Saxophonist Shawn Maxwell Quartet

"Nobody writes like this." -- Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

As a composer, recording artist and performer, saxophonist Shawn Maxwell has endeavored to express his own unique voice. From his latest album Millstream (Jazzline, 2020) to his debut Originals (self-released, 2005), he has released nine albums of original compositions. The traditions of jazz form the foundation of Shawn's music; he builds on that with material from the music he grew up with - rock, funk, hip hop, R&B, classical. The result, as Hrayr Attarian wrote in Chicago Jazz Magazine, "is refreshingly distinct yet recognizably Maxwellian". He's not intent on following any rules - or on breaking them - but on continually expanding what his music encompasses.

"...a composer who's confident in his artistic vision, and comfortable with the wide array of colors on his instrumental palette." - Bobby Reed, Downbeat Magazine

For the past three years, Shawn has been touring the U.S. with his quintet Shawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow. Their first album, Shawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow (OA2/Origin, 2016), was named one of Downbeat Magazine's "Best Albums of 2017". The follow-up, Music in My Mind (OA2/Origin, 2018), was highly praised by critics and enthusiastically received by radio stations. It was chosen as a Downbeat Magazine Editor's Pick in June 2018.

As a Vandoren and Conn-Selmer artist, Shawn is a favorite of students from college age through elementary school, combining his pedagogical skills with a performer's sensibility in Master Classes and guest appearances.

"This is bold music. Maxwell isn't afraid to try out new ideas and take chances." - Frank Alkyer, Downbeat Magazine