Maze

Maze is a US funk, R&B and soul group associated with Philadelphia and San Francisco, and active from 1976 to the present. The band features Frankie Beverly and is often identified as Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. Beverly is the central figure in the group, working as songwriter, producer, arranger, singer, keyboardist and guitarist. He first comes to the project after earlier membership of The Butlers and Raw Soul.

Career and sound

Maze forms in San Francisco in the early 1970s and signs to Capitol Records in 1976. The group is known for a smooth vocal style and bass-led arrangements that set it apart from other soul acts. Its sound is especially associated with its live performances, and it develops a reputation as one of the strongest live soul acts in the United States.

Albums and key recordings

Maze releases its debut album, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, in 1977. It follows with Golden Time of Day in 1978, Inspiration in 1979 and Joy and Pain in 1980. The live album Live in New Orleans becomes its most acclaimed recording, with most of it recorded at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans in November 1980. Later releases include Silky Soul in 1989, Back to Basics in 1993 and a live recording from London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1994.

Later activity

The group tours the United States in 2005. Its continuing lineup includes Frankie Beverly, Wayne Linsey, Roame Lowry, Carl Wheeler, Vernon “Ice” Black, William Bryant, Robin Duhe, Billy Johnson and McKinley Williams.