Check out this review

■ 28 August 2009 | 12:51 PM 
Various - 'An All Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly'

Let’s face it: cover songs rarely do originals justice unless it’s some sort of radical overhaul. Few of us can hear someone re-doing, say, Stevie Wonder and not hold the singer to impossible standards, and that’s the case with this tribute album (due out Sept. 29) to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.

  That said, the stars here do the best they can. Musiq Soulchild does a decent rendition of “Silky Soul,” and Ledisi handles “Happy Feelins” fairly well. Artists here face the added challenge of re-creating music by a band, which often renders their music a tad flat. To that end, Mint Condition nails “Back in Stride,” and newcomer Avant does a surprisingly solid “Joy & Pain.” But even Mary J. Blige sounds just OK on “Before I Let Go,” which, to be fair, should never be attempted by anyone outside of a live show. This album is a nice gesture, but ultimately a reminder of how magical Maze and Frankie are together. 

– Malcolm Venable, The Pilot

Tracks to download “Silky Soul” – Musiq Soulchild, “Happy Feelins” – Ledisi, “Back in Stride” – Mint Condition



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