By Sheryl Aronson
I experienced a scrumptious treat on Thursday evening, November 3rd when I heard LARRY DUNN’S ANTHOLOGY of Earth, Wind & Fire at San Manual Indian and Bingo Casino. They performed two sets of sizzling music such as “Fantasy”, “Reasons,” “Boogie Wonderland…”and many more.
The band members were: Larry Dunn/Leader/Keys, Luisa Dunn/Vocals, Hilliard Wilson/Bass. Ty Fleming/Drums, Darrell Crooks/Guitar, Leslie Smith/Vocals, Masta Edwards/Vocals, Howard Johnson/Vocals, Procton Bonnell/Vocals, and Keith McKelly/Sax.
The group opened their set rolling out a lush flowering of music as Larry Dunn tinkled the Kalimba, while the other musicians quietly released ancillary phrasing on their respective instruments. The music floated upwards creating a wave of peaceful repose, then Larry swooped over to the keys and ambushed the airwaves with his transcendental, hypersonic chops with just a touch of psychedelic velocity…and LARRY DUNN’S ANTHOLOGY of Earth, Wind & Fire rocketed off. The 5 vocalists hit the stage singing “In the Stone” and it was time for some get down funky music
Next up was Earth, Wind & Fire’s version of the Beatles “Got to Get You Into My Life” which bounced forward with the iconic intro Larry created with Maurice White that displayed Mr. Dunn’s crazy good jazz chops. The five vocalists shrouded harmonies resounded strongly dashing along, while the rest of the group blazed fire on guitar, bass, drums, sax and keys.
A purely delightful standout song was “Reasons.” Howard Johnson performed omnipotent vocalizations by hitting falsetto notes that reached the outer limits of the universe. At one point he and sax player, Keith McKelly created an intimate space of improvisational echoing from voicing lines to matching sax phrases. Stunning.
When “Boogie Wonderland” ripped open…my legs hit the dance floor and boogied the night away just like it was 1979!!!
How could I not?
Larry Dunn, to me, is a beautiful example of what a true artist is all about. I have had the privilege to interview him on many occasions and his message is unswerving. The 6 time Grammy award winning artist told me:
“I believe everyone was born with a gift… some people never discover it, some people do discover it and don’t do anything about it… people in general, who are using their talents need not worry about how famous they will become. When Earth, Wind & Fire first began, we had no idea we were going to become so famous. We didn’t get into it for that reason.”
When I asked Larry Dunn about how he saw his role as an artist, he replied, “I believe we should give back to humanity, use one’s talent to edify and uplift, not to degrade women.
I’ve learned to let go and respect the talent, we are here to simply provide a little light in a very dark world.”
The entire evening at San Manuel was lit up by LARRY DUNN’S ANTHOLOGY of Earth, Wind & Fire. With each hit song, the group kicked the music into high gear and the crowd kept dancing.
Larry’s philosophy about performing …
“Music puts a smile on everybody’s face and a dance in their step.”
To find out more information about Larry Dunn, go to:
http://www.larrydunnmusic.com/
Photo Credit : Sheryl Aronson
