Keri Johnsrud / Shawn Maxwell

Keri Johnsrud / Shawn Maxwell: C8H10N4O2

by Hrayr Attarian
March 25, 2025

Vocalist Keri Johnsrud is a master of subtlety. She delivers intricate songs with elegance and grace, making them sound deceptively effortless. Saxophonist Shawn Maxwell is one of the most innovative members of the Chicago creative music scene. Both are also accomplished composers. All these elements make their collaborative effort C8H10N4O2 (the chemical formula for caffeine) stimulating and delightful. A concept album, C8H10N4O2 represents a hectic day. Bookending it are two takes of “Peace," one labeled “720 AM" and ...