Los Angeles, CA (www.earthwindandfire.com) - "From 8-Tracks To iPods", Earth Wind & Fire (EWF) has done it all; last Saturday, they did it all again...at Maranatha Community Church's 26th Anniversary Celebration. The reason for the meeting, was to celebrate the good work and faithful service, Dr. Billy G. Ingram (Founder/Pastor), and the congregation of Maranatha have given to the South Central LA community...But believe me when I say EWF blew it up!
It was the first time in their 35 year history that EWF had ever performed a full concert at a church. Bill Cherry (Cherry and Associates) was instrumental in pulling off this fabulous mix of pop, hip-hop and jazz. It didn't hurt that Phillip Bailey (EWF's lead vocalist) has been a member of Maranatha since the beginning.
Cal Bennett (remember that name) put the audience in the mood with a soulful renditions of his smooth jazz hits; "A Stolen Moment", "Ancient Memories", and more. The brother can blow that saxophone! He put Kenny G to shame, and amazed the crowd with his skillful manipulations of one of the most difficult instruments in the woodwind family.
Kevin Nash, a popular on-air personality with KJLH FM, showed a new side of himself, performing his local hit song, "A Love Beyond Space and Time. This insightful compilation reminded us of how great a relationship between a man and woman can be. Kevin's mellow, soothing and sensual voice is familiar to LA radio listeners, but when combined with his profound musical flair, that fuses the rhythmic sounds of R&B, Jazz, and poetry...it was something to behold.
KJLH turned out in full force to officiate and honor Maranatha Community Church. On air personalites; Andréa Russell, Tammi Mac, and Kevin Nash (doing double duty) were more then capable in their duties. They were charming, gracious and entertaining. Pastor Billy Ingram's, tribute to Black history month, "The Legacy" was one of KJLH most requested songs...Ever! (email me for a copy)
Tony Terry, renown R&B crooner from the 90's, not only performed all his hits, but wowed the crowd with a taste of his new album "Changed". Even though he readily admits his missteps in life, he musically profess his love of Christ, and life testimony, in songs that uplifted and moved everyone in the house. The boy can still hit a note that will rock your girls heart (not to mention yours). I'm still humming "With You".
J Moss came on stage with the flair of a Jay Z or P Diddy. Gospo Centric (his label) has a star on their hands...move over Kirk Franklin. He dances like Usher and sings as smooth as Pharrell. The boy got it going on! Out of all the acts performing, his was designed with the youngsters in mind. He has the unique ability to wrap the gospel in a cloak of danceable beats and rhythms that forces you to get up out your seat and dance (I meant Praise dance).
EWF entered the music scene in the seventies (remember 8-tracks), they issued a string of albums that changed the face of black popular music, linking funky dance beats with uplifting messages of racial pride and spiritual unity. They have maintained that spirit to this day with their new hit CD "Illumination".
They may no longer wear the flashy afrocentric outfits, that was they're trademark, nor float in the air magically, but the harmonies, brass arrangements, and sweet falsetto of Philip Bailey, are still as fresh and exciting as ever. From the first song to the last, nobody was seating down...It was a Party! Call it Old School, Neo Soul, or Pop, EWF has a sound that reaches into your soul and lifts you off your feet.
They played all their hits of yesterday, and gave the audience a taste of tomorrow. EWF's original front men, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White, (Maurice White did not perform) commanded the stage with the mastery that only comes from years of performing. Moving and interacting with their fans, like family at a park picnic. Nobody in the audience was more then 50 feet from the stage. It was truly and intimate performance.
New EWF members; B. David Whitworth (percussionist/vocalist), Vadim Zilberstein (lead guitarist), Krystal Bailey (vocalist), and Musical Director, Myron McKinley, all demonstrated that they have what it takes to carry on the EWF legacy. The band was as tight as ever, and the horn section, took the time to remind you why they're considered the best in the business.
I first saw EWF in the 70's, again in the 80's, then in the 90's, and their performance at Maranatha's 26th Anniversary Celebration, was one of the best I've ever seen. EWF left this week for the UK on their Illumination Tour. If you can't fly to Europe to see them, then run out and buy their new album...Their sound is as phenomenal as ever! You can follow their tour schedule and appearance at their official website https://www.earthwindandfire.com.
