"Kalimba Stories" continues Maurice White's time with The Ramsey Lewis Trio that includes his interest in Chicago's Black Arts Movement. White was a frequent visitor to the Affro-Arts Theater establsihed by Phil Cohran, who also created the African Heritage Ensemble and recruited members from Chess Records' rhythm section (Louis Satterfield and Don Myrick). White fell in love with the Kalimba--African thumb piano played by Cohran, believed to be the first to amplify the instrument, what he called the "Frankiphone." There are some interesting stories involving Cohen, White, and the African Heritage Ensemble.

This episode explores Maurice White's beginnings with The Ramsey Lewis Trio and the various influences that helped shaped the genesis of Earth, Wind & Fire. Follow this episode's playlist on Spotify.

Unfortuantely, the link to the YouTube video of the 1982 reunion of the Ramsey Lewis Trio (before Maurice White and Cleveland Eaton joined in 1966) may no longer be available.

Episode #4, Playing Chess in Chicago focuses on Maurice White's work at Chicago's legendary Chess Records. White pays homage to Chess's A&R man Billy Davis, singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield, and vocalist Billy Stewart. White joins other noted musicians on Fontella Bass's 1965 hit song, "Rescue Me", and we are introduced to innovative arranger & vibraphonist Charles Stepney. The episode closes with an invitation to Maurice White from Ramsey Lewis. Follow each episode's playlist on Spotify and email your comments to trackingewf@gmail.com.

Source Material:

Robert Pruter, (1991) Chicago Soul, University of Illinois Press

Maurice White with Herb Powell, (2016) My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire, Amistad