Maxwell Creates a Cool, Wicked World

Sly, slick and wicked--that’s Maxwell.

The lean falsetto machine with the 10-inch blow-out Afro sauntered onto Billboard Live’s stage Wednesday night like a smooth soul hustler from the ‘70s, head nodding to the funky beats, transforming the packed club into a cool world cast in his own image.

Like the artist formerly known as Prince, the Brooklyn-bred singer manages to be a mysterious presence off stage. But while trapped in the spotlight, he holds nothing back. He had ants in his pants and needed to dance.

With the singer expertly backed by an eight-piece band, things started off hot with blistering versions of “Welcome” and “Dance-witme” and a slow, deliberate reading of “Sumthin’ Sumthin’.” All basically mimicked the recorded tracks while adding hints of flavor and other highlights that didn’t previously exist.

But it was when he veered off course, extending the tracks and spreading his vibrant falsetto into impromptu riffs that sometimes growled, that he revealed the true extent of his talent. From the gentle yearnings of his evocative “Whenever Wherever Whatever” to a hard-hitting, near symphonic version of “ . . . Til the Cops Come Knockin’,” Maxwell proved himself a chameleon-like fantasy man who became anything the crowd wanted. “Don’t go away baby, hang a while longer, if you don’t mind,” he pleaded with his best Marvin Gaye voice, filling the air with romance, lifting spirits and hearts. The crowd swooned.