Maxwell Prepares for New Album “blacksummers’NIGHT,” Plans Subsequent Release with Early Musical Works

Maxwell, renowned for his unconventional and innovative approach to R&B music since his groundbreaking 1996 album “Urban Hang Suite,” has announced the pending release of his latest studio project, “blacksummers’NIGHT.” This forthcoming album is highly anticipated, especially given that it will be his first new work since 2016. Simultaneously, Maxwell has revealed plans for another album that will feature songs he composed during his formative years, prior to the age of 17.

“I have to complete the trilogy with ‘blacksummers’night,’ after which I plan to delve into compositions from my youth, including several unreleased tracks from the 1990s,” stated the artist best known for songs like “OFF.” “blacksummers’NIGHT” is the final installment in a trilogy that also includes albums BLACKsummers’night and BlackSUMMERS’night.

Though Maxwell did not specify a release date for “blacksummers’NIGHT,” the enthusiasm radiating from him about the subsequent project was palpable. “The upcoming album featuring early compositions reflects the musical explorations I undertook when I was merely 15 or 16, armed with limited resources. It offers intriguing insights into my earliest artistic endeavors.”

This news comes as Maxwell is promoting his upcoming Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite Cruise, a four-night journey on the Norwegian Pearl slated for February 10-14, 2024. The cruise, aimed at celebrating romance, will feature performances by other Grammy-winning artists such as Robert Glasper and Ledisi, as well as Musiq Soulchild, Leela James, Sabrina Claudio, and Gallant.

Turning 50 seems to be a milestone that Maxwell welcomes. “It seems that reaching the age of 50 is when one starts to consider cruise ventures,” he noted, reflecting on his multifaceted career and the Soul Train Legend award he received in 2021.

“NIGHT,” he explains, encapsulates a mature exploration of intimacy and vulnerability, distancing itself from overt eroticism. “It represents a form of mature eroticism that is often missing in contemporary works, emphasizing romance over blatant sexualization,” said Maxwell. He acknowledged that the album has been in development since 2002 and was delayed due to the unexpected demise of his longtime engineer, Mike Pela.

Known for his sensual yet sophisticated musical style, Maxwell has carved out a unique place in the music industry. A seminal figure in the ’90s neo-soul movement alongside artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Jill Scott, Maxwell has remained focused on creating art that resonates with him rather than conforming to mainstream trends.

He cautioned emerging artists about the transient nature of fame and the long-lasting impact of their artistic choices. “Time is the ultimate arbiter, and artists must ensure that their work can stand the test of time. What might seem relevant today may not resonate in the future,” he emphasized.

Maxwell recently performed to sold-out audiences at Los Angeles’s Hollywood Bowl and is slated for a four-show engagement at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center next week with the National Symphony Orchestra. Appreciative of his diverse and inclusive fan base, Maxwell finds particular joy in the embrace of his work by Black culture.

“When I see an audience that reflects who I am, including couples who attended my shows on their first dates and are now married with children, it reinforces how privileged I am to have had this incredible journey,” Maxwell concluded.

For further updates, follow Big Big News journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at @GaryGHamilton across all social media platforms.

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More about Maxwell upcoming album

• Maxwell’s Official Website
• Interview with Maxwell about “blacksummers’NIGHT”
• Information on Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite Cruise
• Biography of Maxwell
• Overview of the R&B and Neo-Soul Genre
• History of the Grammy Awards
• Profile on Robert Glasper
• Profile on Ledisi
• National Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center
• Hollywood Bowl Event Details