Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Frankie Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and producer best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the soul and funk band Maze. He passed away on September 10, 2024, at age 77.
Beverly grew up singing in church, which shaped his musical influences alongside groups like The Dells and The Moonglows. As a teen, he formed the short-lived a cappella doo-wop group The Blenders before starting The Butlers in 1963, later known as Frankie Beverly and the Butlers. Their 1967 single "If That's What You Wanted" became a Northern soul standard, and producer Kenny Gamble released some of their recordings.
In 1970, Beverly founded Raw Soul in Philadelphia, which relocated to San Francisco's Bay Area in 1971 seeking better opportunities. Marvin Gaye discovered them, invited them to open for his tours, and suggested renaming to Maze in 1976. The band's debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, followed that year with hits like "Lady of Magic" and "Workin’ Together."
Maze released nine gold albums over decades, building a devoted fanbase with Beverly's smooth baritone, original songwriting, and dynamic live shows. They gained strong international appeal, especially in the UK, and performed regularly at events like Essence Festival. Key members included original percussionist McKinley "Bug" Williams.
Beverly's emphasis on love, respect for fans, and feel-good soul-funk endures across generations, with Maze influencing R&B through consistent touring and hits into the 1980s and beyond. Philadelphia honored Maze featuring Frankie Beverly on its Walk of Fame.
Back To Basics
A2 Love Is 5:38
A3 The Morning After 5:38
B1 Laid Back Girl 5:30
B2 What Goes Up 6:11
C1 In Time 6:05
C2 All Night Long 5:25
D1 Don't Wanna Lose Your Love 5:44
D2 Twilight (Instr.) 7:27
Written-By – Anthony Beverly (tracks: 5), Frankie Beverly
Label: Warner Bros. Records – PRO-A 6603
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1993
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Nineties Soul, Contemporary R&B
Can't Stop The LoveCan t Stop The Love Cant Stop The Love
A2 Can't Stop The Love 7:09
A3 Reachin' Down Inside 5:22
B1 Too Many Games 4:56
B2 I Want To Feel I'm Wanted 5:42
B3 Magic 4:42
B4 A Place In My Heart 4:50
Written-By – Frankie Beverly, Robin (Duhe) (track: B3)
Label: Capitol Records – ST-12377
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Boogie
Golden Time Of Day
A2 Song For My Mother 5:02
A3 You're Not The Same 5:13
A4 Workin' Together 5:30
B1 Golden Time Of Day 5:30
B2 I Wish You Well 4:37
B3 I Need You 10:00
Producer, Composed By – Frankie Beverly
Label: Capitol Records – ST-11710
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Joy And Pain
A2 The Look In Your Eyes 5:22
A3 Family 5:08
A4 Roots 5:06
B1 Joy And Pain 7:30
B2 Southern Girl 6:49
B3 Happiness 6:46
Written-By – Frankie Beverly
Label: Capitol Records – ST-12087
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Live In Los Angeles
A2 Too Many Games 5:28
A3 I Wanna Thank You 7:23
A4 You 3:38
B1 Happy Feelings 3:43
B2 Feel That You're Feeling 5:54
B3 I Want To Feel I'm Wanted 5:26
B4 We Are One 5:35
C1 Joy And Pain 7:14
C2 Before I Let Go 5:40
C3 Back In Stride 7:35
D1 Freedom (South Africa) 6:50
D2 I Wanna Be With You 4:15
D3 Dee's Song 5:04
D4 When You Love Someone 5:28
Written-By – Frankie Beverly
Label: Capitol Records – SWBB-12479
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Live In New Orleans
A2 You 5:54
A3 Changing Times 5:11
A4 Joy And Pain 9:45
B1 Happy Feelin's 5:28
B2 Southern Girl 6:22
B3 Look At California 11:00
C1 Feel That You're Feelin' 9:48
C2 The Look In Your Eyes 7:22
D1 Running Away 5:56
D2 Before I Let Go 5:07
D3 We Need Love To Live 4:50
D4 Reason 5:04
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Frankie Beverly
Label: Capitol Records – SKBK-12156
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Composed By – Frankie Beverly 5:19
A2 Happy Feelin's
Composed By – Frankie Beverly 7:10
A3 Color Blind
Composed By – Frankie Beverly 3:22
A4 Lady Of Magic
Composed By – Frankie Beverly 4:45
B1 While I'm Alone
Composed By – Frankie Beverly 4:35
B2 You
Composed By – Frankie Beverly 8:24
B3 Look At California
Composed By – Frankie Beverly 9:27
Label: Capitol Records – ST-11607
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The self-titled debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, was a critical and commercial success within the soul and R&B world, praised for its organic sound, smooth grooves, and strong musicianship. The album established the group's signature style and earned them a devoted fanbase.
The album is noted for its blend of soul, funk, and subtle jazz stylings that avoided the prevailing disco trends of the era. The sound is described as "raw soul" in its original form, characterized by smooth, simmering grooves and rich instrumentation that has a timeless quality.
Frankie Beverly is highlighted as a talented singer and the sole songwriter for all tracks, delivering sincere, smooth, and sometimes rugged vocals that anchor the band's sound.
The entire seven-piece band, including the prominent bass work of Robin Duhe and the keyboards of Sam Porter, is lauded for its tight, cohesive performance.
Though Maze rarely crossed over to pop radio, this album and subsequent releases were huge hits on the R&B charts and became a foundational soundtrack for Black American culture, frequently played at family events and cookouts.
The album produced several classic tracks that became fan favorites and R&B hits:
"Happy Feelin's": An upbeat, seven-minute opus with strong keyboards and drum kicks that takes listeners on an "R&B voyage".
"While I'm Alone": Considered an "ultimate anthem" by some reviewers, praised for its powerful combination of background and lead vocals over commanding instrumentation.
"Lady of Magic": A perfect track that highlights Beverly's smooth vocals and rhythm guitar work.
"Look at California": A nine-minute opus that features a unique structure, starting with a mellow vibe before transitioning into a funkier, "War-type" groove.
Overall, the album is considered a "priceless" and "essential" debut that launched the journey of one of the most enduring soul groups in history.
Silky Soul
A2 Can't Get Over You 5:23
A3 Just Us 7:39
A4 Somebody Else's Arms 5:53
B1 Love's On The Run 5:34
B2 Change Our Ways 5:15
B3 Songs Of Love 6:14
B4 Mandela 6:36
Written-By – Frankie Beverly
Label: Warner Bros. Records – 9 25802-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco