Anthology

Maze | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 23, 1996)
• Original Release Date: January 23, 1996
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: The Right Stuff
• ASIN: B000002U1C
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,112 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While funkified R&B orchestras of the late '70s and early '80s such as Earth, Wind & Fire and the Commodores made frequent appearances on the mainstream charts, Maze hold a special place in the hearts of nostalgic R&B fans because the San Francisco-based seven-piece (later eight-piece) band always stayed exclusive to its loyal core audience--the many thousands of mostly adult, mostly black, mostly working-class fans who made each of Maze's 10 albums gold without the help of a huge pop hit. Soul fans who heard about only the crossovers missed out on Maze's medium-funk grooves and the buttery-thick Philly-style vocals of featured performer/bandleader Frankie Beverly. Thankfully, the two-disc Anthology collects the singles that, depending on what neighborhood you grew up in, may never have made it as far as they should have. Covering, in chronological order, all of Maze's recordings for Capitol--from 1977's self-titled debut to 1986's Live in Los Angeles--Anthology provides just about all the Maze anyone short of a collector would need. Disc One is preferable, with its classic '70s soul ("While I'm Alone"), down-home grooves ("Workin' Together"), and gritty deep-fried jams ("Southern Girl"). Disc Two features their bigger R&B chart hits, such as the late-career high point "Back in Stride" and songs from the mid-'80s, when the band had overproduced its up-tempo stuff into a synth-damaged pulp ("Love Is the Key") and its slow songs into doctor's-office slush ("Your Own Kind of Way"). But whatever its shortcomings, Maze's Anthology gives us a new chance to discover a species of music endangered in today's new jack, studio-processed R&B world. By all means, relive the sound of the full-scale soul band. --Roni Sarig

Product Description

Details Producer: Frankie Beverly Distributor: EMI Music Distribution Recording Type: Mixed Recording Mode: Stereo SPAR Code: n/a

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning to love music, lesson #1, April 26, 2005

By 

Littleton Pierre, Jr. "All Night Long" (Dallas, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anthology (Audio CD)

Whenever you are fortunate to listen to the "Anthology" by Maze/featuring Frankie Beverly, you will understand about the goings on of life. The "Joy & Pain", the "reasons" you try to love one more time. You will grow to understand the emotions of ones being and the purpose of expressing your feelings to that special someone. One of the greatest live performer in the history of music. When you leave after attending a Maze concert, you will find yourself driving yourself home without turning on the radio..... The songs will stay in your mind as well as in your heart. This is one group that I truly respect and love. All the songs on this anthology are well worth the time to listen to. So find yourself a quiet spot in your house, pour yourself a relaxing drink of your choice,play this musical collection and just enjoy a mind-blowing moment....!!!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SO underrated, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Anthology (Audio CD)

Maze is simply one of the greatest funk and soul groups to have produced hits in the early 80s. Songs like "Love is the Key" and "Southern Girl" are STAPLES in any funk/soul collection. They're mellow, and they keep the funk in the music at the same time. Frankie Beverly and MAZE is a fantastic musical collaboration. May the funk live on. From the instruments and synthesizers to the expressive vocals, this 2 disc collection is a MUST HAVE

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Frankie Beverly is a god..., July 7, 2006

By 

D. L. Adger "adg87" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anthology (Audio CD)

and Maze are his offspring. All jokes aside, if you've ever been to a FB & Maze concert, you know what I'm talking about. This group has not made a studio album in more than a decade, yet continue to draw sold out crowds of dedicated followers wherever they play. If any argument for truly timeless music is to be made, let Maze be exhibit A. This double disc collection is well put together, featuring some of the most loved and well-known songs from the band. "While I'm Alone", "Southern Girl", "Joy And Pain" and "Back In Stride" are all featured alongside some of Frankies' more unsung gems like "Lovely Inspiration" and "Lady Of Magic". Tight does not begin to describe the ability of Frankie and the band's ability to bring the funk and soul full-tilt. Closing your eyes, you can almost imagine being there front row at a Maze concert where you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself. An ultimate showman, Frankie is every bit as good live as he is on record. One of my favorite songs "Golden Time Of Day" is a staple at one of his shows and the quintessential summertime songs. I can't tout this collection or FB & Maze enough. If you're hesitating, dont. Get this cd for your collection. You will not be sorry.