It may be at least another Lifetime before the ladies’ love for R&B falsetto-crooner Maxwell dissipates…By the time Maxwell appeared on stage singing “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” the ladies pried from their date’s embrace and
á It may be at least another Lifetime before the ladies’ love for R&B falsetto-crooner Maxwell dissipates. All dressed up and lock-armed with their dates, female fans were feeling Chrisette Michele Oct. 8 as she opened for Maxwell’s BLACKsummers ‘night concert tour at United Center. They took it way back with the hip hop rapper Common who took the stage next, and proved he does still love H.E.R. But when the lights dimmed, the howls began. By the time Maxwell appeared on stage singing “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” dressed plainly yet gentleman-like with pencil slim black slacks, a long, thin necktie, and a black suit jacket, the ladies pried from their date’s embrace and clamored for the Brooklyn native. It had been nearly a year to the day since Maxwell had been in Chicago. He performed last year on Sweetest Day at the Chicago Theatre and seemed near-tears at the reception he got from the fans who packed the house to hear him after a long hiatus. The United Center concert Thursday was more of the same, times three. With three previous hit records and a new album, “BLACKsummers ‘night,” that debuted in July at No. 1, Maxwell proved that he’s back–minus the “nappy afro”– and the fans still love him. And he loved them back. “I just want to thank all of you for holding me down all these years,” the Grammy-nominated recording artist told the crowd Thursday. More than taking his tenor voice to erotic falsetto octaves, Maxwell’s music and his performance was chock full of dynamic musicality. The band, wearing black suits with white dress shirts and neckties, and the background singer–a suburban Blue Island native–donning a hugging strapless gown, along with the lighting effects and graphics on the jumbo screen, gave the feel of a cabaret. And the horn section could really blow. The show included performances of Maxwell classics like “Lifetime and “‘Til The Cops Come Knocking.” He mixed in songs off his new album, as well, including Cold and Bad Habits. All the while, the 36-year-old Maxwell teased and tempted with his slow-moving gyration and suggestive acrobatics. He seemed a bit hoarse by the time he started the signature intro whine of Woman’s Work. But the audience didn’t seem to mind, waving their hands in the air and singing right along with him. When the hail of feathers fell from the ceiling as he sang Pretty Wings from his latest release and concert tour title, everyone thought the show was over. But Maxwell had a little bit more to give his Chicago audience. He came back onstage with a political spiel, giving the city props for being home to President Barack Obama and spoke in favor of the president’s health care reform. Then the stage lit up and the band fanned out in a Y-formation on the stage as Maxwell closed the show (for real this time) with “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder).” What a night for the ladies! ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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