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.
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.