Earth, Wind and Fire in its element

It didn’t really matter the other night whether the crowd at the Manila Hotel’s Tent City with a capacity of 2,500 had the real Earth, Wind &  Fire band or just the “breakaway” group. What kept them staying until the last note of the finale number was the band‘s engaging music. Another was the kind of repertoire that brings you dancing on your feet one moment and summoning the sentimental fool in you the next.

For someone whose musical awakening happened in the new wave era of ’80s and the pop music of ’90s, he could still be in a party mood, especially in the dance segment of the show. He could show some body borei moves and do the L.A. walk. Besides, the band’s songs are staples of retro shindigs and are still on any DJ’s hit list. Anyone can still identify with the sounds, even if one is raised in trance or house music.

The sexy, soothing sound of the saxophone courtesy of Ed Wynne was one of the highlights of the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience Concert. Ed’s solo instrumental spot in After The Love Has Gone proved that the band’s success and popularity also lie in its musicians. The notes Ed hit and his sax evoked so much emotions and told the story behind the song. The performance touched everyone, sans words and voice.

Ed’s three-minute instrumental improvisation was breathtaking and sensational. The crowd gave him the biggest applause of the night and a standing ovation. After all, he was the unexpected star of the group’s Manila Hotel show. Publicist Chris Cahilig  said Ed should have a one-man show the next time he visits the Philippines. A show that is similar to Kenny G.’s and Chris Botti’s. Myrus, an upcoming singer who sampled us on table 55 with his songs Huling Yakap and Pwede Ba, nodded. 

As expected, Earth, Wind & Fire Experience treated young and old partyphiles with songs like Let’s Groove, Boogie Wonderland, After The Love Has Gone, Reasons, Shining Star, Love Forever, Love Desire and September.

Also seen taking part in the show was the all-female group Mocha. The group started the show on the right note by performing Stick With You of the Pussycat Dolls and Patcha, which means kick. Mocha somehow made the night bootylicious. Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 alumnus Victor Basa was also there before the show for his Access segment on ASAP ’08.

I won’t tell more about what transpired in the group’s recent show so those who will watch the Araneta Coliseum leg on March 11, 8 p.m. will have many things to look forward to. But what I know is that when you’re undergoing the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience, you can’t help but dance into the groove all night long.

(For details on the Big Dome show, call 911-5555.)