(February 7, 2025) Two years ago, the musicians who made up the legendary band Maze split with their equally legendary leader, Frankie Beverly, to form the band TMF The Music Forever. And while that breakup was uncomfortable, there remained a four decade legacy of musical greatness that united all involved, and that bond continued right until the sad passing of Beverly last year.
Over the past two years, TMF has issued a series of attractive, well-performed singles, showing their musical chops again on strong new material. But for their latest single, the TMF guys, with lead singer Chris Walker, take on a Maze masterpiece.
“Joy and Pain” is an all-time R&B classic that sounds right just about anytime. And the nearly eight minute live version, recorded in Houston, that was released this week by TMF is a wonderful reminder of all that is great about that song. Walker (praying for you, Chris, on your recent family tragedy) provides a powerful lead up front, and the band is completely on point, as usual. And if this single gets longtime Maze fans to go back and listen to TMF’s excellent 2024 debut album, then all the better.
Check out “Joy and Pain” below, and welcome The Music Forever back to SoulTracks.
By Chris Rizik
