Maze featuring Frankie Beverly - 1978 - Golden Time of Dayz

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

1978

Golden Time of Day

01. Travelin' Man 5:06

02. Song For My Mother 5:02

03. You're Not The Same 5:13

04. Workin' Together 5:30

05. Golden Time Of Day 5:30

06. I Wish You Well 4:37

07. I Need You 10:00

Bass Guitar – Robin Duhe

Congas, Vocals – Ronald "Roame" Lowry*

Drums – Ahaguna G. Sun

Drums – Joe Provost (tracks: A1, B2)

Keyboards – Sam Porter

Lead Guitar – Wayne Thomas

Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Frankie Beverly

Vocals, Percussion – McKinley (Bug) Williams

Golden Time of Day – Where Funk Meets Sunset Vibes

Ah, Frankie Beverly – the smooth-voiced architect of feel-good R&B who turned life's ups and downs into grooves so infectious, they could make a statue tap its toes. Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia's East Germantown neighborhood, Frankie kicked off his musical odyssey as a gospel-singing kid in the local church, belting out hymns like a pint-sized preacher with a side of soul. He graduated from Germantown High School, but his real education came on the streets, forming doo-wop groups like The Blenders (an a cappella crew inspired by The Dells and The Moonglows) and later The Butlers in 1963. By the late '60s, as Frankie Beverly and the Butlers, they dropped Northern soul gems like "If That's What You Wanted," catching the ear of Philly producer Kenny Gamble – though their raw edge didn't quite fit the slick Philly Sound. Undeterred, Frankie toured relentlessly, eventually relocating the band (then called Raw Soul) to San Francisco in the early '70s. There, a fateful connection via Marvin Gaye's sister-in-law led to opening slots for the Motown legend himself. Gaye, in a stroke of genius (or perhaps just good branding), suggested renaming them Maze – because navigating the music biz felt like one big labyrinth. Signed to Capitol Records, Maze became synonymous with uplifting, groove-heavy R&B, releasing nine Gold albums and building a cult following that adored their live energy. Frankie's signature? Performing in all-white outfits – slacks, shirts, and baseball caps – inspiring fans to dress like a collective wedding party at concerts. His son Anthony even drummed for the band, turning Maze into a family affair. Tragically, Frankie passed away on September 10, 2024, at 77, leaving a void in soul music bigger than a disco ball's shadow – but not before racking up honors like the 2012 BET Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2024 NAACP Image Awards Lifetime Achievement, and even having his childhood street renamed Frankie Beverly Way.

Enter Golden Time of Day, Maze's sophomore album from 1978 – a sun-kissed slab of soul-funk that's less about chasing trends and more about capturing that magical hour when the light hits just right, turning everyday chaos into pure bliss. Released on Capitol Records, this was the follow-up to their self-titled debut, building on their Bay Area roots with a mellow yet funky vibe that screamed "California cool" amid the late-'70s disco frenzy. Recorded at Applewood Studios in Golden, Colorado – a fittingly "golden" location that might explain the title, or perhaps Frankie just liked the irony of recording sunset anthems in a mountain town – the sessions were helmed entirely by Beverly as producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Clocking in at about 41 minutes, it's a concise seven-track affair in the soul/funk genre, emphasizing positive messages and tight musicianship over flashy production. No over-the-top strings or synthesizers here – just organic grooves that feel like a backyard barbecue with your wisest uncles dropping life lessons. The album dropped in a year when R&B was evolving, and Maze positioned themselves as the anti-disco: thoughtful, uplifting tracks that prioritized feel over flash, much like how Frankie navigated his career – steady, soulful, and stubbornly authentic.

The musicians? Maze was a well-oiled machine, with Frankie at the center like a benevolent bandleader in white. Here's the core lineup for Golden Time of Day, blending Philly grit with West Coast smoothness:

Frankie Beverly: Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano – the heart and soul, writing every track and producing like a one-man Motown.

Wayne Thomas: Lead guitar – adding those shimmering riffs that sparkle like afternoon sunlight.

Sam Porter: Keyboards – laying down the melodic foundations with organ and piano swells.

Robin Duhe: Bass – providing the funky backbone, groovy enough to make your hips sway involuntarily.

Joe Provost: Drums on "Travelin' Man" and "I Wish You Well" – precise beats for the more introspective cuts.

Ahaguna B. Sun: Drums on the remaining tracks – bringing a percussive punch that's pure energy.

Ronald "Roame" Lowry: Congas, backing vocals – infusing Latin flair and harmonious support.

McKinley "Bug" Williams: Percussion, backing vocals – the rhythmic glue, shaking things up with congas and vibes.

This crew wasn't just session players; they were Maze's touring band, honing their chemistry on the road, which translated to the studio like a well-rehearsed comedy routine – seamless and full of heart.

Anecdotes from the Golden Time era read like feel-good tales from a soul survivor's memoir. Frankie once admitted he never imagined singing for 50 years when he started out, let alone creating anthems that still pack arenas – talk about underestimating your own groove! The title track became a tear-jerker for fans; singer Jill Scott shared on X how she'd cry every time Frankie performed it live at Philly's Dell Music Center, calling it "bliss recorded" – like emotional therapy set to music. Post-Frankie's passing, tributes flooded in: Bands like Alabama State's Mighty Marching Hornets honored him with medleys of "Golden Time of Day" at events like the Magic City Classic, proving his tunes are marching band-approved. And in a humorous twist, the album's recording in Golden, CO, sparked whispers that the "golden time" was inspired by the town's name – or maybe just the high-altitude inspiration (wink, wink). Fans on X still blast it for nostalgic vibes, with one user pairing it with spring days like a seasonal soundtrack. Frankie’s all-white stage look? It started around this time, turning concerts into flash mobs of purity – because nothing says "soul legend" like coordinating outfits with 10,000 strangers.

Legacy-wise, Golden Time of Day solidified Maze as R&B royalty, peaking at #27 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on the R&B charts, with singles like "Workin' Together" hitting #9 R&B. It was part of Maze's string of Gold-certified albums, influencing the quiet storm subgenre with its mellow, introspective funk – think the blueprint for later acts blending soulful lyrics with danceable beats. Frankie's work inspired covers galore, like Beyoncé's take on "Before I Let Go" (from a later album, but the vibe echoes here), and tributes from Mary J. Blige to Mint Condition. In the UK, Maze exploded thanks to DJs like Robbie Vincent, making them bigger overseas than some American pop stars – a hilarious reversal for a Philly boy. Today, the album's enduring appeal lies in its positivity; as one fan put it on X, it's the ultimate "golden" mood booster. Maze's live legacy – staples at Essence Festival and beyond – ensures Golden Time isn't just vinyl; it's a living, breathing part of Black music history, proving Frankie navigated the maze of fame with grace and groove.

This 41-minute gem is a masterclass in understated funk, where every track feels like a warm hug from an old friend. Opener "Travelin' Man" struts in with breezy guitars and Frankie's velvety vocals, painting a wanderer's tale over a mid-tempo groove – perfect for road trips or pondering life's detours. "Song for My Mother" tugs heartstrings with piano-led tenderness, a heartfelt ode that's equal parts gospel and gratitude. "You're Not the Same" amps the funk with bass slaps and conga rhythms, calling out changes in love like a sassy therapist. Side A's closer, "Workin' Together," is the hit single – an upbeat call for unity with infectious horns (wait, no horns listed, but the energy feels brassy) that hit #9 on R&B charts, urging harmony in a divided world.

Flip to the B-side: The title track "Golden Time of Day" is the crown jewel, a five-and-a-half-minute sunset symphony of piano, guitar, and Frankie's soaring falsetto, evoking that magical dusk hour where worries melt away – it's pure auditory therapy, peaking at #39 R&B but timeless in impact. "I Wish You Well" keeps the mellow flow with reflective lyrics and smooth percussion, while the epic 10-minute closer "I Need You" stretches out into a jam session of longing, building layers of guitar and keys like a slow-burn romance. Overall, the album's production is clean yet raw, emphasizing Maze's live-band synergy over studio tricks – three stars from AllMusic, but fans rate it higher for its emotional depth. In a humorous nod, it's funk that's too laid-back for the disco crowd, yet groovy enough to outlast them all. If you're craving soul that soothes the spirit (think Earth, Wind & Fire meets quiet storm), Golden Time of Day is your golden ticket – Frankie and Maze, you still amaze.