Image courtesy of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Archive of Recorded Sound.
Earth and Fire were formed in 1968 by brothers Chris (guitar) and Gerard (keyboards) Koerts. Vocalist Jerney Kaagman joined in 1969, and drummer Ton van der Kleij joined in 1970. Once this lineup was established, the hits began.
At least, they did in Europe. A number of the 45s that I’m surveying at the archive right now seem to be German Polydor discs from the early 1970’s. Which is not to say that they are all from German artists—they’re German editions of artists from all over Europe, and occasionally the States. Earth and Fire were Dutch. “Seasons” gives a good example of the their early sound.
As does “Ruby Is the One.”
Lip syncing fails are always embarrassing, but in my opinion, drum syncing fails (2:27) are even worse. Of course, that’s probably because I’m a drummer.
Their sound at this point is often referred to as Progressive Rock, but it sounds more like the Psychedelic rock of Jefferson Airplane than anything by King Crimson or Supersister. It’s just good, solid, post-Woodstock rock music. As is “Invitation,” from 1971’s Song of the Marching Children.
78s & 45s 