Bangkok gets the groove
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All-guns-blazing Earth, Wind & Fire make up for 41 lost years
You could feel the tension unwind at Impact Arena on Monday night as Thai funk fans finally got their fix with the long-overdue arrival of seminal American R&B outfit Earth, Wind & Fire.
The Chicago crew played to a packed floor and second level, the hyped-up crowd a good mix of foreigners and older Thais.
Led by bassist Verdine White – the only remaining founding member – and vocalists Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson (not exactly new kids on the block), Earth, Wind & Fire kicked off with “Boogie Wonderland”, an irresistible invitation to get up and dance.
They kept the vibe going with “Sing a Song”, which did indeed get the audience singing along, and “Serpentine Fire”.
The group slowed a bit and shifted from hot jazz to cool funk with “Sun Goddess”, on which White stole the limelight with an extensive bass solo.
White, 61, was done up in classic style – white slacks and big hair – and he still does his classic high-energy performance, prancing around the stage, stomping his feet and swaying his hips as if the ’70s never ended.
There was a percussion showdown before the full band resumed with the blues of “Kalimba Story”, followed by “Devotion”.
“Bangkok,” Bailey enthused, “it took us 41 years to get here. We hope it won’t take another 41 to come back! My, my, my, it’s so great to be here and we really appreciate it.”
Then he sang one of their timeless hits, “That’s the Way of the World”, the sugary rhythm-and-blues of “After the Love Has Gone” and “Reasons”, before returning to the blues with “Got to Get You into My Life”.
The final part of the show included their best-known hits – “Fantasy”, “September” and “Let’s Groove”. Barely anyone remained seated, and in fact most of the crowd was jammed up in front of the stage letting the music rock their socks off.
The group ended with the soulful funk tune “Mighty Mighty”, vanished briefly, and returned for the encore, “In the Stone”.
Long-time fans of Earth, Wind & Fire couldn’t help pining for founding singer Maurice White, Verdine’s older brother who stopped touring with the band in the early ’90s. Some said they would have enjoyed the show more if Maurice had been there.
But with or without Maurice, Monday’s concert was a testament to his creative legacy, reflecting his unique talent as a musical innovator. He was the one who captured the different elements, melded them to perfection and built a library of music that stands the test of time and still touches people’s lives.
Performed by the passionate artists who keep on travelling, Earth, Wind & Fire’s songs still sound fresh, relevant and sophisticated. Hats off to Philip Bailey, with the band since 1972, who sang his heart out throughout the show, using an impressive four-octave range and especially a distinctive falsetto.
