In an age of immediacy the idea of waiting sounds hopelessly outdated. But that said, there is something to be said about anticipation. Such is the case with Maxwell’s new album. Yes, after an extended hiatus the sexy ambassador of soul has returned with a brand new look and a fresh yet deliciously vintage sound. The same artist who brought us classic songs like “Sumthin’ Sumthin’,” “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” and “Lifetime” (not to mention the unforgettably ethereal cover of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”) is back with a challenging, mature, sensual, courageous and emotionally open album entitled, BLACKsummers’night (Columbia). BLACKsummers’night , the first installment of a trilogy, is a collection well worth the wait.
