Listen to a sample:

THE STORY

“Shiny” is a big band album of fresh, swingin', funky arrangements (by me), dedicated to the late, great trumpet player, Lew Soloff. The star-studded band, featuring Randy Brecker, plays compositions by myself, Wayne Shorter, Hiram Bullock, Carl Fischer and John Carisi.

Lew Soloff was a world class trumpeter and a dear friend. He was a champion of my writing and arranging and used to say, "Just GET YOUR STUFF OUT THERE, Lisa!" We had planned to make an album together but never did. 

My goal was to make this album so that we could play at clubs and jazz festivals, but as the project has unfolded, it has exceeded my hopes in so many ways. The sense of community between the musicians involved reflects decades of playing together. It has really come through as a driving force, channeled into the wonderful recording experience. The positive feedback I’ve received from the players brings me to tears.

Over the years, I have written many arrangements for other people, I have played saxophone with Guns 'n' Roses and Spinal Tap, and have orchestrated music for WarnerBros., but I never put out an album of my own material.

When Lew left us suddenly in 2015, I realized the time is now. I called my A-list dream band musicians, New York's top players, many of whom are also members of the GilEvans Orchestra, and all of whom have a connection to Lew.

 GREAT REVIEWS FOR “SHINY!”

  • “FOUR STARS! A striking record–one that might be overdue, given its quality.” – DownBeat Magazine

  • “Hands down, this is the big band set of the year!” – Midwest Record

  • “She has written, arranged, and put together the kind of band that shatters all conceptions of what a jazz big band is supposed to be. Highly recommended!” – Aquarian Weekly

  • "This music is fantastic!" -- Paul Shaffer 

  • 
"Lisa Maxwell is going to surprise a lot of people with her music! I’m thrilled to be a part!"   – Will Lee

  • "Some deep writing in there. Lisa is gifted and unique in a world of sameness." – Steve Lukather

THE BAND

  • Trumpets: Randy Brecker, Tony Kadleck, Chris Rogers, Wayne du Maine, Bryan Davis

  • Woodwinds: Lawrence Feldman, Alex Foster, Lou Marini, Ada Rovatti, Dave Mann, Roger Rosenberg, Claire Daly

  • Trombones: Tom "Bones" Malone, Dan Levine, Mike Davis, Dave Taylor

  • French Horn: John Clark

  • Keyboards: Paul Shaffer, Pete Levin, David Delhomme

  • Piano: Carmen Staaf, Andy Ezrin

  • Bass: Will Lee, Mark Egan, Dave Finck

  • Guitar: Mike Stern, Oz Noy, Leni Stern, Smokey Hormel

  • Drums: Danny Gottlieb, Steven Wolf, Ben Perowsky

  • Percussion: Will Lee, Daniel Sadownick

  • VOCALS: Kenya Hathaway, Will Lee

  • Vibraphone: Beth Gottlieb

  • Special Guest: Mocean Worker (bonus track remix)

  • Produced, Conducted, and Contracted by Lisa Maxwell

  • All Arrangements by Lisa Maxwell

  • Compositions by: Lisa Maxwell, Wayne Shorter, Hiram Bullock, John Carisi, and Carl Fischer

  • Recording Engineer: Noah Evans

  • Mixing Engineer: Paul Wickliffe Recorded at Sear Sound NYC 2018

THE RECORDING SESSIONS

RELEASE PARTY AT THE CUTTING ROOM NYC