(LDO) Larry Dunn Orchestra
Larry Dunn’s Anthology Earth, Wind and Fire at the Music in Box San Diego
During the Music Box concert on July 21st, the thirst for that EWF sound was quenched once we heard Larry’s amazing, unique arrangements of “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “Be Ever Wonderful,” “Serpentine Fire,” “Sun Goddess,” “Reasons,” “Boogie Wonderland,” September,” and the number 1 hit “Shining Star,” and so many more cherished EWF songs.
On Sunday, July 21,2019, Larry Dunn performed his Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire LIVE at the Music Box in San Diego. This concert was a celebration of the recent news of Earth, Wind & Fire’s forthcoming honor at the Kennedy Center (Kennedy Center Honors) in December 2019. (Photos by Sheryl Aronson unless otherwise stated)
There was a meet and greet before the concert with VIPs and friends, which included Oz and Kimberly Benoit, of Rainbow Promotions and the Long Beach Jazz Festival; Marilyn Lingenfelter James and Rick James. Also in attendance were radio host Kelly Cole (MAGIC 92.5), Chuck Dennis, the promoter of the Oxnard Jazz Festival; TV host/producer Leonard Simpson, DJ John Phillips (JAZZ 88.3); Duvell Chase, the promoter of the Mediterranean Jazz and Supper Club, and Peter Wrobel, owner of KooKoo Liquer.
At 8:15 PM at the Music Box, the lights dimmed and the ethereal sound of Larry Dunn’s synthesizer permeated the room. Suddenly, the rear-projected screen on stage lit up with a colorful, engaging slide show of Larry Dunn’s years with Earth Wind & Fire, chronicling Dunn’s many musical achievements through the years, concluding with his latest accomplishments. When the slide show finished, the 12- piece ensemble (Larry Dunn’s Orchestra) took to the stage. Maestro Dunn took his place behind the array of keyboards and synthesizers, lifted his hand, and through his fingertips, commanded that magical, otherworldly music that defined the sound of Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF).
Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire kicked into high gear with a solid three-piece horn section, five powerful vocalists, a dynamic guitar player, and tight rhythm section. For the next 90 minutes, the crowd at the Music Box heard hit after hit song from the EWF prolific library of music to which music director/composer/co-creator Larry Dunn played a critical role.
The thirst for that EWF sound was quenched once we heard Larry’s amazing, unique arrangements of “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “Be Ever Wonderful,” “Serpentine Fire,” “Sun Goddess,” “Reasons,” “Boogie Wonderland,” September,” and the number 1 hit “Shining Star,” and so many more cherished EWF songs. Aside from the incredible music, Larry Dunn also recounted how he met Maurice White, Verdine White and Phillip Bailey when he was a youth growing up in Denver, Colorado, as well as other interesting memories of his experiences in the iconic band. It was a wonderful evening of sophisticated, colorful music filled with nostalgia, and putting you right back in the moment when Earth, Wind & Fire was a “Shining Star!” Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire once again breathed new life into this music by recreating that authentic sound that defined the band all those years ago.
Enjoy the highlights: Meet & Greet
And The Concert:
