"Where is Boogie Wonderland?" Vibe asks Earth Wind and Fire.
Bassist Verdine White laughs,
"It is a state of mind."
It may be, but come Easter weekend, Boogie Wonderland will be right here in Tauranga when the superband headline the 50th Anniversary concert of the Tauranga Jazz Festival, in the band's only New Zealand concert.
"It is our first time in New Zealand and we can't wait to get there. We are really looking forward to seeing Tauranga and a great audience," said Verdine.
The band is often given a soul/funk genre, but Verdine says jazz has a wider interpretation.
"We've played at festivals in the US that are called jazz festivals and having a band like us is a way to expand jazz into a wider audience."
As for the set, White says they are still organising it, but it will include the memory lane of hits to please fans.
"My own favourite is Fantasy. But I promise September and Boogie Wonderland will be in there," said Verdine.
The band is also known for their energetic choreography and eye-popping outfits such as muscle hugging tights or shiny flamboyant suits - a combination Verdine has described "like Carnival, Mardi Gras, Broadway, Vegas and Cirque du Soleil all at once." Tauranga can expect the same extravaganza.
"We'll definitely be dressing up - we love the costumes," assured Verdine.
Earth Wind & Fire are comprised of Maurice White, falsetto lead singer and conga player Philip Bailey, percussionist and singer Ralph Johnson, bassist Verdine White, guitar greats Al McKay and Johnny Graham, keyboard wizard Larry Dunn, wonder drummer Fred White and fiery soprano saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk.
Back in the early 1970s, Memphis-born Maurice White had a plan. He wanted to form a band that abolished the lines between musical genres, freely borrowing from all styles without regard to convention.
"I wanted to do something that hadn't been done before," Maurice explains. "Although we were basically jazz musicians, we played soul, funk, gospel, blues, jazz, rock and dance music ... which somehow ended up becoming pop. We were coming out of a decade of experimentation, mind expansion and cosmic awareness. I wanted our music to convey messages of universal love and harmony without Earth Wind and Fire promise boogie bonanza
Following a move to Los Angeles, Maurice called upon his younger brother, Verdine White - a 19-year-old classically-trained bassist - to join him. Their initial name was The Salty Peppers. Maurice rechristened the 10-piece outfit Earth, Wind & Fire, inspired by "the elements" of his Sagittarian astrological chart. They were joined by versatile drummer-percussionist-vocalist from LA named Ralph Johnson, and a percussionist from Denver with an amazing four-octave vocal range named Philip Bailey. Maurice's charismatic baritone voice and Philip's stratospheric falsetto set EWF's vocal identity "in the stone".
Verdine White said as the band formed, their musical influences included Motown, Beatles, Miles Davis and Coltrane but they developed their own unique sound naturally.
"Ahh, the falsetto," (he laughs). "Maurice had a strong concept of what Earth Wind & Fire was, but the sound was something that just came about and developed over time."
After earning seven Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, eight double platinum/Top 10 Pop albums, eight number one R&B; singles, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a year 2000 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) and their music remains as inspirational and influential as ever.
Rolling Stone Magazine credited them with changing the face of British pop - Verdine is more modest.
"I don't think it was just us - Michael Jackson changed it tremendously."
Fans include President Obama, who invited the band to his first White House dinner.
"He is a big fan and in his election campaign, we are number two on his playlist right now with Got To Get You In My Life," added Verdine.
The band's influence continues today with modern artists such as Justin Timberlake and Usher admitting their Earth Wind and Fire roots.
"Writing music is a great feat and for people to like it, is great. When we first started out we never knew what was going to happen and to be thought of as an influence for others is a big honour," Verdine said.
As for the future, the band continues on the same track that led them to fame.
"We listen a lot to what else is happening in music, but we also stay true to ourselves.
"Along with Maurice, Philip, Ralph and I are like brothers now. It's one thing to be able to hang out and talk, but it's another level when you play music together. It's definitely an out-of-body experience ... all about accessing the spirit.
"Being together this long, we've had a chance to do that and then some ... let alone the contributions, we've had the opportunity to make to the music scene in general."
"I wanted to create a library of music that would stand the test of time," reflected Maurice.
"Expanding awareness and uplifting spirits is so important in this day. People are looking for more.
"I hope our music can give them some encouragement and peace."
The Fine Print
What: Birthday Bash at the 50th National Jazz Festival: Earth Wind and Fire (with Keb Mo and Patti Austin)
When: April 8
Where: Tauranga Domain. Doors open 4.30pm, start 5pm, finish 10pm
How: TicketDirect.
No food or drink into the venue. GA sections - low deck chairs are permitted. Under 2 years are permitted free of charge on lap. No photography or video permitted.