The first time I ever saw the spectacular Earth, Wind and Fire was 47 years ago in March 1979, at the Wembley Arena (I think it was still known as the Empire Pool back then). It was a stunning show with members of the band magically transported around the stage via a huge pyramid structure. But while the effects were good it was the music that transcended all special effects. How would this 21st Century version of the iconic soul and funk band compare? Read on to find out.
First I need to talk about the incredibly talented blue eyed soul voice of Danny Toeman. He has been dubbed the king of north London soul, but I reckon his kingdom stretches much further than that. Especially on the evidence of his solo performance at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool. Accompanied by just his guitar he played a set that was overflowing with emotion, fun, excitement and indeed plenty of soul. Perhaps the only downside was the rather ignorant and rude members of the audience who talked incessantly during Danny’s show. Well you know what. those people missed an absolute fucking treat. Danny portrays so much emotion in his songs and if they work that well with just his voice and his guitar they are truly special songs. Highlights for me were “Love Explosion” and “When The Lights Go Down”. For me one of the greatest purveyors of blue eyed soul was Daryl Hall and I think Danny’s performance shows that he is on a similar level from a vocal performance and passion perspective. Check this man’s music out, you will not be disappointed!
I know this is not the original Earth, Wind and Fire, but with guitarist from the early days Al McKay they are a superb, talented tribute act. The diminutive McKay is a left handed player (like McCartney and Hendrix) and even approaching 80 years old (he is 78) his funk riffs and soulful licks are sublime. The band kicked off their set on a massive high, opening with a stunning, rollicking romp through “Boogie Wonderland”. That was a clear statement of intent that the audience was expected to boogie the whole evening, and we did. It was hit after hit after hit. Highlights for me were “Saturday Nite”, “Serpentine Fire”, “Jupiter”, “Getaway” and “Fantasy”. The latter was spine tingling and was a song were almost everyone was on their feet. I suspect the their cover of “Got To Get You Into My Life” is a shoe-in for their set list anyway, but it was particularly powerful to hear such a great Beatles cover being played in Liverpool, home of the Fab Four. “Let’s Groove” and “September” gave my own dancing shoes the most action while “After The Love Has Gone” had every person in the room singing along. The only thing that jarred a little for me was the brief use of a rapper halfway through the set. It wasn’t needed and stuck out as somewhat incongruous. But overall this was a fabulous show and a great night out. I had never been to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall before, but after this I will definitely be back!
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