Search - Maze, Frankie Beverly :: Southern Girl

3 1/2* If You Like the Isley Brothers?Try Maze

M. Allen Greenbaum | California | 12/12/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is smoooooth but funky music a la the Isley Brothers. I could not believe this group when I heard them in the eighties. Amidst the homogenized sound of much disco music came the soaring vocals and blistering guitar of Maze. Quite a feat, when only Chaka, the Isleys, some of Michael Jackson's work and a few others seemed to test the commercial limits. "Southern Girl" is heavily Isley influenced with a great guitar break and is quintessential Maze. Unfortunately, most of the other songs aren't quite up to this level. "Back in Stride" steals a riff or two from Jackson: It's very danceable with great funk bass and good vocal ensemble work. Like a good brandy it goes down easy; not as funky as Sly but not as polished down/diluted as many disco hits. "Never Let You Down" is somewhat forgettable, and "Joy and Pain" is a good Isley Brothers- inspired disco ballad. The band reenters the groove with "I Wanna Be With You," where Beverly adds some soulful vocal accents and a rawer edge, and the guitar is featured a little more prominently. I'd like to hear more vocals like this, Beverly's voice cuts through instrumentation extremely well. Travelin' Man is another great example of Isley flavored guitar. This group is at its best when it lets out the funk. If you like the title cut, look for more songs in that mode.Frankie Beverley combines the smooth sexy soul of Harold Melvin (though not as deep or resonant) with a few well-timed, wonderful gutteral screams (think James Brown, Prince). Though the music isn't as sweaty or creative as JB or the Purple One, this is one of the overlooked groups of the era."

Soulful

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 11/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frankie Beverly&Maze have always been the truth. there Live in New Orleans Album is right now My All time favorite Live Album Ever.Frankie Beverly&Maze just hit you with the soulful grit.'Southern Girl" is the truth."Joy&Pain" always gets you Pumped up.Back in stride is funky&Wicked all at once.that Groove is tight.I can Listen to these Brothers all day/night.Feel Good Music right here that truly hits the soul&never lets up."