Millstream by Shawn Maxwell

“The taut and passionate Millstream is innovative saxophonist and composer Shawn Maxwell’s ninth title as a leader and, like most of its predecessors, it consists entirely of Maxwell's originals. On it, Maxwell returns to the relatively intimate setting of a quartet after a few recordings with larger ensembles. The electrifying music crackles with energy and intelligence as the cohesive group interprets the eleven short-ish compositions with virtuosity and sophistication... The soulful “Ravage Eject” sets the mood for the album with its contemplative ambience and simmering cadence. Maxwell improvises in fiery and muscular lines leading up to keyboardist Collin Clauson’s turn in the spotlight. The latter contributes a series of dense and resonant spontaneous chords that are cool on the surface and fervent at their core... Because of his superlative musicianship, there are high expectations inherent to each Maxwell release. Millstream not only does not disappoint, it defies these. With each work, Maxwell’s already unique style becomes even more singular as his sound matures and his writing crystalizes. As anticipated with any good art, Millstream is simultaneously enjoyable and satisfyingly provocative.” - Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine, March 2020

“If self-quarantining is the new black, a pair of recent releases by venerable Chicago jazz masters can lend your solitude some splashes of color... “Sold Separately,” meanwhile, is a spot-on evocation of consumer angst. Maxwell maintains a brief, questioning riff while Hunt and Clauson (playing a Rhodes) trawls beneath it for a response. This leads to an exceptionally searching solo by Clauson that ends when Maxwell comes in to soar above it with a wave of sheer aural gold... My favorite track is “Napping in the Sunshine,” which offers an irresistibly lazy groove, with the bass consistently plunking in behind the beat, the sax lazily meandering over it and the Rhodes splashing around some crystalline chords. The overall effect is both bright and dreamy—a perfect chill-inducer to stave off the creep of cabin fever.” - Robert Rodi, Newcity Music, March 2020

“A spirited free-thinker and committed non-conformist, saxophonist-composer Shawn Maxwell is clearly courting another kind of muse... Bravo, renegade!” - Bill Milkowski (from the album notes)

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. .

shawnmaxwell.com
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