Maze are a soul / quiet storm band, also known alternately as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and Frankie Beverly and Maze, was established in San Francisco, California in the early 1970s.
The band can be considered as the project formerly known as The Butlers, and later Raw Soul, with member Frankie Beverly being songwriter, record producer, arranger, singer, keyboardist and guitarist.
The Philadelphia born Beverly started the group as Raw Soul in 1970. They recorded a couple of singles on the small Gregar label, but without any major hits. With a few personnel changes, a relocation from Philadelphia to the San Francisco Bay Area in California in 1971, and an introduction to Marvin Gaye, the group became an immediate success. Gaye took the group on the road with him as one of his opening acts, and in 1976, he suggested that they changed their name from Raw Soul to Maze.
Maze signed a recording contract with Capitol Records in 1976, and released their debut album, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, in 1977. From that album, the hit singles included "Happy Feelin's", "While I'm Alone", and "Lady of Magic", ultimately giving them their first gold record and earning Maze a devoted following. They also had success with the albums Golden Time of Day (1978), Inspiration (1979) and Joy and Pain (1980).
Their next recording was Live in New Orleans, three quarters of which was recorded at the Saenger Theatre, on November 14–15, 1980. Three of those songs got into the US R&B chart, including "Running Away", "Before I Let Go", and "We Need Love To Live". By that time, the band had both a reputation in America and also enjoyed a following in the United Kingdom with promotional support from the British DJ Robbie Vincent. In May 1985, Maze sold out eight nights at the Hammersmith Odeon.
The group released their next album, Can't Stop the Love in March 1985, which featured the group's first number one R&B hit "Back In Stride." The Top 5 follow-up, "Too Many Games" was also featured on this album. The latter single also became the band's biggest hit in the UK, where it peaked at number 36 on the charts.
In 1989, they signed with Warner Bros. and released the hit album Silky Soul, plus Back to Basics in 1993, and released the live DVD recording at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1994. The two albums also attained gold disc status. They had another number one R&B success with "Can't Get Over You".
In October 2004, "Twilight" appeared in the video game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, playing on funk radio station, Bounce FM .
In 2009, a tribute to the hits of Maze was released. Called Silky Soul Music: An All Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, it included modern stars performing Maze's biggest hits with Maze acting as the backing band.
On September 2, 2011, their percussionist and background singer, McKinley "Bug" Williams, died of an apparent heart attack at a hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Maze continues to tour around the United States as well as Europe to this day. Every year they are the closing act for the Essence Music Festival.
Lady of Magic
Maze feat. Frankie Beverly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Through not though) though thick and thin she's been around
And ooh I'm really glad I found
My lady my lady of magic she's so good
When ever I need her she's there
It dosn't matter when or where
She always shows me that she cares
There ain't a thing ooh that she can't do
Boy she's proved it time and time and time before
I think she's special in so many many many ways
I'll be her friend forever more
She always knows when somethings wrong
Her smile just helps me move along
To her I dedicate this song
To my lady my (sweet was added) lady of magic she's so good
In Maze featuring Frankie Beverly's song Lady of Magic, the artist expresses how lucky he is to have found a woman who has always been there for him. Despite going through tough times, her unwavering support has remained, and he is grateful to have her in his life. The artist describes her as his lady of magic, who possesses a unique ability to make things better simply by being there for him. The artist believes there is nothing she cannot achieve and has proven it time and again. He sees her as someone special and dedicates the song to her.
The lyrics in this song are a celebration of love, loyalty, and the enduring support of a significant other. The song is a tribute to that woman who has been an anchor in the artist's life during the tough times. It acknowledges that everyone needs a person who is always there for them, and that person is the lady of magic in his life. It is a reminder to us all that we should show appreciation to those we love and reflect on the power of these connections in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
She came along when I was down
During a difficult time in my life, she entered into my life
Though thick and thin she's been around
She has always supported me through good times and bad
And ooh I'm really glad I found
I am grateful for discovering her and having her in my life
My lady my lady of magic she's so good
She possesses a special, almost mystical quality that makes her an exceptional person
Whenever I need her she's there
No matter when or where, she is always available to help me
It doesn't matter when or where
The time or location doesn't hinder her from being there for me
She always shows me that she cares
She consistently demonstrates her love for me
There ain't a thing ooh that she can't do
She is incredibly talented and skilled at many things
Boy she's proved it time and time and time before
She has already shown her exceptional abilities repeatedly
I think she's special in so many many many ways
I consider her to be extraordinarily and uniquely remarkable
I'll be her friend forever more
I will always support and value her friendship
She always knows when somethings wrong
She has a perceptive awareness of when I am troubled or in need
Her smile just helps me move along
Her positive energy motivates me to keep going and stay positive
To her I dedicate this song
I wrote this song to pay tribute to her and show my appreciation
To my lady my (sweet was added) lady of magic she's so good
She is truly an exceptional woman, and I am lucky to know her
Contributed by Anthony F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.