Maxwell Beckman is an Electric and Double bassist, composer, and educator based in Central Illinois. Growing up in Springfield IL studying double bass with long standing Illinois Symphony Bassist Andrew Tinge, Maxwell played with the Illinois Youth Symphony. After winning various scholarships and awards Maxwell moved to northern Michigan to Study bass with Derek Weller at the Interlochen Arts Academy. After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, Maxwell moved to Chicago to study at DePaul University with renowned bassist Kelly Sill. He began to gig and become immersed in various musical senes there to learn as much as he could in all genres and styles. After graduation from DePaul university with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies, he continuities to evolve and adapt his skills on the instrument as a collaborator but also as a leader. His first solo album album 鈥淭his Yung Man鈥檚 Heart鈥 was released on Ariel Ballet records in 2022 and has since performed this material live with an electric bass quartet.
Maxwell has performed and/or recorded with Robert Chen, Larry Gray, Chip McNeil, Jeff Helgesen, Shelly Berg, Bob James, The Silent Theatre Company, The Recycled Orchestra, Michelle L'amour burlesque, Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, Marquis Hill, Lamp (U.S.), MTVGhosts, Aped, Axis Sova, Victor Bastia, Ron Perillo, The Terriers, Lane Beckstrom, Herbivore, Tom Matta Big Band, Bitchin鈥 Bajas, Slow Mass, Nature鈥檚 Neighbor, Barron Von Something, Woongi, Options to name a few. Most recently he can be heard on Jose Gobbo Trio record 鈥淐onfluence鈥 on Calligram records.
Maxwell is currently playing with the Millikin Decatur Symphony, Northbrook Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Johnny Owens鈥 鈥淏utter鈥, Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project as well as freelancing for many groups in Central Illinois. He currently curates the 鈥淎rt Of Jazz鈥 Series that happens the second Thursday of every month at the Pharmacy Gallery In Springfield, IL.