FREE: Back to Basics by Maze [Audio Cassette]

The listing, Back to Basics by Maze [Audio Cassette] has ended.

Guitarist Ron Smith starts things off nicely with his fluid, ringing intro to "Nobody Knows What You Feel Inside" and the effortless, jazzy flow of this opening song is just one of the many pleasures afforded listeners on this, Maze's last (as of this writing) studio LP. For years these gentlemen have held the banner high for the preservation of 'real music' and true talent and they have an avid supporter in me. I've had the pleasure of seeing Maze live in concert 4 times over the past decade and I've never been dissapointed! These cats ROCK THE HOUSE! and while "Back To Basics" emphasizes their softer, more reflective style, it's still an amazing record. No one sings a ballad with more soul, conviction and ease than the amazing Frankie Beverly and "....Basics" is full of such lovely numbers, in fact two of his best love songs follow one another on this LP, the bass heavy groove "Love Is"(featuring a nice solo by keyboardist Philip Woo) and the progressive jazz/soul of "The Morning After" anwell deserved R&B hit. "Laid Back" is an exemplary funk workout in the best Maze tradition and ends side one on a high note. The jittery, uptempo "What Goes Up" is another winner, but the true centerpiece of this collection is the languid, gorgeous "In Time" which manages to sound both socially relevant and romantic at the same time, it's a beautiful, heartfelt performance. "....Basics" was the last LP of all new material issued by this band is a welcome addition to any music library, regardless of genre. There is truly something here for everybody especailly those who enjoy authentic soul music. This is a modern classic by a criminally underappreciated band.

1. Nobody Knows What You Feel Inside
2. Love Is
3. Morning After
4. Laid Back Girl
5. What Goes Up
6. In Time
7. All Night Love
8. Don't Wanna Lose Your Love
9. Twilight