Media WriterThe legendary British-Jamaican Maxi Priest has released the first single from the album days before the nineteenth anniversary of 9/11, called ‘United State of Mind’ from the forthcoming album, ‘United State of Mind’.
Three legendary chart-topping artists singer/songwriter Maxi Priest, (known for hits like Close to You and Wild World), Guitarist Robin Trower, (Bridge of Sighs), and producer/mix engineer and musician Livingstone Brown (who’s worked with legends Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, Corrine Bailey Rae, The Waterboys and Bill Withers) have come together for the first time to create a unique song that is truly a ‘United State of Mind’.
After a chance meeting in Livingstone’s studio in Brixton, UK, this unlikely trio hit it off. With a deep appreciation for soul and gospel, they joined forces and created this emotive piece.
The trio wrote twelve new songs leading to the recording of an album (set to be released October of this year) that showcases Priest’s soulful vocals and Trower’s superb guitar playing. Robin and Maxi, born 2 miles away from one another, both went on to enjoy glittering worldwide careers.
Maxi Priest, one of Jamaica’s most celebrated singers has topped the Billboard charts worldwide many times. The multiple Grammy-nominated artist has also sold millions of records in his career. Not a stranger to duets and crossing genres, Maxi and Roberta Flack’s timeless classic ‘Set The Night To Music” achieved the top 10 on the Billboard charts.
Maxi has been collaborating with other artists since the 1980s from up and coming to well-established, including 90s dancehall and reggae icons, Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Apache Indian, Beres Hammond, and Sly and Robbie.
Robin Trower’s album, Bridge Of Sighs has also sold millions of albums worldwide. In the 90s, Livingstone played in Robin’s band and co-produced his highly rated 20th Century Blues Album.
When Livingstone half-jokingly suggested, “Why don’t we write a song together?” Robin and Maxi looked at each other and said, “Why not?”
Robin, Livingstone, and Maxi went even further, striking up a productive joint songwriting partnership that quickly developed into “United State of Mind.” Each song showcases Maxi’s silky, soulful vocal tone and Trower’s soulful and passionate playing, along with Livingstone’s Midas touch.
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. Maxi, Livi, and Robin have done an exceptional job at extending the hand of collaboration successfully, whilst simultaneously stamping their unique trademarks throughout, with no compromise whatsoever. Inspired by gospel, jazz, reggae, ska, and even Elvis Presley growing up, Maxi’s sound has never been able to be put in a box.
This album isn’t quite reggae or rock but more of a reggae fusion with a big dose of soul.
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Watch the lyric video of “United State of Mind”
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