Anthology[2 CD]

Amazon.com While funkified R&B orchestras of the late '70s and early '80s such as Earth, Wind & Fire and the Commodores made frequent appearances on the mainstream charts, Maze hold a special place in the hearts of nostalgic R&B fans because the San Francisco-based seven-piece (later eight-piece) band always stayed exclusive to its loyal core audience--the many thousands of mostly adult, mostly black, mostly working-class fans who made each of Maze's 10 albums gold without the help of a huge pop hit. Soul fans who heard about only the crossovers missed out on Maze's medium-funk grooves and the buttery-thick Philly-style vocals of featured performer/bandleader Frankie Beverly. Thankfully, the two-disc Anthology collects the singles that, depending on what neighborhood you grew up in, may never have made it as far as they should have. Covering, in chronological order, all of Maze's recordings for Capitol--from 1977's self-titled debut to 1986's Live in Los Angeles--Anthology provides just about all the Maze anyone short of a collector would need. Disc One is preferable, with its classic '70s soul ("While I'm Alone"), down-home grooves ("Workin' Together"), and gritty deep-fried jams ("Southern Girl"). Disc Two features their bigger R&B chart hits, such as the late-career high point "Back in Stride" and songs from the mid-'80s, when the band had overproduced its up-tempo stuff into a synth-damaged pulp ("Love Is the Key") and its slow songs into doctor's-office slush ("Your Own Kind of Way"). But whatever its shortcomings, Maze's Anthology gives us a new chance to discover a species of music endangered in today's new jack, studio-processed R&B world. By all means, relive the sound of the full-scale soul band. --Roni Sarig Product Description In the '70s and '80s, Maze and Frankie Beverly's run of 8 gold albums and sold-out concerts was unprecedented. Despite the fact that a few of the group's albums have been recently reissued, this long-anticipated set marks the first time all of their best works have been available in one ' package! 15 of the 20 songs are their highest-charting singles; the remaining songs are consistent radio and concert favorites. CD features 2 bonus tracks: "I Wanna Be with You" and "When You Love Someone." Massive mailing to radio and press.
ASIN: B000002U1C
VSKU: DBV.B000002U1C.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Maze
Binding: Audio cd
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!