billboard.com
April 07, 2009 01:02 PM ET
Gail Mitchell, L.A.

Gospel star Donald Lawrence and Grammy-nominated producer Rex Rideout are among the first collaborators to sign up for an all-star tribute album honoring legendary R&B group Maze, Billboard has learned exclusively. "Silky Soul Music...An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly" is being produced through Brantera Music Group Inc., headed by Beverly's son Anthony.

In addition to Lawrence, who is contributing a full-blown gospel version of Maze's 1984 track, "I Wanna Thank You," Anthony is currently negotiating with several other veteran and new artists from the R&B, gospel and jazz arenas. Rideout is serving as co-producer of the project, whose selections will include a cross section of memorable Maze tunes, among them: the No. 1 R&B hits "Back in Stride" and "Can't Get Over You," "Silky Soul," "Before I Let Go" and "Golden Time of Day."

Getting its big break in the early '70s as the backing band and opening act on a Marvin Gaye tour, Maze signed with Capitol and later segued to Warner Bros.. The group's first major R&B chart credit was 1977's "While I'm Alone" which peaked at No. 21.

"After 30 hit singles and 12 albums, I thought it was time to get this done," says Anthony, who doubles as the project's executive producer. "The group's longevity boils down to one word: real. My father is real about everything he does; that's what people love about Maze. And that's what I'm trying to bring off with this record, using live instruments and artists who exemplify—and have been influenced by what my father is about musically."

San Francisco, Calif. -- Anthony Beverly and Brantera Music Group, Inc. have signed a deal to produce "Silky Soul Music...An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly."

The project is the brainchild of Frankie Beverly's son Anthony Beverly, who, in an effort to properly honor his father's contributions to the music industry, is serving as the executive producer of this ultimate tribute project celebrating his father's accomplishments including 30 hit singles, twelve albums and more than forty years in the music industry.

Beverly and his production team are planning to assemble some of the most innovative voices in music which have shaped R&B, Jazz and Gospel over the last several decades for one common goal: to pay tribute to a living legend.

"With Maze, my father helped shape one of the most influential sounds in modern history," said Beverly.  "I am excited to pay tribute to his legacy by working with artists who embody the spirit, appreciation and vocal talents consistent with the Maze's sound and message."