Maceo Parker

Wonderful presentation. Maceo Parker and fellow musicians are superb entertainers I

I was sooooo looking forward to seeing Maceo play. I'd gotten a couple of tickets to DC area venues the past couple of years, but because of last minute conflicts, had to give them up or just do a no-show. As a sax player myself of a couple of years, I love his music and wanted to see what he sounded like up close and personal. So this time at Birchmere I was incredibly psyched for! Unfortunately, I walked away a bit disappointed...and his concert not meeting up with my high expectations of the night. I found that he relied heavily on his other band mates during the concert to take long solos (which often times he and others left the stage), and obviously he was having problems with his alto saxophone. He must have tinkered with his reed or mouthpiece a half-dozen times looking like he was trying to fix something, and the last half of the show was essentially him playing the flute...which is not why I came to see him. It was a rarity during the show to actually hear him play an extended "blow" on his sax for longer than 30 seconds. I don't know if that was related to the problems he was having with the sax...or it was by design. He's got a great backup band and absolutely incredible trombone player (a local MD musician, btw), but I came to see Maceo and listen to his repertoire of funk songs...and only got that in the first initial 30 minutes of the show. The rest of the show actually lacked Maceo's presence and not much "funk". By the way, one of the things that I picked up from being close to the stage, was that he very rarely smiled when he was hanging back on the side listening to others taking their riffs. Subtly or not, his look, more times than not, showed a lack of chemistry or happiness with what was happening on the stage...or even being there at Birchmere. I know from his comments at the end of the show, he thanked everyone -- the audience, Birchmere staff, his band mates, etc...but for some odd reason, that excitement and passion for playing didn't seem (to me anyway) to match his presence on the stage. There were also a couple of times during the show, he left the stage unexpectedly with his other players just jamming to fill space...and came back a couple of minutes later. Just odd. Presume to work on his sax..or take a break? So all in all, pretty disappointed.....but expect I will try and catch him another trip into DC in the future ...and see if this show was just an aberration to the experience I was expecting to get from concert goer reviews to his other shows around the world.

Excellent as I thought it would be, he still has the soul and the funk in his fingers and voice

Macro puts on an excellent show! The band was phenomenal because every single musician was excellent. He played many James Brown tunes plus his originals. The value was great. Ecause be must have played for at least 2 and a half hours. The band and show was so funky, I had to take a shower when I got home! LOL!

I didn't know quite what to expect -- a funk band at Villa Montalvo?! Not Maceo Parker's usual venue I'm sure, but he put on a great show. He has a band full of talented people and the program was varied and well-paced (definitely not just a bunch of recycled James Brown stuff). Maceo is one cool dude -- amazing musician and winning personality. Highly recommended!

It was great! The best funky saxo player, amazing groove, we loved it

Great performance with great performers...Maceo AND his band were all amazing it was like going to see 5 or 6 performers in concert...First time I have been to a 2and a half hour concert in a long time... well worth the money!

The Maceo Parker show was one of the best live shows I have ever attended. From the moment, he stepped on stage until he left you thoroughly enjoyed the performances by him and his band. It was an excellent show.

Maceo put on a good show. I think people were a bit disappointed because he did not play a lot of the old school James Brown ( he did some ) . He did lead vocals on most all songs. Saxaphone on about half the songs. He even busted out the flute. Multi-talented guy. His nephew is on drums and is a pretty good drummer.

Nothing else can put you in a better mood than the funky soul jazz of Maceo Parker. Never disappoints!

This event was wonderful. Maceo and his band were better than the last time I saw them.

Amazing music and musicianship, Maceo and his bandmates

These two Fantastic Bands together on tour is just Amazing , they are a must see!!!

Maceo provided teh funk and soul sounds we anticipated. Karl was disappointing.

I always love seeing Maceo. His band is killer. My first time seeing Karl Denson, another amazing show.

They delivered the funk! Always in the pocket, pure fun!

Even the tightest of the whitest had to shake they're bootys!

Maceo Parker is a legendary saxophones and will be remember amongst the greatest. His show reveals humor, musician excellence in the band, flare for the dramatic, ol'school funk that literally funks up the set. His Ray Charles impression was pitch perfect, and his overall show and musicianship is OUTSTANDING! Blow Maceo BLOW - you are tha man.

Maceo and Crew delivered a performance that was unforgettable!! If the Aladdin was the end of the rainbow-then Maceo and crew were the gold!!

The last time I saw Maceo Parker was at Madison Square Garden he performed with Prince. Need I say more. The show started at 8p and ended at 10:37p at BB Kings and it was standing room only. The crowd was standing Maceo and the Band never missed a beat. AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

Wow! This concert was one of the best I ever attended! Maceo Parker's was so perfect for the songs! The band and the Raylettes were just as amazing! That's what happens when great musicians and vocalists come together! It was much more than I expected and I sat mesmerized throughout the concert! Please, please to you, Maceo Parker, The Ray Charles ORchestra and Raylettes, .... don't ever stop singing... don't ever stop playing! You're the Best!

Excellent musicians and singing. A very nostalgic show for everyone of all ages.

Maceo Parker and his band of superb musicians had the club moving and grooving from the start. Maceo put on an entertaining display of musicianship and style. I am so glad I got to see him. The concert was worth ten times the price! By the end of the show Maceo had everyone standing and dancing !

Excellant across the board! Diversity in music, his jokes and storytelling was funny. Paid homage and showed LOVE all night long

This show was unbelievable. He is down to heart and told us about is life. The band members were great. Nikki the drummer "UNFORGETTABLE".

I hate to even write this review as I am such a fan of Maceo. I listen to his stuff all the time. I had never seen Maceo live before this event. It's the first time I have walked out a little bit early from anything like this. I ALWAYS stay for an encore but wasn't interested in hearing any more. Three things were lacking: 1) Energy, 2) More great sax and less singing, and 3) Maceo's drummer. I don't know what her name is but, as a percusionist, her grooves were repetative and boring after a while. The recordings I like so much, feature Maceo's brother, Marcus Parker, who just kicks it with all his creativity. I would venture to say if a drummer is low energy, the entire group's performance will be low energy. Also, the sound system was "muddy" and not distinctive. The keyboard was overamped and the vocals under-mic'd. Where's the Funk???

This show was by far one of the BEST concerts I've been to in a very long time. Maceo is truly a talent that should not be missed!

Finally was able to see the Master of Funk & did NOT disappoint. The entire band extremely talented musicians and the woman on the drums stole my heart. If you haven't see Maceo & band do yourself a favor DONT walk but RUN and get yourself to their next appearance. Life is all about the FUNK!!

I wish he would have played his instrument a lot more than he did. It seems like he was making a way for his band with all the solo's for each band member. The band was great especially the Gutiarist and the Drummer, but I paid to see Maceo play his horn and just didn't feel I got enough of his instrument for which he is famous for. The Jones Family was off the hook and I am not really into gospel music but I was that night.

Maceo as well as the jones family put on a great show. They were loud and engaging. The jones family sang gospel and Maceo did funk and soul with a little Ray Charles. The band was tight and the drummer was fantastic.

Great event Maceo did a outstanding job. It is jay a great place to spend Wednesday with Friends

Actually, I thought the whole thing pretty much sucked. I've always believed, based on past tributes, that a "Tribute" to a singer/musician consisted of various other performers giving renditions, or perhaps variations, of the tributee's works in honor of their perceived greatness. What I saw Wensday nite was definitely not that. While the first part was nice, it had basically nothing of Charles' work. It came across as a commercial for Coldplay's new work. As for the second act, I saw nothing "honoring" in a "performer" coming on-stage doing a pathetic and insulting slap-stick impression of a blind man. Then, when he started trying to do Charles songs, it really got insulting. His attempt to sound like Charles was so garbled and febble, he sounded half moronic and half musically deficient. He didn't even know all the words to the songs he butchered. Personally, I think the Charles Estate should sue him for slander and defamation. The only ones even close to presenting a "tribute" was the Rayettes. Their singing was quite professional, plus they knew all the words.

The opening act, The Christian McBride Band was fabulous. Some of the best jazz I've heard. Then came "Ray". He sounded somewhat like Ray Charles at times, but what sent the show into a downhill spiral was the way he performed. He wasn't finishing his lines, clipped off words or slurred them. If I were a betting man, I would say he was loaded. It's the Hollywood Bowl and I expected better..

I have attended a few of Maceo's concerts at outdoor venues that were extremely energetic and conducive to "getting you boogie on". The set, although thoroughly worth the price of admission, was somewhat subdued in order to conform to the supper club type atmosphere The Birchmere provides and I anticipated that. However, anytime a performer of Mr. Parker's stature comes to play, it's a must see event

Maceo Parker and band were unforgettable. The night ranged from Jazz to hard funk to R&B & soul and included musical shoutouts to everybody from Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic and even Star Wars.

Maceo is my 16 year old son's favorite artist so I was so excited to see he was playing at Birchmere. It was my first time there and the venue was great. I would definitely see another show there. Maceo and his band were all unbelievably amazing. Excellent excellent musicians. He played a solid 2 1/2 hours. He was very personable very funny. A great showman. He highlighted all the band members one at a time and they were all great. Just a great show.

Who knew? Maceo Parker was fantastic and his band was "tight"!!! Maceo may have been featured with James Brown but he is a talent in his own right. He's still got that "it" factor and so do his backup singers and the band members. Maceo's nephew played the drums like his Daddy used to do when he played with James Brown. He may be young but he is definitely phenomenal. The show is a must-see.

At the outset let me be totally honest about this, I grew up between Kinston and Greenville, NC, heard Maceo and his brother Melvin at a very young age, followed their careers with JB and all the others that they played with over the years, so all I say is the brother still has it and has gotten better with it. Totally enjoyed the show and fully recommend it to everybody that knows good music when they hear it and enjoy watching a true profession work his craft.

Great show 2 1/2 hours of Fun and Funky Stuff. The band was tight and the vocals were on point. The sound crew at Birchmere did a fantastic job. The food and service was great. I have never had a bad experience at the Birchmere. And Maceo what a performance WOW! A true professional showing folks how it's done.

Masterful. From raw funk to supposedly ironic ballads (but not really) back to funk. A great little band with alumni from the James Brown Band, various of George Clinton's ventures, etc. Marvelous.

Love the Birchmere for shows and Maceo Parker was fantastic. Food was surprising good and drinks were not overlypriced.

Another great experience at the Birchmere!! Maceo continues to "bring it" and get it done with lots of funk for all!!!

Maceo and his group are super fun and super funky. They really enjoyed playing and sounded great. The two lady singers can belt it out! And his trombone player is especially talented. They put on a great show - very enjoyable!

Great show. didn't know he could siing like that. Band was over the top. back-up singers each did a solo, again, over the top.

As usual Maceo and his band put on a fantastic show. Maceo is famous for getting his audience involved which pumps up the show to another whole level. A great and enjoyable time was had by all.

Maceo's band was fantastic. He allowed all his members to perform a solo and each was better than the other! When he introduced his nephew the drummer - it was all over. My favorite instrument has always been the sax but after that performance, I may have to switch to the drums! The audience was on their feet dancing and having a great time.

I was expecting the Blues and ended up getting nothing but earsplitting noise. I walked out after enduring 1/2 hour of Maceo's concert. Maceo is awful on the saxophone!

The entire evening was enjoyable, the music was great, Maceo is a talented horn player and the place was rocking! The opening act was fantastic!

Excellent performance we enjoyed it. The music was fun and upbeat. We had a good time.