The enchanting sound of the kalimba has captivated music lovers for decades, and for many, their first encounter with this mesmerizing instrument was through the legendary Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire. From the 1970s onwards, White’s innovative use of the kalimba added a unique and soulful dimension to the band’s iconic sound, embedding the instrument in the hearts of millions.
Maurice White, the visionary of Earth, Wind & Fire, showcasing his signature Hugh Tracey Treble kalimba.
While Earth, Wind & Fire’s music was a constant presence on the radio waves, the subtle magic of Maurice White’s kalimba playing might have been missed by casual listeners. It wasn’t until later, as interest in kalimba grew, that the extent of his influence became truly apparent. For many aspiring musicians and kalimba enthusiasts, Maurice White served as the initial spark, igniting a passion for this often-underappreciated instrument.
Joe Hernandez, a contemporary kalimba player, embodies this inspiration. He has dedicated himself to learning and interpreting Maurice White’s intricate kalimba parts, offering a testament to the profound impact White had on the kalimba community. White’s influence extends beyond mere imitation; he inspired countless individuals to explore the kalimba, whether they immediately sought one out or nurtured the dream for years before finally embracing the instrument later in life. Kevin Spears, another notable kalimba player, took White’s pioneering spirit as a starting point, pushing the boundaries of kalimba music into uncharted territories. Even today, musicians continue to study and learn Maurice White’s distinctive tunings and kalimba riffs, ensuring his legacy lives on.
Maurice White approached the kalimba not just as a musical instrument, but as a conduit for emotion and spirituality. He wielded it like a “magical device,” capable of transcending barriers and transporting listeners to a realm of love, beauty, and wonder. The kalimba’s gentle and alluring sound served as an invitation, drawing audiences into the heart of Earth, Wind & Fire’s music, preparing them for the band’s explosive energy and passion. The kalimba became an integral part of their sonic tapestry, adding layers of depth and feeling.
To truly appreciate Maurice White’s mastery of the kalimba, it’s essential to study his techniques, particularly how he integrated it within the dynamic landscape of a large ensemble like Earth, Wind & Fire.
Unpacking Maurice White’s Kalimba Techniques and Tuning for Aspiring Kalimba Songs Players
Maurice White primarily used the Hugh Tracey Treble kalimba, tuning it to the A minor pentatonic scale (equivalent to the C Major pentatonic scale). A key feature of his tuning was the inclusion of redundant note pairs, with each note present on both the left and right sides of the kalimba. This configuration allowed for effortless trills and rapid note repetitions, crucial elements of his rhythmic and melodic style. Early recordings from around 1970 in Chicago already showcase White utilizing this tuning, suggesting it was a foundational aspect of his kalimba approach from the beginning. While Philip Bailey, who succeeded White in Earth, Wind & Fire, experimented with various kalimba brands, Maurice White remained steadfastly loyal to the Hugh Tracey kalimba throughout his career. Even in later years, as captured in a short clip, he was still seen playing the same Hugh Tracey Treble kalimba, possibly even the very instrument from his early days.
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Phil Cohran, a Chicagoan music pioneer, with his electric kalimba, the Frankiphone or Space Harp, showcasing a pentatonic tuning.
Interestingly, Maurice White’s kalimba playing wasn’t about traditional melodies in the conventional sense. Instead, he explored unique melodic fragments that spanned octaves, creating shimmering chords and focusing heavily on rhythm. The kalimba, in his hands, became a percussive instrument with a rich tonal palette, far exceeding the sonic limitations of a typical drum. He painted emotions and evoked feelings with the kalimba’s delicate yet resonant sounds, imbuing Earth, Wind & Fire’s music with a spiritual and ethereal quality, all while maintaining rhythmic precision and seamless integration with the band.
Observing Earth, Wind & Fire performances reveals a crucial aspect of their arrangements: when the kalimba takes center stage, the band often intentionally reduces its volume and instrumental density. This strategic thinning of the musical texture allows the relatively quiet kalimba to emerge and dominate, or at least be clearly heard within the mix. The horn section frequently drops out, and while drums, bass, and keyboards might remain, they play with restraint. This dynamic interplay highlights the exceptional musicianship within Earth, Wind & Fire. Each member understood the importance of supporting the kalimba, allowing it to shine by knowing when to recede and when to amplify.
In performances like the one featured in the early Earth, Wind & Fire video, Maurice White masterfully uses the kalimba to introduce and conclude songs, bringing them “out of the mist” and then gently fading them back in, creating a sense of sonic mystery and enchantment.
Amplifying Kalimba Songs in a Band Setting: Lessons from “Evil”
While simply increasing amplification can make a kalimba louder, Maurice White demonstrated more nuanced approaches to ensure its presence in a band setting. In the song “Evil,” he opens with an extended kalimba solo, backed by a sparse and atmospheric arrangement. This sonic space allows him to explore dynamics, moving from subtle whispers to attention-grabbing flourishes. A striking example occurs at 1:37 in the “Evil” performance, where the band drops out completely, leaving Maurice to execute a captivating kalimba trill. He commands the audience’s attention, weaving kalimba phrases before signaling keyboardist Larry Dunn to initiate the iconic “Evil” riff around 2:04. Even before the explicit cue, Dunn anticipates White’s intention, seamlessly bringing in the riff.
The joy on Maurice White’s face at 2:10 as the band coalesces and prepares to launch into the funk-laden section is palpable. He anticipates the energy and the audience’s enthusiastic response to his kalimba-infused grooves. In the opening bars of “Evil,” White creates musical dialogue, his kalimba phrases acting as a counterpoint to the keyboard riff, either answering or leading it, depending on the listener’s perspective. At 2:30, the band again pulls back, allowing the kalimba to reclaim the spotlight, showcasing the power of dynamic variation in creating compelling musical textures. By the 3:00 mark, Maurice White intensifies a syncopated rhythmic motif that had been subtly present, bringing it to the forefront. The band responds by mirroring and enveloping the kalimba’s rhythm, making it sound like the very seed of the song’s groove.
One of the kalimba’s unique appeals, as Maurice White exemplified, is the player’s freedom of movement. While the author humorously describes their own less controlled movements while playing, Maurice White exuded confidence and charisma, his stage presence enhancing the kalimba’s captivating sound. This physicality became part of his performance persona, adding another layer to his artistry. Even when the band shifts into full funk mode after the first verse (around 4:15), with moderate volume levels, Maurice White remains the focal point. He primarily plays syncopated chords, punctuated by shimmering kalimba runs. Notably, the horns largely remain absent, except for a brief flourish signaling the solo’s end, further emphasizing the kalimba’s central role.
Maurice White’s mastery lay in his ability to control and direct a band of exceptional musicians, knowing precisely when to draw them back to let the kalimba’s unique voice resonate most powerfully.
The Enduring Legacy of Maurice White and the Kalimba: Inspiration for Kalimba Songs Today
Maurice White forged his own distinctive tradition of kalimba music, building upon a rich lineage that included figures like Phil Cohran. Cohran, a Chicago-based musician, mentor to Maurice White and his brothers, and innovator of the electric kalimba (Frankiphone/Space Harp), played a crucial role in shaping Earth, Wind & Fire’s kalimba sound. Cohran viewed the kalimba as a symbol of African musical heritage, even though his own music wasn’t strictly traditional African music. His use of a handmade 13-note pentatonic kalimba served as a conscious nod to African roots.
Maurice White echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s important to know that music should have no boundaries, that you can create whatever sound or style that you envision.” He embraced this boundary-less approach, forging his own musical path while acknowledging the African connection through the pentatonic kalimba. His kalimba playing introduced a strand of African-influenced music that was unexpectedly gentle, beautiful, and sophisticated.
The Afroharp, another instrument with Chicago roots in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was also part of the musical landscape when Earth, Wind & Fire emerged. Its tuning was closer to Maurice White’s pentatonic preference. However, unlike the Hugh Tracey kalimba, the Afroharp didn’t easily accommodate the duplicate notes that White favored. White’s choice of the Hugh Tracey Treble kalimba proved pivotal, ensuring its continued relevance and popularity.
Maurice White’s life was a testament to creative vision, positive messaging, and the celebration of Black culture without exclusion. He subtly challenged prejudice and racism through his music’s beauty and universal appeal. Importantly, he sustained the Hugh Tracey kalimba’s presence during a period when South African products faced global boycotts due to apartheid, a fortunate turn of events for the kalimba’s survival and growth. His extraordinary contributions and enduring influence continue to inspire the global kalimba community.
Maurice White’s legacy extends far beyond his incredible musical achievements. He opened up the world to the captivating sound of kalimba songs and inspired generations to explore its magic. His innovative techniques and soulful playing continue to be a source of inspiration for kalimba players worldwide.
This article celebrates Maurice White’s contributions to music and the kalimba, aiming to inspire new generations to discover the joy of playing kalimba songs.
