Earth, Wind & Fire (1997)

Formed by Maurice White in 1970 in Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire are a band with a rich history. Together with Kool & the Gang and The Gap Band, Earth, Wind & Fire are responsible for the commercialization of funk, R&B, and black pop in America. The band has won ten Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. Earth, Wind & Fire are primarily known for their unique blend of funk, jazz, pop, R&B, disco and traditional African tunes. The band's leaders - Maurice White (who retired in 1995 for health reasons) and Philip Bailey - have also been successful as producers, arrangers and composers. Bailey, in particular, has had a notably successful solo career. During the years, he has collaborated with such music icons as Steve Wonder, Phil Collins, Brian McKnight, and Julio Iglesias. The band's stage presence is terrific. These are seasoned musicians that know exactly how to ignite their audience. From "Rock That" to "Devotion", their music groves hard - whether it is a funky tune or a jazzy piece with a couple of strong solo improvisations, there is always plenty of energy on the stage. What impresses the most about Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at Montreux, however, is how genuinely heartfelt and sincere the music is - nothing is forced, nothing is overdone, nothing is repetitive. It is a giant celebration of music, really, where everyone is encouraged to contribute.