Maxwell Friedman was just 9 years old when he discovered a dusty Hammond M3 in the corner of his piano teacher’s garage. The sensation of moving the drawbars and hearing the Leslie spinning next to him was a magical moment that changed the course of Maxwell’s musical trajectory. At age 11, he met famed organist Tony Monaco and began an educational journey with Tony as his organ mentor. Since then, Maxwell has become a rising star in the live music scene. The Hammond phenom has since shared the stage with musical heavy hitters such as Karl Denson (legendary saxophone player of the Rolling Stones and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe), Tony Monaco, The Barr Brothers, ALO, & Tank and the Bangas to name a few. At 12, Maxwell gave a Ted talk about how music has empowered him in all aspects of his life. He released his debut album at the age of 14 called “Beyond Neblar,” and is now working on an organ-focused jazz album. When he isn’t performing, you can find Maxwell in his music studio in Brooklyn where he has been working with up and coming artists in the hip hop scene. Maxwell’s command of the stage is well beyond his years, and he hopes to be an inspiration for the next generation of music lovers. As a young band leader for the Maxwell Friedman Group, and keyboardist for the band Volunteer Park, he is creating a funky, soulful, jazzy sound that he dubs “neo-jazz funk soul fusion.”
