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EARTH WIND & FIRE FORUM
FORUM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF THE "MIGHTY ELEMENTS OF THE UNIVERSE, EARTH WIND & FIRE

LINKS
EARTH WIND & FIRE official website
The official Maurice White sanctioned website.
OFFICIAL PHILIP BAILEY WEBSITE
Website dedicated to the great vocalist Phillip Bailey
RALPH JOHNSONS' Audio Caviar SITE
Read about Ralph Johnsons newest side project.
THE SURFERS GUIDE TO EARTH WIND & FIRE
The ultimate guide to Earth Wind & Fire.
SHELDON'S WORLD
Site of former EWF guitarist and vocalist Sheldon Reynolds.
SHERRY SCOTTS SITE
Read about long ago EWF vocalist Sherry Scott, who fronted the band during the Warner Brothers days.
ONE NATION MESSAGE BOARD
P-Funk message board.A majority of posters here are also EWF fans, including some who are very knowledgible. Board header says P-Funk related posts only, but this is not strictly enforced. (While EWF questions and comments will usually get plenty of responses, EWF vs P-Funk "nonsense will not be tolerated, so please don't flame this board. I post there semi regularly, and I don't want them mad at me)
AL MCKAYS SITE
Read about former EWF guitarist Al McKay
MORRIS PLEASURE'S SITE
Read about former EWF keyboard wizard, Morris Pleasure
THE OFFICIAL EARTH,WIND AND FIRE FAN VIP WEBSITE
The newest and best EWF site!

OUR NEW CHAT ROOM

Auxilliary Chat Room

  • EWF Reinvention -- Sirius, 12:51:15 10/23/04 Sat
    Since alot of artists and groups have sampled EWF music why can't they sample themselves by using one of their own great songs. Rearrange it in a way that they can have two versions of the song. One for the rap/hip hop generation and one for us die hard fans. There are many artists over the years who remade hit songs and they became a geat hit all over again. What song would you like them to remake and become a giantic hit. Peace and Love!

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  • Ok EWFfans....Its here....the initial launch of the official Earth Wind and Fire Fansite.....Check out the Elements V.I.P Club at: http://elementsvip.com. JOIN TODAY! The site is still "under construction" but it will be a slammin site with great club benefits...sooo CHECK IT OUTTTT!!! -- creamypeaches, 18:59:55 11/10/04 Wed
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  • Trenton, NJ (11/4th) Concert Pics -- ShiningStar730, 00:19:12 11/12/04 Fri
    EWF/Chicago concert photos from the Nov. 4th, Trenton, NJ show, courtesy of Kathy from the Chicagofans forum. The majority are focused on Chicago but there are some good shots of our guys:

    http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=719853428105&page=1&sort_order=0

    Hopefully, the EWF fansite will provide official concert photos in the future.

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  • Hey Everyone...............am told there is to be an EWF Fan Website due for INITIAL Launch on Nov.10, 2004 and will be open for Membership......FULL Launch to follow later this year. ...Details to follow !!!!! For us fans...this is great news...Be sure to check it out!!!!...YEAH, BABY YEAH!!!!!! -- A FAN, 20:40:37 11/04/04 Thu
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  • EWF Fans...If you could ask questions about EWF current and previous happenings or even questions to EWF members...What would they be?....I can't gurantee an answer but some of your questions may be chosen to be answered on the new EWF fansite...SO GO FOR IT! -- Creamypeaches, 00:53:19 11/05/04 Fri
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  • Exciting things are "in the works" for EWF ...some new PR ventures that will give EWF the "props" they certainly deserve and have been LONG overdo...in addition those of us who are fans...there are steps being take to enhance fan-base accessibility...+ EWF/Chicago Tour next year... As noted on this board and other places as well on the net, it was recently announced that EWF/Chicago will tour again next year and "last" but not by any means " least"...the NEW CD is to be released in Feb/2005...... WOW..i cannot wait! -- A FAN, 09:23:00 10/29/04 Fri
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  • EWF/Chicago concert on Pay-Per-View -- ShiningStar730, 01:40:15 10/21/04 Thu
    From http://www.qctimes.com/internal.php?story_id=1037652&t=Clubs%2C+Music&c=5,1037652

    They (EWF & Chicago)'ll likely tour together again next year, both Loughnane and Johnson said.
    .
    “It’s been very professional, very musical and very much fun,” Loughnane said. “That kind of formula you don’t want to stop.”

    A DVD version of the concert is on tap for next year, and the concert will be seen on pay-per-view this fall. The two previously mentioned collaborations will be part of a “Chicago Love Songs” package to be released in time for next Valentine’s Day..

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  • EWF And The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra (Spring 2005)? -- Hiroshi, 19:39:07 10/27/04 Wed
    A fellow EWF fan sent me this information. See link, www.symphonicjazzorchestra.org/Default.asp

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  • Maurice and EWF music on Broadway!!! And EWF collaborating with Kenny G -- Allnall, 09:08:43 10/26/04 Tue
    http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/variety/20041025/va_th_ne/ewf_duets_with_hines_on__hott_feett_1


    http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/10-25-2004/0002308867&EDATE=

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  • EWF at the Pechanga Resort -- Scott, 16:58:24 10/19/04 Tue
    October 2, 2004

    Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA

    Earth, Wind & Fire was on fire. They played all their great songs with a new spirit. The music was fresh and different but at the same time, it was what we love. The group has new life and the emphasis is on the music. Everyone on stage got a chance to shine. The percussion of Ralph Johnson, David Whitworth and Philip Bailey was awesome and well rehearsed. Philip even thrilled us with playing the Kalimba. The vocal arrangements were wonderful as well. Crystal Bailey, looking as beautiful as ever, blessed us all night on stage with her voice and showed off her and Philip’s four month old baby boy, Jaleel. (What a cutie.) We know Ralph and David can sing and they sounded great. Ralph was strong as always on “Getaway.” (By the way, everyone should all pick up a copy of Ralph’s “Audio Caviar” CD. It is awesome.) John Paris, a terrific drummer, even got to show off his vocal talent, surprised us all. The Horn Section was tight. Gary and Reggie showed off. (Please get their solo albums “2 B Free” and “Boneplicity” if don’t have them already). Though I miss Ray Brown, the new trumpet player, Bob Burns, is fantastic, crisp and sharp. “Runnin” allowed solos galore. The guitars, Vadim Zilbershtein & Greg Moore, were awesome as well all night from “I’ll Write A Song For You” to “Shining Star”. These guys can play! It was like the old Al McKay/Johnny Graham days or more recently with Sheldon Reynolds. Myron McKinley, outstanding on keyboards, showed us his talents and played a beautiful solo that melted into “Fantasy.” Verdine White, what can I say? Dino is the FIRE. He has more energy than a nuclear reactor. I think he keeps everyone young. And Philip’s voice….he keeps getting better and better. His range is unbelievable and we heard it all. There is so much talent in this group that it is hard to put a description in words. You watch the show and just say “Wow”. I found myself looking up and thanking God that I was there.

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  • Was just wonderin....if anyone had gone to the Vegas shows????(EWF) and have any feedback about how the shows were????? -- A FAN, 15:50:15 10/10/04 Sun
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  • Read this interesting article I found regarding "Payla", EWF and a Stevie Wonder-owned radio station!!! -- Allnall, 16:46:25 10/01/04 Fri
    http://celebrityjustice.warnerbros.com/news/0409/30b.html

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  • Earth, Wind & Fire - September 22, 2004 Show -- EWF Angels, 12:43:47 09/27/04 Mon
    Earth, Wind & Fire Rocks!
    Thousand Oaks, CA
    September 22nd, 2004

    Earth, Wind & Fire’s concert last night was absolutely terrific. It was truly outstanding. It was one of those magical moments were everyone was elevated. The audience couldn’t get enough and for most of the night we were on our feet dancing, singing and cheering, waving and clapping our hands. Each song they performed was like hearing it ‘live’ for the first time. They blew us away with their amazing musicianship. This magnificent show could have gone on for at least another hour or so, if we had any say. Each member of Earth, Wind and Fire brought to the forefront their unique talents, which were synchronized and harmonized to the greatest degree. Philip Bailey hit notes that we haven’t heard him hit in years. We were all caught up in the rapture of Earth, Wind & Fire and they were caught up in the rapture of their beloved fans.

    Set List:
    1. Intro to “Fall In Love With Me”
    2. Boogie Wonderland/System Of Survival/Boogie Wonderland
    3. Jupiter
    4. Getaway
    5. Philip speaks to the audience
    6. Serpentine Fire
    7. Kalimba Story
    8. Evil
    9. Got To Get You Into My Life
    10. Runnin’
    11. Brazilian Rhyme
    12. I’ll Write A Song For You
    13. After The Love Has Gone
    14. Reasons
    15. Introduction of the band
    16. Devotion
    17. Sing A Song
    18. Shining Star
    19. Keyboard Solo (Myron McKinley)
    20. Fantasy
    21. September
    22. Let’s Groove
    23. Mighty Mighty
    24. That’s The Way Of The World

    Highlights:
    -“Kalimba Story”, solos by Philip (kalimba & congas)
    -“Evil”, solos by Philip (timbales, kalimba), Bobby Burns, Jr. (trumpet) and an all out percussion jam by Philip, Ralph, John, and B. David Whitworth. New twist on an old tune.
    -“Runnin’”, solos by Myron McKinley (keyboards), Vadim Z. & G. Mo (guitars), and Reggie Young (trombone). Sounded real jazzy, which I really liked. It was smokin’, with the lights and all.
    -“Brazilian Rhyme”, Vadim Z. & G. Mo on acoustic guitars.
    -“Reasons”, solos by Vadim G. (guitar) and Gary Bias (sax). First time I’ve seen/heard a guitar solo during “Reasons”. Vadim Z. and Gary battled it out at the end.
    -“Devotion”, they did something to this song and it worked. It had a fresh sound to it, not like in the past.

    **** Ralph signed copies of his Audio Caviar CD in the lobby after the show.

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  • For those of you who may not know, OUTKAST is out with a neew single called "The Way You Move". I saw a video on MTV and this song sounds sooo much like EWF, down to the horns and vocals. Sounds like they were definitely looking to show of the EWF influence on this tune. Check it out if you can.....http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-1/1064123668277820.xml -- Allnall, 12:04:25 09/22/03 Mon
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  • 2 new dvds coming up -- henne, 03:07:56 09/20/04 Mon
    Live from New York 1998?

    http://www.hmv.co.jp/search/artist.asp?page=6&artistcode=000000000002545&Keyword2=earth%2Cwind+and+fire#DVD

    Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1997/1998

    http://www.play.com/play247.asp?page=search&searchtype=rmtitle&searchstring=earth+wind+fire

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  • Now you all know that I a not one to spread rumors BUT, a little birdie told me that Larry Dunn, Sheldon Reynolds, and Morris Pleasure are going to release an AMAZING cd that is TRIBUTE TO EARTH WIND AND FIRE. OH YEAH! MUSICAL MASTERMINDS AT WORK! -- creamypeaches, 23:08:05 09/15/04 Wed
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  • Some additional info on Raphael Saadiq work on the new EWF album -- Allnall, 08:32:36 09/13/04 Mon
    http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040911/music_nm/music_saadiq_dc_1

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  • Setlist from 9/4th show in Tokyo -- ShiningStar730, 01:40:05 09/10/04 Fri
    Here is the setlist from last Saturday's show in Budokan, courtesy of Yasuhe:

    1.Fall In Love With Me
    2. Boogie Wonderland
    3.System Of Survival (MW)
    4.Jupiter (MW)
    5.Getaway (MW)
    6.Serpentine Fire
    7.Kalimba Story (MW)
    8.Evil (MW)
    9.Got To Get You Into My Life (MW)
    10.Runnin'
    11.Brazilian Rhyme
    12.I'll Write A Song For You
    13.After The Love Is Gone
    14.Reasons
    15.Devotion
    16.Sing A Song
    17.Shining Star
    18.Fantasy
    19.September (MW)
    20.Let's Groove (MW)
    21.Mighty Mighty (MW)
    encore
    22.That's The Way Of The World (MW)
    (MW)- Maurice performed these songs by kalimba or vocal

    Maurice was described as being "fine and powerful". Those lucky Japanese fans! I'm sure EWF "rocked da house" with or without the earthquakes.

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  • Tokyo Shows: Attended shows on Friday and Saturday night...both were great..but the Saturday night show was `off the hook` -- A FAN, 09:52:08 09/05/04 Sun
    All i can say is that EWF continue to amaze me with their performances..David W(vocals and percussion) was fabulous...he was all over the place...the horn section all had solos during the show...i don`t really know the new trumphet player that well, but he was realy good..and as far as Reggie Young and Gary Bias ..what can i say!.....Greg Moore and Vhalim(forgive my spelling) were wonderful with their solo performances as well..and as usual Mr. Verdine White(bass guitar) was his usual self. Philip Bailey(Lead vocals and percussions) and Ralph Johnson(vocals and percussions) were fabulous...and then there was Mr. Maurice White..well..the place went wild when he appeared..his performance was unforgettable..

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  • Newspaper Article regarding EWF in South Africa?...NOT TRUE!!!!! -- A FAN, 16:21:07 08/28/04 Sat
    As many of you know,and for those who do not know, EWF are scheduled to perform in Japan (several cities in Japan), beginning over the next 2 weeks YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!...There is apparently a newspaper article out(online is where i found it) that EWF are at present(right now) in South Africa(Johannesberg) and will be there till later part of next week. EARTH,WIND AND FIRE (Elements of the Universe) as we know them, ARE NOT in South Africa and the shows in JAPAN WILL GO ON AS SCHEDULED! YES! YES! YES!

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  • New Fall Tour Dates for EWF/Chicago -- ShiningStar730, 01:34:23 09/01/04 Wed
    Well, A FAN and everybody else. The new Fall dates have just been announced, courtesy of Chicagofans.org forum.

    Sun 10/17-Mobile,AL-Civic Center
    Mon 10/18-New Orleans,La-New Orleans Arena
    Wed 10/20-Austin,TX-The Backyard
    Thur 10/21-Hidalgo,TX-Dodge Arena
    Fri 10/22-Laredo,TX-Laredo Entertainment Center
    Sun 10/24-Little Rock,AK-Alltel
    Tue 10/26-Green Bay,WI-Resch Center
    Wed 10/27-Moline,IL-Mark of the Quads
    Fri 10/29-Atlantic City,NJ-The Borgata
    Mon 11/1-Uncasville,CT-Mohegan Sun
    Wed 11/3-Baltimore,MD-1st Mariner Arena
    Thur 11/4-Trenton, NJ-Sovereign Bank Arena
    Fri 11/5-Reading,PA-Soverign Center
    Sun 11/6-Portland,ME-CCCC

    Make sure to catch one of the shows if you haven't already done so! This is a must see for all EWF fans and anyone who enjoys good music!

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  • PARTIAL TRACKLIST FOR EW&F's NEW CD "ELEVATED"? -- DavidEye, 07:33:39 08/20/04 Fri
    "Love Together"
    "Show Me"
    "Elevated"
    "Let Me Love You"
    "Autumn"
    "Happiness"
    "Illumination"
    "VooDoo Child" (from the Jimi Hendrix tribute album)

    ??????????

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  • HEADS UP, EVERYBODY!!!!...for those who don't already know... -- A FAN, 08:33:04 08/19/04 Thu
    Well....seems that on August 17th. at Greek Theatre in LA...EWF and Chicago did their last of the SUMMER TOUR shows with the two of them...and shot a DVD.. ..WOW!!!!!!!!
    EWF will resume in the fall with Chicago for 14 dates..(will keep ya posted if I hear more...specifically when the tour will recommence/venues and dates)..

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  • I guess we all know now...it seems pretty official: Earth Wind & Fire Signs With Mathew Knowles' Sanctuary Urban Group. Hopefully EWF will get the PR they deserve for success with there next cd. -- creamypeaches, 02:53:06 08/19/04 Thu
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  • Morris Pleasure's : ELEMENTS OF PLEASURE now available at CDbaby.com -- A FAN, 09:28:49 07/06/04 Tue
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  • From http://www.soul-patrol.com r/t Mo Pleasure's ELEMENTS OF PLEASURE.......(sign up for their free newletter: http://www.soul-patrol.com/newsletter) -- A FAN, 03:40:13 08/15/04 Sun
    "* MORRIS PLEASURE - ELEMENTS OF PLEASURE
    Jazz/Soul

    This solo effort by the former member of Earth, Wind and Fire is one of
    the best CD's I've
    heard this year. It's an all-star cast including Philip Bailey, Maxayn,
    Larry Dunn, Boney
    James, Sheldon Reynolds, Pebo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Micheal McDonald
    and Soul-Patrol's very
    own love man WILL WHEATON. It's 'grown folks music' that you can place
    right next to your
    favorite albums from CTI from back in the day."

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  • New concert review....what do you think? -- Allnall, 12:11:19 08/05/04 Thu
    http://www.jsonline.com/onwisconsin/music/aug04/248733.asp

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  • September Music -- Chris, 18:11:37 08/10/04 Tue
    Does anyone know where I can find instrumental music on CD or any format really for the fantastic Earth Wind & Fire song - September? I need it for my upcoming Anniversary. Please e-mail me any info you might have. Thanks in advance.

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  • New Earth Wind & Fire CD "Elevated" is due September 28! -- DavidEye, 08:56:48 08/11/04 Wed
    According to CDUniverse,the new Earth Wind and Fire CD is titled "Elevated" and is due on Tuesday September 28.

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  • Newspaper review ---- http://www.palmbeachpost.com/accent/content/accent/0729review.html -- Allnall, 14:16:04 07/29/04 Thu
    Well ShiningStar/A Fan.....how about another review.........


    Review: Chicago/Earth, Wind and Fire show gets WPB dancing
    By LESLIE GRAY STREETER

    Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

    Thursday, July 29, 2004

    Hey, you guys who played that energetic, jam-laden show at Sound Advice Ampitheater Wednesday night! I know you're actually two separate bands, but the parts you played together were so mind-blowingly perfect, I think you should consider just forming one big group forever and ever.

    And you should call it Earth, Fire and Windy City!

    Corny? Sure. I'd have thought of something more clever, but I'm too happily exhausted from dancing and screaming at the Chicago/Earth, Wind and Fire show to do more.

    At first, the two veteran bands might seem an odd fit: The men of Chicago in their khakis, jeans and T-shirts dancing around with EWF and their billowy, sparkly-spangled ensembles. But on stage, it makes sense.

    Both bands were revolutionary in their melding of jazz, rock and soul elements. Both made excellent use of their wicked horn sections. And both have members who can sing, play multiple instruments and move around the stage a lot so you can't keep track of them.

    And the ethnically diverse crowd of enthusiastic and slightly tipsy Baby Boomers were dancing around with them.

    "I see a lot of flower children and hippies out there," said EWF singer Philip Bailey, he of the stratospheric falsetto. "I'm not ashamed. I was a sure enough hippie."

    The groups started the show together with a 20-minute jam session that began, appropriately, with Chicago's Beginnings and a giddily hazy torrent of horns and harmony, and followed with EWF's In The Stone.

    After trading off a couple more times, Chicago left the stage for EWF's full set, which started with Boogie Wonderland. And in case you wondered, the "boogie" was not a suggestion.

    "You know Earth Wind and Fire don't have no wallflowers!" Bailey informed the crowd, as singer and drummer Ralph Johnson and bassist Verdine White, clad as always in fabulous flippy hair and spangly pants, directed sitting audience members from their seats.

    The hits just kept on coming, including Get Away, a ridiculously rocking sing-along version of Got To Get You Into My Life, and a surprise cameo by Chicago's Bill Champlin, singing the EWF hit After The Love Has Gone, which he apparently wrote. Who knew?

    The transition between EWF's and Chicago's set dragged on a little bit, and a drum showdown between Johnson and Chicago percussionist Tris Imboden started out fun but then started to feel like filler. No matter - Chicago's subsequent jaunt through their early 1970s jam-happy glory and their 1980s Peter Cetera ballad haze more than made up for it.

    The horns? Mind-blowing. The songs, including the Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon suite, Hard To Say I'm Sorry and a sublime Feeling Stronger Every Day? Ditto. Occasionally, the mix overpowered the more subtle tenor of singer/bassist Jason Scheff, but the harmonies were amazing.

    Again, band cross-pollination was a highlight, with EWF's Bailey expertly filling in for the departed Cetera on If You Leave Me Now.

    Perhaps that should have been a clue to the bang-up delight of the encore, which brought the two bands back together to slingshot between their material. Starting with EWF's September and ending with a gritty, triumphant take on Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4, every person on that stage just sang, played, jumped and danced the heck out of those songs.

    There is an almost indescribable pleasure in seeing masters of their game at the top of that game, particularly when it involves timeless music. And sparkly pants.

    After an emotionally satisfying curtain call, in which the founders of both bands clasped arms and came forward together, EWF's Johnson kept running back onstage to fling T-shirts and drumsticks into the crowd. It's almost as if he didn't want it to end.

    I completely understand.

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  • Tampa Show Review -- ShiningStar730, 11:46:59 07/29/04 Thu
    Published Thursday, July 29, 2004
    Chicago, EW&F Give Double Dose of Fun
    By Bill Dean
    The Ledger
    bill.dean@theledger.com

    The question of who came up with the idea for a combined concert by Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire deserves elite status in the pantheon of urban legends.

    Who cares if alligators actually haunt the sewers of New York? Whoever paired these two disparate, hit-laden, 1970s groups deserves a medal -- or at least a job heading up the major record label of your choice.

    The matchup, as proven Tuesday at Tampa's new Ford Amphitheatre, deserves to go down as one of the most inspired casting calls for concerts in modern touring.

    Rather than result in a "cobilled" show where one act is dragged kicking and screaming to open for the other, this tour delivered the kind of finale rarely seen in American concert halls.

    In a year of national and political division, who would've counted on two such bands playing together to produce one of the most striking images of unity in the country in a while?

    The 30-minute finish of Tuesday's 31/2-hour show, when both bands joined forces for six of their most rousing hits (including "Shining Star," "25 or 6 to 4" and "Sing A Song"), would've been enough to send most of the near 11,000 in attendance home happy.

    The concert's kickoff, when the bands combined their 21 members onstage to sandwich Earth, Wind & Fire's "In The Stone" with Chicago's "Beginnings" and "Dialogue (Part I & II)" (a 1972 political statement about the Vietnam War and the nation's feelings at the time), was a portent of things to come.

    Each group then played separate, hour-long sets, which, fed by the energy of the night, came across even better than if they had performed in solo concerts.

    After the intro, singers Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and Robert Lamm of Chicago, co-founding leaders of each band, tossed a coin to decide which group would go first.

    That probably was a stunt; it's far more likely that each band simply alternates going first on each night of the tour. (Note - EWF goes first on all the shows so far)

    Regardless, Earth, Wind & Fire played a galvanizing first set in which the group combined such funk-fest crowd pleasers as "Boogie Wonderland," "Getaway" and "Serpentine Fire" with slower favorites, such as "After the Love Has Gone," "That's the Way of the World" and "Reasons."

    For its solo set, Chicago began with the impressive suite "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" (which included the early 1970s hits "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World"). Other hits followed, including "Saturday in the Park," "Old Days," "Just You 'n' Me" and "Feelin' Stronger Every Day."

    Just how well the two horn-filled groups get along was shown when Bailey joined Chicago for "If You Leave Me Now" -- one of Chicago's biggest hits, which originally was sung by Peter Cetera, the long-departed lead singer of the group whose shoes were more than filled by Bailey on the number.

    But it was the combined finale, which also included Earth, Wind & Fire's "September," and Chicago's "Free" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" that sent the show into outer orbit.

    Bailey, Lamm and others freely swapped vocals on each other's hits, while the combined six-piece brass sections of each group (saxophone, trombone and trumpet each) lined up at stage front to bring the house down.

    With each group's horn-filled hits along for the ride, the tour's pairing wasn't as much of a stretch as individual fans might've thought at first.

    Instead, the night showed a logical pairing of two workhorses; proving decisively that promoters hadn't simply mixed up Chicago's zip code with the Ohio Players, but relied on keen inspiration instead.

    And the crowd, which stood throughout the finish, couldn't have agreed more.

    Bill Dean can be reached at bill.dean@theledger.com

    LINK:
    http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040729/NEWS/407290355/1021

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  • STRONG POSSIBILITY: Some of you may know this already...but for those who do not...there is a strong possibility (not sure if all the "t's" are crossed and "'i's" dotted...but there is likelihood that there will be a FALL TOUR with EWF/CHICAGO...I am not certain as to when it will begin or actual tour schedule..but if i find out anything, will put it here. (if others know more...feel free to keep us posted, right?) -- A FAN, 09:06:52 07/14/04 Wed
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  • New concert for EWF on October 4 -- Allnall, 17:27:37 07/26/04 Mon
    http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories2004/entertainment/20040726035234.shtml

    Check out this story. For any Californian fans this should be a definite!!!!

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  • 2 concert reviews to just show how bad the boys are on this current tour. -- Allnall, 18:14:32 07/16/04 Fri
    http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1725&dept_id=498331&newsid=12339616&PAG=461&rfi=9

    http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2004/072004/07152004/1427474

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  • I hear Larry Dunn is on Jill Scott new CD...anyone else here anything -- mocha, 21:01:11 07/15/04 Thu
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  • NAME OF EWF SONG SAMPLED BY OUTKAST -- queen1939, 18:10:43 07/13/04 Tue
    can someone please tell me the name of the song that OutKast sampled for THE WAY YOU MOVE.

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  • A New DVD coming up???? -- Swiebertje, 18:01:53 07/12/04 Mon
    http://www.hmv.co.jp/search/artist.asp?page=6&artistcode=000000000002545&Keyword2=earth%2Cwind+and+fire#DVD

    Called Live from New York. Release date September 24, 2004

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  • Mo Pleasure's Elements of Pleasure CD is "Da Bomb"with many tunes that are simply fabulous.He is definately a Genius!Some of the turnes include: Together Again, feat. a singer named Maxayne (beautiful voice) In the Stone feat. L.Dunn, Beyond the Stars feat. B. David Whitworth, Summer Fling feat.Boney James, Dancin with You feat. Sheldon Reynolds & others, and We are One feat. Maxayn, Paebo, Sheena E, Oleta A & Michael McDonald, etc.to name a few!.. with Morris P playing Piano, Keyboards, Bass, Trumphet, Flugelhorn and Guitar...wow..gonna be sold online soon! -- A FAN, 14:27:39 06/06/04 Sun
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  • Great review from recent Pittsburgh show -- Allnall, 13:43:46 06/25/04 Fri
    http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04177/337104.stm


    Seems that from all I have read, the concerts are a great success and very-well received. Phil, Ralph, Verdine and all are really bringing it up a few notches and new guy Vadim is really making his presence felt. Keep it up!!!

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  • EARTH,WIND AND FIRE/CHICAGO TOUR...Review: FAB-U-LOUS!!!!!! -- A FAN, 09:44:34 06/21/04 Mon
    Was able to catch the show this weekend. talk about AMAZIN!!!..EWF just gets better and better!!!!!HUGH crowd.. the atmosphere was "pumped"..everyone was otta their seats most of time.The band Chicago were GREAT...it seemed that there was great "karma" between the two bands..they ALL seem to be having fun..the collaboration of EWF and Chicago for this tour seemed to have been a great move. At one point during the show Phil played the kalimba and Ralph played the drums…(besides playing percussions/singin); the horn sections for both bands were just fantastic(separately and together);Verdine was his usual energetic self as he moved constantly from one end of stage to another; B.David Wh. was all over the stage as well....singing/percussions/dancin..WOW..WOW!!..who could possibly sit still with all that happenin. Hey, if any of u get a chance to see a show or did not think EWF was a good match with Chicago (or vice versa) for this tour..(as I did initially)...dispell that myth and GO AND SEE THE SHOW.
    U will definitely see the best of EWF /Chicago and have a simply fabulous time...
    This show is one of the BEST I have seen....EWF...hey, "SMOKIN"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(and like fine wine)

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  • Very interesting...in an interview for the Weekend edition of the Northwest Indiana Post Tribune...Ralph J said the following regarding the EWF CD "The Promise": "Johnson has accepted the possibility that EWF may never again enjoy its former massive popularity. Johnson,though, said sales aren't all important to the members of EWF at this point in their careers. We're not trying to chase after mainstream radio or that urban adult audience...we're not trying to chase after chart numbers, nor are we trying to chase after musical fads" -- A FAN, 13:11:54 06/18/04 Fri
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  • Sheldon Reynold, an alumus of EWF has co produced an outstanding CD that is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix As previously mentioned, this CD has has awesome interpretations of the music of Hendrix The CD is a guitar lovers dream. This compilation has masterful artist who give their interpretation of music that obviously inspired them.The Cd takes you to the land of funk, soul, r&b, rock and inspiration. Sheldon does an outstanding job with Voodoo Child and Who Knows. Check it out at Amazon.com...Power of Soul-A tribute to Jimi Hendrix. It is also available at Tower Records in Chicago. -- creamypeaches, 01:38:19 05/31/04 Mon
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  • Current updates for all things EWF and EWF-related -- Allnall, 17:40:39 05/19/04 Wed

    Found out some info on the group...

    They are currently in the midst of about 3+ weeks of rehearsing for the upcoming Chicago/EWF tour extravaganza.....From what I understand the concerts are supposed to include about 3+ hrs of their performances, separate and joint on stage...from all WEB comments I have "stumbled on" about the tour most people are jazzed up about the prospect..even media types I have read in their paper columns seem to be looking forward to this..

    Also..I posted on Startalk that apparently EWF has signed with a label run by Beyonce's father and that she is also writning something for their new CD.... Angie Stone is again supposed to contribute..

    On EWF related news, our beloved ex-EWF keyboardist Morris Pleasure has FINALLY finished his new CD!!! He is apparently awaiting final PR completion and has plans to put the CD out on CDBaby.com in the next few weeks for dale to the public. I understand there are supposed to be alot of very interesting collaborations...including EWF members and other luminaries in the Jazz and POP field. Sounds real tasty!

    I also found out that he has a club date (for those in California!!!) set for May 25 at the RIO Club in Encino, California. Too bad I am on the EAST coast. Oh well...

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  • The REAL DEAL with EWF........ -- Allnall, 07:56:38 03/30/04 Tue
    Just want to clear up some issues regarding the latest incarnation of the EWF line-up.

    I had the pleasure of making the trip to London 3-24 and 3-25 to see them perform at the Hammersmith Apollo. Both concerts were off the hook. The crowd was into the show from the opening number "Booogie Wonderland" and the energy did not let up until the end. The atmosphere was truly like at a club, people were jumping up and down, swaying, dancing and singing along to every song...Phil, ralph and Verdine seemed amazed at the crowd reaction and many times stopped singing to listen to the audience singin the words.

    Highlights....They played more jazz....horn solos by Reggie...in "Runnin' and in "Kalimba Story" (when did you ever hear them play that live in concert???)...They spotlighted David Whitworth who sang lead on "Cant Hide Love" and he was really great. I for one, am truly happy to see him get featured as he not only can sing, but is such an energetic performer that he deserves to get the spotlight....one of the new guitarists named Vadim....well...that man played some incendiary solos and was funky...truly a throwback to the days when Sheldon was with the group...the grooves were powerful and you could hear the passion in the guitar licks...John Paris on drums...I never heard him play better...he seemed to rise to the occasion and play some chops that had us admiring his prowess...you could hear him clearer and he sounded more powerful...(the sound was really great in the arena)...Myron on keys....his solos were funky, jazzy and I feel for the first time you were really able to hear his talent...he was able to stretch out...

    As usual, Phil was great, Verdine...well he never changes..the FIRE of the group, with the most energy!!! and Ralph, who sang lead on Getaway with flourish and danced and played percussion all rised to the top level of performance....really was an unforgettable experience..

    After the show we were priveliged to sit down and chat with both Ralph and Verdine....Ralph asked us about the show....and what we thought of the latest line-up...judging by what we heard and saw, we remarked that the group sounded funkier, the groove was tighter and everyone seemed to sound like they were playing to their best..

    Ralph wanted us to clear up some issues....the group is NOT "cutting back" on personnel just to save costs..their intention is to go back to the way it was...one keyboard player (Myron), 2 guitarists (Greg Moore and Vadim), no fluff (dancers)...both Ralph, Phil and David Whitworth played percussion throughout the show so while Danny Reyes was a good addition to the group you really did not miss his absence in this latest incarnation....the focus returned to a more jazzy, improvisational approach to some of the songs to flesh them out...

    Verdine told me that as we know, they are recordig new stuff, with Dangel, Musiq Soulchild, Raphael Saadiq and a group called Floetry...he said the music is funky and when I told him that he must make sure to get all their DJ friends to play the stuff when it comes out since we had so much trouble to get "The Promise" played, he said "Dont Worry, they wont have a choice not to play the stuff..it's so Bad!!! ....

    Now you know where they are heading....I for one can say that they sound as good as I have ever heard them...and that aint no lie!

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  • Morris Pleasure in very recent Jazz show - Barbados -- Allnall, 22:19:08 04/20/04 Tue
    http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=17269

    Take a look. Former EWF keyboard great Morris Pleasure shows up in Jazz show waaay down in Barbados. Great to see him doing his thang and being active. Give it up for MO!!!!

    Also noted that coming soon is the Hendrix tribute CD where Morris joins EWF former alumni Larry Dunn and others with a contribution to the CD. Of course we ALL know that EWF also will grace this CD with their remake of Voodoo Chile....Something else to look forward to.

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  • Morris Pleasure Jazz concert in Barbados -- Allnall, 22:16:41 04/20/04 Tue
    http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=17269

    Take a look. Former EWF keyboard great Morris Pleasure shows up in Jazz show waaay down in Barbados. Great to see him doing his thang and being active. Give it up for MO!!!!

    Also noted that coming soon is the Hendrix tribute CD where Morris joins EWF former alumni Larry Dunn and others with a contribution to the CD. Of course we ALL know that EWF also will grace this CD with their remake of Voodoo Chile....Something else to look forward to.

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  • EWF/Chicago Tour Dates Just Announced!!! -- ShiningStar730, 03:59:29 03/25/04 Thu
    Hi to all the Fireheads, just in case some of you don't have the time to check out the other EWF forums, here are the tour dates as announced by Chicago's webmaster:

    CHICAGO / EARTH, WIND & FIRE

    6/11 - Dallas - Smirnoff Music Centre
    6/12 - Houston - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
    6/15 - Cincinnati - Riverbend Music Center
    6/17 - Detroit - DTE Energy Music Theatre
    6/18 - Indianapolis - Verizon Wireless Music Center
    6/19 - Chicago - Tweeter Center
    6/20 - Columbus - Germain Amphitheater
    6/22 - Cleveland - Tower City Amphitheatre
    6/23 - Pittsburgh - Post-Gazette Pavilion
    6/25 - New Jersey - PNC Bank Arts Center
    6/26 - Hartford - Meadows Music Theatre
    6/30 - Boston - Tweeter Center
    7/1 - Manchester - Verizon Wireless Arena
    7/2 - Philadelphia - Tweeter Center by The Waterfront
    7/3 - Long Island - Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach
    7/6 - Virginia Beach - Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater
    7/8 - Washington DC - Nissan Pavilion
    7/9 - Raleigh - Alltel Pavilion
    7/10 - Charlotte - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
    7/11 - Atlanta - Chastain Park
    7/27 - Tampa - Tampa Bay Amphitheater
    7/28 - West Palm Beach - Sound Advice Amphitheatre
    7/30 - Nashville - Starwood Amphitheatre
    7/31 - St. Louis - UMB Bank Pavilion
    8/1 - Kansas City - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
    8/3 - Milwaukee - Marcus Amphitheater
    8/4 - Minneapolis - Target Center
    8/6 - Denver - Universal Lending Pavilion
    8/7 - Albuquerque - Journal Pavilion
    8/8 - Phoenix - Dodge Theatre
    8/10 - Los Angeles - Greek Theatre
    8/11 - Los Angeles - Greek Theatre
    8/13 - San Francisco - Chronicle Pavilion
    8/15 - Seattle - White River Amphitheater

    This is the way they were posted at one of the Chicago forums by Chicago's webmaster, though the information given on the official Chicago site is a bit different. Maurice mentioned the following over at Startalk forum:
    "...I'm thinking about joining them on the road for a few dates -- I'm really looking forward to it." Get ready for the HOTTEST tour this summer!

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  • New Album! -- hackertack, 18:43:14 03/25/04 Thu
    Just got back from the London show the Fire are still burning after all these years!!

    Anyway, Phil B and Verdine W have just been interviewed on BBC Radio 2 and confirmed that they are in the process of recording a new album right now! I don't know where they get the time with all the touring but there you go. Phil B said they are in a great place creatively at the moment. I can't wait

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