I just saw that someone posted about it on the Soulful Detroit forum.




www.frankiebeverlytribute.com

http://twitter.com/frankiebeverly


Billboard article from last April :



Frankie Beverly & Maze Tribute Album In The Works

April 07, 2009 01:02 PM ET

Gail Mitchell, L.A.

"Gospel star Donald Lawrence and Grammy-nominated producer Rex Rideout are among the first collaborators to sign up for an all-star tribute album honoring legendary R&B group Maze, Billboard has learned exclusively. "I Wanna Thank You...An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly" is being produced through Brantera Music Group Inc., headed by Beverly's son Anthony.

In addition to Lawrence, who is contributing a full-blown gospel version of Maze's 1984 track, "I Wanna Thank You," Anthony is currently negotiating with several other veteran and new artists from the R&B, gospel and jazz arenas. Rideout is serving as co-producer of the project, whose selections will include a cross section of memorable Maze tunes, among them: the No. 1 R&B hits "Back in Stride" and "Can't Get Over You," "Silky Soul," "Before I Let Go" and "Golden Time of Day."

Getting its big break in the early '70s as the backing band and opening act on a Marvin Gaye tour, Maze signed with Capitol and later segued to Warner Bros.. The group's first major R&B chart credit was 1977's "While I'm Alone" which peaked at No. 21.

"After 30 hit singles and 12 albums, I thought it was time to get this done," says Anthony, who doubles as the project's executive producer. "The group's longevity boils down to one word: real. My father is real about everything he does; that's what people love about Maze. And that's what I'm trying to bring off with this record, using live instruments and artists who exemplify—and have been influenced by what my father is about musically."

While distribution is still being discussed, Anthony plans to release the first single by Father's Day and follow with the album in August. A special commemorative DVD will also be produced, featuring interviews with the project participants as well as legendary R&B and jazz artists, current and former music executives and community leaders about the Maze legacy.

A tribute web site launches in mid-April at frankiebeverlytribute.com. Among its offerings: an ultimate Maze fan video contest with the winner participating in some of the album release events. Promotional tie-ins involving the tribute album will also take place in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival. This year's festival (July 3-5) will conclude with a special icons tribute to Maze. The group has traditionally closed the festival since its 1995 inception."

www.billboard.com/bbcom/n...9881.story



Article @ Honey Soul :

"Ever since hearing about a tribute album to the perennial and overlooked R&B/Soul band Frankie Beverly and Maze I’ve been keeping my eye on the tribute website. Looks like they’ve updated the site with a snippet of Joe covering Cant’ Get Over You and album info that reports the album will be named “Silky Soul Music…An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” instead of the previously reported title “I Wanna Thank You…” Interestingly Silky Soul was a song Frankie Beverly wrote in tribute to Marvin Gaye.

Scheduled to be released this summer “Silky Soul Music…An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” includes covers from Mary J Blige, Jamie Foxx, Musiq Soulchild, Raheem DeVaughn, Ledisi, Mint Condition, Joe, Kem, and Kevon Edmonds. Other artists include the Clark Sisters with Kiki Sheard and J Moss who will remake I Wanna Thank You. See the full tracklist below. A special commemorative DVD will be produced, featuring interviews with the project participants as well as legendary R&B and jazz artists, current and former music executives and community leaders about the Maze legacy.

Album producer and Frankie’s son Anthony Beverly says “With Maze, my father helped shape one of the most influential sounds in modern history. I am excited to pay tribute to his legacy by creating a Tribute Album and working with artists who embody the spirit, appreciation and vocal talents consistent with the Maze’s sound and message.” Rex Rideout and Donald Lawrence join in on production duties. A special icon tribute to Maze concludes the Essence Music Festival this July 4th weekend in New Orleans.

After 40 years of making music, 12 albums and 30 hit singles, it’s great to hear that Frankie Beverly and Maze will be getting some much deserved recognition. Read more at FrankBeverlyTribute.com and follow their updates on twitter."

1. Joy and Pain - Jamie Foxx
2. Before I Let Go - Mary J. Blige
3. Golden Time of Day - KEM
4. Back in Stride - Mint Condition
5. Happy Feelings - Ledisi
6. Never Let you Down - Kevon Edmonds
7. We Are One - Raheem DeVaughn
8. I Wanna Thank You - Clark Sisters, Kiki Sheard, J. Moss
9. Silky Soul - Musiq Soulchild
10.Can’t Get Over You - Joe

www.honeysoul.com/wp/2009...tracklist/




Other official sites :

www.mazemuze.com

www.myspace.com/fbm6142006




I'm actually still wondering if they will ever record new material. Their last official album, "Back To Basics" came out about 16 years ago.

sorry, not one of those covers sounds promising

Fury said:

I agree.Maze is one of my favorite R&B bands but I don't really wanna hear a bunch of covers from today's artists,especially from folks like Jamie Foxx I'd rather just listen to the original Maze albums.

I was pleasantly surprised with the EWF tribute album, but this does not sound hot. Weren't about half of these artists on the EWF album? Maybe that's the new cottage industry for people who aren't really selling.

I guess Jamie Foxx is on there to get some radio play.

FunkyGraf said:

I liked that EW&F covers album at first but I got bored with it very quickly.After awile,I just wanted to hear the original versions.I have mixed feelings about tribute albums.This one seems like a snoozefest.It needs more uptempo songs,like "Running Away" and "Love Is The Key".

Okay, let's skip the whole thang lol, i found these rare clips which i never saw before :

Thanks for psting those clips! 'We Are One' is a masterpiece....one of their strongest albums."Right On Time" is my favorite song on the album.

SoulAlive said:

Yeah, and "We Are One" has become one of the fan's fave anthems when they perform on stage.
[Edited 7/22/09 3:03am]