Earth, Wind, & Fire to follow Journey

by **Tito** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:08 am

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/m ... 9x.article

A retail-only forecast for Earth, Wind & Fire
MUSIC PREVIEW | Triple disc may be sold by a single chain

July 29, 2008

BY GARY GRAFF

Earth, Wind & Fire appears likely to follow the Eagles and Journey in making its next album exclusively for a major retailer.

Frontman Philip Bailey says the group is planning a three-disc package like Journey's recent Wal-Mart-only ''Revelation.''

The set, which EWF hopes to release in mid-2009, is expected to include a CD of original material -- its first since ''Illumination'' in 2004 -- a live CD and a concert DVD.

''That's the new thing today, so we're taking a template out of that whole thing," Bailey says. "We have a history and a catalog and everything, so you don't have to 'break' us. We're still viable. Now, they're able to make really good deals and make more money for [the acts], so it's a pretty good day for us old guys.''

Bailey says EWF plans to start working on the new album after it comes off the road in October. ''We're writing,'' he notes. ''And we're gonna write with some of these writer-producer guys and then make it happen.''

Bailey and fellow EWF principals Maurice and Verdine White and Ralph Johnson received honorary doctorates in May from Columbia College in Chicago, which included a performance by the four musicians. Maurice White also produced R&B singer Brian Culbertson's new album, ''Bringing Back the Funk.''

by **Saint John** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:13 am

These guys are spectacular in concert. What a great band. I highly recommend seeing them live.

by **conversationpc** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:19 am

Saint John wrote:These guys are spectacular in concert. What a great band. I highly recommend seeing them live.

They toured with Chicago a few years ago and I've heard some rave reviews of both bands from that tour.

by **NealIsGod** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:25 am

Everyone should own EWF's greatest hits.

by **Saint John** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:26 am

NealIsGod wrote:Everyone should own EWF's greatest hits.

I agree...even though I don't have it yet.

by **NealIsGod** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:28 am

Saint John wrote:
NealIsGod wrote:Everyone should own EWF's greatest hits.

I agree...even though I don't have it yet.

I'm sure WalMart will have it there for $5 when the new set comes out.

MR

Earth, Wind, & Fire to follow Journey

Earth, Wind, & Fire to follow Journey

Who is online