EWF Experience

The Story

In 1982 – After a decade of inspiring an entire generation, Earth Wind & Fire was falling apart. Guitarist, songwriter and producer Al McKay – the glue that held the band’s iconic groove together – had left the band.

It was a time of change. Computers and synthesizers were the new sound. Visionary leader Maurice White went on to successfully produce records for other artists. There were still occasional Earth Wind & Fire releases, geared to keeping the band identity alive but—for all intents and purposes—the band that had been Earth Wind & Fire was gone.

Fast forward to 1990, and Al was contacted by Blue Note Japan, to put a group together for an annual tour of Japan that celebrated the music—and the players—of Earth Wind & Fire. Thus began the “LA Allstars”, followed by the “Al McKay Allstars”—and now—the “Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay”.

Al McKay

Original EWF member Al McKay, rhythm guitar, songwriter and producer; McKay was the rhythm section "anchor" that provided the groove and feel of the music of Earth Wind and Fire. His contribution is difficult to overstate. The biggest hit songs of that time were composed by and based upon his rhythmic ideas: September, Boogie Wonderland, Sing A Song and so many more.

1990: LA Allstars

Featuring Original EWF members Al McKay, rhythm guitar; Johnny Graham, lead guitar and current member Verdine White, bass guitar

1994: Al McKay Allstars

Featuring Original EWF members Al McKay, rhythm guitar; Andrew Woolfolk, sax; Freddy White, drums; Johnny Graham, lead guitar; Michael Harris and Rahmlee Michael Davis, trumpets. Also appearing: Ndugu Chancler, percussion; Bobby Watson, bass; Steve Baxter, trombone; Julie Delgado, Durell Coleman and Jeff Ramsey, vocals; Ben Dowling and Tony Coleman keyboards.

2003 - Present

The Legacy Lives - Since 2003, the Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay has travelled the world, entertaining audiences in North America, Europe, Japan, China, South Asia, South America, South Africa, Australia and more...
Venues have included Montreau Jazz Switzerland & China, Umbria Jazz, Isle of Wight, Rewind, JakJazz and many other festival appearances, plus headline performances everywhere.

The Band - Actual Magic

Bands that stay together are incredibly rare these days. The demands of the musical life are such that—too often—players are called from artist to artist and gig to gig. When a band’s lineup is measured in decades, you get the unparalleled feel that comes from great musicians working together to create music worth listening to and showing up for.

We are super proud to be one of the few musical organizations on today’s scene that operate like bands have in the past. Many of us have played together for more than 20 years: finding the perfect balance between great ideas and the authentically live performance of those ideas.

When you experience that, what emerges is a natural breathing of tempo and an awesome interplay of musicianship—all created on the cusp of the moment. It is truly the musical experience of a lifetime.

It is, in fact: Actual magic.