Earth, Wind & Fire is not ready to be assigned to the category of “old school” groups whose glory days are behind them – and for good reason.
After more than 40 years in the music business, the legendary band is still loved by fans around the world, and continues to have a very active touring schedule.
Also, its members still know how to deliver quality music while keeping up with the current trends, as shown by the album “Now, Then and Forever,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s first new release in eight years. It is currently on the Top Ten of Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop chart.
Lead vocalist Philip Bailey explained that the album is a reflection of the group’s legacy and everything that is often attributed to its signature sound – soaring harmonies, elegant horn arrangements, African-Latin influenced percussion, guitar-driven rhythms and empowering, positive lyrics.
“A lot of times you get away from those things as you attempt to grow,” Bailey said. “We had to go back and rediscover who we are.”
With the exception of a four-year hiatus during the late 1980’s, Earth, Wind & Fire has recorded and performed consistently for over four decades. However, they are best known for the hit songs released during their 1973-1981 heyday such as “Shining Star,” “Reasons,” “September,” “Can’t Hide Love,” “Serpentine Fire” and “Let’s Groove.”
Currently, the band is anchored by three founding members, including Bailey, bass guitarist Verdine White and percussionist-background vocalist Ralph Johnson.
“Now, Then and Forever” is designed to demonstrate that Earth, Wind & Fire can remain true to the style fans have come to love, while also staying relevant, bridging music of 20th and 21st centuries.
“My Promise,” the first single, is presented in the fun and upbeat style of 1977’s “Getaway.” Earth, Wind & Fire comes reassuringly close to its classic arrangements with the mid tempo “Love Is Law,” which also has a contemporary freshness that makes it radio friendly.
Of course, listeners are also treated to gorgeous ballads and positive social uplift tracks like “Guiding Lights” and “Got to Be Love”.
Earth, Wind & Fire revisits its jazz roots on “The Rush” and the instrumental “Splashes,” then bravely enters new territory with the pop-rock track “Night of My Life.”
Notably, “Now, Then and Forever” brings a couple of significant changes involving the band’s original personnel.
It is the first album without musical contributions from founding leader Maurice White, who retired from performing after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. White, however, did approve the new project and wrote a message to the group’s supporters in the album’s liner notes.
On the positive side, “Now, Then and Forever” marks the return of original keyboardist Larry Dunn, who co-wrote several songs and added elements of the group’s signature sound.
Verdine White views the new album as a tribute to everyone who has supported the group all of these years.
“Without the support of the fans around the world, Earth, Wind & Fire’s journey would not have been possible,” he said.
Eight years after the Grammy nominated “Illumination” project, the group chose to make a new album after considering its most recent accomplishments, such as reaching the one million mark on its Facebook page and completing a very successful overseas tour.
“When those kinds of things are happening, your impetus is to continue to do what you’re doing, because obviously you’re doing something right,” Bailey said. “And we’re having a lot of fun, we still enjoy what we do. We’re very blessed to be able to make a living making music.”
Did you know
Earth, Wind & Fire has Sold more than 90 million albums worldwide?
Recorded eight No. 1 R&B singles and eight double platinum Top 10 pop albums?
Earned eight Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards and the Soul Train Legend Award?
Been inducted into the Rock and Roll and Vocal Group halls of fame?
Performed at the White House for the first social event of President Barack Obama’s administration in 2009?
For more fun facts, visit earthwindandfire.com.
Most popular Earth, Wind & Fire songs in Indianapolis
This week the Recorder asked Indianapolis residents to give their favorite Earth, Wind & Fire song. Based on their votes, here is the Top Five list:
“That’s the Way of the World”
“Reasons”
“Devotion”
“After the Love Has Gone”
“Let’s Groove”
