Classical Composer Reaction/Analysis of Earth Wind & Fire (September & Let's Groove) | Ep. 533

#earthwindfire #earthwindandfire
***This was originally recorded for a Friday release but was blocked. I’m happy to release it today.
In this #masterpiecefriday edition of #thedailydoug, I'm listening to the infectious sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire. This isn't a 'first reaction' because I'm familiar with these songs. But, I really wanted to include music from this classic band during our celebration of Black History month. Their songs have become part of the soundtrack of our lives over their 50+ year career. So, come along for a fun video featuring September and Let's Groove!
Reference Video: • Earth, Wind & Fire - S...
Reference Video: • Earth, Wind & Fire - L...
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[@darrylhinko5568]

One of the greatest bands ever, Verdine on bass is one of the all time greats. His grooves are infectious. I was a metal head in the 80s and did dismiss them, and I regret it.

[@biffbarely7045]

I was (and still am) a metal head since the 80s, but EW&F was my 1st musical influence. They're just awesome no matter what you like.

[@richardhamilton9936]

"September" is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@pambennett3390]

True story: my Yorkie howls when this song plays. It’s the only song he howls to. That is high praise. It has to be the vocals. Love this song!

[@onsesejoo2605]

Have you tried the "Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" album by The Beatles ? It has the part owned to dogs, the last song fading out ? It is a sound of 20 000 kHz.

[@patriciastewart2239]

Aww

[@KPD017]

This metal head has loved EWF since high school! Fantasy is my favorite. This was really fun! I was dancing with ya! 😊❤

[@revgurley]

I read that with September, they played fast and loose with the lyrics. "Twenty-first" sounded better than other dates they tried, liked it, and went with it. And that their manager/engineer/label wanted words for the "Ba-dee-AH"s in the chorus. But they couldn't find lyrics to fit as well, so kept Ba-dee-AH. Such a classic.

[@chrisb.2178]

What a combination of Funk, Soul, R&B and Jazz. Dancemusic has never been better.

[@FerGL]

and some pop, a band for everything

[@williamisenberger1073]

Along with Mr. White and Ms.Willis, guitarist AL McKay was a co writer. Also, Don Myrick needs a mention on sax

[@silentinaway7407]

Thanks Doug - EWF were stunningly good. Aside from focusing on the basic grooves and chord arrangement perhaps you could look at how amazing quality of their vocal arrangements - just listen to those thrilling harmonies in Let's Groove for example. That was genuine performance then . These days it takes computers to create that stuff

[@patriciastewart2239]

Aren't they, the ones left, still touring? I grew up with this giant band. The are so freaking groovy✌️

[@teresaluz975]

Every song from Earth Wind and Fire is top tier. Loved your reaction.

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

I was into rock music, but still loved the groove of bands like this.

[@tommonk7651]

I friggin' love E,W&F! RIP Maurice White.... Those horns did it for me. One of the 1st albums I ever bought was That's The Way Of The World. And September is set on the night after my birthday. Verdine White is awesome on bass....

[@phunkjnky]

I saw them years ago with Chicago. They toured together for years, and apparently flipped a coin before the went on stage to figure out who went on first. They played the final 30 minutes together. Amazing.

[@nsgobbi]

EWF, Chic, Kool & The Gang…. all stellar, extraordinaire groove bands.

[@quaaludethunder2814]

Check out their live album “Gratitude”. My favourite! A lot more funkier and jazzy; before disco took over their sound. Put on side 1 and crank it!!

[@rk41gator]

One of the great bands from the '70s. They created classic grooves with a unique sound. 'September', a very complicated tune, sounds so smooth. 'Fantasy' is another great tune. Phil Collins liked EW&F so much that he used their horn section often. And from there became friends with singer Philip Bailey; co-writing 'Easy Lover' (1984) which appeared on Bailey's album Chinese Wall. The tune was nominated for a Grammy. The video is worth featuring for a reaction. It even has a hilarious visual reference to EW&F when Collins comes in with an EW&F costume.

[@octaviussludberry9016]

The right people, writing and performing music at the right time, for the right audience. Absolutely superb tunes.

[@maureenwagg5305]

EWF is joyful music. I am always overjoyed to hear their music. It makes me very very happy. This is a talented, multi instrumental, incredibly tight and unified band, just like the world they wish for us all. I love them.

[@joelucas1017]

Greatest R.B group of ALL TIME

[@forformgamer]

I work with 7 to 12 year old kids at an afterschool daycare and when we have to clean up stuff I like to turn on music, because it takes their mind of the actual cleaning... When I turn on Earth, Wind & Fire everyone is dancing around while working together. It might take a bit longer, but no one cares :)

[@markolatvanen5791]

I bought the Raise! album in 1982 when I was in high school here in Finland. My very rock’n’roll friends very totally aghast 😅 and it took some convincing to have them give EWF even a quick listen. To the credit of a couple of those guys, they did and they swiftly wanted to hear more. I think EWF was also one of the key influences and inspirations for many of the young talents studying at the then-brand new Pop and Jazz Conservatoire in Helsinki; the musicianship of the guys in EWF was amazing.

[@MDIman42]

This was so much fun. If the music isn't infectious enough for you, Doug's enthusiasm will get you out of your chair to enjoy the sheer joy of these classics! Thank you, Doug!

[@patriciastewart2239]

Let this groove 😎 what a groovy vibe. Roller skating. And it's still seventies maybe 1980. Boogie on down

[@positiveforce7832]

1981

[@mournblade1066]

"Let's Groove" is absolutely fantastic. I remember when that came out.

[@nsgobbi]

Absolutely genius. Where have gone all the people able to make such kind of music ?

[@AL13NM]

LEGENDS! Their song DANCE, DANCE, DANCE from the animated film ROCK And RULE is such a great song that never gets enough recognition!

[@KristineMaitland]

Isn't Rock and Rule a Nelvana animated film? Made in Canada, the villain is voiced by Don Franks, Cree Summer Franks father (she is known for her voice work)

[@tomkruze1304]

So hard to sit still to these songs, we are warm blooded humans for sure

[@mcwulf25]

I was a rock fan in the 70s but I broke out with an EWF album - the one with Boogie Wonderland on it. Superb 👍

[@tweetsuk]

One thing I love about your videos is how you play along and make up fillers, they're always so much fun and really enhance my listening to you! Love your reactions!

[@biffbarely7045]

Doug, I would strongly recommend EW&F and Chicago's performances together (when both bands perform the songs together). It's quite an event. Maybe others can choose a favorite song from the show to check out, but they were all fantastic to me.

[@patriciastewart2239]

Wow. 1978? I thought it was before that. Such a beautiful song. I really did think it came from 68 or /70. ,♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🎹🎤😎

[@swordmonkey6635]

EW&F are epic. Another group of similar group size and style, but not as famous was Cameo. There was a legal beef between the two groups about a song.

[@Mr.S369]

Seems like it's coming from another universe now. Perhaps it always was. Gotta love EWF.

[@Dee_snuts_]

Those words are the truest of true, no matter where you are EWF is the grandfather of groove. You simply cannot not groove to either of these songs.

[@tracithomas6543]

EWF are incredible and a huge part of the soundtrack of my life - I don’t think they’re capable of having a bad song. If you haven’t seen it, check out the Kennedy Center Honors celebrating Earth, Wind, and Fire with tribute performances by Cynthia Erivo, John Legend, Ne-Yo, and Jonas Brothers. Also, Doug just wanted to thank you for your Focus (Hocus Pocus) reaction - I ran across it last night and loved it! They’re one of my 81 year old mom’s favourite bands; I’ve been listening to them for 50+ years.

[@guitarmangordon.9286]

That time will never happen again. Thanks for the reaction.

[@joehouse3800]

September 21st was the day Maurice white son was due to be born!!

[@leojmorts402]

Doug, thank you. Winter storm in Minnesota, so great to be able to move and groove to this today! Like we used to say back in the day, if you're not tapping your feet, you're dead or can't hear.

[@jayarr5393]

Dr. Doug...Dr. Doug...Dr. Doug.........Standing Invitation to DJ my next White Socks and Sandals Pool Party.

[@Gez492]

Great upbeat video Doug. Thanks for doing this, how about a deeper dive into the Band, they have some seriously impressive music to talk about.

[@mellotronin54]

Back in the day they were the anathema of my Prog leanings but over the years I have grown to love them and yes you have to groove. David Foster their producer knew how to make a great song.

[@antwit]

Unexpected turn there Doug! But if you return to EWF, please consider "Spirit", or "That's The Way Of The World" - both fab, though not disco!

[@bigjay123]

I always thought it said 'Party On'. And that's what I'm sticking with. I'd love to see a newer younger band take over and keep playing this music. Earth, Wind & Fire, Commodores, GAP Band, all of them.

[@rickstadel5285]

Magnificent -- well done, sir! So glad I didn't notice the 'critics at the time' -- I loved this stuff. Also, if you have a spare moment some time, I think the background vocals could use one of your rapier analyses. I'd appreciate it, anyway.

[@trufflehund]

I hope you are in a jazz band Doug. You have a great ear and what you played in Let's Groove adds to the sound in a very nice way. BTW Hello from Australia

[@kdm71291]

You and a few others I watch, regularly or occasionally, can point out and identify notes and chords by name, including numbers (D7 major, for example)…. I have been attracted and involved in music my entire life including 6 years of formal training in school and some semi-private lessons (trumpet)…and I’ve never been able to do that (except maybe concert Bb, haha!) So I keep watching you and others like you to not only enrich my entertainment but also my knowledge and connection….keep it up!

[@IllumeEltanin]

Help me out, guys. Is this the same Phillip Bailey who does Easy Lover with Phil Collins?

[@edisonhamilton]

yup

[@mathieuhoulee]

September's chords are clearly taken from jazz. The chorus is Bm7 - E7 - C#m7 - F#m7, and the verses / bridge are Dm7 - C#m7 - B7 - C#m7 - F#m7 - G/A (A-G-B-D-G). You can clearly hear the guitar on the right channel doing these chords, and the guitar on the left channel is highlighting these chords with a simple melody between G#, A, B and C#. As usual, great analysis!

[@gavenlrobertson7352]

Such an amazing Doug! I would love to have you react too CHIC's "I want your love" or "Le Freak"

[@Aeyrie1]

I was into metal during their heyday, so I knew of them, but didn't listen to them. I missed out on a great musical experience. Luckily, I've since fixed that mistake.

[@Georgemanuel57]

I saw them in 1980 in Hollywood Fl best concert I have ever been to.

[@georgeallen5577]

That's The Way of the World lines up with the What's Going On from Marvin Gaye.

[@limomarc]

Kirk Franklin did an amazing gospel cover of this song!! Definitely worth checking out.

[@mjsmcd]

Guy who wrote this said producer didn't like ba de a ...in there and wanted lyrics but Maurice white said screw that cuz as long as it grooves that's all that matters

[@mournblade1066]

Hey, how about "Flashlight" from Parliament? That's the single greatest funk song ever recorded. Bernie Worrell's MiniMoog synth bass is legendary.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Curtis Mayfield- Superfly ( 72) 🔥 Is badass. Just got view from 502 to react. Check it!!

[@jgsrhythm100]

If doing EWF for the love of God " Shining Star" 🔥 Now that's a funky dance party. Sept is when they became straight up pop.

[@erikmaronde2244]

The tightest band of their time. But aren't they getting a bit faster and faster in this song?

[@kimedwardilagan9137]

5:04 Love that impromptu piano moment! 👌

[@joebarrera9741]

Love this band ❤

[@dkdaiseydaisey6872]

Greatest band ever on god's green earth - bar none. Great vocals, musicianship and lyrics.

[@pnojazz]

Where is today’s EWF?

[@billburkhead9737]

We ended up on the front row of one of their concerts about 4 years ago - they were FANTASTIC. Russian band, Leonid and Friends did a great take on this tune also with a strings section also.

[@stevencharlton7693]

It's been a while since I last listened to Earth Wind and Fire, so this was a refreshing change to my normal listening these days. Nice one Doug!!! 😀

[@mcwulf25]

1981 disco had become sophisticated. Dominated by Chic and Michael Jackson. Bands like EWF and Odyssey survived by embracing production. It has to sound good on a car hi-fi and in a wine bar!!!

[@biffbarely7045]

Well this is embarrassing. I have all of EW&F's studio & Live albums and never realized I didn't own a studio version of "September" until you pointed out it's exclusivity. 😀🙃

[@jgsrhythm100]

Curtis Mayfield- Superfly ( 72) 🔥 Title track from the groundbreaking soundtrack. This is a funky masterpiece Nothing like Sept. I just got view from 502 to react and everyone loved it! Check for yourself

[@HoratioMcSherry]

EW&F. Absolute legends 🙂As I'm sure other commenters have mentioned, because Phil Collins knew what he was doing, he nicked (stole) the brass section for his albums and live shows from 1982-1990 and also had Fred White on backing vocals for his Serious Hits Tour in 1990. He kept some of the brass players on the later tours but nothing that you'd call EW&F. 🙂

[@davidiovanisci7607]

Big music fan of many genres, seen Earth Wind and Fire in Philly at the spectrum in 1978 during the All n all album… they were fantastic and the band is not the same since M. White passed the way P. Bailey fed off of White was what made them so special with their vocals

[@clansome]

Heavy rock, metal & prog are my "go to" genres but I like ALL good music such as EW&F. I am also an unapologetic Swiftie !

[@jgsrhythm100]

Curtis Mayfield- Superfly ( 72) 🔥 Is badass. Just got view from 502 to react. Check it!! This ( September) is mainstream pop. The prior would be far more appealing to majority on this channel.

[@sandramorales3949]

I was a little kid in my small country Guatemala and fall in love with EWF since then. The greatest band ever. Thanks for the video. My kids enjoy this music too

[@Bryman1970]

I grew up hearing EW&F on the radio, even back before FM. They'd play everything from Led Zeppelin to Elton John, Elvis, and everything in between. As a teenager, I ran with the crowd who thought disco was uncool. As i got older and started playing music myself, I grew to appreciate bands that could just lay back and groove. As the late great Miles Davis once said, It's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play.

[@RichardRodi526]

Saw EWF in Concert at Chicago Stadium back around d 76 or 77. We had seats behind the sound boards at the back of the main floor and could not see anything since the sound boards were raise up. Went and talked to an User before the concert started and he gave us 5 VIP tickets in like the 12th row center. It was an amazing experience and everyone was standing and dancing the entire concert. I think this was my first big concert I went to.

[@triumphantfaithiwc6711]

Part of the story is the record label was on their back to produce a disco project. There was some protest on their part. But they delivered “Let’s Groove”.

[@mournblade1066]

13:00 When this came out, I was in the sixth grade. I always thought he was saying "boogie or die!" That would have been cool.

[@fernandoroza6061]

Nice to be open-minded. Always leads to fresh ideas 😊👍🎶

[@gsprings43]

their 1980 album faces,,,,is a strange and interesting album,,,when you compare it to the albums before it,,,,you can tell they were searching

[@barebarekun161]

You should do a reaction to New World Symphony by Earth, Wind & Fire from Gratitude album. I still couldn't get enough of its live concert part of the album it was perfection, one of the best example of how a band sounds like at its prime.

[@altern8mind]

Always loved this song. Plus, my dearest long time friend's Bday is September 21st.

[@jesusfan8504]

Thank you for sharing some EW&F! We need positivity more than ever..Let's let the Love and Light flow from Jesus freely through us all today, filling us with Joy, and overflowing into others lives!

[@galenhubbard8784]

Checkout their other songs besides the hits.Mainly some of their instrumental songs,like New World Symphony,Rock That,Faces,Runnin,just to name a few.EWF is more than a “funk” band.

[@Berzerk67]

Great you did EWF, there are just so many better songs than September & Let's Groove, so please ;-)

[@chuckjansen4602]

concert in joiliet with Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago musty have been early 2000's, cross playing each others music. Great concert

[@haemongill9203]

They are in the Rock and roll Hall of fame and Iron Maiden aren't!!!??? What is wrong with this !!!

[@chrisoleary9876]

Thanks Doug. These songs bring back so many great memories...sometimes brings a tear to my eyes...especially Lets Groove.

[@bernardodc9631]

Could you please analyze Winter Aid's "The Wisp Sings"? I feel it so deep but sutil.. if you don't pay attention, is a regular song, but I think it was beautifully designed with a lot of emotion

[@sharonbunn2363]

I still can't access the patreon so am hoping you check the comments. I would like to recommend that you check out Ren. You don't have to react to him but for your own sake check him out, the guy is a genius and fast taking over KZbin reaction videos. Hi, Ren is the one that everone is reacting to but I personally love Losing It and The Hunger. His guitar playing on Hi Ren is worth checking out alone.xx

[@hector.vigilescalera]

can anybody tell me what's the album at the right of DSOTM, behind the Dream Theater cap, I know I've seen it around a few times but I can't associate it with a band at all? thx in advance

[@chrisgonzalez4414]

Close to the cover of Voodoo child.. it's on the power of soul tribute album. It's on my boppers playlist. Well because it bops 😎

[@yeahnahmate1611]

If they got the day 10 days earlier in this song, it would've been banned from 2001 onwards.

[@cameronfowler7361]

I remember - My wife was in labor on the night of Sept 21. My second sone was born at 4:01am on the 22nd

[@freein2339]

You should check out "See The Light" and "Running"

[@fabrizio_prina]

One of the best band ever ❤

[@AJ_NL_1963]

In the Netherlands we have had another great band during late sixties, seventies and eighties. Earth and Fire. Great music early prog music with in the later period more pop influences

[@casbar2011]

Hello, Doug! Please react to "Danilo Brito: noites cariocas"! I think you will like it.

[@Battle_Faith-Ministries]

I remember when this had everyone on the floor at the high school dance in the 1980s

[@uncabeeil]

Doug Helvering on keys!! Give 'im SOME!!!!

[@davorzmaj753]

That sparse intro could almost be Kraftwerk

[@garfieldwhittaker944]

EWF was formed in Los Angeles...!

[@axelclaussen5580]

Combining a studio version of a song with live video just doesn't seem right!

[@brianvernon249]

Oooh Pure Gold - last genius song my them. Walk into light.