Earth, Wind & Fire were one of the most musically accomplished,
critically acclaimed, and commercially popular funk bands of the '70s.
Conceived by drummer, bandleader, songwriter, kalimba player, and
occasional vocalist Maurice White, EWF's all-encompassing musical
vision used funk as its foundation, but also incorporated jazz, smooth
soul, gospel, pop, rock & roll, psychedelia, blues, folk, African
music, and, later on, disco.
Lead singer Philip Bailey gave EWF
an extra dimension with his talent for crooning sentimental ballads in
addition to funk workouts; behind him, the band could harmonize like a
smooth Motown group, work a simmering groove like the J.B.'s, or
improvise like a jazz fusion outfit. Plus, their stage shows were often
just as elaborate and dynamic as George Clinton's P-Funk empire. More
than just versatility for its own sake, EWF's eclecticism was part of a
broader concept informed by a cosmic, mystical spirituality and an
uplifting positivity the likes of which hadn't been seen since the
early days of Sly & the Family Stone.
Tying it all together
was the accomplished songwriting of Maurice White, whose intricate,
unpredictable arrangements and firm grasp of hooks and structure made
EWF one of the tightest bands in funk when they wanted to be. Not
everything they tried worked, but at their best, Earth, Wind & Fire
seemingly took all that came before them and wrapped it up into one
dizzying, spectacular package.
© 2008
