Nu Deco Ensemble looked to R&B hitmakers Earth, Wind & Fire for the symphony’s latest orchestral reimagining. Performed on April 10th, 2021 at the Miami Beach Bandshell in Florida, pro-shot footage of the entire suite is available now.
Led by Jacomo Bairos and Sam Hyken, Nu Deco picks solid gold favorites from one of the best-selling bands of all time. Though many of the songs have become iconic over nearly half a century, the team of 58 musicians delivers interpretations of songs like “Shining Star”, “September”, “Fantasy”, and more that sound almost foreign. With the grandiose reworkings of EWF’s complex arrangements, the path from the funk forefathers to modern-day luminaries like Lettuce—which is planning its own symphonic concert—becomes clearly illuminated.
“Earth, Wind & Fire is one of my all-time favorite musical groups that has had a profound impact on me musically,” Nu Deco CEO, co-founder, and arranger Sam Hyken said. “The rich harmonies and complex arrangements inherent in their music presented unique challenges in creating our re-imagination of their catalogue. These new takes on timeless classics were created during and very much influenced by the beginning of the global pandemic in 2020.”
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Nu Deco Ensemble is currently in the midst of its eighth season with upcoming shows at Miami Beach Bandshell and Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. The group’s next performance on December 10th will once again include special guest Wyclef Jean, with upcoming shows also hosting X Ambassadors, Lawrence, and Derrick Hodge.
Watch Nu Deco Ensemble’s full Earth, Wind & Fire suite and visit the group’s website for tickets and a full list of upcoming concerts.
Nu Deco Ensemble – “Brazillian Rhyme”, “Africano”, “Shining Star”, “September”, “Can’t Let Go”, “Get Away”, “Can’t Hide Love”, “Fantasy”, “In The Stone” (Earth, Wind & Fire) [Pro-Shot] – 4/10/21