Maxwell History

A little history...

Back in 1979, Liz Curtis, a program director at Q106 in York, PA, went out on a limb to air a song by a local R&B group known as Maxwell. The group wasn’t signed and was known mostly in their home town of Columbia, PA – a small town overlooking the Susquehanna River just a few miles from the infamous Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant. When the song, aptly titled, “Radiation Funk” was aired, the station’s switchboard lit up with requests to play it, quickly pushing it to the #2 spot on area charts. Then when the flip side, “A New Star,” climbed to #5, Maxwell began getting calls to open for groups like The Temptations, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The Trammps, The Spinners and other R&B heavyweights. Also – unknown at the time -- the 45 single somehow made its way across the Atlantic, where it became a cult classic. Today, collectors in England, Germany and the Netherlands will pay impressive amounts of money for a copy of the record.

So what ever happened to Maxwell and how did The Maxwell Project (TMP) come to be? Formed when most of its members were still in high school and were escorted to gigs by the guitar player’s parents, Maxwell – known for its dynamic horns, driving rhythm section and tight vocal harmonies – enjoyed a large family of devout fans in Central PA in the mid-70s and early 80s. However, the group’s 1981 album went unreleased and the group finally disbanded in 1984, only to be resurrected in 2002 with an extremely successful reunion concert that drew thousands of fans – and requests for the band’s return.

Now, more than twenty years later, Maxwell has added a few new members and reemerged as “The Maxwell Project.” The group’s-new CD, which dropped on November 5, 2005, was originally meant to be a better-late-than-never release of the band’s 1981 album, but the master tapes were lost to time, which turned out to be a stroke of luck because, with the exception of a few remakes from that long-ago LP, the new disc offers a diverse blend of fresh new music that reflects what the group was as well as what they are today. It also features a special guest appearance by Nippy Hawkins – Maxwell’s popular lead singer throughout the 70s and the voice on both of Maxwell’s top ten hits.

Review the CD...

 

The Maxwell Project is:

 

Jeff Aston

Jeff began blowing trumpet at age eight, but he was only three when he started singing and developing his remarkable talent for vocal harmony. An R&B enthusiast from the start, Jeff joined his first band at the age of 15. One of Maxwell’s founding members, he performed with the band for over 12 years – in the beginning, as a trumpet player and background vocalist, and eventually emerging to sing lead and co-front the band in 1979. Jeff was Maxwell’s musical arranger and produced the group’s 1981 album. He appeared with Maxwell when they opened in concert with Cactus, The Trammps, GQ, The Spinners, Tom Browne and other recording artists. Since Maxwell’s sensational reunion in 2002, Jeff has been the driving force behind the group’s reemergence, which has included a NYE 2003 concert with Russell Thompkins, Jr. (“Voice of the Stylistics”) and their recent reformation as “The Maxwell Project.” Jeff has written, arranged and produced several songs on The Maxwell Project’s upcoming CD – “Jamaphonic.”

 

Mike Aston (Uncle Mike)

Mike began playing flugelhorn at age ten and cut his teeth, both instrumentally and vocally, on 40’s and 50’s pop music. However, it was his experiences at the Navy School of Music in Washington D.C. that influenced him to become a professional musician. While serving aboard the heavy cruiser, U.S.S. Newport News, he played for a radio broadcast concert with Putte Wickman, Sweden’s answer to Count Basie. During his stint with the Navy, Mike’s friendship with renowned jazz baritone sax player, Hamiett Bluiett, and working with musicians who shared the stage with players like Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Mingus, profoundly affected his musical aspirations. In the early 70s, Mike also played a showcase with The Platters in D.C.

Soon after leaving the Navy, Mike returned home and began a 10-year musical career that included six years of club appearances and concerts with Maxwell before “retiring” from the music scene in 1979. Highlights of his career with Maxwell included concerts with recording artists Cactus and The Trammps. Then, in 2002, he dusted off his fluegelhorn to appear at Maxwell’s 2002 Reunion Dance Party and the band’s 2003 NYE appearance with Russell Thompkins, Jr.

Mike is now a member of The Maxwell Project and appears on the band’s upcoming CD.

 

Corby Myers

Corby - a cornerstone member of Maxwell - has been the group’s guitar player since 1972. He has written some of the band’s most popular original music, including the Top-40 hit "A New Star" and several cuts from the group’s 1981 album. He has also contributed several songs to The Maxwell Project’s upcoming CD, “Jamaphonic.”

In addition to his talents as a guitarist and composer, Corby, who has an ED.D. in Adult Education and Psychoeducational Processes from Temple University, is a published author in his field and has taught classes in criminal justice. He's also an avid marathon runner, mountain climber and all-around fitness enthusiast.

Corby cites Tower of Power guitarists Bruce Conte and Jeff Tamilier, as well as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and BB King, as influences.

 

Kathy Matthews (Kat)

Kathy, who started singing in grade school talent contests at age six, began her professional career in music at 18, singing, playing guitar and penning original music. She spent her earlier musical career in NYC where she recorded for projects at Record Plant and Electric Lady studios. In 1979, after returning from N.Y., Kathy landed the front spot with Maxwell by singing acappella over the phone for Jeff Aston, with whom she co-fronted the band for three years. In 1981, she recorded an album with Maxwell and performed with the group when they opened for The Spinners and Tom Browne.

After leaving Maxwell in 1983, Kathy performed with various jazz artists around the Harrisburg area, recorded a demo at Power Station in New York for producer Tony Bon Jovi and played a bit part in the Movie “Heart,” starring Brad Davis (“Midnight Express”). Later, she moved to Philadelphia to work with eight-piece funk band, "Half Moon," performing throughout the East Coast, Canada and Japan. Since the Maxwell reunion in 2002, Kathy has continued to perform with Maxwell for special events, including the 2003 NYE show with Stylistics’ lead singer, Russell Thompkins, Jr. She appears on The Maxwell Project’s latest CD and co-wrote several songs for the album.

 

Nippy Hawkins

Nippy reversed the tradition of bringing an apple for the teacher when, at the age of six, teachers began paying him in apples to sing in front of the class. When asked why he pursued a career in music, he explains simply, "Everyone said I sounded good, so I just kept doing it." Nip’s early musical experiences included performances at church, weddings and family gatherings, but his professional career began with the formation of his own group, Nippy and the Nip Tones, with whom he performed until 1966 when he entered the military for two years. After his discharge, he joined Soul System, Yezidees, and finally Maxwell, with whom he performed until 1979.

Those who remember Maxwell’s 1978 release of "Radiation Funk" and “A New Star” are familiar with Nippy’s impressive vocal talents and his ability to work a crowd. With a large and loyal following, he fronted the band through one of its most successful eras, performing in concert openers for McFadden and Whitehead, GQ, The Trammps and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Since the 2002 reunion, Nip has been a featured artist at Maxwell's 2003 New Years Eve party with “Voice of the Stylistics” -- Russell Thompkins, Jr. He also appears on The Maxwell Project's CD, "Jamaphonic," and has recently become a regular member of TMP with appearances at The Village, RiverFest 2006, and the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.

 

Vance McGhee

Vance, who originally decided to play an instrument in sixth grade “to get out of classes,” claims his first choice was the trumpet, “but all they had left was a trombone.” Somewhere along the way, he also discovered he could sing, with a richly textured tenor that easily shifts into a Phillip Bailey-style falsetto.

After high school, Vance played with a number of R&B groups in his hometown of Norristown, PA, including “The Cashmeres” and “Aphrodesia.” He also attended Philadelphia’s Granoff Music School, but dropped out before graduating to tour the eastern U.S. and Canada with Philadelphia-based funk band “Half Moon.” The group performed in concert with GQ, Breakwater, LTD and Millie Jackson.

Following the breakup of Half Moon, Vance covered a lot of ground with his own group, City Lights Orchestra. The band appeared regularly in the Philadelphia and Atlantic City areas and played to enthusiastic crowds during a 1993 tour of Japan, where they gained recognition for their dynamic sound and tightly choreographed shows.

Vance lists Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson as his major musical influences. He says “It’s a privilege to be a part of The Maxwell Project” to which he has lent his talents as a vocalist and trombone player. Vance has also contributed material to The Maxwell Project’s new CD.

 

Colin “Dazz” Fequa

Another new addition to The Maxwell Project, Dazz contributed his talents to the group’s CD, “Jamaphonic” – as a producer and arranger as well as a bassist. He has worked with many well-known music industry artists as a producer, writer and performer, enjoys all styles of music, and describes himself as a “passionate player.” Dazz is endorsed by David Eden Amplifiers & U.S. Guitar Masters.

 

Gary Waters

Gary, who was born into a musically talented family, started playing drums at age 14, joining his sister and cousins to form his first band, Supreme Court, at age 15. Naturally talented, he was soon polished enough to play with Latent Image, a Harrisburg-based jazz ensemble led by his father, trumpeter and keyboard player, Ronald Waters. “My dad is still my biggest musical influence,” he remarks, adding that he has also learned a lot from listening to drummers like Dave Weckl and Omar Hakim and artists like Miles Davis, Chaka Khan, and Earth, Wind and Fire.

An "in the pocket” drummer, Gary joined Maxwell at 19, supplying the heartbeat for the group through one of its most exciting and productive eras. He appeared with the band in front of thousands at their 1980 Spinners/Tom Browne opener and recorded and contributed original music for Maxwell's second album.

After leaving Maxwell in 1982, Gary toured the eastern U.S. and Canada with the band, Half Moon, and performed with Central PA R&B bands, The Glow, Hit and Run, Synergy, and his own group -- Seven. In addition to his studio experience with Maxwell, he has worked on numerous other recording projects in Central Pennsylvania and Florida and has also appeared in concert with Melba Moore, Pieces of a Dream, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Robert Clay, Spur of the Moment, and other nationally known artists. Gary most recently appeared with Maxwell at the 2003 New Years Eve party at the Lancaster Host, with “Voice of the Stylistics” ? Russell Thompkins, Jr.

Gary appears on The Maxwell Project’s forthcoming CD – Jamaphonic.


Steve “Shaulls” Lentz

At the age of eight, Steve started his musical career as a clarinet player, and by Junior High, he was performing with his musically talented family’s 15-piece big band. He has played all types of music – beginning in high school with The Serenaders Jazz Band, whose alumni include Dick Price, Tim Warfield and Chris Bacon, and the Crown Royals soul band (when he switched to tenor sax). While attending Austin Peay University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Music Education, he played with rock, soul and variety bands in and around Nashville. After graduating, he spent two years as a staff musician at the New Opryland Park before returning to his hometown of York, PA. Steve is best known in the Central PA area for his stint with “Hit and Run,” with whom he recorded and toured for eight years, opening for Pat Benatar, the Trammps, and numerous other recording acts.

Steve, who met his wife of 27 years, Cathie, while touring with “Hit and Run,” has three daughters and is a partner in a thriving contracting business in York. In addition to performing and recording with The Maxwell Project, he also plays with Harrisburg’s “Music Thru Science.” He describes his experience with TMP as a “throwback to a time when money was not my first priority and I played in bands for the love of performing live. There is nothing like it.” Music is Steve’s first love and he hopes to continue playing for a long time to come.

 

Mike Burton

Although just 18 years old, Mike has been playing trumpet and flugelhorn for almost six years, and he is serious about his craft. After four years of private tutoring with Tim Leahey of the "Airmen of Note" -- who is one of Mike's "playing inspirations" -- as well as many hours of practice, he has quickly become one of the areas most accomplished young musicians. While still in high school, Mike won best jazz soloist in Canada for his performance on the fluegelhorn and secured a spot with the All County Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band for two years in a row. He has also performed with the All State Jazz Band and District Jazz Band for two years. Although he enjoys playing a wide variety of music, including funk, R&B, rap and hip hop, Mike prefers to play jazz. His major musical influences are Wynton Marsalis, Sean Jones, Roy Hargrove, Lee Morgan, Dizzy Gillespie, Nicholas Payton, and "all the jazz greats." In addition to his work with "The Maxwell Project," he has done stints with several Central Pennsylvania groups including the Jonathan Ragonese quartet and Harrisburg-based R&B group, "Chemistry." Mike is a jazz performance major at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.