. His solo on the
opening title track is one of the album’s highlights; weaving his way
through bop, West- Coast cool and New York modern, Nelson’s effective
use of space and his instrument’s range brings to mind the work of some
of the piano’s finest performers, including Bill Evans, Lennie Tristano and
Wynton Kelly .
Not to be outdone, Maxwell is in fine form across the board. Drawing
inspiration from the great alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, Maxwell’s
tone and sense of time are captivating. Tending to focus on melody
rather than chops or complex harmonic ideas, his lines mix creativity
with intellect in a manner that is both engaging and intellectually
challenging.
Maxwell’s House is a solid release by this Windy City quartet. Strong
compositions, a deep sense of time feel and an emphasis on melody all
come together to produce and album that would be expected from
musicians twice their age, an accomplishment that should create pride in
the performers and enjoyment in their audience.
Track Listing: Maxwell’s House; Shuffled; Five; Jathor; Ava; If Only;
Welcome; Sector 7-G; Different Colors of Cool; Dangerous Curve.
Personnel: Shawn Maxwell: alto saxophone; Matt Nelson: piano; Kevin
Martinez: double-bass; Brandon Dickert: drums.
Matthew Warnok at All About Jazz
