STEVIE WONDER, LALAH HATHAWAY, FRANKIE BEVERLY AND MAZE APPEAR AT STAR-STUDDED HOLLYWOOD BASH TO CELEBRATE TRIBUTE CD UPCOMING RELEASE
Written by Cyber Narcotics
Monday, 17 August 2009 17:33
Brantera Music Group and NuFace Entertainment Honor Frankie Beverly and Maze’s 40-Year Musical Legacy; Standing-Room-Only Crowd Enjoyed Smash Performances by Musiq Soulchild and Joe
Hollywood (August 10,2009) – Brantera Music Group, Inc and NuFace Entertainment, LLC held the hottest ticket in town last Thursday, August 6, hosting a VIP CD release party at The Highland nightclub in Hollywood to celebrate the August 25th release of Silky Soul Music…. An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. The CD salutes 40-years, 12 albums and countless concerts of the most inspiring, timeless music and lyrics in Rhythm and Blues.
This exclusive event - hosted by Aundrae Russell of KJLH-FM – gave a standing room only contingent of Maze’s well-heeled West Coast fans a rare golden opportunity to experience the music from this 10-song CD before the rest of the world celebrates its release. They ushered in the weekend singing and dancing the night away to live performances from two of the tribute’s stellar artists. New Yorker and Kedar Entertainment recording artist JOE, whose version of "Can’t Get Over You" is the first radio single, and was included in his short set along with a medley of his own hits.
Afterwards, Philly soul man and Atlantic Records recording artist Musiq Soulchild performed the title track "Silky Soul," leading into a riveting hour set of hits in which he repeatedly shared the honor he felt taking part in this salute. A tight, all-female 7-piece band out of Atlanta played for both Musiq and JOE, adding visual and aural spice.
Prior to the concert festivities, NuFace Entertainment CEO and Project Manager/Marketing Director of the tribute CD, Rita Lee got the party started right by hand-picking key never-before-heard tracks for the DJ sneak preview from the top secret release, each receiving overwhelming audience response. An overhead screen projected a behind the scenes making of video for JOE’s first single "Can’t Get Over You," a track that has been eagerly embraced by Urban AC radio and its listeners. One of the project’s producers, Frankie’s son Anthony Beverly - who, along with his wife/business partner, entertainment attorney Heather (Nelson) Beverly, spearheaded the CD tribute - spoke about the honor and inspiration behind the CD’s conceptualization. Anthony shared that his father was overdue for wider recognition while Heather (Brantera Music Group's CEO) insisted that they are shooting for a Grammy win with the project.
Singer/Songwriter Lalah Hathaway – a surprise guest – came out briefly to acknowledge the band’s decades of unity and leadership in bringing lasting, positive messages to the airwaves. Then several members of Maze (original and present day) came forth, followed by man of the hour Frankie Beverly, the lead singer and lyricist of all the group’s classic songs. An emotional Mr. Beverly thanked everyone in attendance, confessing he was "speechless" and "overwhelmed" by the spirit of love he’d been basking in all evening.
The biggest surprise of the evening was when the legendary Stevie Wonder appeared on stage – a wonder in white – singing the hook of "Joy and Pain" and giving his impassioned stamp of approval to all that Maze has done for the continuance of purposed Black Music. Wonder joined Frankie, son Anthony and continued to enjoy the sounds from the tribute CD that celebrates Maze’s fourth decade of music making magic.
Silky Soul Music was helmed by red hot producer Rex Rideout along with Anthony Beverly and features performances by Mary J. Blige ("Before I Let Go"), Mint Condition (a super funky version of "Back in Stride"), KEM ("Golden Time of Day"), Ledisi ("Happy Feelin’s"), Kevon Edmonds ("Never Let You Down"), Avant ("Joy and Pain"), Raheem DeVaughan ("We Are One"), and an incredible first-time collaboration by contemporary gospel stars The Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard and J Moss on "I Wanna Thank You" (produced by Donald Lawrence).
"It's been so promising to see the response from the public and taste makers regarding this tribute CD" says Rita Lee, the visionary for this special event. "They loved the JOE single and were floored by his performance, as well as Musiq SoulChild's. To have not only Frankie Beverly in attendance but also members of the band truly showed the solidarity that has made them legends. Lalah Hathaway and the great Stevie Wonder taking the time to be there was the icing on the cake. We can't wait to deliver this album to the public on August 25. The whole experience has been priceless!"
Wow, I loved the review of the release party! It made me feel like I had been there. I'm sure everyone in attendance is still on a Maze HIGH!! I can't wait to pick the cd up next week! Thank you and much continued success!! If there is a video, I would love to see it!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +7
... written by a guest on August 25, 2009
Maze and Frankie Beverly, congratulations!!!!!!!!!! Praise God that you can enjoy every part of this tribute alive. Your music has been uplifting, encouraging, pure, and just plain GOOD STUFF for my soul. I am a thirty year old devoted and happily married woman of two and one on the way. As I became interested in dating, my father told me (when I was about 15) if you go out with a man, and he doesn't play music like this... he is a definite NO, NO. Your music helped shape my love life and I am grateful; I am proud to say that I experienced greatness in this lifetime.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +3
... written by a guest on August 26, 2009
II have musMe
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +1
... written by a guest on August 26, 2009
the release date was august 25,2009 i can not find this CD atno store or on line .help me find this.thank you!!! i love frankie beverly and maze.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +2
... written by a guest on August 26, 2009
chis my bad !!!! yes i love the alburm review just want to know when will i be able to buy this great all star tribute cd. don't get it wrong i i do applaud your efforts of soul tracks. keeping viewers infform thank you!! icommended you stay real and keep it real much love ya!!!! steph
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +1
... written by a guest on September 16, 2009
I heard Frankie on a radio show, talking about this album and I so elated that the album is coming out with a known date. YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!!! I guess I can speak for alot of people who have seen the band on numerous ocassions. But it really did'nt make any difference that it's been the same songs over and over. WE LOVE MAZE--- THIS BAND IS TIMELESS AND THE MUSIC IS AWESOME. THANK YOU, FRANKIE AND MAZE!!!!!!! a DEVOTED FAN FOREVER., ALL THE LADIES AND GUYS FROM GALVESTON, TEXAS
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
... written by a guest on September 29, 2009
I saw Frankie Beverly and Maze at a concert in Macon, GA. on August 2008 they were wonderful and usually. The music never get too old to hear. I really do enjoy all of their songs. Keep on Singing.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
... written by
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
on October 24, 2009
Frankie Beverly is on of the greatest singer/muscician of all times. We were very happy to see him in Philadelphia last year. I have been a fan for over thirty years. We have wonderful photos with Frankie outide the Mann Theatre. Thankyou for taking the time to take some photos I know you were extremely tired after the wonderful show. The Mayo's of Atglen, Pa Love you and Maze See You December 31, in Philadelphia
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +1
... written by
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
on October 24, 2009
I did not know there was an All Star Tribute CD available. I am going to see if I can purchanse it today. Your music is easy listening. All time greatest!!!!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +1
... written by a guest on January 02, 2010
Just attended the New Year's Eve concert in Philly and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly brought back wonderful lasting memories (FANTASTIC CONCERT).The concert took me back to my senior prom (Simon Gratz High) at the Ivy Hill Inn in 1972 where Frankie Beverly and The Raw Soul were the featured band. The class of 81-72 knew back then that this band was special. What a great journey it has been to see this group evolve.I went back home after the concert and found Frankie's picture in our yearbook (he has not changed much over the years). May God continue to bless him and the members of Maze richly. Sharon of Bensalem, Pa (outside of Philly)
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
Write comment
Last Updated on Thursday, 27 August 2009 20:11
2009 Brantera Music Group, Inc. | Powered By Nuface Entertainment | Music Services, LLC | FrankieBeverlyTribute.com | Too Big Promotions & Technology
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
