Earth, Wind, & Fire

[Bassman]

Yeah I know. I've posted alot of songs from EWF here. That's because I think that they're the best R&B/Funk band around. Founder Maurice White, his bassist brother Verdine, Philip Bailey; who possesses a four-octave range in his voice; and drummer/vocalist Ralph Johnson grouped together with guitarists Al McKay and Johnny Graham; keyboardist Larry Dunn; saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk; and drummer Fred White (yes, he is related to Maurice and Verdine); and the Phoenix Horns to create some of the best music of the pop era. Today, Verdine, Philip, and Ralph front the next generation of top young musicians in the current incarnation of EWF. In addition, EWF has just released their twenty-third album:Illumination. Your thoughts.

 

[TerabyTe]

They're pretty freaking sweet.

 

[Bassman]

Yeah, 'Rice has the ability to meld various styles well. You hear the results.

 

[allofgrace]

Haven't heard much by them, but we played In the Stone in my high school jazz band and I loved it!

 

[WhenFinallySetFree777]

That's because I think that they're the best R&B/Funk band around.

You're probably right.

I looove Dancin' in September - sooooooo good.

 

[Bassman]

Word has it that they're touring with Chicago again this year, and that one of last year's concerts is on DVD. Can't wait to see it.

 

[cygnusx1]

You're probably right.

I looove Dancin' in September - sooooooo good.

.. Hey man , dig it!

 

[Bassman]

For those of you who keep up, here is the current lineup:
Philip Bailey: Lead Vocals
Verdine White: Bass
Ralph Johnson: Vocals/Percussion
B. David Whitworth: Vocals/Percussion
John Paris: Drums
Myron McKinley: Keyboards
Greg Moore: Guitar
Vadim Zilberstein: Guitar
Krystal Bailey: Background Vocals

EWF Horn Section
Reggie Young: Trombone
Bobby Burns, Jr.: Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Gary Bias: Saxophones

 

[Bassman]

I just picked up the 2004 Chicago/EWF concert DVD and I must say one word about it...



...AWESOME!!!!


Here's why. Put two great horn bands together like that and you get an incredible show. Philip Bailey singing lead on "If You Leave Me Now" does justice to the song. Not to mention the current incarnation of EWF seems to be sounding very good. And leave it to Verdine White to pull off his usual stunts. He's pushing 55 and still bouncing around the stage. Incredible.