By Tracy Bratten - Clear Channel Radio Digital

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MAXWELL'S FULL ALBUM ON DEMAND!

Crowds lined the street outside the PC Richard and Son Theater in Manhattan's TriBeCa neighborhood Wednesday evening, hours before the doors opened for Maxwell's much-anticipated New York Show... fans that had been waiting 8 long years for the next Maxwell record.

And the eager fans got their wish - after a long hiatus from music, the innovative artist released the first of a trilogy of new albums on Tuesday, BLACKsummers'night. Wednesday marked the first concert since the release of his album, which is projected to make a #1 chart debut next week.

The crowd at the PC Richard and Son Theater was treated to a Michael Jackson medley before Maxwell took the stage - in a sort of nod to the recently deceased pop icon. And the place was packed - primarily (based on an unofficial poll of the audience by DJ Ed Lover) with an over-30 crowd that have been fans of the soulful seducer since before he went on break. And, of course, the ladies love him.

New York radio station Power 105.1 hosted the intimate event, and DJ Ed Lover welcomed the enthusiastic crowd to the theater. He made some cracks about the youngins present, adding that this concert was for the grown ups - the grown up women, that is. He even challenged one fan, "Brotha back up this is for the ladies tonight," and he wasn't kidding.

When Maxwell took the stage - accompanied by a 10-piece band that included a horn section and back up singers - he said he was "so happy to be here in this lifetime" before breaking into a smooth song about just that, called "Lifetime."

Maxwell approached the stage like a seasoned professional. If he's been off the radar for numerous years, he showed no signs of being rusty or unrehearsed. His voice was smooth and soulful, and he certainly has not lost his touch when it comes to charming the ladies with sultry "Babymaking" tracks.

When it came to groovin' Maxwell did not disappoint. He owned the small stage, dancing and making the ladies in the house swoon.

Maxwell paid homage to Michael Jackson, dedicating "This Woman's Work" to the recently deceased King of Pop. "Pretend you're in the shower," he said, as he asked everyone to sing along with him. He let the crowd take the lead, And everyone at least attempted to hit the high notes.

The atmosphere in the small room was electric, the energy almost surreal as Maxwell sang the familiar song. Shortly thereafter, during a vibrant horn section, Maxwell inquired of the hypnotized concert-goers, "Is this funky to you?" to which the the venue erupted in agreement.

He removed his jacket to reveal his soaked through drenched shirt... And said "y'all are making me all sweaty and hot" - which, again, set the ladies on fire. But he made it clear that he was no longer just a ladies man, jokingly telling the audience, "In the beginning when I started this whole thing, fellas used to hate on me. I would hate me too," adding, "after this show - you know what I'm sayin' - you don't even have to tell her you love her now... you don't even have to kiss her... you just go straight for it."

Babymaking music indeed.