Nyah Nile

R&B superstar Maxwell, aka the sexy ambassador of soul, returned and wowed the Memphis audience Tuesday night at the Fed ExForum with his “BLACKsummers’ Night” Tour.  

Using his smoothest moves and heart-tapping voice, Maxwell mellowed out and cooled the crowd. Fans that spanned the spectrum of race and gender stood and screamed as the smooth operator hit the spotlight center stage emerging from the arena’s tall screens.

With the excitement at high pitch, he rolled into an arrangement of his classic hits, starting with “Get to Know Ya” from his third studio album “Now.” He followed with “Don’t Ever Wonder” and “Sumthin’ Sumthin,” both from “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” which sold over 2 million copies, earning 2X platinum status and a Grammy nomination.

R&B sensation Maxwell takes flight during a FedExForum concert that delighted fans from beginning to end. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

Maxwell used his smoothest moves and heart-tapping voice to cool the crowd.

High demand to see the much-anticipated tour in support of Maxwell’s fourth and newest studio CD, “BLACKsummers’night,” has led to extended tour dates. The wait was over for those who made it to Tuesday night’s show.

The 36-year-old Maxwell made quite an impression on the crowd as he dipped  into the new album to perform “Possum Playing,” “Help Somebody,” “Bad Habits” and my favorite – “Cold.” Many of the hits feature tremendous sounds from the horn section and showcased the talent of Memphis’ own Kenneth Whalum III.  Whalum showed lots of love throughout the show for his hometown and with their cheers the concertgoers said, “We love you back.”

Maxwell heaped praise on Memphis, repeatedly telling the crowd that he loved and respected the city. Screams and cheers continued throughout the night as he worked the stage. His staging and light show were amazing. The show was also full of interactive audience surprises. The Brooklyn native caught the audience off guard several times by popping out from under the stage runways much like a velvety version of James Bond.  

While on stage, he also thanked his opening acts, fellow R&B singer Chrisette Michele and Grammy award winning actor/ rapper Common.

Michele, 26, a Long Island, N.Y. native, sang songs from her first CD “I Am” and her latest CD “Epiphany.” With a few local Memphians in the band backing her the entire way, Michele’s performance was very exposed and real, with class and heart put into every note.  

Common, 37, a Chicago South side native, really warmed the crowd for Maxwell with several edgy and high-energy moments. Common is very cool evolved old school hip hop. His style ushers in a new meaning of flavor and it is real and unexpected. The crowd was sold on his skills once his freestyle screamed Memphis lyrics of famous urban hang spots here in our city.

The whole night was spectacular with a truly first class show. The biggest surprise of the night came when Maxwell sung his newest hit – “Pretty Wings” – and feathers fell from the ceiling.  

(If you have questions or comments or would just like Nyah Nile at your next big event, email nyah@tri-statedefender.com)