Featured Brass Artist – Earth, Wind, and Fire horn section!

Continuing with the theme of “power” horn sections, let’s talk about one of my all-time favorites — EARTH, WIND, & FIRE.

I remember as a kid that every time an Earth, Wind, and Fire song would come on that I would get GOOSE BUMPS from the horn lines!    And that was before I even played an instrument.

The horn arrangements for this legendary group are all about extremes – one song has high, piercing power riffs and then the next one has low, sensual, smooth tones that make you melt with satisfaction.   And they played both styles extremely well.    Just an awesome combination.

Two of my favorite tunes that show off their ability to do both styles are:

Serpentine Fire

and

After The Love Is Gone

“Serpentine Fire” makes you want to go out and yell something encouraging and positive to the whole world – it is upbeat, high energy, and intense.     The horn parts reflect this completely — what incredible  chops these guys had!

If you’ve ever had your heart broken, then “After The Love Is Gone” will absolutely hit you in the gut with emotion.    The sensuous horn lines are perfect compliments to the soaring lyrics .   It won 1979 Grammy Awards for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance by a Group plus Best Rhythm & Blues Song.

I still to this day listen to Earth, Wind, and Fire recordings.    They continue performing live concerts all over the world and do multiple shows  in Vegas every year.

Thanks for checking out my blog and please post a comment!

Allen

Tagged as: High Notes, R&B Horn Sections, Trombonists, Trumpeters