Ever since hearing about a tribute album to the perennial and overlooked R&B/Soul band Frankie Beverly and Maze I’ve been keeping my eye on the tribute website. Looks like they’ve updated the site with a snippet of Joe covering Cant’ Get Over You and album info that reports the album will be named “Silky Soul Music…An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” instead of the previously reported title “I Wanna Thank You…” Interestingly Silky Soul was a song Frankie Beverly wrote in tribute to Marvin Gaye.

Scheduled to be released this summer “Silky Soul Music…An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” includes covers from Mary J Blige, Jamie Foxx Avant, Musiq Soulchild, Raheem DeVaughn, Ledisi, Mint Condition, Joe, Kem, and Kevon Edmonds. Other artists include the Clark Sisters with Kiki Sheard and J Moss who will remake I Wanna Thank You. See the full tracklist below. A special commemorative DVD will be produced, featuring interviews with the project participants as well as legendary R&B and jazz artists, current and former music executives and community leaders about the Maze legacy.

Album producer and Frankie’s son Anthony Beverly says “With Maze, my father helped shape one of the most influential sounds in modern history. I am excited to pay tribute to his legacy by creating a Tribute Album and working with artists who embody the spirit, appreciation and vocal talents consistent with the Maze’s sound and message.” Rex Rideout and Donald Lawrence join in on production duties. A special icon tribute to Maze concludes the Essence Music Festival this July 4th weekend in New Orleans.

After 40 years of making music, 12 albums and 30 hit singles, it’s great to hear that Frankie Beverly and Maze will be getting some much deserved recognition. Read more at FrankBeverlyTribute.com and follow their updates on twitter.

1. Silky Soul – Musiq Soulchild
2. Golden Time Of Day – Kem
3. We Are One – Raheem Davaughn
4. Before I Let Go – Mary J. Blige
5. Can’T Get Over You – Joe
6. Happy Feelins – Ledisi
7. Back In Stride – Mint Condition
8. Never Let You Down – Kevond Edmonds
9. Joy & Pain – Jamie Foxx Avant
10. I Wanna Thank You – Clark Sisters,Kiki Sheard, Jmoss

update: Silky Soul is available digitally [iTunes|Amazon] as of August 25th. Physical copies will be in stores [Amazon] on September 29th.

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