Shawn Maxwell - Expectation and Experience (2021) [Hi-Res]

Seventeen compositions written during a global pandemic. Recorded remotely – thirty musicians, individually, most in their own homes. A lot happened during this year, personally, professionally, nationally, globally. This music represents my thoughts on and reactions to these events: 2020 in hindsight.

Chicago-based saxophone composer Shawn Maxwell did what many artists do to cope.

He created, reflecting an inner and outer world in turmoil, reaching for happiness and hope regardless, holding onto moments that distracted from, hyper-focused on, and despaired the consequences of this one life on this one lonely planet — buffeted relentlessly with the byproduct of technology, ego, and creature comforts.

Maxwell and his gifted contemporaries touch on death’s vast, unpredictable scepter, social and economic injustice (George Floyd and BLM), climate change, political warfare, and immense pain in 17 disjointed, beautiful, and wondrous original tracks under the instrumental jazz umbrella of Expectation & Experience.

Shawn Maxwell, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet
Stephen Lynerd, vibraphone
Marielle de Rocca Serra, violin
Michael Barton, bass
Phil Beale, drums
Collin Clauson, keyboards
Tim Seisser, bass ...and many more.