Earth, Wind & Fire Celebrate Their 45 Year Legacy & Chicago Roots With No-Holds Barred Concert Party At Ravinia! Posted by dylan jordan , July 07, 2014 at 10:24 AM

When Maurice White moved from Memphis to Chicago as a young teen, little did he know that Chicago's jazz, blues and soul influences would have the impact on his music career that in effect, shaped his versatile music career.
 White, the founding Father of Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire, developed a futuristic vision that never wavered, even after experimenting with two separate female lead singer's in Sherry Scott and Jessica Cleaves, (which ultimately didn't pan out), White realized that there would be musical tweaks along the way.
 So in 1972, White invited Denver-based Philip Bailey to join the group and from that point on, Earth, Wind & Fire exploded onto the music scene, defining themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the studio and at sold-out concert stadiums.
 Combining their musical influences like Motown, John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughn (who you could really tell influenced Bailey during the show), Stevie Wonder and Dione Warwick, the group created a unique, one of a kind pop, funk, soul, rock and dance feel that would solidify their place in the heart's of their fandom everywhere.
 Fast-forward to Friday night's packed house at Ravinia: Chicagoland's best outdoor venue, glowed like the "Shining Star" that EWF made famous with an audience made up of all-ages. In fact, the Producer of The Tony Awards (among others) and talent Impresario Carole Propp attended the concert with her 93 year old Mother in tow.
 With Hall of Fame inductee's Philip Bailey, Maurice White and brother/bassist Verdine White fronting the band, Earth, Wind & Fire hit the ground running by opening the show with crowd-pleasing "Boogie Wonderland," and the audience was treated to one huge outdoor party!
 Staying true to their 70's/80's identity, EWF's wardrobe, stage props and psychedelic imagery floated by in the background as the rabid crowd was transported back in time to a dance, soul, rock and disco era that boasted tasty pop licks bolstered by danceable, rhythmic beats.
 The Ravinia faithful danced and knew exactly when to "Sing A Song" before Bailey and company could cue them-very impressive and a testimonial to EWF's long-standing popularity. Friday's concert showcased Bailey's incredible range and versatility, while, along with members like son Philip Bailey Jr., (vocals, percussion), Greg G-Mo Moore, (guitar and vocals), young Ralph Johnson, (drums, vocals), Myron McKinley (keys), Morris O'Connor, (Lead Guitar), B. David Whitworth, (percussion and vocals), Reggie Young (Trombone), Bobby Burns Jr. (Trumpet), EWF pulled out all stops to ensure that their expansive group harmonies were authentic and true to form.
 If you closed your eyes, you'd have sworn you'd gone back in time and landed at Ravinia's hallowed pavilion, circa 1979! While EWF rocked the house with classics like the aforementioned: "Sing A Song", "Shining Star", "Fantasy", "Let's Groove" and of course "September", (which had everyone singing and dancing in the aisles), I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that when it comes to a nostalgic, rip your heart out ballad, no one croons them better than Bailey, White and Kim Johnson, who himself could have fronted any other group and done himself proud.
 On this evening, however, when Bailey, White and Johnson launched into the classic ballad "Reasons", the audience witnessed the essence of what made Earth, Wind & Fire the iconic soul/pop/dance Master's of their craft.
 While each and every member of the band brought their "A" game Friday night, Bailey's versatility, range, tonality and rapport with the audience were stellar and proved that some singer's are simply born with a God-given gift.
 On Friday, Bailey shared that gift, giving 110% on each and every number, backed by a musically tight, top-shelf group of musician's who clearly enjoyed every moment on stage.
 Maurice White's Hall of Fame bassist brother Verdine, displayed his famous chops in all their splendor, that included a rousing solo that had fans picnicking on the lawn going wild. Dressed in flashy, sparkled 70's garb, Verdine brought an exciting stage presence to each tune, while smiling and dancing his way into the hearts of the Ravinia faithful.
 Rounding out the set list were classics like: "Devotion", "Kalimba Story", (a nod to Maurice White's love for the Kalimba), "Saturday Night", "Sun-Goddess", the incredible "That's The Way Of The World", their exciting rearrangement of The Beatles "Got To Get You Into My Life", which was a gigantic hit for EWF as well and their encore spectacular, featuring: "In The Stone."
 Earth, Wind & Fire's triumphant return to the city where founder Maurice White once flexed his young muscles as a session star for the great Chess records, produced a galvanizing, satisfying show that their Ravinia faithful won't soon forget.