Biography
Here we have two of the UK”s music legends. Musically world’s apart I hear you say? But after a chance meeting in the studio of Livingstone Brown in Brixton, this unlikely duo hit it off. Both of them are directly influenced by soul & gospel music and share a passion for the genre to this day.
So when Livingstone (Ed Sheeran, Chronixx, Corrine Bailey Rae, The Waterboys, Bill Withers) half jokingly suggested “why don’t we write a song together?” Robin & Maxi looked at each other and said “why not?”. If you’re a multi-million selling award winning artist who’s been there and very much done it, why not try something totally different?
Robin, Livi and Maxi went even further, striking up a very productive joint songwriting partnership, that quickly developed over a dozen new songs. Each song showcased Maxi’s silky soulful vocal tone, and of course Trower’s soulful playing, along with Livingstone’s midas touch.
Coincidently, Robin and Maxi were both born in Lewisham hospital. From these humble beginnings, both went on to enjoy glittering careers at home and in the USA. Maxi and his hits, including his well known USA Billboard No.1 “Close to You” from the album “Bonafide” and Trower’s album “Bridge Of Sighs” went Gold, selling millions of albums. Bridge of Sighs influenced so many young people to pick up a guitar and learn to play. In the 90’s Livingstone played in Robin’s band and co-produced Robin’s highly rated 20th Century Blues Album.
Listening to “United State of Mind” for the first time, you will hear it’s far more than just an intriguing curio for fans and collectors. Both Maxi, Livi and Robin have done an exceptional job at extending the hand of collaboration successfully, whilst simultaneously stamping their own unique trademarks throughout, with no compromise whatsoever. Neither reggae or rock, the results – a commercial sounding, vibey, driving album worthy of a place in any record collection, let alone for fans of their solo efforts.
“Robin Trower’s mastery of the guitar is not so much technical as emotional. His solos are not pyrotechnic displays of speed and precision, rather he uses his guitar to draw out the hidden emotions that lie closest to the heart.” Sonic Abuse Review
“Maxi Priest has earned his place among other greats such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots & The Maytals and Dennis Brown in spreading the Reggae gospel far and wide. Despite the pressures of stardom, he’s remained true to his core UK audience from the beginning.” Deeperbeats.com
Livingstone Brown is a rare talent, noted for being a multi-genre musician, producer, mix engineer and songwriter. As a session and touring musician during the 80s and 90s Livingstone worked with artists such as Robin Trower, Maxi Priest, ED Sheeran, The Waterboys, Meredith Brooks, The Climax Blues Band, Tina Turner, Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue, David Grant, Yazz, De La Soul, ABC and Bill Withers. www.livingstonebrown.com
https://www.facebook.com/maxipriest/
https://twitter.com/MaxiPriest
https://www.instagram.com/therealmaxipriest/