| I instantly fell in love with Maxwell's music in the mid-1990s. His smooth,
hypnotic sound just does something to me. So when I had an opportunity to
attend his opening night concert at Constitution Hall on September 5, I was
naturally anticipating a great show. But, would the live performance be as
appealing as his recorded music? It was.
I arrived early expecting difficulty in finding a parking space at this
sold-out event. Luckily, I was able to find parking right at the entrance.
As I entered Constitution Hall dressed in a classy yet sexy red skirt outfit,
I observed other concert goers dressed as I was, as well as others very
casually clad in jeans and tennis shoes. Although there were men in
attendance, the concert was largely a female affair. There was an air of
anticipation as people talked excitedly about Maxwell upcoming performance,
sounding much like high school girls with a crush on the newest hunk in
Chemistry class.
After a half an hour wait in a dimly lit and relaxed atmosphere, Maxwell came
out dressed casually in tan slacks, white shirt and a light jacket and a
close fitting tam on his head. The audience rose to their feet clapping and
screaming at the sight of this effortlessly sexy man who has the ability to
evoke a stirring passion with just a few words. The screaming continued as
he swung into his first number "Get To Know Ya" from his Now CD. It was
difficult to hear him because of the loudness of the crowd, but this didn't
change the effect of his music on the female members of the audience. Many
of the women were almost swooning as if he was singing to them personally. He
didn't help matters any when he removed his jacket before beginning his
second number. This emitted more screams. His third song "Changed" was
dedicated to the ladies, of course. At the continued screams of the women,
Maxwell coyly chuckled as he led the crowd in a group wave.
After meandering through one passionate hit song after another, Maxwell
wrapped up the night as he began with "Get To Know Ya." But the women refused
to let him leave until he did a touching dedication of "Whenever, Wherever, Whatever " in his native
tongue to a little girl from the audience --"whenever, wherever, whatever,"
he crooned. The women roared their approval.
Maxwell and his audience are co-conspirators in the use of the sensuality of
his music. He exudes it through every pore and every note and the audience
absorbs every morsel. Although Maxwell's performance doesn't have the flash
of an 'NSYNC concert or the controversy of a Madonna, his is an experience of
the essence of true rhythm and soul. And its not too late for you to
experience him live in concert. Maxwell and special guest Alicia Keys
conclude his six nights in D.C. on September 11 & 12 at 8 p.m. Oops!
remaining shows are sold-out. Take heart though Maxwell and opening act Res
will be at Baltimore's Lyric Opera House on October 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets will
go on sale September 14 at 10 a.m. All seats $55.50. Call 800-551-SEAT to
charge by phone. To comment on this or any other article email
editor@metroconnection.info. |
