Maxwell introduced several new songs Oct. 9 during a hometown show at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, part of his first tour in six years. “Pretty Wings,” “Bad Habits” and “Comb” will be included on the forthcoming Columbia album “Black Summers’ Night.” No release date has been announced.
“This song, it’s about wanting to be with somebody but meeting them too early,” Maxwell told the audience of “Pretty Wings.” The moderately paced “Bad Habits” found Maxwell asking in the chorus, “Will you forgive me?,” while “Comb” showcased a two-step drum pattern with a strong horn section and a smooth guitar roll.
Flanked by a nine-piece band in black and white suits, Maxwell began the show with “Get To Know Ya” from his third and last album, 2001’s “Now.” The crowd, made of mostly couples and single ladies, sang along to each word as he ran through his most popular singles “No One,” “Lifetime” and “This Woman’s Work.”
By the time he reached “Everwanting: To Want You To Want,” he’d also reached the floor — to hump his microphone stand. The band improvised “Sumthin Sumthin,” adding the beat from Jay-Z’s “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” before the crooner introduced “Pretty Wings.”
Just as he was about to launch into “Til The Cops Come Knockin’,” Maxwell stopped the music and said, “There are not enough panties on my stage right now!” One woman promptly threw a blue rose on stage and another threw a rather large pair of white panties, which Maxwell tossed over his shoulder as he finished the song. “Go get drunk, go have sex, we love ya!” he said to close the evening.
Maxwell’s tour will return to New York for a Nov. 23 finale at United Palace Theater.
via Billboard
