Audio CD review:
Earth Wind & Fire - That's the Way of the World: Alive in 75

Earth Wind & Fire - That's the Way of the World: Alive in 75

Band: Earth Wind & Fire Title: That's the Way of the World: Alive in 75 Rating: Release Date: 23 April, 2002 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Overture 2: Shining Star 3: Happy Feelin' 4: Yearnin' Learnin' 5: Sun Goddess 6: Interlude=20 7: Evil 8: Kalimba Story 9: Reasons 10: Mighty Mighty 11: That's the Way of the World

Editoral Review Meet Maurice White's visionary Earth, Wind & Fire at the peak of its powers and popularity. The term "'70s arena band" doesn't usually suggest a platoon of seasoned black musicians in neo-space togs fervently preaching a utopian musical ideal in which the boundaries of jazz, funk, soul, and pop melt away into one monster, transcendental groove. This 11-track live album is culled from recently uncovered tapes recorded at 1975 EW&F arena shows across the East Coast in support of their classic That's the Way of the World album. Such is their self-confidence that they open with the album's massive hit, "Shining Star," an ambitious gambit that sets the tone for everything that follows. White demonstrates a generous mix-master sense when he invites jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis to sit in on an improv-rich rendition of "Sun Goddess," while That's the Way's title track and "Reasons" also receive lengthy workouts that remind listeners that EW&F was one of the original--and most accomplished--"jam bands. " If anything, this is an album that will likely leave EW&F fans yearning for more. --Jerry McCulley .. You can see a complete list of all Earth Wind & Fire discography, or go back to the Earth Wind & Fire tabs