Multiple Award-Winning Pianist David Maxwell Mixes Blues & World Music on His New CD, "Blues in Other Colors," Coming October 16 from Shining Stone Records

Grammy and Multiple Blues Music Award-Winning Pianist David Maxwell Mixes Blues and World Music on His Palette for Blues in Other Colors CD, Coming October 16 from Shining Stone Records   

Special Guests Include Multi-Instrumentalist Harry Manx

MIAMI, FL – Shining Stone Records announces an October 16 release date for Blues in Other Colors, the latest CD from Grammy and multiple Blues Music Award-winning pianist David Maxwell. The talented Boston-based keyboard player, known for his creative explorations of the blues format, deftly mixes piano blues and world music on his latest effort, and is joined by a host of studio all-stars along with special guest Harry Manx, who plays the Mohan Veena, an Indian instrument he frequently uses on his own recordings, as well as guitar.

For the 13 all-instrumental tracks on Blues in Other Colors, David Maxwell blends traditional keyboards, guitars, bass and drums along with exotic instruments from India, West Africa, Morocco and Turkey for a delicious palette of sounds that transcend the traditional boundaries of the blues. The CD was recorded and mixed at Wellspring Sound in Acton, Massachusetts. 

Maxwell is coming off another Blues Music Award-winning release in 2012 for “Acoustic Album of the Year” on his Conversations in Blue CD, which paired him with the great Otis Spann. He won that same award in 2010 for his duets album with the late Louisiana Red, You Got to Move. With an impressive resume of blues, jazz and improvisational styles, he’s amassed a large collection of awards, including a 1996 Grammy for his work on the James Cotton album, Deep in the Blues. Besides his 2012 and 2010 Blues Music Awards, he’s also been nominated for 11 other awards from the Blues Foundation. Additionally, David’s won two Boston Music Awards and reader’s polls in his Boston hometown.

“Blues in Other Colors represents a snapshot of the melding of traditional blues with music from other countries to which I've been drawn,” says David Maxwell. “There is a ‘blues’ sensibility in the vocal and instrumental folk and classical music from many places around the world. For instance, one can ‘feel the blues’ in some of the traditional music of Spain (flamenco), Northern and Western Africa, many countries in what is referred to as the Near and Middle East, as well as parts of Asia, India and Japan. This album came together when I approached Harry Manx from British Columbia about doing a project together. He was touring in the Northeastern US and we arranged for some studio time. Harry is a stellar singer and songwriter with award-winning CDs, who plays, among other instruments, the Mohan Veena, a kind of hybrid guitar/sitar. I fleshed out a few arrangements and called up some friends who live in the Boston area, too. So, we have an oud and raita player from Morocco (Boujmaa Razgui), a Turkish ney player (Fred Stubbs), a master percussionist of West African and Indian styles (Jerry Leake), an inventive blues guitarist who is a regular member of my blues band (Troy Gonyea), a drummer (Eric Rosenthal) and a bass player (Marty Ballou), with whom I've played many gigs from blues, jazz and beyond. Paul Kochanski (electric bass) and Andy Plaisted (additional percussion) completed the picture. Relax and enjoy the trip!”

David Maxwell has played piano with some of the greatest and well-known musicians in the blues. David plays many styles of blues, jazz and improvised music, but he is best known for his soulful virtuosity and unmatched ability to reach the heart of post-war Chicago blues. Through his work, he has gained the respect of artists, critics and fans and has established a reputation as one of the finest blues pianists alive, having played in the touring bands of Freddie King, James Cotton, Jimmy Rogers, Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Bonnie Raitt, Otis Rush and Hubert Sumlin.

“I don't think anybody could be tighter playing the blues on the piano than David Maxwell. He plays the blues like it should be played. He plays the low-down, dirty, funky blues. He’s got it all together,” said John Lee Hooker. “Dave has always been one of the most amazing piano players I've ever heard,” remarked Bonnie Raitt about his playing. “David Maxwell plays with fire and soul. He keeps the spirit of Otis Spann alive,” said  James Cotton about their work together. And Otis Rush said about Maxwell, “You remind me of the old guys - T-Bone Walker, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles. You've got a lot of talent on your hands.”

David Maxwell has been involved in well over 50 recording sessions and can be found playing keys on many blues albums that have been released over the last 25 years. He backed up Keith Richards and Eric Clapton for Hubert Sumlin’s CD, About Them Shoes, released in 2005. His music was used in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes and in the TV series Touched By An Angel. Maxwell’s diverse experience, technical virtuosity, sense of timing and rhythm, and ability to complement other band members has earned him a reputation as one of the finest blues pianists alive.

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”