Well, this was a surprise! I probably should have known, since I usually say that Earth Wind and Fire is one of my top five bands. But I really wasn't expecting much. After All, Maurice White wasn't touring with them anymore. I had seen EWF many times before, but Helena had never seen them except on video.

Everytime I've seen them in concert, they've put on an amazing show. Great music, energy, lights, magic, you name it they've done it. I just figured this was cash in time for these guys - they're coasting. The albums in the past few years have been okay - nothing to get really excited about, though.

So we get to the Shoreline (which I usually try to avoid, BTW) and we're in seats about halfway back, somewhat center. Not too bad, but you still mostly just watch on the video screens, cuz you just can't really see. So the show starts and it's Chicago AND Earth Wind and Fire on stage together. They play a Chicago song, and EWF song trading back and forth. And, damn it, the Chicago songs sound amazing with Philip Bailey singing and wouldn't you know it the EWF songs sound great with the Chicago horns added in.

I should have known.

They end up playing a few songs together and then the respective bands take turns on stage. First EWF and then Chicago. Near the end both bands come up together again. Earth Chicago and Fire (get it? the windy city.) Between the two bands they have 50 or so hits and they play EVERY one - including the EWF/Ramsey Lewis somewhat-hit "Sun Goddess." Three and a half hours later I realize I am blown away.

Chicago, the kings of schlock rock, just rocked. Philip Bailey's voice (with EWF and the songs he did with Chicago) is in better shape than ever. He can still hit those amazingly high notes with seeming ease. Verdine White, original EWF member and brother of Maurice, is one of the only ones that's not gotten overweight and watching him on stage, you can't help wondering if he's not just some ADD kid who's had too much sugar. He and his bass are all over the place jumping and twitching - just the catalyst behind this band's energy.

I almost traveled to Sac to see the show again the next day. If you've never seen the band live before, go see them they STILL get you out of the chairs. Find someone young to take (old school is back in) they will remember it forever.

If you've seen them before, then you know how it used to be. They still have it.

Pol

PS: They (EWF) have a new album coming out. I hope it's good. They played one or two tracks and they seemed pretty decent.

PPS: It's decent - I've since got it. A couple good tracks, most okay.

http://www.myspace.com/earthwindandfire
http://www.ewffanclub.com/
http://www.chicagotheband.com/