LAS VEGAS JAZZ TROMBONIST NEIL MAXA

Welcome to Neil Maxa's OFFICIAL website! 

After another extraordinary year, highlighted with performing at both 2022 Grammys with Lady Gaga and 2022 Latin Grammys with John Legend (both who won in their respected categories) I am looking forward to another year in making wonderful music.

Over  the  previous  years  I  have  enjoyed  performing  in  some  of  the  best  Swing,  Jazz,  Rock,  Rhythm  &  Blues  and  Soul  bands  In  the  world.  I  must  be  doing  something  right!

Here  is  a  review  of  my  current  recording:

“Los Angeles Jazz Scene”

by  Scott  Yanow

Neil Maxa  

"Voila"
(Self-released)

During the past couple of decades, trombonist Neil Maxa has been
active on the Las Vegas music scene, playing behind many top acts and in
show bands. However, like the late Carl Fontana (who also worked steadily
in Las Vegas), Maxa is a fluent and boppish trombone soloist who
deserves to be heard.

On his recent EP, Maxa is joined by pianist Dave Loeb, bassist
Steve Flora and drummer Bob Chmel for five songs totaling 25 minutes.
The music is a delight and will remind some of Frank Rosolino’s playing in
the 1950s and ‘60s. Maxa has an extroverted style and obviously knows
straight ahead jazz very well.
The set is comprised of Rosolino’s “Blue Daniel” (usually a waltz, it
is swung here in 4/4), a faster-than-usual version of “Emily,” the Rosolino
medium-tempo blues “Free For All,” Blue Mitchell’s “Fungii Mama” and
Hank Mobley’s “This I Dig Of You.” Throughout this spirited program,
which includes a few fine Loeb piano solos, the focus is mostly on the
trombonist who is in consistently joyous form.

This is fun and swinging music that is well worth discovering. 

• Education: Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance, Western Michigan University
• Trombone Studies: Allan Horney, Russell Brown, Steve Wolfenbarger, Robert Scann and James Huntzinger
• Jazz Studies: Trent Kynaston, Frank Gagliardi, Burrell Gluskin, Don Menza and Carl Fontana
• Honors: Member of the 1989 & 1990 Award Winning UNLV Jazz Ensemble Most Outstanding College Performer - 1989 Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival and 1990 Down Beat MusicFest
• EXPERIENCE:
• Entertainers: Tony Bennett, Steve  Lawrence,  Bobby Vinton, Bobby Rydell, Frankie  Avalon, Lou Christie, Fabian, Rich Little, Regis Philbin, Steve Lawrence, Allen & Rossi, Frankie Valli, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Whoppi Goldberg, Lainie Kazan, Wayne Newton and Donald O'Conner
• Pop/Rock/Motown/Soul Groups: Lady Gaga,   John  Legend , Gloria Estefan, Kansas,                      BJ Thomas, David Cassidy, Sheena Easton, Jennifer Lopez, James Ingram,  Peabo Bryson, Michael McDonald, Otis  Day, Righteous Brothers, Happenings, Buckinghams,Take 6, Boyz II Men, Temptations, Four Tops, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Ruth Brown, O'Jays, Delphonics, Contours, Drifters, 10K Maniacs, Larry  Braggs, Ellis  Hall  and  Tower of Power
• Jazz Artists: Terence Blanchard, Red Rodney, Bobby Shew, Joe Romano, John Faddis, Carson Smith, Carl Fontana, Bob Florence,                           Cab Calloway, Joe Williams, Marlena Shaw, Richie Cole, Kirk Whalum, Woody Herman Orchestra, Nelson Riddle Orchestra and Frankie Capp Juggernaut  and  Louie Bellson Big Band.
• Television Shows: NBC's "Last Comic Standing", Comedy Central's "Friars Club Roast Drew Carey" and "Viva Variety", Showtime's "Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t!", Univision‘s “2019,  2021  &  2022  Latin Grammys” and  CBS’s  “2022  Grammys”.
• Las Vegas Production Shows: "Steve Wynn's Showstoppers", "The Rat Pack is Back", "American Superstars", "Legends in Concert", "Celtic Woman Christmas", "Georgia On MY Mind: Tribute to Ray Charles", "Enter the Night", "At the Copa", "Chicago", "Broadway in the Hood" and "Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano".
• Las Vegas Bands: Lon Bronson All Star Band, Michael Grimm, Melody  Sweets,  Latin Breeze, Groove Brothers, Jimmy Wilkins New Life Jazz Orchestra, Don Menza Big Band, Zowie Bowie, Pop Evolution, Brody Dolyniuk, Yellow Brick Road,  Michael Grimm and Serpentine Fire
• International Recording Artists: Bad Bunny (Puerto Rico), Sebastian  Yatra  (Columbia)  Myke Powers  (Puetro  Rico), Anita Sarawak (Malaysia), Patty Kim (Korea), Johnny Polanco (Salsa), Jose Lugo (Puerto Rico), Sparx and Lorenzo Antonio (Mexico)