David Maxwell
(1943–2015)
David is often compared to the great blues pianist Otis Spann (of the Muddy Waters band), for his ability to resurrect the spirit and sound of the master of post-war Chicago Blues Piano. But Maxwell was no mere imitation. He created a style and sound uniquely his own. His diverse experience, technical virtuosity, sense of timing and rhythm, and ability to complement other band members earned Maxwell a reputation as one of the finest blues pianists ever. David performed in major festivals, theaters and clubs in North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Morocco, Israel, and Japan.
He played with many of the greats like Muddy Waters, Freddie King, James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, Otis Rush, Jimmy Witherspoon, Mojo Buford, Hubert Sumlin, Bonnie Raitt, John Primer and others. Through his work, he gained the respect of artists, critics and fans. To quote John Lee Hooker, “I don’t think anyone could be tighter playing the blues on the piano than David Maxwell. He plays the blues like it should be played.”
Maximum Love
It is with bruised heart that we acknowledge the passing of our great friend and unequalled inspiration, David Maxwell. While many of you know David chiefly as one of the finest practitioners of Post-War Chicago blues, he was just as engaging off stage as he was on it. And while he performed with fellow luminaries such as the great Otis Spann — the pianist to whom David is most often linked— and had his praises sung by a Who’s Who chorus, everyone from John Lee Hooker to Junior Wells and Otis Rush, David was exceedingly humble and genuinely shrugged off any thoughts of seeking the attention his genius warranted. It was, thus, perfectly in character for David to choose to keep his diagnosis of cancer private. He undoubtedly didn’t want anyone fussing over him, even though he had to give up that notion the minute anybody ever heard his fingers dance across the 88s with his unabashed energy, grace and dexterity. This is surely where David would self-effacingly rebuke us with some of his legendary dry wit. And because we hear you, David, we will call upon some of your most eloquent New Orleans jazz stylings and remind everybody to form a second line and get this jazz funeral kicked into high gear. David Maxwell’s fingers may been quieted, but his joyous music is a celebration that will live on. So, cue up those records, and let’s boogie woogie and raise a toast to our friend. Your mastery still tickles us, David, and don’t even try to shrug it off!
—Nate Dow, Boston Herald, February 2015
