Maxayn
Maxayn was a short-lived but influential American funk and soul band from the early 1970s, known for blending funk, rock, jazz, and soul elements.
Formed in Los Angeles around 1972, Maxayn took its name from lead singer Maxayn Lewis (born Paulette Parker in Tulsa, Oklahoma), who had prior experience as an Ikette with Ike & Tina Turner's revue and on a tour with Bobby "Blue" Bland. The core lineup featured Maxayn Lewis on lead vocals and piano, her then-husband Andre Lewis on keyboards and synthesizers, guitarist Marlo Henderson, and drummer Emry Thomas; Hank Redd occasionally contributed on saxophone. Andre and Henderson had previously played in the Buddy Miles Express.
Signed to Capricorn Records, the band released three albums: Maxayn (1972), Mindful (1973, which peaked at No. 43 on the US R&B charts), and Bail Out for Fun! (1974). Their single "Check Out Your Mind" charted, debuting at No. 39 in June 1973. The group's sound drew praise for its high-energy live shows, attracting fans like Sly and the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder.
Plans for a fourth album on Manticore Records in 1975 fell through due to label issues. Andre Lewis later signed with Motown, releasing disco-funk albums as Mandré with Maxayn's songwriting input. In 2017, Cherry Red Records issued a compilation, Reloaded: The Complete Recordings 1972-1974. Andre Lewis passed away in January 2012.
Bail Out For Fun!
A2 Life Is What You Make It 4:13
A3 Cried My Last Tear 4:40
A4 Moonfunk 4:35
B1 Fun 3:10
B2 You Don't Have To Be Lonely 3:50
B3 Trying For Days 6:45
B4 Everything Begins With You 3:40
Label: Capricorn Records – CP 0125
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Maxayn's Bail Out For Fun! album is praised as a soulful, funky, rock-infused gem, the third album from the legendary group, known for its lean band sound, prominent keyboards, and Maxayn Lewis's powerful vocals, offering a mix of originals and covers (like D.J. Rogers' "Bail Out" and Buddy Miles' "Life is What You Make It"), standing out with its sophisticated funk/rock blend, though it was somewhat lost in the shuffle upon release.
A blend of funk, soul, and rock, featuring strong keyboards, a tight band, and sometimes electronic touches, reminiscent of Sly & The Family Stone, with soulful ballads and energetic funk.
Reviewers note that the keyboards, handled by the talented Andre Lewis, are more central to this album than the guitars were on previous Maxayn records. This shift increases the funky feel of the record.
The production style, featuring cool flanged-out effects and reminiscent of Sly Stone, is highlighted as a key element of the album's sound. Maxayn Lewis is a standout, described as sultry and powerful, channeling Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack.
Highlights include the funk-infused "Life is What You Make It," the soulful "Cried My Last Tear," the lively "Fun," and their own "Trying for Days" in a new jam.
Though not a huge commercial hit initially, it's celebrated as a timeless classic, showcasing the band's musicianship and paving the way for future acts like Mother's Finest and Andre Lewis's work as Mandré.
Fans and critics laud it as a stellar soul/funk album, a "killer" record that's both deep and groovy, often grouped with their excellent debut and Mindful in reissues like "Reloaded: The Complete Recordings".
The music remains fresh and forward-sounding, a testament to the band's talent and production.