The following is a brief review of The Grammy Museum Charity Concert held at The Nokia Club in Los Angeles, CA December 2, 2009. Enjoy!

Ethiopian Love & Greetings to Maxwell and Maxwell music lovers. As a native of Ethiopian, living in Los Angeles, and married mother of three children by the name of Yitaish I am saying I had a gah-rrreat time watching Maxwell perform at his Grammy Museum charity concert at The Nokia Club in Los Angeles!

My beautiful oldest child, a recent graduate of USC, was not too thrilled having to babysit her youngest sister when finding out that “Mom” was off to see Maxwell, when of course she would have loved to attend herself (smile)! It was me time for “Mom”. This was my very first time seeing Maxwell and there is no need to say it, but it would be fun seeing him when he comes back in Spring! Keeping my fingers crossed. The night was magical. I had the pleasure of meeting the Grammy Museum ‘s executive director, who introduced Maxwell before the show, Robert “Bob” Santelli, outside by the parking lot.

I could not resist asking him, “What about a summer job at your museum?” and he responded, “Okay, come on by in about 6 months.” He was a personable and friendly man indeed. He also mentioned that the Maxwell concert was the very FIRST of its kind, ever, to be held for The Grammy Museum and that Maxwell was the one who approached them offering to do it. I found that very humbling of him. Currently wondering, How about offering to do concert in my backyard at my beautiful home, too, or a block party and we give the money to charity? What do you say, that would be different, ay Maxwell? Seriously, could you imagine?!

One stand out song of the night was Pretty Wings. Maxwell performed the song so wonderfully. Looking forward to Maxwell coming back to the area in Spring 2010. Definitely, want to thank Maxwell and his band members for doing the concert.

“The Grammy Museum Charity Concert” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences.”

Copyright Yitaish © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

Went to the concert
To see the “M”
VIP Passes
Yes, I hugged him

He has a slender build
And smelled so nice
As we release
I looked dead into his eyes

Some ladies dressed
In their Sunday’s best
Some ladies had an
Exposed chest

All the ladies
With manicured toes
Weaves, perms,
And cornrows

Tall, short,
And Ruby red lips
Into that seat
She got her hips

Lady with the hoop Earrings
Please sit down
Let me see the “M”
Turn round and round

Men with hats, ties,
And shirts
Some look as if they
Just got off work

It really doesn’t matter
How you come
We come to see The “M”
And have fun

Tenor Falsetto
Pierce the air
Mouth open wide
At him I glare

He asked me
How I liked the horns
Trumpet, sax, and
Trombone

A silver ring on his
Left ring finger
Then
A silver ring on his
Right ring finger

Max

Please stop playing
With my emotions

“Went to See the M” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright Daughter of Eli © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

Comments from those who attended, etc.:
Toronto, ON (September 25, 2009) Did You Go?

Detroit, MI (September 26, 2009) Did You Go?
NYC (September 28, 2009) Did You Go?
Richmond, VA (September 30, 2009) Did You Go?
Washington, DC (October 02, 2009) Did You Go?
Philadelphia, PA (October 03, 2009) Did You Go?
Atlanta, GA (October 05, 2009) Did You Go?
Charlotte, NC (October 06, 2009) Did You Go?
Chicago, IL (October 08, 2009) Did You Go?
St. Louis, MO (October 09, 2009) Did You Go?
Little Rock, AR (October 10, 2009) Did You Go?
Dallas, TX (October 12, 2009) Did You Go?
Los Angeles, CA (October 16, 2009) Did You Go?
Concord, CA (October 17, 2009) Did You Go?
Memphis, TN (October 20, 2009) Did You Go?
New Orleans, LA (October 21, 2009) Did You Go?
Baltimore, MD (October 23, 2009) Did You Go?

theBLACKsummers’night Tour Setlist (US/Canada) from various shows:
1. Phoenix Rise
2. Dancewitme
3. Sumthin’ Sumthin’
4. Get to Know Ya
5. Lifetime
6. Bad Habits
7. Lovin’ You
8. Simply Beautiful
9. Fortunate

10. Gravity Pushing to Pull/Fela Kuti
11. Help Somebody
12. Fistful of Tears
13. Cold
14. No One

15. Playing Possum
16. This Woman’s Work
17. Stop the World
18. Til the Cops Come Knockin’
19. Pretty Wings

Encore:
20. Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)

Birmingham, UK (October 28, 2009) Did You Go?
Manchester, UK (October 30, 2009) Did You Go?
London, UK (October 31, 2009) Did You Go?
Paris, France (November 03, 2009) Did You Go?
Amsterdam, Netherlands (November 04, 2009) Did You Go?
Koln, Germany (November 06, 2009) Did You Go?
Zurich, Switzerland (November 07, 2009) Did You Go?
Copenhagen, Denmark (November 09, 2009) Did You Go?
Stockholm, Sweden (November 10, 2009) Did You Go?
Brussels, Belgium (November 12, 2009) Did You Go?
London, UK (November 13, 2009) Did You Go?

Featured concert reviews:
FEATURE: It Was a Great Show (concert review) Toronto, ON

FEATURE: One of the Best Shows Ever (concert review) Detroit, MI
FEATURE: I Want Some More (concert review) NYC
FEATURE: The Show in Charlotte (concert review) Charlotte, NC
FEATURE: An Amazing Concert Experience! (Concert Review) Dallas, TX
FEATURE: A HOLLYWOOD ‘Cool’ BOWL of ‘Thank You’ Experience! (Help Somebody Edition) Los Angeles, CA
FEATURE: MAXWELL is the Truth (concert review) Baltimore, MD
FEATURE: The Highest of the High (concert review) Baltimore, MD

Professional reviews of the concert:
CONCERT REVIEW: Air Canada Centre, Toronto (Sun Media)

CONCERT REVIEW: MAXWELL Dazzles The Ladies at MSG (MTV News)
CONCERT REVIEW: Soulfully Flirty Excitement (NY Post)
CONCERT REVIEW: MAXWELL Croons, Ladies Swoon at Charlotte Concert (Charlotte Observer)
CONCERT REVIEW: …He Still Has Got IT (Chicago Sun-Times)
CONCERT REVIEW: MAXWELL at the United Center (Chicago Tribune)
CONCERT REVIEW: MAXWELL at the Scottrade Center (River Front Times)
NOTE: Professional concert reviews, appear within the (Did You Know)s beginning, October 11, 2009.

Contains video footage from the tour:
SUNDAY Smoothness: A Lil Bit of This & a Lil Bite of That
…Well, Saturdays Can Be Smooth Too! (Videos)
SUNDAY Smoothness: With a Message on the Side
SUNDAY Smoothness: Where Have You Been Hiding?

For interviews:
Audio, Print, Video, etc. (Interviews while on tour)

Maxwell put on a magnificent performance in Baltimore. I have never seen a more humble and gracious Artist. Unfortunately we missed Chrisette Michelle, (our flight was delayed) but we caught part of Common, whom also put on a great show.

I surprised my sister Melanie with this trip. She had no idea we had Maxwell tickets. We arrived at the arena and were escorted to front row center seats directly in front of the catwalk (God truly blessed us). We actually stood on either side of a large fan directly inside the center of the Y stage. As Maxwell sang Ascension I pulled out a towel I had embroidered just for him. On the towel were HIS words “Highest of the High”. I was so excited when he reached for the towel. He held it up for the crowd to see and then he wiped his face and thanked me as he returned it to me. My intent was for him to keep the towel, but the kind soul that he is, he returned it to me as a souvenir (you can’t help but love this man).

I work for a company in Connecticut called Hologic, Inc. We manufacture mammography equipment that is used for taking X-ray images of the breast. Our mission is to save lives by promoting the early detection of breast cancer. Last week Maxwell announced his own campaign to fight this dreaded disease. I decided that we would wear breast cancer awareness (pink ribbon over a silver heart) pins to the concert showing our support for this very important cause. I also brought extra pins for Maxwell, just in case an opportunity presented itself (it did).

Please ladies, do self-examination of your breast monthly and if you are over 40yrs. old, make sure you get an annual mammogram. The early detection of breast cancer can save your life. Hologic, Inc. currently has a breast cancer awareness campaign going on called “Promise to me” the website is . Spread the word to ten girlfriends and Hologic donates money towards free mammograms for people who cannot afford them.

The first time my sister handed Maxwell the pin; it was inside a very small packet, he had an armload of flowers from other fans, so he graciously accepted it, but it was soon covered by more flowers. But my very determined sister tried again. When Maxwell touched her hand during one of many hand slapping moments, she slipped another pin (unpackaged) in his hand. He looked at it and I could actually see in his eyes the very moment he realized what he had been given and what it meant. He immediately fastened the pin to his lapel; I actually saw the humility in his eyes as he thanked her. So if you are a true Maxwell fan, please support this very worthy cause by purchasing the ‘Fistful of Tears’ single, because this man truly believes in this.

The icing on the cake was the day after the concert. I was showing my sister “The Latest Maxwell News’ website, and we saw that Maxwell had actually tweeted Melanie a message about the pin she gave him. Maxwell actually downloaded a picture of the pin as he held it in the palm of his hand. Needless to say, my sister cried tears of joy and is still on cloud nine. This could not have happened to a more deserving person (see message).

My sister and I are back at home in Connecticut, but we will always have Baltimore and our own special moments with Maxwell to remember forever.

“The Highest of the High” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright Sharon © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

Yes, I was there!!! I first saw Maxwell in my hometown (Washington, D.C.) My seats were not that great and my husband isn’t a fan. So sitting through the concert acting like a “lady” was not such an enjoyable experience. Don’t get me wrong – I loved the concert – it was magical. I was on cloud 8 1/2 afterwards and went home singing Pretty Wings in the car. When I told my husband I wanted to see him in Baltimore, he just shook his head. As long as I didn’t ask him to go he was fine with it. So my sis and I drove down early to beat the traffic.

I sprung for floor seats – yes I paid a bundle. And believe me, from the depths of my heart – it was worth every single penny and then some!!!! My sister and I had second row seats to the left of the stage. But before Maxwell came out my sister noticed that several people were standing up next to the cat-walk stage. So she asked the security people if it was OK to stand next to the stage. When the guy said “of course” she walked over and got herself a spot next to the stage about 2 feet from the main stage at the beginning of the cat walk. She kept calling for me to come up but I was too timid. But after a while I realized it may be a while before we see Maxwell again so I had better take advantage of this gift. So I got up the courage and walked up to the stage next to her along with all the other people who were already there.

When the lights went down signaling Maxwell’s entrance a roar went up like I haven’t heard in a long time. I’m a veteran concert-goer and I’ve seen just about everybody but this was different. The noise was deafening! When the video screens parted and the light hit him and walked out looking fine in his suit and sunglasses – the arena erupted again. He kind of smiled – like “wow, is that for me.” He really appreciates the validation of his music. And Baltimore showed him some real love.

Then he commenced to work it like a God. There’s no other way to describe it. He didn’t work it like a pro or a veteran – he worked it like a God (and believe me, I wouldn’t be so sacrilegious as to defame or demean God or to compare Maxwell to God) but I don’t know how else to describe it. It was just magical from beginning to end. He was funny, charming, sweet and sexy. I think he started with “Get To Know You.” He danced, did those “love push-ups”, he fell back into the crowd at the catwalk. He took the flowers, the panties. One young lady gave him a towel with “Highest of the High” printed on it. He smiled and took the towel, then wiped his face and neck with it, the gave it back to her. Every time someone gave him flowers, he took them with the gratitude and a smile. At one point, even saying “are these for me, thank-you.” I was very close to him as he came up and down the cat walk and he truly seemed overwhelmed by the reception of the crowd. A few times he even stopped, put his head down and shook it as if to say “I do not believe this.” He couldn’t stop smiling at how much love he was getting from the audience. A few times he really cracked up and laughed but quickly got his composure back and went on with the show. You can see the true humility in him – and I think that’s why he is so genuinely loved. My personal Maxwell moment came when, at one point, he reached down and grabbed my hand. Some of the people behind me got so excited, they started patting me on my back. I guess to touch the person who Maxwell touched was in a way – touching him. A few times he got close enough for me to touch his leg but I thought better of it. It was really just incredible to be in the same place and to be so close to him – I’m still on the highest of the high as I write this.

I loved how he directed the band. He really got into the music and took total control of the timing and the beat, almost like a maestro with his symphony. The band was hot and smoking and played their hearts out!! They reminded me of the jazz bands of the 1950’s with their all-black suits, sunglasses and thin ties. Very retro but still cool and updated. He sang “Till The Cops Come Knockin”, “Cold”, my favorite “Stop The World,” “Woman’s Work,” “Lifetime”, “Playing Possum.” and so much more. My camera battery died during the show so all I can do is hope that my eyes would remember everything. There seemed to be a professional camera crew down at the right side of the cat-walk. So I don’t know if the show was being filmed for TV or video. But I would love to see a Blacksummers’night tour windup video.

He was sweating heavily and at one point took off his suit coat and put on a nice conservative vest and, I think, a clean shirt. I’m sure he does this so that he doesn’t catch a cold from the perspiration. I know the ladies wanted him to take it all off but we do want the brutha to stay healthy. He’s still got several dates to do in Europe. Hopefully, after mid-November the tour will be over and he can get back home to New York and get some rest. I’ve read that he runs 5 to 7 miles a day. After a show like that, he doesn’t need to run – he gets all the exercise anyone could ever need just doing one show.

Of course the finale was “Pretty Wings” but again, the crowd screamed so much (including myself – I lost my voice) and for so long that he came back and did another song – which I can’t remember now. Then introduced the band and himself. At that point we were behind him, as he and the band members had gone to the end of the cat walk to do the introductions, so we couldn’t hear him every well.

I said this about the D.C. show – who-so-ever’s idea it was to use the video screens should get a raise, a bonus and a promotion. They were magnificent in setting the mood and showing Maxwell on the parts of the stage others might not be able to see him. The images were crisp and clear. Add to that the fact that they have split-screen technology and could project several images at once – genius!!

Maxwell is the truth. He’s the breath of fresh air in the music industry that I’ve personally been waiting for. If I had the money and the time, I would be booking a flight to London right now but my husband would have me committed. So I think I’ll just have to live with the memories of the two concerts I’ve seen so far.

“MAXWELL is the Truth” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright SoulShadow55 © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

Help me to give myself the way that you’ve given you
Help me to be the helping hand that makes a dream come true…
“Help Somebody” – Maxwell

Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.
Solomon – Proverbs 16:24

As Apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it.
Solomon – Proverbs 25:11

No truer words to be spoken, especially for this situation…The following display of gratitude radiates from my Best Sistah girlfriend of 18 years, Ms. Kathy M. Green, who was unable to due any extensive typing herself, due to her disability. Even though dwelling in the midst of illness, Kat was determined to journey from her San Diego, California residence (with her niece, Tiffany) so that we could execute having her bask in Maxwell’s phenomenal musicianship, etc.., to be bestowed upon her at The Hollywood Bowl!

To the sweetest, most empathetic musicians ever to be assembled in one band, it is imperative to express an intense debt of Love and gratitude upon Derrick Hodge, Saunders Sermons, the very personable, Keyon Harrold (felt like we were sitting a good long while at a backyard BBQ with you, thanks for the CD’s and don’t be tryin’ to jack the Hachitachi 7000 camera! LOL); and The Hod, That Hod, The Hod David, for his loving, approaching greetings of attentiveness upon entering The Bowl before the show and then voluntarily giving up even more love after the show! YOU, “Sweeti Pie”, are in-DEED unbelievable! (cheese). Thank you! Thank you! Thank you from her (and us)!

And allow me to say, from me to you my dearest, Best, Bosom Buddy, ole Pal, ole Chum, Grandest Big Sis of mine, Kat… May our invisible umbilical cord that flows from each other’s beings, continue to afford us the opportunity to complete each other’s very thoughts and sentences, I pray, for many years to come! (smile) It was your amazing EXTREMELY SELF-LESS, humanitarian aura upon my life that incited me to place “The Industry” behind me once and for all and dedicate myself within a career of Educator and caregiver to Special Needs toddlers, full time; and oh, how enriched my life has been, metamorphosing into a “nurturing mother” figure to hundreds of viable, vital human beings over the years! BAM! I convict you of “Helping Somebody”; and I love you for this incredible saga that permeates my life! (sniff, sniff)

We have had many a fun and exciting “musical” adventure over the years we have been blessed to know each other! (grin) Through the good and bad, through good health and ill health, “come rain or come shine”…You are pertinent within the core of my very soul…
Thank you for partaking in REAL music with me at The Hollywood Bowl!

“You and me us never part, La-Ti-Dah-Dah..
Ain’t no ocean ain’t no sea, La-Ti-Dah-Dah..
Can keep my Sistah away from me…” (Celie & Nettie – The Color Purple)
P.S. (and we had no idea that one or the other would also be wearing Purple..ha)

Kimi, on behalf of Kathy- and to Kathy!
———————————————————————————

Here are some pictures:

The Performance Stage

The Packed Crowd

Myself, Hod & Kat

Kat, Tiffany (her niece) & Saunders

Kat, Keyon & Tiff

“A HOLLYWOOD ‘Cool’ BOWL of ‘Thank You’ Experience! (Help Somebody Edition)” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright Kimi on behalf of Kathy © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

The crowd was pretty heavily populated with couples, a lot more men and of course the single ladies were in attendance. When I arrived Chrisette Michelle was finishing up her set with “Fragile”, her set must have been short because we did not arrive that late.

Next up, Common, who ROCKED the house with old school Hip-Hop finishing up with “Universal Mind Control”. Bilal was on stage with Common and accompanied him on some songs. Common performed a little pop and lock and did some break dancing. He kissed one of the ladies in the audience on the lips and took a sip of someone’s Margarita which I found funny. His DJ was off the hook! Loved Common’s freestyle about Dallas, too. The young lady sitting next to me, said she didn’t know much about Common but she was now a fan.

There was about a 40 minute intermission, while they broke down Common’s set and prepared for Maxwell. His performance began around 9:50 p.m. I had been worried about my seats which were on the floor to the right of the stage (my right, his left) but as fate would have it, the seats were about one row back from where the Y stage intersection. So, he was front and center and in my face ALL NIGHT LONG. Thank you, Jesus!

He wore a black suit, black shoes, a white shirt with black around the shoulders and a white tie. About 20 minutes into his performance, the jacket and tie were gone. But during one of his disappearances underneath the catwalk, he emerged with a black vest over his white shirt.

Max worked for his money last night, dancing, doing splits, working those hips and the catwalk. He did his version of the stage dive early in the program, running and gliding backwards into the catwalk, landing a about 12 feet away from me, on my side of the stage. Let the frenzy began! So close, yet so far!!

Of course, throughout the performance there was the usual banter about the women being so fine in Dallas, asking, “What is in the water?”, about him seeing a little of Dallas on his run that afternoon on Maple Ave. He must have stayed at the Crescent Hotel?

His set included “Loving You”, “Fistful of Tears”, “Sumthin, Sumthin”, a slower version of “Simply Beautiful” (yeah, slower than usual), “Fortunate”, “Playing Possum” (Hod and LaTina played guitar, Keyon Harrold on Trumpet), “This Women’s Work” which he free-styled into a political statement about the war in Iraq, Healthcare, the soldiers, and President Obama (loved it!). Oh, let us not forget “Til The Cops Come Knockin’”, my, oh my, oh my, Max worked it!! If anyone can remember more of his set list please post.

Of course, he ended with “Pretty Wings”, after he left the stage, the audience must have applauded, cheered and screamed for what must have been about six minutes before he took the stage again to perform his anthem “Ascension”, which started out in a capella then into the full version with singing, a pretty loooong version.

He was cheesing so hard during “Ascension,” the girl in front of me said, “Oh my God, that smile, he is soooo beautiful,” I patted her on the arm and said, “I understand, baby, I understand.” When he walked down the catwalk passed us she rubbed his leg, looked at me and said, “I had to.” At the end, he was having such a good time it was almost as if he did not want to leave. Honey, he didn’t check his watch once during the entire performance. Thanks, Max!

Finally, the band came out onto the catwalk, introduced themselves, Max introduced himself gave a little speech, said goodnight and that he loved us. I got a hand shake and a hand slap. Alas, no kiss. Still, it was an amazing performance and a wonderful night. I’m still feeling the buzz.

“An Amazing Concert Experience!” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright AllHeavens © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

I arrived early October 06, 2009, I wanted to see Chrisette Michele and I did. She was really good. Though, due to the sound system the only thing I could hear as a dominate was the music which I enjoyed but Chrisette’s singing I could not hear it that much. She did four or five songs, beginning with Epiphany, ending with Fragile. Common, was fantastic. He did his songs, accompanied by Bilal, on occasion. Loved the B-boy moves.

And then MAXWELL. I loved the opening Phoenix Rise, feels like something you wake up to. Okay, uh perhaps there was a bit of fog in my brain that last review? But “Loving You” (a remake) which immediately led into Al Green’s Simply Beautiful. But somehow I got that confused and thought it was a new song from an upcoming album. When I figured that out, I had a good laugh at myself. See what happens when you do not get any rest…Anyway. He performed this song quite nicely, all old soul like, dance moves and all.

I did not look to the screens as much but what I noticed (looking at the footage I captured), seeing Maxwell in black and white while in motion with his suit on, kind of reminded me of old black and white movies with Sidney Poiter and Harry Belafonte. Neat!

After he performed, Gravity Pushing to Pull, Help Somebody, and Fistful of Tears, my energy levels which had been up and down all day long, having been up since 5am with 2 hours of sleep prior and 2 ten minute naps, started to drop way down. Anyway. These 3 songs back to back were probably my favorite of the night. Gravity Pushing to Pull, the horns on this song where out of this world, superbly immaculate. He expressed the following, “…Katrina, Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, we need to show the world that we know they are hurting,” after his Help Somebody performance. In that moment, I thought, “Hey MAXWELL, what’s the plan and how can I help?” …still wondering too. The live music of Fistful of Tears was wonderful, love the bass.

From there he went on to perform, Cold, No One, Playing Possum, This Woman’s Work, and Stop the World. He asked the crowd to sing-a-long but uh, perhaps, not very many knew the song or maybe what he wanted us to do was misunderstood? Til the Cops Come Knockin, Pretty Wings and Ascension followed.

The ending was surprising! When everyone was saying where they were from. Previously, I had heard everyone introduce themselves, etc. But when Timbali added something extra, I was surprised into excitement! Mr. Tim “Timbali” Cornwell said he was born in Chester, SC. I believe he resides in Ohio now. But, I happen to know a few good people born and raised in the small town…my entire family. Isn’t that something? Cornwell, that last name does a ring familiar a bell. My mother used to be friends with a man who had the same last name but he passed away a few years ago. But I remember him. If I EVER get the chance to meet Mr. Tim “Timbali” Cornwell, I will definitely ask him if he was related to this man.

In conclusion, the night was amazing. I would love to see MAXWELL again, big arena, small arena whatever. He knows how to put on a show.

“The Show in Charlotte” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright Greencaty/Chantay W. (LMN) © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

I was at Madison Square Garden concert last night and the show as well as all the artists were quite lovely. MAXWELL made me proud to be a supporter of his music, with this website (The Latest Maxwell News). Go Maxwell, Go!

The energy was insane, I would have expected nothing different given the location. I previously read all the comments, featured reviews and professional reviews from the 2 previous shows but I kind of skimmed them. Usually, by the time I see Maxwell in concert, I know what he is going to say before he says it, when its gonna happen and so on. Maybe he will throw in a line or two that he did not say at the previous shows. It has never bothered me to know beforehand what is going to happen because mostly, I enjoy reading everyone else’s experiences because no 2 people see 1 thing the same way. Anyway, oh my goodness!

We arrived towards the end of Chrisette Michele’s set, I believe she was performing her last song but I have no clue what it was. From what I heard, she sounded great. I did see Common. He was fantastic. He did a selection of his songs and paid homage to the hip-hop heavy hitters from coast to coast from years past. A highlight was hearing the music from Digable Planets’ – Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like That). He did not rap a verse but the music did play. I was ready for him to rap a verse because I have loved that song since I first heard it in 1993 (its the horns). Common’s entire set was wonderful and Bilal was there helping him out.

When MAXWELL came onto the stage with his band, I was trying to take in as much as I could from stage set up, screens (& graphics) and the people. Maxwell gave an alluring and gripping performance throughout the entire night, playing to his hometown. He performed old songs and new songs and new-new songs? He did “Loving You”. I have no clue if this is a new track off an upcoming album or an alternate version of Love You. But whatever it was &$^* (give me some more please…). If he was trying to sell the song, it would have been purchased before he and the band finished the final note.

A few highlights of Maxwell’s performance, of course the number one was seeing Maxwell. Second, I enjoyed that the band members were a part of the show. They moved around and got involved just as much as Maxwell did. Third, the lighting was outstanding. Maxwell bathed in purple mixed with a little red lighting…nice! Fourth, everyone played an instrument, except Maxwell (unless you count his voice), at one point in time, even Latina Webb. Lastly, even though I could go on and on, the crowd. Its great to see a crowd serve up the same type of energy as what is going on stage-wise.

On the technical side of things, I am going to be honest, there were some hits and a couple of misses. What I had a problem with, I view Maxwell as a full body performer (from the top of his head to the bottoms of his feet), but rarely did the screens show that. Some of the images were off. Like if you have a square and in the center of it is a circle, if you split it down the middle there would be equal parts on each side. But what I saw was more of the image on one side than the other. That could have been because of the way the screens were designed? What I loved about the screens was seeing Maxwell large and in charge, that cannot be beat! And also, getting an up close glimpse of the band members while they were performing. Kudos to the crew for all their hard work on the tour!!

MAXWELL’s theBLACKsummers’night tour is definitely one you do not want to miss. Wait, there was another…incident. I just don’t understand the appeal of getting on the stage while a show is happening. But again, some dude decided to place himself on stage while the band members were introducing themselves. He got onto the stage where the horn section (Kenneth Whalum III, Saunders Sermons, and Keyon Harrold) was and I don’t know what was being said but the body language from the guys was reading back the f*ck up and get off, random dude.

Its very dangerous getting up on the stage, you may be someone who simply wants to get up close to all the action but no one really knows that, who is to say that person isn’t up there to do harm? If you jump onto that stage and get hurt (badly) guess who is liable for that? Maxwell and everyone else involved in the production. Please, DO NOT JUMP (walk, maneuver or other) onto the stage. I do not know if these incidents will continue to happen but everyone needs to air on the side of caution.

In closing, the concert was out of this world!! I hope everyone who has the opportunity to go, gets the chance! MAXWELL’s voice is getting better too, just a little more healing though. While its healing, concert-goers will sing when needed! From what I saw of the entire performance, I definitely want some more, especially of Loving You. When can I add that to my personal collection of music? And next time I visit the city, hopefully I will be able to stay a little longer to meet up with everyone.

“I Want Some More!” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright Greencaty/Chantay (LMN) © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.

When my friend and I arrived at the Joe Louis Arena (September 26, 2009) in Detroit, MI, I was more than ready to see Maxwell and his incredible band do their thing. At first, I was a little worried about the seating but once I saw the Y formation and where I was and the opportunities my friend and I had to move around, my level of excitement increased tenfold and I mentally mapped out a spot for us once Maxwell graced us with his presence. Also, I got the chance to meet some wonderful people who I informed about The Latest Maxwell News and the owner (my friend).

I did not get to see Chrisette Michele’s performance but I did see Robin Thicke’s. Even though I am not much of a fan of his music, I must admit, his falsetto was awesome but his rhythm was slightly off. It was coming but it was stuck somewhere between almost there and there. Prior to him beginning, we were informed that his segment would be cut short so, he only got to perform 4 songs. At the end of his performance he did “A Milli” and it was amazing! Detroit could have literally carried him off the stage with good vibes. Yes, he was that good.

After that, we waited for awhile and then Max graced the stage. From the moment he stepped his foot out onto the Y, believe me, it was on and poppin’. His energy was non-stop as he performed song after song. Forgive me, I was entirely too caught up in Maxwell’s performance to remember song sequence. He was a bit hoarse but everything was still off the meters. I must mention the band was outstanding, hitting every note and Latina Webb looked and sounded gorgeous. Maxwell was in his element. He even laid down on the stage which I loved. Many lucky women got the chance to touch and rub him, grabbin’ hold to ankles, his arms, legs, etc. One of the people I met earlier, later told us he smelled like cinnamon. Oh, and he grabbed my hand too which was so totally cool.

Late in the show, 3 women somehow maneuvered themselves onto the stage but Max handled it like the true professional artist he is with a grace only he is capable of. Max let them have their moment before they were taken off the stage. He showcased his band at the end like he usually does.

The previous concert review from the reporter in Toronto had to be off! Even on his worst day, Max is still excellent. This was truly a show and I was highly entertained. Hands down, this was one of the best shows Maxwell has ever done. Everything was on point, from the video monitors, the stage, the performance. Absolutely awesome.

“One of the Best Shows Ever” feature concert review for The Latest Maxwell News presents “Fan Concert Experiences“.

Copyright T.H. © 2009. All words were used with permission of the owner. Special thanks to the owner for allowing The Latest Maxwell News to feature the concert review.