It gives me great joy to spearhead this weeks tribute by featuring this man here. A native of Cincinnati, OH, this Cat started sneaking into clubs when he was 13 playing his trademark instrument: the guitar. He listened to all the greats; Jimi Hendrix pretty much changed his life. He continued singing and playing guitar, only getting better. It was this dedication that led him to be a part of the group SUN & eventually play for the COMMODORES in the 80s. However it was his destiny to become known as one of the integral musicians in the 3rd phase of his favorite group: EARTH, WIND & FIRE! We first heard his powerful guitar soloing on Maurice Whites self titled solo debut on a song called INVITATION. When it was time for the FIRE to re-ignite he was called to be one of the guitarists/vocalists (Dick Smith was the other). He would be heard on their return album TOUCH THE WORLD, notably on songs EVIL ROY & VICTIM OF A MODERN HEART. On the next two albums, BEST OF...VOL.2 & HERITAGE, he had a hand in playing and writing, but it was 1993s MILLENNIUM where he blossomed within the group. His guitar & background vocals were heard throughout the album but it was the song SUNDAY MORNING (which he co-wrote with Maurice White & Ailee Willis) that not only showcased his great playing and writing skills but brought the FIRE back to a place their true fans & supporters loved and were familiar with. He continued adding on and stepped up to the plate when Maurice retired from touring. His strong vocals were heard all on his last studio album with the FIRE, IN THE NAME OF LOVE, especially on the song ROUND & ROUND (written by then saxophonist Scott Mayo). When he left the FIRE in 2001-02 he still kept the torch lit by assembling EWF members Larry Dunn & Morris Pleasure/ Les Payne to form DEVOTED SPIRITS (Devoted to whom I wonder...?). You see, this man is & was a fan of EWF which made him more of an asset to the band than just another mercenary...eh, musician! He studied all of the music & embodied guitarists Michael Beale, Roland Bautista, Al McKay & Johnny Graham while STILL having his own identity. Maurice once said Its good having a brother like that in the band because he keeps us in touch with our roots. Whereas, Im the kind who likes to experiment. So I might go off..pletely and desert the whole sound, you know; cause Im into that space. But...he reminds us where our goal lies: and thats having an identifiable sound. It is people like this Cat that kept the FIRE burning & for that I am forever grateful. It gives me Mo Pleasure to salute the Man, The Fan, the Stellar Writer, Smooth Singing & Stratospheric-Six-Stringed Axe Swinging Earth, Wind & Fire alumnus: Sheldon Reynolds everybody!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 18:26:03 +0000
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