Maxwell

It was 1996 and I was a freshman in college. One night I was watching TV after going to school all day and working at the FAMUAN (my college newspaper) half the night. I finally got and and was flipping through the tube. I happened to stop on the old BET show Midnight Love to unwind and then it happened. I heard the opening notes. Then in a flash, a sexy man was on spinning on the floor and all of a sudden... I heard his voice. That sexy, smooth yet passionate voice singing "Didn't you dig the way I rubbed yo back girl..." and it was straight OVER! I was in love with that voice from then on. It's a love affair that has continued for more than 13 years. I just have to hear that voice and I melt.

Some people question why am I devoted to this particular artist. They say "Sure, he's good and all that, but why the almost slavish devotion and admiration for an artist and one who records so frequently at that." To make it worse, he's an artist who actively runs away from the typical trappings and fame that most artists and entertainers crave. To answer, it's simply the music. The melodies, the lyrics and the soul Maxwell puts into his craft is a truly divine gift. It touches me to my soul and lifts me up; even his most sad and deep songs move me higher in my spirit. To quote another favorite, Eric Benet, it's "a Spiritual Thang!" Those who aren't similarly affected are likely not to understand. That's okay. Because when I play a Max (as he's affectionately known amongst his devoted fans) song, I am totally immersed. I truly feel it to my core and it's a beautiful thing that I crave often.

Seven years after his last disc Now, Maxwell is finally giving his fan what they want: an album of new material. Thank goodness for BET CEO Debra Lee, who convinced Max to perform on the BET Awards in 2008 as part of a trio of talented artists in tribute to soul music legend Al Green. Anthony Hamilton and Jill Scott are two of my faves, but Max truly brought down the house with his version of Green's "Simply Beautiful". The performance was just that: simply beautiful. Max's voice was clear and deep despite the long time off. His dance moves were still on point although their more restrained nature were proof of his increasing maturity and grace. Because of that performance and the subsequent tour that followed, he has finally gotten back on the map again. He’ll release the first in his new trilogy BLACKSummers’NIGHT on July 7. I can’t wait! I’m not expecting a retread of old stuff. Hell, I have all of that. I just want to get that feeling though. It’s like this: whenever I'm low inside, I can play him, no matter how old the song is and be lifted. That's a truly rare gift for any artist. That's why I'll always be a fan.