Live
Maxwell: Brixton 02 Academy 13/11/09
With hints of MJ and Prince, Maxwell showed all the right ingredients spicing up a packed Brixton 02 Academy on a very lucky Friday 13th. There were no warm up acts to this London gig, only the cool mixing form 1xtra’s finest, Benji B calming the crowds anticipation.
And after a 7 year absence you can understand the nerves as you stand waiting, wondering whether the hefty priced ticket in your hand is justifiable. But as the curtain was raised, and a slap in the face to any doubters - including myself, Maxwell - smoother then the flow of queuing fans entering the venue, came out more soulful then ever. Backed by a ten piece band, which included an electric saxophone, trumpet and drums held together beautifully by the finger wizardry of modern jazz pianist Robert Glasper, it was an explosive start with the classic Sumthin’ Sumthin’.
A phenomenal surprise, Robert Glasper deserves an extra shout here. Known for his extensive collaborations with the likes of Erykah Babu, Mos Def and Common to name a few, you’d usually have to pay a considerable amount to catch Glasper live, so to see him supporting Maxwell was, well sweeter then toffee.
Form the start, Maxwell’s heartfelt appreciation for his fans was clear after a long absence. Showing genuine love, he made a real effort to incorporate an ecstatic crowd as he ran through old favourates like ‘Get to Know Ya’, ‘The Woman’s Work’ and the current, seductive beauty ‘Pretty Wings’. I can understand why people may have thought "Diva" as he danced and sang but I could only see passion and charisma mixed with an honest release of emotion after a long hiatus. In short the performance was straight sex. Maxwell’s energetic twists and turns melting the stage and raising the temperature on an otherwise cold and grey evening.
The only thing that let down a night of almost acoustic perfection was the venue’s sound system. There’s no denying the amazing force of the performance If you were positioned middle front but for those situated outside it’s range, ie middle back or sides you were missing the true scope of Maxwell’s voice. Something of an improvement the 02 Academy could learn from their sister venue Indigo.
Maxwell please return soon!
All photos care of B&S' Romain Kedochim. For more visit ROMAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Words ALI RAYMOND
