Earth, Wind & Fire | Heritage
Earth, Wind & Fire | Heritage
By Randy Holmes
This 1990 Columbia Records release saw the end of EWF's 18 year association with the famed record company, and what a nice parting gift to Columbia it was. "Heritage" is steeped in the EWF tradition of funk, dance, smooth R&B, ballads, and an art form displayed for the first time in their long history, rap. Clearly, founder and band leader, Maurice White, stayed current with whatever was happening in Urban music at that time. But before I go on, I'd like to personally give an honorable mention to the NEW horn section, called "The Earth, Wind & Fire Horns", that followed the marvelous and groundbreaking horn section, "The Phenix Horns" before them.
They consisted of saxophonist Gary Bias, Trombonist Reggie Young and Trumpeter Ray Brown, along with long time saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk. Though I miss the sound of The Phenix Horns that consisted of the late great Don Myrick on Saxophones and Trombonist Louis Satterfield, along with surviving horn players,Trumpeters Michael Harris and Rahmlee Michael Davis, "The EWF Horns" filled in those huge shoes of their predecessors quite nicely. (Pls. note : I said "filled in" ... not replaced, as The Phenix Horns are NOT replaceable, and I'm quite sure the newer horn players know this.) They're a talented group of musicians in their own right, with their own sound, and that what make them a joy to listen to.
Among my personal favorites are the Les Pierce, Frankie Blue penned "Takin' Chances". Though mainly a drum and bass programmed track, the funky guitar licks of then EWF member Sheldon Reynolds and tune's co-songwriter Frankie Blue, supplemented the groove quite nicely. The EWF Horns, with help from session trumpeter Morris "Patches" Stewart provided those dynamic horn parts one would expect from an EWF funk song ! Of course Maurice's tenor lead and backing vocals, along with his singing buddy, Philip Bailey, are sung and sound aggressive and on point !
On "Good Time Ride", features the Funk Legend himself, Mr. Sylvester Stewart, proFUNKshionally known as, Sly Stone ! This frolicking funk trip features the talents of the late great Robert Brookins on keyboards & programming. Sly & Reese are featured on lead and backing vocals, but mainly Sly. He sounded like he was laying down vocal from 1969, TIGHT !! . This rhythm track recreated the feel of a classic Sly & The Family Stone song ! You can just feel it throughout ! Blaring horns, and a fantastic, short, but sweet guitar solo from Sheldon, is one of great songs off this album.
First single, album title track, "Heritage" was one that featured, then pre-pubescent Motown Recording group "The Boys" (Now there's a "Where Are They Now ?" group for you). It's a heavy hitting groove oriented song, and great sounding backing vocals. Lyrics touches on the pride of one's heritage and where their ancestors came from, and how one should embrace them. Verdine's bass, Sheldon's tasty rhythm guitar parts added a cool dimension to this song.
And what EWF album is complete without the ever present interlude. Of the 5 interludes on this record, the one I enjoy the most is the Pat Metheny alum Lyle Mays penned, "Close To Home". Though it's only 1:35, I felt this should've been extended into a full length song. Performance comes courtesy of one of EWF's longtime arrangers, Billy Meyers. A beautiful melody that will certainly make one feel like they're listening a Pat Metheny piece, mellow & smooth, but done EWF style. Maurice, if you're reading this, would you mind either recording a full length version or re-releasing a long version you MAY have recorded back then, but decided to fade it out before the 1:35 mark during the mastering session ? ..... Just a thought.
I'd like to close this review with another one of my favorite cuts, "Motor". This gem features the backing vocals of Wanda Vaughn, Jeanette Hawes (Known to the world as "The Emotions"), and session veteran Josie James. Up tempo'd melody, scintillating horns, a slight reverb on Resse's lead vocal, Sheldon's & Frankie Blue's even paced guitar lines, and a little EWF trademarked Kalimba solo, is dance music at it's finest.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 12/29/2010 9:24 AM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, New School Soul
Tags: 90s Music
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, New School Soul
Tags: 90s Music
Hey Randy,
Thanks for the great and insightful review! Fun to read about those days... we had a some great times. Working with Reese was a highlight of my career. Now I've just finished writing a musical with a full orchestral score.. "I Kissed A Vampire". It's a comedy and should be in theaters this coming summer.
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Hey Frankie,
You're very welcome ! You guys did a great job on that record. I bet working with a Reese was a blast. Looking forward to hearing the score, all the best to you in that and future endeavors.
Randy
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