Maxwell recently graced NPR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., for an intimate performance as part of their renowned Tiny Desk Concert series. The legendary R&B singer delivered a captivating 30-minute set, showcasing some of his most iconic songs, much to the delight of fans who cherish his soulful sound.
Dressed in a sheer white shirt adorned with embroidered star patterns, matching white pants, and a gold chain necklace, Maxwell kicked off the performance with “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” from his critically acclaimed 1996 debut album, ‘Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite’. This track, with its smooth grooves and sensual vibe, set the tone for the evening. As the performance unfolded, bassist Darrell “Free” Freeman stole the spotlight with a groove-filled solo that added an extra layer of richness to the track.
Maxwell then took his audience on a nostalgic journey through the 2000s, performing classics such as “Bad Habits” and “Pretty Wings” from his 2009 album ‘BLACKsummers’night’ and “Lifetime” from his 2001 album Now. Each song resonated deeply, reminding listeners of Maxwell’s ability to craft timeless R&B anthems that continue to captivate across generations.
The highlight of the performance came when Maxwell paused to pay tribute to one of his musical idols, Al Green. Before delivering a stunning rendition of Green’s “Simply Beautiful,” Maxwell shared his admiration for the soul legend: “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.” This heartfelt cover, which is also Maxwell’s latest single, showcased his reverence for the classics while infusing them with his signature style.
Maxwell closed his Tiny Desk set with “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” a fan favorite that perfectly encapsulated the essence of his artistry. The performance served as a warm-up for his upcoming Serenade Tour, set to begin on September 14 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. The 27-city tour will take Maxwell to major cities including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Houston, before concluding on October 27 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Joining him on this tour will be R&B vocalists Jazmine Sullivan and October London, who are set to add their own magic to the shows as special guests.
Earlier this year, Maxwell released “Simply Beautiful” as a standalone single on August 2. Produced in collaboration with his longtime partners Hod David and Shedrick Mitchell, who also joined him during the Tiny Desk performance, the track pays homage to Al Green while also showcasing Maxwell’s enduring influence in the R&B genre. Reflecting on his connection to the iconic song, Maxwell shared, “The first time I heard Al Green’s music, I was amazed. He is such an icon, I mean what a brilliant musician and songwriter. It’s been an honor to get in the studio and record one of his songs.”
“Simply Beautiful” is Maxwell’s first release since his 2021 single “OFF,” which served as the lead track from his much-anticipated album blacksummers’NIGHT. The smooth, sensual track spent two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart in April 2022, marking Maxwell’s eighth chart-topping single.
Looking ahead, Maxwell will continue to engage with his fans through live performances, including his second annual Urban Hang Suite Cruise set for February 2025. This five-night voyage will feature performances from an impressive lineup of artists, including Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway, Terrace Martin, and Avery*Sunshine, with stops in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.
