Benjamin Franklin once said that nothing in life is certain but death and taxes; another certainty is that everyone has at least one favorite Earth, Wind, and Fire song.
These familiar tunes were in abundance at Earth, Wind, and Fire's July 28 show at the Chicago Theatre. An ecstatic audience greeted the legendary R&B band, still fronted by original members Philip Bailey, bassist Verdine White (brother of EW&F founder Maurice White), and vocalist/percussionist Ralph Johnson. Although the band turns 38 this year, their energy and musicality remain undimmed.
Beginning with “Boogie Wonderland,” the band subsequently ripped into favorites such as “Shining Star” and “Sing A Song,” bringing the crowd to its feet. Traditionally they play lengthy jams to showcase the band's incredible skills, and this concert was no exception. Launching into “Sun Goddess,” a 1974 collaboration with jazzman Ramsey Lewis, each member of the band seized the opportunity to flaunt their jazz chops. The exuberant Verdine White played an extended bass solo while dancing, the fringe from his white pants flying in all directions. As always, he charmed the crowd with his enthusiasm, connection to the audience, his musical dexterity, and impressive dance moves.
In addition to the major hits, EW&F rewarded longtime fans with slightly lesser-known tunes such as “In the Stone,” segueing into “Serpentine Fire,” an exploration of African and Egyptian influences in their music.
A pleasant surprise to the set list was “Got to Get You Into My Life,” their stellar cover of the Beatles classic. Fans may recall that the song originated from the soundtrack to the otherwise forgettable 1978 film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. As on the original recording, EW&F cleverly emphasized the song's Motown-esque sound by adding more horns and bass
Article comments
1 - Beth Ann
May the 80s never die! And, with great groups like E,W, & F, the 80s rock on.
Thanks for the recap for those of us who couldn't make it to the show.
2 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for the comment, Beth Ann--yes, the "old school" bands can still show newer acts a thing or two!
3 - Eileen Chapa
Where were you sitting? We were on the upper left side in one of the boxes, could not hear a word of the comedian, barely could hear the vocals of Earth, Wind & Fire.
4 - andre moseley
that was about my 15th ewf concert over their fantastic career, i'm a ewf fanatic.
5 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks to all for your comments. Eileen, I was on the main floor. I agree that the sound mix wasn't the best; as with many concert mixes, the vocals were buried too much under the bass and drums.