Breaking Down Bobby Caldwell's BIGGEST Hit

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

The drummer on the track is a good friend.. just texted him to ask about who the bassman is

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

"It's a long complicated story" - Joe Galdo

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

He told me and it's freaking crazy. I told him to comment on the video, but if he doesn't, I'll tell it.

[@pdbass]

I KNEW IT

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

OK, this is paraphrasing a phone call. I had yesterday with Joe Galdo. Joe is the drummer on the song and he was also the drummer for a band called foxy at the time who had the absolute classic disco hits "Get Off" and "Hot Number" The song was recorded at TK Studios in Hialeah on the second floor studio, which had an MCI desk He says he helped to arrange the song because bobby originally had a different idea of what the song was supposed to sound like and Joe was actually the one who recommended the Earth, wind and fire vibe! Foxy was doing "that's the way of the world" so he had the groove down! The tracking of the song was actually a full band with no click The original bass player on the song was Foxy's bassist Arnold Paseiro. When the song was finished, everybody was happy and Joe went home! That was when bobby became a complete perfectionist and started messing with the song He wasn't happy with Arnold's bass part so he borrowed a bass from his good friend Jaco Pastorius (a fretted Fender) and started re-tracking the song mapping out all of Joe's kick drum hits and making sure the bass was perfectly in sync with it. There's dozens of punchins on the bass track because bobby was trying to get it perfect and as you said it's pretty perfect. Joe says he could still picture it, Bobby laying on the couch with the bass tracking for hours and hours So yes, that's Bobby Caldwell playing one of Jaco Pastorius's basses on What You Wont Do For Love

[@pdbass]

@ 🤯🤯🤯

[@teuilagracetualaulelei1609]

"That's jazz, y'all..."the colours & context it provides.

[@stevenroznowski6007]

3:27 “…lifetime invite to the picnic” 😂😂👏👏 I dig!!👍

[@waynedexter]

If “picnic” was replaced with cookout or even barbecue then I would dig. Those are the adages, respectfully ☺️

[@bryanewyatt]

@@waynedexter the thought crossed my mind, too. Either way, I dig.

[@primeanalogrecords]

Bobby played every instrument on the song(not strings/brass)! Bobby signed the headstock and a pick guard for me on my Fender Jazz Bass! Had the opportunity to sit with and talk with Bobby in One of his very last shows that was in Boca Raton, Florida! He was very nice and answered every question that I asked him! Gone too soon!

[@15tmun]

Was the Boca show @ The Funky Biscuit or the late Jazziz in Mizner Place?

[@primeanalogrecords]

@ funky biscuit I believe! I saw Lee Ritenour at Jazzis a few years back

[@jaycareaga9929]

Bobby didn’t play the drums Harold Seay was the drummer on the song.

[@donstrumental1]

@@jaycareaga9929 You just burst my bubble. For many years I thought it was Ed Greene. Really does sound like Ed Greene.

[@jaycareaga9929]

@ The musicians on this song. Bobby Caldwell - lead and backing vocals, keyboards, bass guitar Benny Latimore - keyboards Alfons Kettner - guitar Harold Seay - drums Steve Mele - guitar

[@fritzgrooves324]

In 1978, I was driving from Oakland back to my home in Santa Cruz, listening to KDIA, the local soul music station that didn’t broadcast in my area. I heard this tune and just about drove off the road. Within a day or so I had purchased the 45 single and started learning the tune. Shortly after that, we started playing it on local gigs and it was well received, even though most of the local folks hadn’t heard it yet, since it had not yet crossed over to pop radio. Serendipitously, I’m just in the last few days using a karaoke track in my daily vocal practice sessions, singing the song for the first time in many years! Thanks for hooking us up, PD Bass! Great job.

[@gimmeagig]

Hi Fritz! I think I've heard you play that tune at the Crow's Nest.

[@winstonschwarz1636]

Winding down Route 17? Is it still called that?😊

[@fritzgrooves324]

⁠@@winstonschwarz1636, if memory serves, I was on a section of Highway 17 near Fremont that is now called Highway 880. These days Highway 17 is only the stretch between Santa Cruz and Highway 680 in San Jose.

[@CommishNflpro]

Wow...blast from the past...KDIA! Good memories from back in the day!

[@dbmay1975]

I thought I was the only one who felt the connection with Can’t Hide Love. Glad to see Bobby himself confirmed the EWF influence and thank you for confirming the chords used in the progression!

[@jazzpunk]

Before watching, I almost chimed in...then I read your comment. Yep, back in the day, as I was gravitating more into R&B/Funk...EWF songs like "Can't Hide Love", "That's The Way Of The World, & "Saturday Night" - A trove of approaching chord changes in a new way (for me). Caldwell's tune, same. Had the LP forever, gave it to a co-worker who begged for it a couple years back.

[@jmsblckhll]

Your channel is one of the few that I hit like as soon as it opens. Never a mistake!

[@stoneblake7938]

Man, I love your channel!!!! I geek out every time you post a video. Thank you.

[@scotthsmith64]

Those chords are almost exactly like Just The Two Of Us. Another timeless classic.

[@Dom2Wan]

Came here to say this!

[@Syncop8rNZ]

That's what I thought as soon as I heard them... well the first three at least.

[@ivylamitina9597]

that's what i've always said!

[@troyc4250]

The song is beyond beautiful. As a kid I knew this song was amazing but didn’t know why. Now I know.

[@SargeantFriday]

According to the new Netflix documentary on "Norman's Rare Guitars" (another great youtube channel), Bobby Caldwell playing bass is how Norm's got started. Norm was in a band with Bobby, who needed a bass. Norm found one in the classifieds and sold it to Bobby. There was so much interest in that bass from those in Miami bass community (including Jaco Pastorius), that Norm thought to himself that there might be a business in buying and selling guitars and basses.

[@trevormaclaren9048]

Thanks for breaking this down, the bass is epic on this classic!

[@mysticakhenaton1701]

I always LOVED the horns and strings on this.

[@gostanel]

Thanks Paul, this was an awesome tribute. Bobby one of the very best: he writed, arranged, sang, performed (often most of the instruments) and even recorded and mixed his music. Incredible all around skills, and I still think his vocal delivery was the absolute finest, as one could clearly experience listening to him live. Thank you for showing the various sides of his genius.

[@guybarnett1]

This fabulous song was my intro to Bobby C, as I’m sure it was for many. There’s so much to love in it. Thanks for this analysis.😃

[@JohnBodoni]

paul, i just want to give a shout out to YOU. that you can play that lick and so many others that i've seen here on your channel... that deserves recognition. kudos!

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@r.elliott1921]

@pdbass .. Even growing up in the Island of Jamaica, hearig this wicked tune (song) at 10yo in 1978, (and beyond), it became a lifetime favourite. I would say most Jamaicans from that era rated it highly and loved it ever since. Thank you for breaking it down

[@girlygirllocssoul]

Thank you for breaking down my most FAVORITE song. This is the song that I have studied and continue to study because it is MASTERFUL in my book! I do adore Bobby Caldwell's music and musicianship in his songs. I love that he ✨sprinkles✨ some "flowers" at the 4:01 minute mark. He does that in some of his songs. Love me some Bobby Caldwell.🥰 Thank you again!

Wow! This song ever was one of my favorite. And it's jazz. Thanks God for the Caldwell legacy. R.I.P.

[@lafemmevocale1040]

Paul, a giant thank you for breaking down this song. It is one of my top 3 songs to sing. And I'm very grateful that I've had the pleasure of singing it with YOU! Congrats on this channel, wishing you a million subscribers. Great content! Shari R in Pgh

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Thank you, Professor Paul, for highlighting another of my favorite songs! I spent hours learning that bass line right down to the dynamics in the late '70s. Thanks for the memories...

[@jackv2244]

He had a lifetime invite to the picnic, Ya dig 😂😂 that song will never get old, that did have a little EWF vibe to it, thank you for breaking it down, and continue to Rest in peace Mr. Caldwell 🕊️🕊️

[@DrVenture45]

I fell in love with this song day one. For years I had no idea who sang it, I just knew the song title (this was long before Google). When I was older, I started "googling" songs I was fond of and finally had a name to match the song. My search took me to Bobby Caldwell's website homepage and looking at this older, crooner-looking fella, my first reaction was, "This must be some mistake...no way that's him!" In seconds, the site starts playing "What You Won't Do For Love" and my jaw hit the floor! 🤯

[@petertrotman7708]

The whole album is a pearl. I remember as kid learning this bass line, especially that bass fill. Amazing record, amazing, voice, amazing career. R.I.P. Bobby and thank U.

[@mattfoley6082]

Thanks for pointing out that bass fill!

[@carl-so-lowelowe6796]

Facts! Nice breakdown! I was thinking about this song and the Earth Wind & Fire song like 2 days ago!

[@PurpleButterfly2173]

This is still on my playlist. Love this song

[@curtmagee]

Masterpiece 🔥

[@ivylamitina9597]

literally one of my favorite songs haha

[@timkbt]

I saw Bobbie at his Christmas concert on 12/13/2018. During the introduction to this song he made the comment that early on in his career he won an award for best new black artist of the year. He went on to say “then the memo came out. Hey…they giveth and then they taketh away.” He then went on to say I hope this brings back a lot of good memories which brought the house down when they played the intro. Richie Velasquez is listed as playing bass on the Clouds album.♥️🎶

[@loulou7137]

I can definitely believe that. 😆

[@blakebass1]

Wonderful job as always! Thank you for breaking down this classic for us. Loved learning that iconic bass fill today, thank you for your great workmanship and thought provoking videos!

[@dr.garynelson4687]

Happy New Year Paul and thanks for a great video to start 2025 out with!

[@scott.mac.k]

Man, each video is a real delight! Thank you for those contents: they are clear, really interesting, i can feel passion. And BTW, you are one of a kind, cos' I am French, and when you speak, you are quite the only one that I don't need (English) subtitles, thanks for that too! Scott, french bass player ;-)

Great video. I love this MASTERPIECE. Greetings from Madrid. 👍🎹

[@OranteFrazier]

Man, this song is almost 50 years old. That's how you know a song is a classic, the staying power.

[@obelix703]

1:12 I’m stealing that clip. It’s a perfect take.

[@jameschan9634]

I saw Bobby at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip, and it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. He played every instrument at one point or another, and he put a Funky vibe to every song. Caldwell's whole body of work is delightful, one of my favorites who never gets fitting recognition for his artistry.

[@farmbrough]

Sadly, nothing he did charted in the UK, so I'd never heard of him. Thank you for introducing me to him.😊

[@jerryburdick8051]

Brilliance. Thank you! Such a classic and it's a joy to relive it through your ears. I always wondered who played bass, but knowing the producer is a bass player is the surprise that shouldn't be surprising. Perfection.

[@stephanleo]

6:30 I love that distorted outro guitar line from the 1978 live version!

[@jonwhitehead5426]

Yeah, that video was quite an addition to YT. That version is more rock-like, like you said, especially at the end. Love it.

[@somnambulnation5681]

Fantastic homage to a true shining star of a song. I strive to stay locked in that vibe every day. Thanks.

[@kcameo1]

Bedankt

[@pdbass]

Thank you!

[@BuddyBoo123]

At the end of the day, Earth wind and fire was inspired by Charles Stepney. He's the one that gave them their sound. And his sound spread across and influenced other people

[@calvinwilds46]

And when he passed they didn't sound the same.

[@edhornby4885]

His genius arrangement for California Soul by Marlena Shaw is a lesson

[@des-jk3cx]

Some years ago…I ran across a video on YT where Stepney’s daughters were working on producing a documentary on him

[@suddeneye9836]

Looks like I’m doin some research! Appreciate you all.

[@JustK009]

Happy New Year Paul..Bobby Caldwell’s catalog is rich with many gems..Bobby was an amazing musician, writer and producer..A true craftsman

[@j.d.b.4683]

Good job PD! Good job. I always thought this bass line was a master class in space and groove. I am 57, and until about ten years ago, I thought this guy had "been born at the picnic," not invited. Then, my mind was blown away to find out that he had been invited. A very soulful voice Bobby had.

[@fdra1763]

lol! I remember when I first saw his picture. I think I was so shocked I started laughing, like how is this possible. Great, timeless song.

[@j.d.b.4683]

@@fdra1763 Yes, I think I laughed as well. He did "blue-eyed soul" better than Hall & Oates.

[@mortenbuschmann3981]

Bobby Caldwells album "Blue Condition" is a masterpiece too :-)

[@cesar-o1n]

I heard Richie Velasquez for the first time in a glorious record where he played for Betty Wright. The name of the album was Sweet. Now I know he also played for Bobby Caldwell. Great! One of my favourite songs ever.

[@Drewman3387]

Great content. Thank you again.

[@fivestring65ify]

This is a classic. Yacht rock. As a bass player, I've always loved the groove. Thanks for covering this one. I still listen to this song regularly.

[@subschool5]

thanks for all your great vids, pdbass! have a great weekend

[@The_JoeyGunz]

Wonderful breakdown!!! Happy New Year to you, sir!!!

[@wcvalentine5996]

The remix arrangement on the greatest hits album had some synth bass and worth the mention check it out and the arrangement is killer! Who remakes their own hit song? Straight 🔥

[@kcameo1]

What a way to start 2025 💪👍 Grazie mille Paul. Just like all the great bassist's you give hommage and pay gratitude to on this chanel, you are legend Sir 🙏🙏

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

im a little younger early 40s a 90s kid i will always associate this song with tupac. great vid as usual!

[@juliusCR3]

Great stuff as usual, Sir. 👊

[@lougaru2445]

Couldn't have picked a better song Paul

[@ilndboy7]

Absolutely Pd! I was a fan since that song came out and fortunate to watch him in Seattle before he passed. RIP BC🙏🏽

[@paulehenrycompany685]

Pdnuggetman. Panning for gold..

[@seldonplanB-24]

"What You Won't Do For Love" IS a vibe 🫶

[@1mespud]

Great analogy. The groove is crucial. Even a lead vocal or an instrument solo can get in the way when over producing or over performing a song. Sometimes you just want cake without the icing.

[@DaddyBooneDon]

Once again, you did it justice. I've always loved this song. Just a few years ago, I did a quick listen to the whole album and panned the rest of the tracks as uninspired. What a mistake! Based on your announcement of this video, I did a deeper dive, and this whole album has some real nuggets. This is definitely the best track though. Right from the intro, this one is set apart by its sophistication. You're so right about the use of space to hilight every nuance in the mix. This is definitely not a jam. Thanks again Paul

[@kc0lif]

i like that song.

[@davidwylde8426]

Great vid. The live vid you referred to is a great version with nice guitar playing.

[@andrewcrawford4635]

Just an awesome song. I never got tired of hearing it. I always like how his vocals calmly dropped out and the synths take over along with the bass and horn groove until the song fades out. I didn’t realize the EWF influence on this until you brought this out.

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks for the cool, informative video. 'Life time invite to the picnic' ! 😂

[@optimistray1]

Fantastic breakdown and explanation, thank you! This track has been a favourite of mine for quite some time and your detailed analysis confirms why that's so... Salut!

[@jackjdolan]

Another great video !

[@geevee7823]

Ricky Peterson also did a great version of this song.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I called songs like What You Won’t Do for Love, Can’t Hide, and Yearning for Your Love, Funk Ballads because they have fewer chord changes than classic ballads, and bass/drum groove dominates like it would on a dance track.

[@kwillis7779]

@pdbass Thank you, Paul, for another great video. And, a special thank you for all the times you remind me of the goodness that came from my little red transistor radio (way back). Happy New Year! Be well. Cheers!

[@protools718]

Definitely one my fave. Still on the lookout for that heart shaped 45 in good condition for my collection. I’ve always wondered if the bass was overdubbed. Especially towards the end it sounds like two parts.

[@AJMjazz]

Thank you for featuring this great song, Paul! Played bass or guitar and sang this song thousands of times since the 80's in various bands. A cover band "standard", One band, i was the bassist/2nd keys and vocals. I was the only white guy. When the band leader put this song in the set, he gave it to me to sing. I got lots of "invites to the picnic" thereafter.

[@bootoxkikka]

I saw that video years ago. It was filmed live either in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami Beach, (don't remember). I was 17 back in 78, attending school in Boston, and I was instantly hypnotized when I heard that song, (still am). A couple of years ago I transcribed that song for a Jazz combo instrumental group I belonged to, (in F minor), and it was part of our set list. You're right, way simple, but it just works. It hit me when Bobby left us. I was a true fan and that tune is....well you nailed it.

[@jeff8ball]

'I dig!' Simple groove, huge vibe.

[@mattgreven7615]

The GO WEST cover is also really nice.

[@OlandoMcCall]

One of my island songs❤️

[@AfroRedMusic]

I had a gig on the night of what ended up his last gig in Detroit, I was pissed and considering failing my bandmates that night but I'll always have youtube to check it out 😂 also the Cat in the Hat album was my grieving LP for my last relationship (we've reconciled since 🙏🏼) but yeah man, that album is INSANE, his guitar counter bass lines?! 🥶

[@vinsharrelson2246]

Great pick! BTW, I have one for you to get in deep on a future episode. Remember "Fencewalk" by Mandrill? Truly a masterwork in the art of bringing da Funk!

[@Don2Rich]

I always thought the song was a half-step lower but thanks for always hip'n me to some great music as always.

[@fishing4444able]

Brilliant track!!! Happy new year JL

[@csauls]

Ther fills and embellishments on the end are fire

[@bassadelica]

According to Ai you're right Richie Velasquez. I might just ask him. Seems to still be playing around FL. Richie Valasquez played bass on Bobby Caldwell's 1978 hit song "What You Won't Do for Love": Other musicians who played on the song include: Bobby Caldwell: Lead and backing vocals, keyboards Benny Latimore: Keyboards Alfons Kettner: Guitar Harold Seay: Drums Steve Mele: Guitar

[@gilbo4000]

Right on Paul - HYN, take care out there and keep 'em comin'. 🙏

[@Daniel-ko8nk]

4:31 I’m always waiting for this moment when I listen to the song…DAMN that’s good

[@matthw633]

One of my favorite songs. I was in high school when this came out. There was a red heart shaped vinyl record that was like $5.00 in any local record store. I bought it for my girlfriend with a dozen roses. I was in like Flint. I just checked eBay. This particular version goes for upwards of $350.00 ! What I wouldn’t do to still have that record 🤣🎼

[@PhilMoskowitz]

yeah, I've always thought this song was an extension of Earth, Wind and Fire's "Can't Hide Love".

[@petemelendez710]

I have the 45 of his song it’s a shape of a heart that I gave it to my girlfriend that she became my wife. The song is a test of time it will keep playing. again and again. this song is self. It can go to jazz, R&B or pop. very well produce. Fantastic song!!!!!

[@TerryNails]

I met Bobby through Michael and Danny Sembello back in the e arly '80s and got to hang out with him quite a bit. He did a hilarious outgoing message for my answering machine back then doing his fantastic Frank Sinatra impersonation! This is still one of my top favorite songs of all time!

[@reubenmcnabb6072]

Best Bass Channel Officially no contest

[@Fakename70]

Great deep dive!

[@StephenLee529]

To this day if I play this song I have to run it back….now I understand why…✊🏾🏁

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

Used ta call it " Blue Eyed Soul " in the mid to late 70 's, with Bobby Ambrosia & Hall & Oates being the top 3 Got so many Caldwell Classic favorites Jamaica Coming Down From Love, even remember him doing All or Nothing At All first before Al Jarreau

[@william-uc2oy]

100%. A masterpiece. From 79. Almost 46 years later it maintains its magic. Put this on at dance party and you’ll have everyone 10-80 on the floor. And I’ll add the above sentence applies to about half the globe. Whether they speak English or not. The video you showed is from a beach show in Florida. I at one time had a red heart shaped record of the hit. I know it’s rare now. Sadly a person stole it!

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

I don't know anything about the particulars but... I do know that at 57 years old(now) I was a preteen listening to this... Lee Ritnour... Twennynine... Patrice Rushen... EWF... Parliament/Funkadelic... Rick James and Teena Marie... Gladys Knight and the Pips... The O'Jays... Barry White... Stevie Wonder... The Whole Motown Family... What are 11 year olds listening to now??? WHY does anyone expect me to be impressed by what is happening in "Popular Music" these days. A COMPLETE MYSTERY!!! I'm more impressed by the youngsters I hear on KZbin like Kingfish Ingram, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Helen Ibe, Nunnabove, Kent Nishimura and KofiB(piano)

[@MixingGBP]

Another song heavily influenced by his song is “Love is the Word” by Sweetback. The lyrical melody and some of the lyrics in the hook are directly taken from his song.

[@rlwhite68]

OMG ❤great job man

[@wcvalentine5996]

Bobby Caldwell timeline album anthology pt1 has a real cool arrangement with synth bass

[@MauiFlyGuy]

Smokin tune!!!

[@rebldr67]

Feel wise, I thought that bassist on this track was Jimmy Haslip who recorded bass for many of Bobby Caldwell's albums, especially his earlier ones. Jimmy & Bobby were both in Miami during those days. Jimmy may be uncredited if there was a contractual issue with Haslip being in the rock group Blackjack (which had Sandy Gennaro on drums who then joined Pat Travers Band, Bruce Kulick on guitar who later joined Kiss, and singer Michael Bolton). Since Anita Baker was mentioned, Jimmy Haslip played bass on Anita Baker's "Been So Long" on her "Rapture" album.

[@Twobarpsi]

Ohhhh what a great track!