Customer Reviews

Earth Wind & Fire - Live in Japan

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For the last two decades Earth, Wind & Fire has continued to tour regularly, though they have not come up with much in the way of memorable fresh material to add to a legacy that provided many timeless performances from roughly 1973-1981. As such, on this 1994 Japan concert video -- one of Maurice White's last before illness took him off the stage -- all but a couple of tunes are from the above-mentioned era. However, the performances have too much vitality and freshness for one to think this is just another oldies act going through the motions. Accordingly, this DVD is a good option for those wanting to get a taste of the group near if not quite at the peak of their performing powers. By the way, note that there is also a 1990 Live In Japan DVD, just in case anyone is confused about which tour this video represents.

Although I miss the extended jams (e.g., "Africano") , EWF does offer strong, concise versions of mostly their greatest hits, covering the seventeen tunes in the DVD's one-hour running time (note that several songs are brief interludes), and performed with a full band including a horn section and two female dancers. The between-song moments are edited down, so you get wall-to-wall music which mostly replicates the sound of the original recordings. In general both White and particularly Philip Bailey are in top form vocally, and in-step with the choreographed moments. Still, although his performance doesn't suffer it is a little disconcerting to see White have this "far-away-look" in his eyes at times, leaving one to wonder if this is a sign of things to come (to be fair, it may be unrelated). Nevertheless, I find his presence to be crucial in making this video recommended over any of the post-White EWF DVDs in circulation.

As a full time professional arranger/engineer/producer for both audio and video, I have to admit that I am harder on rating entertainment than most. This concert is sharp, snappy, well mixed and edited. This is classic EWF that looks and sounds good. As a working musician, it inspires me to produce energy on stage like these guys do. If you are even a non-fanatical fan of EWF, this is worth buying. If you are a big fan, it is essential. Definitly do it on DVD if possible. It is, after all, music.

If you've been to an EWF concert since the retirement (from the road) of group founder Maurice White, this video will show you why White was, and always will be, the driving spirit behind the band's success. Five of the original EWF members are here and they are all in great form, but White's energetic leadership is key. Unlike the 1996 release "Greatest Hits Live" which flies through shortened versions of nearly 20 tunes, this concert features fewer songs but concentrates on the group's legendary musicianship. In addition, the performance showcases White on kalimba and Andrew Woolfolk on sax, elements which once contributed to the group's unique sound and helped define them in the early years, but now will likely never be a part of their live performances again.

If you are an EWF fan, this video is absolutely essential; if you are curious as to why many critics argue that they are the greatest live concert band of all time, this video says it all.

If you're a true fan of EWF like I've been ever since I first listened to them as a kid in the early 70's, you certainly have to have this bit of memorabilia in your collection. It's always a plus to actually see them do what they do best... R&B.

Unfortunately, I give this '94 live concert only 3 stars. Maybe I'm rating this one harder because I'm comparing it to their '90 Live In Japan dvd (which I'd give 5 stars) and their '81 Live in Oakland dvd (4 stars).

Additionally, in this dvd, I felt Maurice was certainly showing how his age/health is starting to get to him. It's sad to say, but that's the impression I get. He lacks the energy that the rest of the group is still able to project.

This concert doesn't have the spectacle and glitter that EWF concerts have been know for, but still, it's a good medium to see the music that I grew up with.

Recorded live in Japan during the "Heritage" tour in 1990, EWF is at the top of its game with dazzling chereography, tight arrangements (especially the horn section)and a song-catalog that would make any band proud. Sonny Emory shines as a rapper and a drummer (and proves that concert "drum solos" can be entertaining without being endless or boring), while lead vocalists Maurice White and Philip Bailey sing with excitement as if they were performing these songs in concert for the first time. Other highlights of this excellent well-mixed concert dvd include solos from guitarist Sheldon Reynolds and saxophonists Andrew Woodfork and Gary Bias, and a magical finale that will leave you breathless. In fact, this whole dvd will have you up and dancing.

I know that some reviews focus on Maurice White's health/illness on this DVD and it almost kept me from buying it. I'm glad I did purchase it for it is another extraordinary showing by the greatest group of all time.

Sure, some of them are showing their age but we're talking about a band that has been around a LONG time. And yet they are as tight and competent as ever. Maurice still makes it look easy and Verdine is almost beyond words for you can hear his masterful bass playing throughout the concert.

The band's energy is a bit different from other concerts but they're one group who even on a bad day (which this concert isn't one) still stand head and shoulders over most groups.

Maurice and the crew are still spreading there universal message of love & peace. I miss the original line up with Larry Dunn, Al Mckay and the Phenix Horns. The new line up on this concert is still great. Earth, Wind & fire demonstrate why they are still considered a top group. Musically and Artistically there music was ahead of most groups of there time. To combine Jazz, Rock, Gospel, African and Cuban influence with Pop and Classical, this group`s talents were clearly evident. This 1990 concert reunites Maurice and the group with beautiful songs, excellent musicianship, and creative power that is so much a part of an Earth Wind & fire show. Get this 90 min. show, you will not be dissapointed.

As a musician and music lover,I know a good band.This is a great DVD as far as sound quality and video quality.Earth wind and fire really pumps it up on this one.I've seen them live back in 1976..and ever since,I've been an EWF fan..GREAT BAND...GREAT DVD...BUY IT...

I placed this DVD in my player and from the beginning felt as if I was magically transported to a time and place where the main thing that mattered was the tremendous display of talent by the greatest band of all time.

I've watched it several times and continue to re-experience the wonderful feelings I had in attendint their concerts. Even my 15-year-old, hard-core rap and hip-hop fan of a son sat spellbound we watched this group do what they do best.

It's a must buy for EWF fans and a reminder-- in these days of sampling and remakes-- of a time when extraordinary musicians took the stage and gave their all.

I've been and E,W&F fan as far as I can remember. Seeing these musical legends on DVD performing all their great hits was the next best thing to being there "LIVE" at their concerts. This is your last chance of seeing the "Genius",Maurice White lead this spectacular band! I've heard he has retired from the band which really bums me out. Maurice, please come back! Regardless, I will always be their #1 fan! Great performance, great film work, clear picture and of course, great music! Buy it, you won't regret you did!