Earth, Wind & Fire Dropping New Album Sept. 10

‘We have a lot more bells and whistles in place now and the record is better,’ singer Philip Bailey said in a recent interview.

Now, Then & Forever, the group’s first album in eight years, will be released Sept. 10. Bailey said the band called co-founding member Larry Dunn and others to help produce its latest sound.

‘I said, ‘Let’s go back to the drawing board,’’ he recalled. ‘It’s a great representation of who Earth, Wind & Fire is now, but not departing from the classic sound.’

‘It doesn’t sound like we’re trying to be anyone other than Earth, Wind & Fire,’ added bassist Verdine White.

The band – which includes founder Maurice White and Ralph Johnson – has worked on the album for two years. Its new single, ‘My Promise,’ was released Monday and was co-written by Academy Award nominee and Grammy winner Siedah Garrett. Fans who pre-order the album will have their names put in the album packaging.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are currently on a tour. Bailey said he enjoys having his son, Philip Bailey Jr., on the road and as a writer and producer on the new album.

‘It’s a great experience to the say the least. I spend so much time away from my family and kids . (that this is) bonding like never before,’ he said. ‘He has the same passion.’