Live
Frankie Beverly & Maze: Hammersmith Apollo 21/09/2008
Being a real Maze fan - when i heard they were in town, i was SOOO excited! I haven't seen them for 15 years, and this is the first time they have been in the UK for 10 years!
As the anticipation reached its peak and the music started to play, Frankie Beverly appeared on stage - breaking into 'Southern Girl' which was welcomed by a HUGE cheer and sounds of over excitement from the eagerly awaiting crowd.
It was great to see Frankie still sounding and looking amazing at 61, dressed in a casual tracksuit and baseball cap - you wouldn't have known ten years had passed, as he sounded as good as he did last time I herd those silky tones.. The atmosphere had built to an exhilarating level as the whole place grooved. Good move (by the way) from the management/promotors removing the seats and giving room for dancing... It was fantastic!
Following the superb opening track, they went on to do classics 'Silly Games,' 'Cant Get Over You,' and 'Happy Feelings.' Everyone sang their hearts out - just like they always did way back - soul girls and boys loving every song. Frankie Beverly still has that amazing stage presence - you can't help but hang on to every word.
And then the intro to the mighty 'Joy and Pain 1980' the atmosphere moved to an even higher level - as the whole place chanted those immortal words... "JOYYYY AND PAIN, LIKE SUNSHINE - AND RAIN".... The lights came up - we could see the crowd's arms in the air as one - joining in with the singing, as I looked around me this was the moment of the night. By this performance alone, you can see why Marvin Gaye gave him his first record deal...
The last song 'I Wanna Thank You' was apt as I would like to thank Frankie Beverly and his fantastic band for a truly memorable night! And of course bringing back all those memories, whilst making a few new ones. I can only hope that they don't leave it so long next time.
In the meantime we do have a new CD to look forward to in the shape of 'Live In New Orleans' mixed with studio tracks... Certainly one I'd love to review!:)
Words Denise Glenn
