Fans of Maxwell will finally be reunited with the R&B icon this year, when he hits the road on his “Summer Soulstice” tour, and finally releases his highly-anticipated ‘Summers‘ album (crosses fingers).
As he begins press for the pending tour, which kicks off June 15 in Minneapolis, Maxwell spoke with The Associated Press and talked about his hiatus, new album, and hope to finally get married and become a father.
“This year is really about the people, it’s really about focusing on putting out the music, and taking myself to another level in life,” said the 41-year-old. “Hopefully getting married, having kids — the whole thing. I mean, it’s not my ovaries, so I can’t really plan that, but it would be great.”
Maxwell’s delayed follow-up to 2009’s Grammy-winning BLACKsummers’night album was originally intended to be released in 2010, but due to numerous occurrences in his life he prolonged the process, however this year he is ready to release the music.
“I lost my cousin. I lost a lot of things. I lost a lot of friends,” said Maxwell. “I came to realize so many good things about people that were always really there, and then so many bad things about people who really weren’t. When you turn 40 and when you cross a decade, God shows you the truth and you just sort of have to take it and run with it, and basically make the right choices, and that’s kind of where I’m at right now.”
“I think that’s why the album can come out now.”
Fans will hear some of the songs off the new album during the second leg of his 35-date summer tour, which is his first tour since canceling his six-date U.S. trek in 2011 due to vocal swelling and hemorrhaging.
While he hasn’t released new solo material since 2009, Maxwell found radio success once again with the hit Alicia Keys duet “Fire We Make,” and he confirmed that they are indeed working on a special EP project together (YES!). In addition, he has also recorded a song with Jennifer Lopez, whom he referred to as “an American success story” and “the original stunter,” for her new album.
[Associated Press]
Maxwell “Summer Soulstice” Tour Dates:
Jun 14 – Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater
Jun 15 – Minneapolis, MN @ State Theater
Jun 18 – Broomfield, CO (Denver) @ 1st Bank Center
Jun 19 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
Jun 21 – Tacoma, WA @ Emerald Queen Casino
Jun 23 – Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
Jun 24 – Modesto, CA @ Gallo Center for the Arts
Jun 26 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
Jun 27 – Los Angeles, CA @ BET Experience, Staples Center
Jul 02 – Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Festival
Jul 05 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
Jul 06 – Montreal, QC @ Festival International De Jazz
Jul 08 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Heinz Hall
Jul 09 – Albany, NY @ Palace Theater
Jul 11 – Mashentucket, CT @ Foxwoods Resort Casino
Jul 12 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Jul 16 – Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Jul 17 – Syracuse, NY @ Crouse Hinds Theatre
Jul 19 – Cincinnati, OH @ Horsehoe Cincinnati – The Shoe
Jul 20 – Columbus, OH @ Palace Theatre
Jul 22 – Louisville, KY @ Palace Theater
Jul 23 – Nashville, TN @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Jul 25 – Norfolk, VA @ Chrysler Hall
Jul 26 – Durham, NC @ Durham Performing Arts Center
Jul 29 – Charleston, SC @ N. Charleston Performing Arts Center
Jul 30 – Columbia, SC @ Township Auditorium
Aug 01 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Ruth Eckard
Aug 02 – Orlando, FL @ Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
Aug 03 – Jacksonville, FL @ Moran Theater
Aug 06 – Jackson, MS @ Thalia Mara Hall
Aug 09 – Montgomery, AL @ Garrett Coliseum
Aug 10 – Baton Rouge, LA @ River Center Theater
Aug 12 – San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theater
Aug 13 – Austin, TX @ Long Center
Aug 15 – Shreveport, LA @ Municipal Auditorium
Aug 16 – Oklahoma City, OK @ OKC Downtown Air Park
Aug 17 – Albuquerque, NM @ Route 66 Casino
