Interview: Maze
The legendary band Maze are back on tour in the UK at Manchester Bridgewater Hall on Sept 5th, and the Eventim Apollo on Sept 6th. Roame Lowry, the band's remaining original member (and the one who came up with the name) talks to Louder Than The Music about the band's history, their first UK show in over a decade, and his own Christian faith.
Can you tell us a little bit about Maze and how it was formed?
The band known as “Maze” was originally formed in Philadelphia, PA, by the lead frontman, Frankie Beverly. The band was then known as “The Butlers”, then renamed “Raw Soul”, and finally “Maze”.
In the 1960s, “The Butlers” were established as a popular “Do Whap” group in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas on the East Coast. In 1969, Roame was invited to “sit-in” at a show by the bass guitarist of “The Butlers”. At that time, Roame was a complete “Jazz Head” and flutist. However, the flute didn’t quite fit the “Do Whap” music of “The Butlers”, but the chemistry of Roame, the band and especially Frankie Beverly was magic. Frankie asked Roame if he played any other instruments, and of course Roame plays congas and has a beautiful first-tenor voice. That was the perfect fit for the band. Roame became a member of “The Butlers”.
In 1970, the musical atmosphere progressed to R&B and the band moved along with it and became “Raw Soul”. The meaning of “Raw Soul” is the natural soulfulness of the music, with no overproduction or frills. Just those natural, heartfelt “journey songs” that resonate with every day and poignant moments in life.
“Raw Soul” had constant performances in Philadelphia, as they were the “go-to” show at clubs and cabarets. Their biggest performance was at “The Spectrum”, as the opening act for Issac Hayes. “Raw Soul” wanted to expand their reach and was heavily influenced by self-contained bands, “Sly and the Family Stone” and Santana in the Bay Area.
The band loaded an old Brill bus and headed to Oakland, CA. They had some gigs lined up, ready to set the “Bay Area” on fire with that “Raw Soul” sound. However, once they reached the Bay, all the gigs fell through, and the band was devastated, with a broken spirit and penniless. They struggled financially for a couple of years, but musically, they flourished; “Raw Soul” became tighter and was unmatched by other local bands. Frankie Beverly wrote all the songs, and the other bands created the music that became the perfect formula for the new sound.
“Raw Soul” was a regular act at a popular club called, “The Scene”. A woman named Cass, was a regular at the club and loved the “Raw Soul” sound. Cass was also the sister-in-law of the legendary R&B crooner, Marvin Gaye. Cass insisted Marvin should visit “The Scene” to check-out the “Raw Soul” band. After a few pushes from Cass, Marvin Gaye finally went to the club to see “Raw Soul” and was blown away. Marvin immediately wanted to connect with the band and invite them as the opening act on his tour. However, Marvin hated the band’s name and insisted they change the name as a prerequisite to join his tour.
The band members of “Raw Soul” were not going to let a name keep them from this BIG BREAK. The band members began tossing names around, but nothing landed. Then, Roame thought about the journey of life, the paths, dead ends, and finally the opening to move forward, and he came up with the name “Maze”. The band members immediately loved the name; now they had to get Marvin’s reaction. Marvin LOVED the name, and “Maze” began their path to worldwide success as the R&B live concert favorite.
The popular, signature “all white” attire was influenced by a fan one night after the show when she heavily complimented Frankie on his “all-white” outfit that night. Frankie was so tickled, he suggested the entire band wear “All White” at the next concert. The fans loved it, and wearing “all white” to a “Maze” concert was almost a requirement, and it still is today; fans will wear “all white” when attending a “Maze” concert.
You're visiting the U.K. for some live shows soon - what can fans expect from your shows?
All the Maze songs they know and love for decades.
The late Frankie Beverly was a big part of Maze in the 70s and 80s and was known for his religious upbringing. Is the Christian faith something that is also part of your own beliefs?
Yes, I was reared in the Baptist church where my grandfather was a singing pastor at Mount Siani Baptist Church, in Philadelphia, PA
What is your favorite song to perform live and why?
'BEFORE I LET GO'; it’s a Maze anthem. The most danceable song about a break-up.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
The message of the song titles - “We Are One”; “Joy and Pain”; and “Happy Feelins”.
If you could work with any singer or songwriter, who would it be and why?
Santana, Mike Carabello, Chapito Areas or Mongo Santa Maria, because I love Latin music and my favorite percussionists.
What music do you enjoy listening to aside from your own?
KEITH JARRETT, MILES DAVIS, JOHN COLTRAN, AND MC COY TYNER.
What is your favorite album of all time?
The city of New Orleans “adopted” Maze in the early years and became the largest and most consistent fans of Maze for decades and still today. There would be a hard argument to tell anyone in New Orleans, Maze originated in Philadelphia and not New Orleans.
“Maze” recorded the infamous “Live in New Orleans” album in 1980; a two-night concert at the Saeger Theatre. This album is my favorite of all the other gold albums recorded by Maze, as it is filled with soul, music, and the natural love of our beloved New Orleans fans.
You’re stuck on an island, it’s hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone, what track is it?
Anything by John Coltran.
What does the next year hold for you?
To continue the legacy of Maze and perform the music fans love world-wide.
