Philip Bailey thanks the crowd, introduces next song. Earth Wind & Fire perform a cover of James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight." Soulful ballad w/ lead vocals by Philip Bailey. Tenor saxophone solo by Andrew Woodfolk. John Graham solos on guitar.
FOR FULL PERFORMANCE WITH AUDIO, PLEASE CONTACT WPA. Earth Wind and Fire perform unidentified funk instrumental. Shirtless bass player Verdine White solos on electric bass guitar. Verdine White rejoins the fold, laying a monstrous groove before the whole band drops out completely, yet they continue the groove without actually hitting their instruments (think lip-synching but w/ instruments). They end song with a series of untimed, improvised staccato hits led by Maurice White on timbales; he fools his brother w/ the final hit, causing Verdine to come in a tad early.
Earth Wind & Fire perform "Mom" from the Last Days & Time album. Latin-tinged ballad. Electric organ solo by Larry Dunn.
Earth Wind & Fire perform "Time Is On Your Side." Deep funk. Split-screen! Andrew Woodfolk solos on alto saxophone. At outset, Maurice White, Verdine White, Philip Bailey & Jessica Cleaves dance off stage, slap hands w/ audience. Larry Dunn & Andrew Woodfolk then follow suit, leaving Johnny Graham & Ralph Johnson to lay down the groove. Johnny exunts, leaving Ralph to provide a fat drum beat worthy of the Funky Drummer himself.
Ellis Haizlip asks home audience to write to the show, address appears on screen. Ellis introduces Soul Quintet: Kenny Baron (piano); Mtume (congas); David Williams (bass guitar); Ted Dunbar (electric guitar); Freddie Waits (drums & percussion). Ellis Haizlip introduces actress & musician Linda Hopkins.
Linda Hopkins & Soul Quintet perform "Deep in the Night." Ballad, cabaret. Standing ovation!
Linda Hopkins & Soul Quintet perform "Birth of the Blues."
Linda Hopkins & Soul Quintet perform "My Belief (That Keeps Me Going)." Gospel.
Linda Hopkins & Soul Quintet perform "You Better Listen to My Plea." Linda Hopkins sings, plays Hammond electric organ. Deep blues.
Linda Hopkins & Soul Quintet perform "Please Send Me Someone To Love." Blues.
Linda Hopkins & Soul Quintet perform "Real Gone Guy." Cabaret jazz. Credits roll.
CU Nick Ashford introducing himself. CU Valerie Simpson introducing herself. Opening credits. Ashford and Simpson perform "Keep It Coming." Upbeat soul number. Mr. Ashford wears a peach jumpsuit, diaphanous shawl & massive gold belt. At outset, panning MS black audience seated at tables applauding.
FOR FULL PERFORMANCE WITH AUDIO, PLEASE CONTACT WPA. Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (Ashford and Simpson) perform a cover of the Five Stairsteps hit "Ooh Child."
Valerie Simpson introduces Nick Ashford. Nick Ashford performs "I Wanna Be Where You Are." Soul.
Nick Ashford performs a cover of the soft rock Bread hit "If" w/ Valerie Simpson accompanying on piano. Something rather cheesy about this, perhaps the questionable sincerity or perhaps it's just the song choice.
Nick Ashford tells a musical interlude about caring for an abandoned sparrow when he was a lad (his first love, an allusion to "testing the wings" of his current love, Valerie Simpson): "Anything that you love so much should be free." Nick Ashford (singing) and Valerie Simpson (piano) perform "Remember Me." Soul ballad.
Nick Ashford thanks the audience, introduces Valerie Simpson, then leaves studio. Valerie Simpson performs "Silly Wasn't I?" Soul ballad.
Valerie Simpson performs "Drink the Wine." CUs electric bass, guitar being played. At outset, MS seated black audience applauding. "Talking about the wine of life, now."
Valerie Simpson introduces "Genius One and Genius Two." MS black audience applauding. CU black man smoking cigarette, gazing upon stage. Valerie Simpson performs "Genius One and Genius Two." Soul ballad, Valerie singing, playing piano.
Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson (Ashford and Simpson) begin performing "Everybody is a Star" until Valerie Simpson introduces guitarist Yoshiaki Matsuo, bass player Francisco Centeno, drummer Charles Collins, percussionist Ralph McDonald, keyboardist Nat Adderley Jr. (yes, he is the son of jazz trumpeter Nat Adderley), the horn section of the Soul Orchestra & conductor William Eaton. Nick Ashford introduces Mildred Lewis, Shirley Reid, Raymond Simpson (Valerie's brother) of White Rock Baptist Church.
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (Ashford & Simpson) perform "The Fool (God is a Spirit)." Inspirational gospel.
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (Ashford & Simpson) perform "Steal Away." Ms. Simpson on piano. Inspirational Gospel.
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (Ashford & Simpson) perform deep inspirational gospel about Jesus and the Cross. "Just to Know Salvation is Free." Religious joy, rapture and vocal histrionics. Standing ovation & reprise.
Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson (Ashford & Simpson) perform "Reach Out (And Touch Somebody's Hand." Nick Ahford changes his outfit for the third and final time. Ashford & Simpson shakes hands with people in audience. Another standing ovation.