Production by Raphael Saadiq as well as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis! Now that's what I'm talkin 'bout!

http://home.businesswire....ewsLang=en

August 10, 2004 01:11 PM US Eastern Timezone

Platinum Music Stars Earth Wind & Fire Ink New Record Deal with Mathew Knowles' Sanctuary Urban Records Group; Album Slated for October 5 Release

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 2004--Music Industry legends Earth, Wind & Fire and Mathew Knowles have announced the signing of an exclusive album deal with Knowles' Sanctuary Urban Records Group (SURG).


Earth, Wind & Fire's accomplishments are unprecedented over their 33 year history. Their musical influence has changed the course of music and has become the soundtrack of the last three decades. Winning both critical and commercial acclaim, the group has sold over 30 million albums in the U.S. alone, including eight double platinum albums, two platinum albums and three gold albums. Earth, Wind & Fire have had a string of #1 albums and singles in multiple genre formats including a #1 Pop and eight Top 10 Pop Albums, five # 1 R&B albums and eight # 1 R&B singles. With a trophy case to match these chart and sales figures, Earth, Wind & Fire's honors and awards are impressive. They include six Grammy Awards; four American Music Awards; honors from the NAACP and BET; 2000 induction into the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame; a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and more.

Their new album is slated for release October 5, 2004. The album features production by Grammy-Award winning production team Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and recent Grammy-Award winner Raphael Saadiq. Saadiq also lends his smooth vocals to the album, in addition to guest appearances from critically acclaimed artists Floetry and Musiq.

"Earth, Wind & Fire has provided the soundtrack to the lives of many generations, and their musical brilliance has inspired legions of contemporary artists. For SURG to play a part in continuing the legacy of one of the best bands of all times is enormous," says Mathew Knowles, SURG CEO.

Founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White, "We are thrilled at this milestone in the life of Earth, Wind & Fire."

"Mathew Knowles' tireless enthusiasm matches the spirit and elements that we have built with Earth, Wind & Fire. We look forward to working with the Sanctuary Urban team," said co-founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, Verdine White.

Co-Founder Philip Bailey, "The Earth, Wind & Fire's journey has always been one of great music and spirit, Matthew and his team at the Sanctuary Group embody those same qualities."

Earth, Wind & Fire's Ralph Johnson, "Earth, Wind & Fire's focus has always been about making great music. Matthew Knowles' successes have been based on great music. We look forward to collaborating on this album with Matthew and the Sanctuary Urban team."

I don't know how I feel about that. Why does everyone feel the need to call in "hip" producers and newbie guest stars. I love EWF more than life itself though, so I'll definitely check this out.

jacktheimprovident said:

yeah i agree on that. I hate how old school tries to bring in the "it" producers of today to make their music sound "in". The result comes out to be Michael Jackson's Invincible and we all know how that horror story goes. If they just be themselves artistically then everything will fall into place. I do have to say some old school artists can pull it off wonderfully though, Teena Marie's album isn't half bad at all...

Yep, we had this talk several times before. I think everybody prefers the classic and pure EWF. I would be happy for them to experience a bit of commercial success again, but honestly I do not think outside producers and guest artists will help a lot. Old fans prefer the old sound. And most younger teenagers will hardly buy ANY new EWF release, no matter what... so it could backfire, and in the end they won't address neither audience at all.

Anyway, I am looking forward to that new album, of course I surely will get any new EWF release I can lay my hands on. They remain my all time favorite group. Period. Same with Prince: if you do not rate them by their own standards and their best works from the past, even their so-so albums are still great!

Here's a partial tracklist...


"Love Together"
"Show Me"
"Elevated"
"Autumn"
"Happiness"
"Illumination"

missfee said:

Yeah,I have a funny feeling about this project.It seems like EW&F is trying to appeal to a younger crowd with this album,and that they're attempting to "update" their sound by working with popular outside producers.If you go to CDUniverse to get some info on this album,you will see that it's even listed as a hip-hop album!! This could be a bad sign.On the other hand,Maurice said last year that the band would probably stay together only five more years.So,maybe they want to have at least one more big,commericial,massively successful album before they call it quits? Their last CD 'The Promise' is excellent,but it didn't go anywhere,and every artist/band wants to have some success.So you can't blame them for altering their strategy and bringing in some surefire hitmaking producers.I guess I'm gonna take a "wait and see" approach with this album.If the songs are amazing,that's all I'm gonna care about.