Show Review – The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience (5 Stars Out Of 5)
Where: Steenwijk, The Netherlands (November 8th, 2014)
Attendance: 600 (Sold Out)
Sure, this is a review. So you have to give a score from 1 to 5 stars for presentation, atmosphere, technique and showmanship. But the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience concert, last Saturday in Steenwijk was that much in a league of its own, that giving 5 stars seems denigrating, the understatement of the century.
That would be like placing the Al McKay Allstars in the same category as all those other national theatre acts that got the maximum 5 stars out of 5. But that, I can’t do. Because it is very seldom that you come across a band that performs at this unbelievable word class level. It was a true privilege being here. Guitar player Al McKay was a longtime member, composer and producer of legendary soul and funk band Earth, Wind & Fire.
Because of discontent with the dominance of front-man Maurice White, he quit the band. But not before ‘giving’ the band worldwide hits like “Boogie Wonderland” and “September.”
Now he tours the world with a 13-piece band, with each member being a virtuoso on their instrument. With the Earth, Wind & Fire catalogue it’s not hard to imagine that they turn every concert hall into a damping dancing palace.
Extremely Tight –
The band is extremely tight and although there are a lot of musicians on the stage, the sound is in perfect balance. The three vocalists with their superb voices smoothly become one with the crowd. It’s the perfect reflection of the 70’s soul and disco era. “Thank you for supporting live music, made by real people on real instruments!” one of the singers shouts out. Referring to the fact that there are no computers or major digital devices on the stage. In fact, a group of roadies proves that, trying to solve some sound problems with Al’s guitar and amplifier at the beginning of the show.
But the band doesn’t get distracted by that and the show sparkles from minute one on. The concert was supposed to be held in the ‘event hall’ but that lacked the technical equipment for such a big band. Better so, because the acoustics of the new location are far better. Although the band would have had no problem tearing the roof of the ‘event hall’ as well.
Wednesday, November 12th the band will perform at the Spiegel Theatre in Zwolle. Every lover of fantastic music, no matter what your musical taste is, should grab the opportunity to be present. Who knows how long it will take until a band that performs on such an unlikely high level will visit our region again.
-Bert Middelbos
