finetune artist: Maze

Frankie Beverly (b. 6 December 1946, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) had an apprenticeship in several Philadelphia groups. One such unit, Frankie Beverly And The Butlers, recorded several well-received singles in the 60s, but never managed to attract more than local play. By the early 70s, however, impressed by Santana and Sly And The Family Stone, he formed a self-contained band, Raw Soul, and they moved to San Francisco where they became the house band at a local club, the Scene. Discovered by a girlfriend of Marvin Gaye, the group subsequently supported the singer in concert, and it was he who suggested they change their name in deference to their now cooler sound. The septet, which featured Wayne aka Wuane Thomas (guitar), Sam Porter (keyboards), Robin Duhe (bass), Roame Lowry (congas, vocals), McKinley Williams (percussion, vocals), Joe Provost (drums) plus Beverly, thus became Maze. Their debut album was issued in January 1977, the first of eight albums for Capitol Records. Their third album, 1979's Inspiration featured new drummer Ahaguna Sun, who in turn was replaced by Billy Johnson on the follow-up Joy And Pain. This album also featured two further personnel changes, with keyboard player Kevin Burton and guitarist Ron Smith brought in to the line-up. The excellent Live In New Orleans set saw Burton replaced by Phillip Woo. This line-up went on to record one of Maze's finest studio outing, 1983's We Are One.

Listen to Maze at Finetune.

Joy And Pain (Digitally Remastered 04)
Happy Feelin's (24-Bit Digitally Remastered 04)
Golden Time of Day (2004 Digital Remaster)
We Need Love To Live
We Are One (24-Bit Digitally Remastered 04)

DCabmusic on 2007-09-22 23:38:07.543:
one hot band.