Find out why legendary singer Maxi Priest is in a “United State of Mind.”

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

“I’m an advocate for promoting the entertainment and sports industries. We need to showcase the very best of our Jamaican talent and however I can use my platform to do so, I will.” Steve “Urchin” Wilson

Legendary British-Jamaican performer Maxi Priest has released the first single called ‘United State of Mind’ from his forthcoming album of the same name, days before the nineteenth anniversary of 9/11.

Maxi Priest is 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 like Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, Corrine Bailey Rae, The Waterboys and Bill Withers), have put their heads together for the first time, to create a unique song that truly is a ‘United State of Mind’.

These three men (who have a deep appreciation for soul and gospel) met in Brixton, UK, at Livingstone’s studio. They hit it off, and the result has been magical.

They wrote twelve new songs leading to the recording of an album (set to be released October of this year), which showcases Priest’s soulful vocals, and Trower’s superb guitar playing. Robin and Maxi, born two miles away from one another, both went on to enjoy glittering worldwide success.

Priest is one of Jamaica’s most internationally famous faces on the music scene. For many decades, he has topped the Billboard charts worldwide, sold millions of records, and is no stranger to duets or crossing genres. Priest and Roberta Flack’s timeless classic ‘Set The Night To Music” appeared as top 10 on the Billboard charts.

Maxi has collaborated with other artists, from up and coming, to well-established 90s dancehall and reggae icons: Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Apache Indian, Beres Hammond, to Sly and Robbie.

Maxi, Livi, and Robin have done an exceptional job collaborating, whilst simultaneously stamping their unique trademarks throughout, with no compromise whatsoever. Inspired by gospel music, jazz, reggae, ska, and even Elvis Presley growing up, Maxi’s sound has never been able to be put in a box.

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper spoke with the legend himself (Mr. Maxi Priest) about his  “United State of Mind” Maxi Priest was asked what this song meant to him, which he answered, “To me it means a coming together, a unification, of culture, people, and minds no matter which colour class or race you may be. It is a United State of Mind as in thinking.”

Speaking of united, Priest had high praises for the folks he worked with on this album. People like famed guitarist Robin Trower (calling Trower “A master of his craft.”), and producer/mix engineer and musician Livingstone Brown who he has worked with for many years.

When asked what makes him the calibre of entertainer he is on stage Maxi said, “I have been blessed by the most high and this has always been with me since I was a child. If I were happy I would turn to my music. If I were sad, I would turn to my music. It is a joy to be able to do that.”

“From a very young age,” Priest said, “My parents would always tell me to go for it. Put a 100 and more in whatever it is you are gonna do, so I try to put my all into it. When people appreciate what you do, it just drives it more.”

Maxi Priest has some solid advice for up and coming entertainers, “Put God first,” he said, “And everything else comes after. Then there is dedication and hard work because wherever you put into something, is what you gonna get out of it.”

Watch for ‘United State of Mind’ from Maxi Priest on YouTube.