POP MUSIC REVIEW : Earth, Wind and Fire Delivers Exciting Mix of Balladry, Funk

At Irvine Meadows Friday night, Earth, Wind and Fire proved that its mix of bottom-heavy funk and lush balladry is still compelling and heady.

EWF offered brilliant, intricate choreography and just enough special stage effects to add some dazzle. But from the start through the final, triumphant notes of “We Can Touch the World” (with a full gospel choir), the real excitement came from the music, the intelligent, extended instrumental solos, the potent vocal work.

An electric guitar solo by Sheldon Reynolds bridged the gap between gospel phrasing and pounding groove. Singer Philip Bailey took “Fantasy” to new heights, spiraling to the top of his range as the instrumental support behind him built and built.

Songs such as “Thinking of You” and “System of Survival” from the new “Touch the World” album may not have had quite the same larger-than-life funk appeal as EWF’s earlier work, but they held their own during the hour and 40-minute show. The old songs, meanwhile, sounded anything but timeworn: They remain as snappy and vital as ever. Bassist Verdine White, especially, made every note count.

The only drawbacks were the love-and-peace messages the musicians espoused from the stage. However sincere they may have been, the near-constant references to “dreams” and “the battle between good and evil” ended up sounding more rhetorical than fiery and inspirational. Besides, this band’s music is enough to lift its listeners to a higher plane.

A final question: Why aren’t more black acts being booked into Orange County’s large outdoor facilities? The (predominantly white) crowd at Irvine Meadows on Friday couldn’t seem to get enough of this show.