Maxwell Close Reignites Jazz-Fusion with “Rangeley” — A Genre-Bending Gem from His Latest EP

Maxwell Close isn’t new to this—he’s true to this. The Pennington, NJ native (now based in Boston) has been drumming since before most kids learn to tie their shoes, and it shows. With his second EP, he’s back with a track that’s got serious fire: Rangeley.

Let’s talk about this one.

“Rangeley” is the kind of song that grabs you by the collar and says, you’re not skipping this. It’s jazz, but not the sit-still-and-snap-your-fingers kind. It’s jazz with funk in its veins, fusion on its breath, and a pulse that makes you want to move. Maxwell doesn’t just play drums—he translates energy. You can feel every ounce of intention behind each groove, every swing, every layered rhythm that builds and builds.

There’s a cinematic quality here too. The song paints a whole vibe—think smoky city lights, long drives, spontaneous dance floors. It’s vibrant. It’s playful. It’s sophisticated without ever being stuffy.

Maxwell’s known for his range—pun intended—and Rangeley might be the best example of that yet. The track is rich in texture, blending slick rhythmic changes with infectious melodies, but never losing its sense of flow. It keeps listeners on their toes and performers on their game.

With this release, Maxwell proves once again that he’s not just riding the wave—he’s steering it. “Rangeley” isn’t just a standout track—it’s a statement. Jazz is alive. And it wants to dance.