Earth, Wind & Fire - That's The Way Of The World: Alive In '75 (2002)

The term "'70s arena band" doesn't usually suggest a platoon of seasoned black musicians in neo-space togs fervently preaching a utopian musical ideal in which the boundaries of jazz, funk, soul, and pop melt away into one monster, transcendental groove. Meet Maurice White's visionary Earth, Wind & Fire at the peak of its powers and popularity. This 11-track live album is culled from recently uncovered tapes recorded at 1975 EW&F arena shows across the East Coast in support of their classic That's the Way of the World album. Such is their self-confidence that they open with the album's massive hit, "Shining Star," an ambitious gambit that sets the tone for everything that follows. White demonstrates a generous mix-master sense when he invites jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis to sit in on an improv-rich rendition of "Sun Goddess," while That's the Way's title track and "Reasons" also receive lengthy workouts that remind listeners that EW&F was one of the original--and most accomplished--"jam bands." If anything, this is an album that will likely leave EW&F fans yearning for more.