Saw Earth Wind and Fire Last Night

markjazzbassist · #1 08-02-2006, 07:53 AM

I saw Earth Wind and Fire last night at Tower City Ampetheater here in Cleveland. It was a great show. They played literally non-stop for an hour and a half. They played two sets and an encore. They still have the groove and mojo they used to, and the horn section was SLAMMIN. The horn players all got many solos and they sounded great. Verdine White was his usual self, wearing a pink jumpsuit and dancing around stage all funky like. It was a great show, well worth the money.

Also, Chris Botti oppened for them. DANG, was he and his band slamming. I thought he was a smooth jazz cat, but dang his band and him were playing straight up jazz, bop, and groove-funk tunes. They really, and i mean REALLY impressed me. All the cats took solos (except the bassist) and they were all amazing. The lineup was, Chris Botti-trumpet, Billy Childs-Keys, Billy Kilson-drums, James Genus-Bass, and Marc Whitfield-guitar. The guitarist and keys players were especially slamming. WOW, what an opener. It really was a nice treat since we weren't expecting much.

JimK · #2 08-02-2006, 08:54 AM

Damn, Botti's band is comprised of some slammin' players...he must be paying them very, very well.

I'm surprised Genus didn't take a solo.

I suggest checking out some early Billy Childs' albums...you should a McCoy Tyner influence. Those early records are sometimes 50/50 on acoustic/electric bass. Tony Dumas usually plays URB, Jimmy Johnson (of Holdsworth's I.O.U., James Taylor, etc) playes the electric.

Billy Kilson...pick up the Dave Holland 5-tet stuff (e.g. Prime Dircetive, Live At Birdland, etc).

You can hear more Genus with the later edition of the Brecker Brothers.

jerry · #3 08-02-2006, 09:13 AM

I hate to ask but, did Verdine play all night, or where there tracks? Just curious....

stretchcat · #4 08-02-2006, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

I suggest checking out some early Billy Childs' albums...you should a McCoy Tyner influence. Those early records are sometimes 50/50 on acoustic/electric bass. Tony Dumas usually plays URB, Jimmy Johnson (of Holdsworth's I.O.U., James Taylor, etc) playes the electric.

+ 1 I have a bunch of Billy Childs CDs. I think I prefer his writing to his piano playing. (He is still a great player)

markjazzbassist · #5 08-02-2006, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry

I hate to ask but, did Verdine play all night, or where there tracks? Just curious....

I'm pretty sure it was live. I was somewhat hesitant too because of all the talk on here and elsewhere about the playing to tracks. But, most of the members took solos and i watched Verdine 80% of the time and from where i was (middle, 10-15 rows back, great seats) it looked like he was playing.