Atlanta Music Scene Has Moved To WordPress
Slowly but surely, the Atlanta Music Scene blog has been transitioning to WordPress - a bigger and better blogging and commenting experience!
See you there, at http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/
Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > November > 13 > Entry
Maxwell In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So many years out of the boy band era, it was a little hard to recognize at first.
But three songs into R&B singer Maxwell’s first concert in Atlanta in seven years, there it was: the distinct, high-pitched squeal of excited women.
He still has it, ladies and gentleman— and honestly, that was apparent from his very first song (“Get To Know Ya”); made even clearer in his resplendent covers of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful” and Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”, and acknowledged throughout the evening by those squealing women, on their feet and wailing along during most of Maxwell’s sensual Atlanta Civic Center show.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you this evening,” he told a long-sold-out crowd that included state Sen. (and Atlanta mayoral candidate) Kasim Reed, V-103’s Joyce Littel and Miss Sophia, Sugar Hill co-owners Freddy Luster, Richard Dunn and J Carter and director of Atlanta’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Camille Love. “I don’t have an album out. I don’t have a single. I don’t have a hit.”
But again, what Maxwell continues to have — even without his signature curly locks — is a personality and an individuality that still resonates in a genre apparently fixated on finding a new Usher. (Or a younger Michael Jackson).
And not only did he and his nine-member band’s performance heighten anticipation for new material — moreso than the songs (“Pretty Wings”) he unveiled Wednesday— it offered hope that some of the other incredibly promising R&B recluses who seem to have decided to sit the 2000s out, might be OK. (Namely D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill).
Speaking of which, opening act Jazmine Sullivan’s first single “Need U Bad” had many making lofty Hill comparisons. But the artist who rocketed onto the scene with two Top 10 R&B singles right now, sputtered on the stage; lacking a cohesion and a presence that exuded from the headliner.
If you were there last night, give us your review. (And see the rest of our photo gallery HERE ).
Comments
By LIONEZZ89
November 13, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
OMG..The concert was the BEST that I have seen in a long time…Maxie should be really sore today because he danced and jumped around that stage for 2 hours.. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and it was such a great pleasure to spend the evening with Maxwell…
By LIONEZZ89
November 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
OMG..The concert was the BEST that I have seen in a long time…Maxie should be really sore today because he danced and jumped around that stage for 2 hours.. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and it was such a great pleasure to spend the evening with Maxwell…
By Star
November 13, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
The concert was amazing! It was very refreshing to hear GOOD vocals and see such a great performance. I will always and forever be a Maxwell fan!
By Star
November 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
The concert was amazing! It was very refreshing to hear GOOD vocals and see such a great performance. I will always and forever be a Maxwell fan!
By Star
November 13, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
The concert was amazing! It was very refreshing to hear GOOD vocals and see such a great performance. I will always and forever be a Maxwell fan!
By Naffy
November 13, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I forgot how great Maxwell is live, but reminded me last night. Great, great stage presence and great talent. I can’t wait for a new album!
By Maurice Garland
November 13, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
was i too young to know or was i out the loop…i had no idea about this show? who and where was it promoted?
By Jennifer
November 13, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! My throat is still sore at work now from screaming like a 12 year old. It was girlfriends night. Me and my BFF went, leaving the hubby’s at home…Into the first song, I sent the hubby a text telling him I was leaving him b/c I was off to join Maxwell’s tour as a groupie! I’m STILL swooning…hmmm, Maxwell..hmmm.
By True Fan
November 13, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Love love loved the show. Maxwell did his thing last nite. OMG and his singing…..wow…AWESOME.
By Jennifer
November 13, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah and I DO NOT like Jazmine. She leaves a lot to be desired. I was loving Need U bad, until I realized she’s not really Jamaican. That lost it for me. Still like the song, but not as much now. DO NOT like the chicken head anthem of Bust your windows. No maam. That is NOT how a lady gets it done, cheated on or not..but she’s only 22 or so, so I remember that’s the type stuff my 21 year old brother’s chicks would do, so she gets a pass on that too, lol.
By Purple One
November 13, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Yes, Maxwell has grown up to be quite the young man! A more mature show even with his old stuff! Saw him right after 9/11 too and though he had his signature look and sound, I think he is so much better now and he was so gracious. That 7 years has done him well and I can’t wait until his new album drops and he did say, see you at ‘the arena’ next year…the Civic Ctr was too small for that sold out show but it was fantastic…set up email alert from Ticketmaster if you want to catch him!
By Sasha Two Pistols
November 13, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I have always been a huge Maxwell fan, but never seen him live. And now that I have, I want to see him again and again. He was truly inspirational and humble at the concert. And he showed the younger artists that he still has it, by dancing around for two hours. It was an amazing show, and I can’t explain how great it was enough to the people who didn’t get to witness it.
By Tareasa
November 13, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
The concert was amazing, I was on my feet all night and I didnt sit down. I mean, he made everyone in that place groove. I loved it. It was great to have Maxwell back and to hear “good music” again. I cant wait for the new album, and I cant wait for him to come back, it was truly amazing and I couldnt stop singing the words. He sang some new songs, that let me know that the new album will be off the chain. Cant wait. Welcome back Maxwell!!
By LM
November 13, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
This concert was amazingly AMAZING! This may have been the highlight of the year. Maxwell sang those old hits like he was fresh out the studio. Not to mention, he looks damn good. He was very humble. He thanked the crowd several times for selling out the show and supporting him. And he allowed women to hug on that sweaty body of his as the show was concluding. I have a new found respect for Maxwell after last night. He said he’d be at Phillips next year. Better believe I’m there!
By Gary B.
November 13, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Wow ! What a show ! Maxwell sounded Great….just an amazing voice ! The band was tight as hell…and it included 3 of Atlanta’s own….Morris Pleasure on keys, Sean Michael Ray on Bass, and Rick Jordan on drums….Not only was the music great, but Maxwell is an incredible performer….he was very animated and expressive in his singing style, and he had every woman in the civic center in a state of elevated hormone levels ….lol…it was nuts ! …… .I was a little disappointed that it was so short, i think it was just over an hour…He did 3 totally new songs also, 1 of them I really liked, the other 2 I thought were just OK….He mentioned that next year he will be back in Atlanta for an Arena tour, so I guess he will be at Phillips Arena….I’m sure that show will sell out, especially after word gets out about this show….Gary B.
By Neo Soul Lover
November 13, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
This concert was simply amazing! His voice was beautiful and the band was amazing. He also ‘worked’ the crowd. Maxwell is the best.
By April
November 13, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
I absolutely loved the show last night! Maxwell is an amazing performer. He kept the crowd wanting more. I didn’t expect there to be as much energy as it was. That was my first time seeing him live in concert and I was loving every minute of it! MAXWELL! MAXWELL!MAXWELL!
By Layfayette
November 13, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Well, this was my first MAXWELL concert and my only negative reply is,”Nobody sticks Maxwell at the Civic Center”; the venue was terrible, the sound system left much to be desired. His gift is better served at the Fox or Chastain. On a better note, there were times I would close my eyes and feel this voice move around, over and through ME. Hair or no hair, Maxwell has never lost his style, for all who missed it, you might want locate you local ticket office and get in line now for his next concert. Cause I will be back!!! Love You Max
By lwyrgrl
November 13, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Maxwell was truly awesome! Great Voice, Great Performance and a very SEXY & CHARMING gentleman. I can’t wait until his new CD drops and he returns to Atlanta to perform at the Gwinnett Arena (he alluded to it last night). All the best MAXWELL and please don’t make us suffer through another drought!
By JAQUE
November 13, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
R & B is in peril….The majority of music is WHACK right now. When ?Robin Thicke can come in a basically lead the pack on the music we started… then we (Blacks) have some work to do… Nothing against Thicke because I have his cd… slammin’….
But Maxwell is definitely one of the few who has real talent. Because R&B is so horrible right now, you have to remember talent when you hear it. We’re begging for good music again…If I hear T-Pain and almost every other singer do a song about one more stripper or Plies rap about his molesting thoughts, I’m going to spin around until I disintegrate into dust.
Anyway, thanks again Maxwell… Your brother from another mother!
By dollarado
November 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I saw Maxwell a few weeks ago here in Denver and the show was the s**!!! He had women of ALL AGES loosing their minds.. I haven’t seen women in their late 30’s and early 40’s throwing panties onstage before.. but this guy brings it out of them for real..
I gave him props for putting on a dope show.. my homeboy hated on him when I told him about it.. He said Maxwell doesn’t care about them ladies like that cause he’s supposedly gay.. WTF?? Damn..And I thought he was a real smooth pimp until I heard that..
By Alexis
November 13, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
@ Jennifer lay off J Sullivan her cd is SLAMMIN and yes Bust your windows may be a little on the hood side but its just a SONG and the rest of her lyrics on her cd are very deep unlike the nursery rhymes Beyonce insist on writing. Now moving on to my baby Maxwell. The new songs were GREAT the show was GREAT he still sounds and looks as good as I remember. I played in his hair (yes ladies I played in his hair) last time I saw him in concert at Chastain that was way back in 2001. Can’t wait for the new cd to drop and for the show I will drive to Gwen. Arena to see him and only him!
By Terri
November 13, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Maxwell was AWESOME! He was so humble which made him even more amazing. A truly gifted artist and entertainer. I felt lucky to be there to witness the magic.
By Marsha
November 13, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Dollarado, Do you really think a brother that write his music soley about the love and beauty of a woman is gay? He did indicate that one of his songs was a result of a breakup with an ex-girlfriend. Most gay artist music and lyrics are not gender specific. Alot of brothers hate on Maxwell because he doesn’t project that thug image nor does he disrespect women in his music….it doesn’t mean he is gay.
By Mel S.
November 13, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
My throat is still hurting from screaming for Maxwell, my future baby daddy, last night. After all these years, he can still get it :-) The concert was truly amazing. I was in the balcony but still screamed like I was on the front row. I was at the concert in 2001 and I will be at the next one. I just know I can not go with a man because the way I acted last night, I would definitely get left behind:-)
By Nikki
November 13, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
This was the 2nd time I saw this show…caught it at Radio City in NYC in October…both were AMAZING! The Civic Center was a WACK venue but my man rocked the house! He is beautiful, he sounded beautiful and I am loving the new music. I am sooo in love with him again! Great Show!
By KT
November 13, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
I have been waiting for Maxwell to return in concert since I missed him in Indianapolis. Well it was definitely worth the wait!! I can’t wait for the album (oops, CD) to drop. Although I LOVED the wild hair, he looked great onstage. I really liked the 3 new songs, especially Bad Habits. That one will be on repeat in the cd changer. Maxwell, “you are still Welcome!”
By Diana
November 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
I wish I could see Him in person I had so friends that went they said it was a good show !
By Darla
November 16, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I seen Max in Dallas on November 8th, and I have to say I am still thinking about the show. To say he exudes sexuality and truely loves and respects woment is a true statement. All the women who have yet to experience Maxwell live make sure you purchase tickets to his next show.
By Darla
November 16, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I seen Max in Dallas on November 8th, and I have to say I am still thinking about the show. To say he exudes sexuality and truely loves and respects woment is a true statement. All the women who have yet to experience Maxwell live make sure you purchase tickets to his next show.
By Gemini7
November 17, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
What an insult to compare Maxwell to Usher….are you kidding me? Usher can’t carry Maxwell’s jock strap. I’m forty three and hardly looking for a new Usher. Hell, I’ve never liked the old one! Try Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrrass, Prince, Luther V and yes a younger Michal Jackson but no one, is fixated on finding a new Usher but Usher! At least no one with a mature taste and appreciation for real music.