OAKLAND, Calif.--The moment the lights went down, big lusty catcalls lifted up from the back rows and screams fell from the balcony, ricocheting throughout the ornate venue like so much popcorn from a kettle.

Maxwell [ tickets ] was feeling it on Saturday night (11/10) at Oakland's Paramount Theatre. And the crowd was feeling him. Big time.

To put it simply, this man has charisma. And he knows how to use it.

Maxwell first hit in 1996. Black music was ruled by tough guys like Tupac and Biggie, and here was this guy singing about love and sounding like Marvin Gaye. His debut, "Maxwell�s Urban Hang Suite," was a smash and a definite shot in the arm for the slow-jam genre.

After making what many consider a serious misstep with 1998�s religious "Embrya," Maxwell is thankfully back to doing what he does best with "Now." That collection of bump-and-grind love songs has rocketed Maxwell to the top of the R&B ladder, selling over one million copies since its release in late August.

Maxwell is also a top draw at the gate. Tickets for the Paramount gig were as scarce as good jobs at a dot-com.

Seeing Maxwell perform at the historic Paramount--the best venue in the Bay Area for R&B and soul concerts--just furthers the sense of connection that already exists between the singer and the likes of Gaye, Sam Cooke and even James Brown. Maxwell is a man who cherishes tradition and celebrates his musical roots. His music references everything from 60s Motown and 70s funk to the smooth R&B stylings of the 80s and the hip-hop of today.

He performed with an excellent 10-piece backing band, led by veteran soul guitarist Wah Wah Watson, who has worked with the likes of Gaye and Barry White. The band managed to hit exactly the right mood on songs from the new album such as "Get to Know Ya" and "Lifetime."

The R&B crooner had his mojo working all evening long as he seduced the crowd with fluid love songs and slow jams that hit like arrows from Cupid�s quill. He stalked the stage with the confidence and poise of a cat, but could be as friendly and cuddly as an eight-week-old puppy.

Maxwell sounded fantastic, moving his voice through its impressive range with finesse and ease. He�d warm up the crowd with his vibrant tenor, letting the passion build. As the song would peak, he�d unleash his unearthly falsetto, and the crowd would swoon. "For Lovers Only" was a particularly charged piece of soul.

It was a great night for slow jams. But, I promise you, that catcall that you heard didn�t come from me.

Click here for a Maxwell tour story.