By 

E. T. Payne “CNN Guy” (Atlanta) –

  

Q: Take a rock ‘n’ roll band with horns, mix it with a mystical funk group and what do you get?
A: A sparkling new concert DVD combining the music of two classic horn bands-Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire “Live at the Greek Theatre.” (Shelf date: June 28, 2005)
In the show taped in high-definition at the conclusion of their 2004 summer tour, the two-band powerhouse has the Greek Theatre crowd on its feet for most of the three-plus-hour concert. The show was originally recorded for a pay-per-view concert that aired on cable systems in early 2005.
The two-disc DVD set opens with the groups hitting the stage en masse-complete with six horn players, two drummers, three percussionists, two bass players, three guitarists, et al., launching into Chicago’s “Beginnings.”
“When we open and both bands are on stage, people are like agog,” Chicago founding member and trumpet player Lee Loughnane said during the 2004 tour. “They’re like ‘oh my God, you guys really are playing together.’”
Putting two bands on stage at once is often a train wreck in the making. A muddy sound mix can plague the effort or whole sections of one band or the other get left out.
Instead listeners are treated to a sparkling mix and interplay among the horn players that only adds to the classic tunes. Clearly the sum is greater than the already exceptional parts.
Next is EWF’s majestic “In the Stone,” cross-pollinated with Chicago’s “Dialogue.” Like a club DJ, the bands somehow mix the two songs together with stunning results, using an a cappella bridge.
After some friendly banter-and a coin flip-between Chicago’s Robert Lamm and EWF’s Philip Bailey about who should play next, Chicago leaves the stage and Earth, Wind & Fire launches into a funk-filled set – mixing in classics like “Getaway,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “That’s the Way of the World.”
Chicago’s Bill Champlin returns to the stage and takes over lead vocals on the EWF hit “After the Love is Gone” – a song he penned before he joined Chicago in the early ’80s.
Given that a DVD mixes sight AND sound, EWF is the more entertaining band visually. Verdine White is a special effect in his own right, prompting some to call the lanky bassist the “Energizer Bunny” of the band. The man absolutely never stops moving.
Motown-like moves and cajoling of the audience to dance and sing along play into the party atmosphere that marks an EWF show.
While the members of EWF are better entertainers than their counterparts in Chicago, both bands are peers musically. Earth, Wind & Fire are just more fun to watch.
Starting on disc two, Chicago powers its way through its own impressive catalogue of hits, stringing together “Make Me Smile,” “Colour My World,” “Saturday in the Park,” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” as part of its set – mostly focusing on their early hits.
“Let’s get lost in the 70s,” says Lamm to the cheers of the audience filled with graying baby boomers, as he introduces “Call on Me” and “Alive Again.”
The bands again swap vocalists on “If You Leave Me Now,” with Bailey and his soaring tenor making the ballad sound better than it has since Peter Cetera left Chicago two decades ago.
The two bands claim combined sales of more than 150-million records and albums. Both have collected their share of Grammies and American Music Awards. EWF was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
But despite their credentials, it is not a pairing that immediately evokes the same sort of “that’s a great idea” response as the “Piano Men” tours of Elton John and Billy Joel in past years did.
During their heydays in the 1970s, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire were the yin and yang of the pop music world-both with dominant horn sections, but radically different approaches to their music.
When Chicago formed in the Windy City in 1967, members came together with the idea of being “The Beatles with horns.”
As Maurice White started pulling together EWF in 1969 – also in Chicago-his musical vision included Afro-centric themes, astrology and black pride wrapped around a tight funk base, spiced with hints of Motown and gospel.
The real fireworks of the concert come appropriately during the six-song encore – both bands fully energized and on stage together again. It’s an impressive closing set.
Trading hits, the tour de force powers through: “September,” “Free” with dueling sax solos by Chicago’s Walter Parazaider and EWF’s Gary Bias, “Singasong,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” “Shining Star” and a free-for-all version of “25 or 6 to 4,” with each of the three guitarists taking a turn on lead.
During last summer’s pairing, EWF drummer John Paris said, “We seem to bring out the best in each other.”
The chemistry is obvious as both bands, energized and challenged by each other, far outshine their previous DVD concert performances.
And the fans agree.
“There’s a reason…

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http://weathercirculation.com/chicago-and-earth-wind-fire-live-at-the-greek-theatre-blu-ray/#comment-5159 Miguel Hidalgo Fri, 11 May 2012 14:36:09 +0000 http://weathercirculation.com/chicago-and-earth-wind-fire-live-at-the-greek-theatre-blu-ray/#comment-5159 <div style="margin-left:0.5em;"> <div style="margin-bottom:0.5em;"> 57 of 61 people found the following review helpful </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0.5em;"> <span style="margin-left: -5px;"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/customer-reviews/stars-5-0._V192240867_.gif" width="64" alt="5.0 out of 5 stars" title="5.0 out of 5 stars" height="12" border="0"/></span> <b>Verdine White can DANCE!</b>, <nobr>January 6, 2006</nobr></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0.5em;"> <div><div style="float:left;">By </div><div style="float:left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2M5YYJDA509NE/ref=cm_cr_if_pdp/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&tag=perscompshop-20" target="_top"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miguel Hidalgo</span></a> (San Diego, CA United States) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A2M5YYJDA509NE/ref=cm_cr_if_auth_rev/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&sort_by=MostRecentReview&tag=perscompshop-20" target="_top"></a><br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=cm_rn_bdg_help/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&nodeId=14279681&pop-up=1#RN" target="AmazonHelp" onclick="return amz_js_PopWin(this.href,'AmazonHelp','width=340,height=340,resizable=1,scrollbars=1,toolbar=1,status=1');"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/reputation/c7y_badge_rn_1._V192249968_.gif" width="70" align="absmiddle" alt="(REAL NAME)" height="15" border="0"/></a>    </div></div><div style="clear:both;"/> </div> <div class="tiny" style="margin-bottom:0.5em;"> <b><span class="h3color tiny">This review is from: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Earth-Wind-Fire-Theatre/dp/B00092ZL80/ref=cm_cr_if_orig_subj/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&tag=perscompshop-20" target="_top">Chicago/Earth Wind & Fire - Live at the Greek Theatre (DVD)</a></b> </div> Check it OUT~! I purchased this live DVD to watch Chicago take over Los Angeles. I had been to several Chicago concerts through the years and was wondering if Chicago could still reach the high notes.<br/><br/>I have never seen such a pumped-up session by Chicago until they performed with Earth, Wind and Fire. I could see that the baby boom generation (yep, that's me) in the audience were trying to keep up with Chicago and EWF. Bill Champlin and Jason Scheff struggled on many notes, but they looked happy as ever while performing. It was worth every penny to watch them. Jimmy Pankow and the horns, and Tris Imboden and the percussion, gave tremendous performances. My highest accolade goes to Robert Lamm when he comfortably sang `with soul' "Does Anyone Know What Time It Is" with full support from my leading man Verdine White and EWF.<br/><br/>Step it OUT~! I had only heard of Earth, Wind and Fire. The closest I got to their music was hearing the Tomorrow Land Band at Disneyland play the tune "Let's Groove" through the years. I also didn't realize I was that old. :(<br/><br/>The first person I could not avoid from the beginning to the end of the DVD was Verdine White. I stared at disbelief at this absolutely crazed dancer. On the other hand, was he an absolutely crazed bass guitarist? OK, which is it? His attitude from the get-go was "We are the Greatest, You are the Greatest, let's Dance Together and be the Greatest Together!" He hypnotized me. :)<br/><br/>Earth, Wind and Fire is one of the most talented bands in the World, at any level. The singing of Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson is absolutely superb. I was dancing like an absolutely crazed fool on the couches, on the tables and on the walls of my living room (it can be done) trying to keep up with Verdine White. As I was gasping for air, I listened to all the hits of Earth, Wind and Fire for the first time in my life. Over and over again, this band performed each song with class, style and charm. The graceful and talented Ms. Krystal Bailey gave a wonderful performance while trying to maintain Verdine White (who am I kidding).<br/><br/>BUY IT NOW~! You must buy this DVD. You will fly on Fire to the Windy city of Chicago for weeks after you get it. This is one of the most spectacular live performances on DVD. The ambience at the Greek Theatre with the combined sounds of both groups musically sharing their hits together was eclectic. Here is a secret. You have to see Verdine White shake it up with Robert Lamm and Philip Bailey when both groups play "September." When you play this DVD at a party, there will be M A G I C in the room. Let's Groove Together and Don't Care What Time It Is with this DVD. Did I mention that Verdine White is one of the greatest performers in the World? We Wanna Be Free - Peace. <div style="padding-top: 10px; clear: both; width: 100%;"> <div style="float:left; padding-right:15px; border-right:1px solid #CCCCCC"><div style="padding-bottom:5px;"><b class="tiny" style="color:#666666;white-space:nowrap;">Help other customers find the most helpful reviews</b> </div><div style="width:300px;"> <a name="R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2.2115.Helpful.Reviews" style="font-size:1px;"> </a><span><span class="votingPrompt">Was this review helpful to you? </span><a rel="nofollow" class="votingButtonReviews" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2/Helpful/1/ref=cm_cr_ifvoteyn/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3Byb2R1Y3QtcmV2aWV3cy9CMDAxNjc2MzIwL3JlZj1jbV9jcl9pZnZvdGVyZHIvMTc3LTUwMjUzMjEtNjIwMDMyNT9fZW5jb2Rpbmc9VVRGOCZha2lkPUFLSUFJVTdRMzRITktISlcyQzdRJmFsaW5rQ29kZT14bTImYXNpbj1CMDAxNjc2MzIwJmF0YWc9cGVyc2NvbXBzaG9wLTIwJmV4cD0yMDEyLTA1LTEyVDE0JTNBMTElM0ExMFombGlua0NvZGU9eG0yJnNpZz1Bcm9iVnMlMkJlbEVIZHg0NCUyRktVZTg4VUFqZkNoM3AzVyUyQk5CdE5jcFZxeEFnJTNEJnN1bW1hcnk9MCZ0YWc9cGVyc2NvbXBzaG9wLTIwJnRydW5jYXRlPTUwMDAmdj0y&token=E4076DAC86C1E3D8F769296C59DEC195A3BDB76B&voteAnchorName=R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2.2115.Helpful.Reviews&voteSessionID=177-5025321-6200325"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/reviews/btn-yes-sec-md._V192249951_.gif" width="35" alt="Yes" style="vertical-align:middle;" height="18" border="0"/></a> <a rel="nofollow" class="votingButtonReviews" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2/Helpful/-1/ref=cm_cr_ifvoteyn/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3Byb2R1Y3QtcmV2aWV3cy9CMDAxNjc2MzIwL3JlZj1jbV9jcl9pZnZvdGVyZHIvMTc3LTUwMjUzMjEtNjIwMDMyNT9fZW5jb2Rpbmc9VVRGOCZha2lkPUFLSUFJVTdRMzRITktISlcyQzdRJmFsaW5rQ29kZT14bTImYXNpbj1CMDAxNjc2MzIwJmF0YWc9cGVyc2NvbXBzaG9wLTIwJmV4cD0yMDEyLTA1LTEyVDE0JTNBMTElM0ExMFombGlua0NvZGU9eG0yJnNpZz1Bcm9iVnMlMkJlbEVIZHg0NCUyRktVZTg4VUFqZkNoM3AzVyUyQk5CdE5jcFZxeEFnJTNEJnN1bW1hcnk9MCZ0YWc9cGVyc2NvbXBzaG9wLTIwJnRydW5jYXRlPTUwMDAmdj0y&token=72B1F336CEE96D8CF3C24BF36C751FC867CD0BCB&voteAnchorName=R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2.2115.Helpful.Reviews&voteSessionID=177-5025321-6200325"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/reviews/btn-no-sec-md._V192249949_.gif" width="35" alt="No" style="vertical-align:middle;" height="18" border="0"/></a> <span class="votingMessage"/></span> </div></div><div style="float:left;"><div style="padding-left:15px;"><div style="white-space:nowrap;"><span class="tiny"> <a name="R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2.2115.Inappropriate.Reviews" style="font-size:1px;"> </a><span class="reportingButton"><nobr><a rel="nofollow" class="reportingButton" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2/Inappropriate/1/ref=cm_cr_ifvoteyn/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3Byb2R1Y3QtcmV2aWV3cy9CMDAxNjc2MzIwL3JlZj1jbV9jcl9pZnZvdGVyZHIvMTc3LTUwMjUzMjEtNjIwMDMyNT9fZW5jb2Rpbmc9VVRGOCZha2lkPUFLSUFJVTdRMzRITktISlcyQzdRJmFsaW5rQ29kZT14bTImYXNpbj1CMDAxNjc2MzIwJmF0YWc9cGVyc2NvbXBzaG9wLTIwJmV4cD0yMDEyLTA1LTEyVDE0JTNBMTElM0ExMFombGlua0NvZGU9eG0yJnNpZz1Bcm9iVnMlMkJlbEVIZHg0NCUyRktVZTg4VUFqZkNoM3AzVyUyQk5CdE5jcFZxeEFnJTNEJnN1bW1hcnk9MCZ0YWc9cGVyc2NvbXBzaG9wLTIwJnRydW5jYXRlPTUwMDAmdj0y&token=27AB77ACFD535163301123EBAAEB74C8F073B1D7&voteAnchorName=R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2.2115.Inappropriate.Reviews&voteSessionID=177-5025321-6200325"></a></nobr></span> </span> <span style="color:#CCCCCC;">|</span> <span class="tiny"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2/ref=cm_cr_if_perm/?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00092ZL80&linkCode=xm2&nodeID=&tag=perscompshop-20" target="_top"></a></span></div><div style="white-space:nowrap;padding-left:-5px;padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2/ref=cm_cr_if_cmt/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00092ZL80&linkCode=xm2&nodeID=&tag=perscompshop-20#wasThisHelpful" target="_top"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/comment-sm._V192250344_.gif" width="16" alt="Comment" hspace="3" align="absmiddle" height="16" border="0"/></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IOGKSQO5WBQ2/ref=cm_cr_if_cmt/177-5025321-6200325?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00092ZL80&linkCode=xm2&nodeID=&tag=perscompshop-20#wasThisHelpful" target="_top">Comments (4)</a></div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"/> </div> <br/></div>

57 of 61 people found the following review helpful

Verdine White can DANCE!, January 6, 2006

By 

Miguel Hidalgo (San Diego, CA United States) –

  

This review is from: Chicago/Earth Wind & Fire – Live at the Greek Theatre (DVD)

Check it OUT~! I purchased this live DVD to watch Chicago take over Los Angeles. I had been to several Chicago concerts through the years and was wondering if Chicago could still reach the high notes.

I have never seen such a pumped-up session by Chicago until they performed with Earth, Wind and Fire. I could see that the baby boom generation (yep, that’s me) in the audience were trying to keep up with Chicago and EWF. Bill Champlin and Jason Scheff struggled on many notes, but they looked happy as ever while performing. It was worth every penny to watch them. Jimmy Pankow and the horns, and Tris Imboden and the percussion, gave tremendous performances. My highest accolade goes to Robert Lamm when he comfortably sang `with soul’ “Does Anyone Know What Time It Is” with full support from my leading man Verdine White and EWF.

Step it OUT~! I had only heard of Earth, Wind and Fire. The closest I got to their music was hearing the Tomorrow Land Band at Disneyland play the tune “Let’s Groove” through the years. I also didn’t realize I was that old.

The first person I could not avoid from the beginning to the end of the DVD was Verdine White. I stared at disbelief at this absolutely crazed dancer. On the other hand, was he an absolutely crazed bass guitarist? OK, which is it? His attitude from the get-go was “We are the Greatest, You are the Greatest, let’s Dance Together and be the Greatest Together!” He hypnotized me.

Earth, Wind and Fire is one of the most talented bands in the World, at any level. The singing of Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson is absolutely superb. I was dancing like an absolutely crazed fool on the couches, on the tables and on the walls of my living room (it can be done) trying to keep up with Verdine White. As I was gasping for air, I listened to all the hits of Earth, Wind and Fire for the first time in my life. Over and over again, this band performed each song with class, style and charm. The graceful and talented Ms. Krystal Bailey gave a wonderful performance while trying to maintain Verdine White (who am I kidding).

BUY IT NOW~! You must buy this DVD. You will fly on Fire to the Windy city of Chicago for weeks after you get it. This is one of the most spectacular live performances on DVD. The ambience at the Greek Theatre with the combined sounds of both groups musically sharing their hits together was eclectic. Here is a secret. You have to see Verdine White shake it up with Robert Lamm and Philip Bailey when both groups play “September.” When you play this DVD at a party, there will be M A G I C in the room. Let’s Groove Together and Don’t Care What Time It Is with this DVD. Did I mention that Verdine White is one of the greatest performers in the World? We Wanna Be Free – Peace.

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