Shawn Maxwell of Aurora, Illinois is an accomplished woodwinds multi-instrumentalist (saxophones, clarinet and flute) professional jazz performer. He is also a teacher, composer, and arranger. Leader of the Shawn Maxwell Quartet, he provides excellence in jazz entertainment in Chicagoland and beyond. Shawn attended Milikin University in Decatur, Illinois and received a Bachelors Degree in Commercial Music in 1999. Since 1999 Shawn has been in high demand as a performer and clinician. He began his career as an entertainer on a Caribbean cruise line. Since that time he has toured in Sweden, London, Portugal, and Greece. Additionally, he has played with numerous jazz combos at venues throughout greater Chicagoland. 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 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, Best Jazz Instrumental Album. Shawn has also recently signed with the prestigious and legendary Conn-Selmer Company to join their Performance and Educational Artist Roster. In addition to his busy performance schedule Shawn maintains a private lesson studio of 50 students in Oswego,IL and continues to work as a clinician with young performers throughout the Chicago area. "...exciting and well-conceived.....the charts are both respectful to tradition, while breaking the rules and presenting a new positive and forward-thinking direction that is "original" in its approach." -jazzchicago.net "...indicative of a seasoned journeyman jazz artist." -ejazznews.com "...edgy, high-energy, unique approach to jazz—not quite mainstream, not quite free, not quite like anyone else I hear out there these days." -allaboutjazz.com For more information on Shawn Maxwell Originals and full reviews please visit www.shawnmaxwell.com