Biographical Info

Maxwell Poulos is a New Orleans-based, internationally recognized multi-instrumentalist performer and music teacher. Specializing in mandolin and banjo, Maxwell began his training in California and then spent several years busking professionally in New Orleans’ city streets and night clubs, integrating himself into a rich and diverse array of musical styles including jug band, ragtime, jazz and little-known catalogue of traditional Italian mandolin music. Maxwell’s dedication to exploring the origins of the music he plays has always been of central importance. His repertoire reflects a deep investment in reviving authentic performance idioms of historic musical styles. His attention and priority to referencing specific historical sound recordings lends him a uniquely attentive and intimate sound.

In addition to performance, Maxwell also specializes in song arrangement. In 2015, Maxwell founded Smiles and Chuckles String Band and began arranging piano rags for stringed instruments in an attempt to spread and rejuvenate traditional ragtime tunes. His study of early 78 recordings led him to Italian mandolin music, namely the work of Giovanni Vicari, Frank Fazio and Giovanni Gioviale. He went on to co-found Cacciatore di Tesori (Hunters of Treasure), a quartet celebrating traditional music from various regions of Italy.

Currently, Maxwell continues to tour nationally and internationally with the jazz band Frog and Henry. He plays with and has recorded with Steve Pistorius, as well as performing with The Storyville Stringband. He teaches mandolin and tenor banjo privately, along with teaching workshops.