Maxwell – ‘Tiny Desk’ Concert A Review

Maxwell – ‘Tiny Desk’ Concert A Review

R&B legend Maxwell finally made an often-demanded appearance on NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts. With a catalog spanning nearly three decades, the king of neo-soul performed generations worth of fan favorites. 

He kicked off the set with “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” from his 1996 debut album, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite. Toward the end of the song, bassist Darrell Freeman set the vibe with a hypnotic bass solo before Maxwell and the band made a smooth transition into “Bad Habits.” 

“Bad Habits” comes from Maxwell’s 2009 album BLACKsummers’night, which also spawned the hit single “Pretty Wings.” He performed both of these two songs, along with 2001’s “Lifetime” from his album Now, the lattermost serving as a bridge between the two BLACKsummers’night cuts.

Maxwell is known to take long breaks between releasing albums — his most recent being BlackSUMMERS’night, which was released in 2016 — but his Tiny Desk is a testament to the timelessness of his music. Though fan-favorites “Fortunate” and his cover of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” weren’t included on the setlist. Maxwell delivered on the classics, and demonstrating the longevity in both his renowned singles and album cuts.

Maxwell-NPR Tiny Desk Photo credit: Estefania Mitre

True Neo-Soul King

As Maxwell is known for changing the game with his neosoul sounds — along with the likes of D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott — he used his Tiny Desk slot to honor another R&B legend, Al Green.

“We’re going to do a song that celebrates a singular voice, a singular soul sensation — not always mentioned, not always spoken of, but truly, truly should be celebrated, Mr. Al Green.”

Maxwell then proceeded to perform a cover of Green’s “Simply Beautiful.”

Maxwell Going On Tour

This fall, Maxwell will hit the road on his Serenade 2024 North American Tour, where he will take the stage at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and more.

Then, next year, Maxwell will head overseas for the second installment of his Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite residency for a five-day concert series (February 14-19, 2025) on the Norwegian Pearl. There, he will be joined by Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway, Avery*Sunshine, Terrace Martin, Tye Tribbett, Third World, Yellowman, and Sharon Marley.

In the meantime, you can see Maxwell’s performance on NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts above.