Bio
Shawn Maxwell - Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute (performer,composer,arranger,teacher,clinician,producer)
Shawn Maxwell is an accomplished woodwinds multi-instrumentalist (saxophones, clarinet and flute) professional jazz performer. He is also an educator, composer, arranger, clinician and recording artist.
Shawn was very active in the Joliet Central High School band program, under the direction of Ted Lega. Shawn attended Joliet Junior College in the fall of 1994 and later transferred to Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois and received a Bachelors Degree in Commercial Music in 1999.
Since 1999 Shawn has been in high demand. He began his career as an entertainer on a Caribbean cruise line. After a few years of touring he relocated back to the Chicago area. Known for his high-level and high-energy playing Shawn Maxwell has a loyal fan base and regularly draws an appreciative crowd at his engaging performances. His current group, The Shawn Maxwell Quartet, was put together in 2004.
In late 2004 Shawn took the band into the studio to record what would be his debut CD, “Originals.” “Originals,” features the compositions, arranging and production skills of Shawn. In the fall of 2006 The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Committee placed Shawn Maxwell on the Official First Nominating Ballot for the 2007 Grammy Awards in the following categories: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo and Best Jazz Instrumental Album. Brad Walseth, of jazzchicago.net wrote that the album “…is like a refreshing burst of fresh air through the jazz world that can often seem closed and stale.”
In 2006 Shawn signed with the prestigious and legendary Conn-Selmer Company to join their Performance and Educational Artist Roster.
In 2008 Shawn released his second album, “Originals II,” on his newly formed label, “Dangerous Curve Productions.” “Originals II” consists of yet another twelve works that feature the writing, arranging and production skills of Shawn. Dan McClenaghan of All About Jazz wrote “This, and much of the set, gives a ’60s Blue Note Records vibe, pushed into the new century.”
In 2010 Shawn recorded his first CD, "Maxwell’s House," for the Chicago Sessions Jazz Label. "Maxwell’s House" features his current quartet performing ten new originals. Neil Tesser wrote in the liner notes that, "His alto timbre sits in a lineage exemplified by past giants like Jackie McLean and Eric Dolphy, and by such latter-day players as Arthur Blythe and Steve Slagle."
Shawn currently performs with The Shawn Maxwell Quartet as well as several other groups. In addition to his busy performance schedule Shawn maintains a private lesson studio of 40 students, ranging from beginner to college level, and continues to work as a clinician with young performers throughout the Chicago area.
