Earth Wind & Fire’s "After the Love Has Gone": What You Missed

[@kevinpaige5746]

Maurice White is one of the most overlooked R&B singer of all time. His smoothness was unmatched!

[@MarioExperts]

💯💯💯

[@kencory2476]

The hidden genius of David Foster. He's everywhere.

[@matthewdavidpope]

jay graydon also

[@konabold]

And Bill Champlin. He brings his incredible and unforgettable lyrics to this memorable piece. His versions of this song are equally worth listening to here on YT. Also thank you for this the best tutorial on this song ever made. ❤

[@matthewdavidpope]

@@konabold yes definitely bill champlin … what a combination

[@Hypotheosis]

Phenomenal video. Aimee is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite music theory teachers, and seems like a genuinely awesome person. We’re about the same age and seem to love the same music, so her videos feel like a good friend talking about music with me. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to make such good content!

[@AimeeNolte]

That makes me so happy! Thank you!

[@Musicman25-b4d]

Earth Wind and Fire's songs have very complex chord changes that only smart musicians can pick up on and you are one of those very smart and talented musicians. Being a keyboard player myself I thought I was playing it right all this time until I saw this video lol!! David Foster was always one phenomenal Music Producer that really knew his craft VERY WELL!!!

[@kristoferpersson1614]

Aimee, you are the best piano-teacher ever, playing the best ballad ever...!!!

[@spoontastico]

Bill Champlin and David Foster wrote this, and a few other timeless hits together... And Bill made a lot of amazingly creative music with the Sons of Champlin and solo... Great stuff!!

[@alanparkinson4568]

Absolute brilliance. No one writes songs like this anymore 😢 I like the way your hands ‘talk’ when you’re explaining things.

[@robinbreslin1626]

I play this in one of the bands I am in. Actually a Jazz version of it (sax replacing the vocal line). The is SO MUCH in this song, so much. Every time it's my turn to improv on it I swear I find something new. The energy comes from the harmony - that is incredible, not the melody, not the rhythm - it's the harmony that drives this piece like the flow of a river through a beautiful ravine. Yep - I love this tune, and never gave it any attention before playing it, my ignorance has been corrected :)

[@waugsqueke]

This song is insanely good. Makes me twist my head like a confused dog sometimes.

[@michellemonet4358]

It IS a masterpiece.

[@BassGuyNL]

Woke up (it’s 7AM in Europe 😉) while listening to this. The realization that, with all the bad stuff going on in the world , the human mind is capable of creating such a flow of beautiful chords makes for the greatest start of my day! Cheers, Anton, the Netherlands

[@jeebustrain]

David Foster always had killer chord progressions

[@jeebustrain]

I'd love to see you do something similar for the Foster 80s Chicago tune "Remember The Feeling." The chord changes in there are wild.

[@arthurhaywood2184]

I love this video! One thing is missing though. Yes, Maurice was the creator and leader of EWF but the members also had major influences. One of the most major was the influence of pianist/organist member, Larry Dunn. It’s something that most wouldn’t realize unless you had a musical background and saw them live. To watch him low key and unobtrusively direct what went on musically on stage was fascinating! Also, over the years, the influence of Charles Stepney has been lost. For me, they were never the same after he passed. RIP…..😢

[@martingravel1157]

What an awesome video… thx! EWF, what a great group. This song came out in 79 at the dawn of 80s’ where balads were full of suspended 9th… In a way, they kind of designed the sound of the 80s… Thx again!

[@jdmresearch]

Love your passion. That major 7 chord is brilliant. Thanks for this gem!

[@martinmarchart252]

It's crazy, but during the video here I kept crying tears of joy because this piece touches me extremely deeply. It's as if divinity itself has brought this music through the fingers of various great musicians. Thank you for these wonderful moments in this sometimes bleak world. Best regards from Vienna/Austria.

[@keithcowen5220]

There are some tunes that make your eyes well up with tears, this is one of them.

[@legacysearches4481]

“The tastiest way to play it.” I LOVE that line especially leaving space for vocals.

[@joshuamarks1129]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ David Foster and Jay Graydon

[@thaJeztah]

So, so beautiful. Every chord in this arrangement is a little gem.

[@patrickmerigan1170]

Such a talented artist, and a lovely person to boot. 👏👏👏

[@Keith-zc2nn]

The song keeps lifting, that's why it's a strong song!

[@Avery_4272]

Great breakdown of this fantastic song, Aimee! Really appreciated your work on this.

[@vuotava11]

Wwwooowww Aimee! Stellar work on this great piece! Just made me feel so small understanding what a masterpiece this is. There was a time when we had really great music and I’m missing it!!!

[@michellemonet4358]

Me too. I miss these types of elaborate magical songs.

[@arunphillips6977]

One of the best EWF songs ever, and considering the massive catalogue of epic tracks they put out, this is really saying something about this track! 1979 was a magical year, and the album I Am was a big part of that!

[@UrbanGarden-rf5op]

Excellent analysis of an excellent arrangement of an excellent song. Those who are interested in this era/style of music: E W & F, Chicago, Quincy Jones, James Ingram, Chaka Kahn, Steely Dan, The Eagles… should check out The Slick Book. A Real Book for eighties function bands. Written by Swedish music students, it contains over 300 pages of lead sheets. The book also has an introduction with analysis of this approach to music. That part is written in Swedish, but maybe you could use an AI tool to translate it. It also contains a long list of recommended listening. It is available as a free download PDF. Many hours of fun and aha-moments😎 Loved the deep dive bonus video on Nebula. Please do more of those. Pretty please, with a cherry on top. ✌✌

[@universalmeditation8631]

Definitely the most complex amount of chords for a radio hit, key changes and all! 🙌🏼

[@cyprusrodeo4658]

I have always loved this song , and now I find myself loving your Voice !

[@darrenbrock8372]

Hi Aimee. Thank you for a mesmerizing 29 mins. I started playing Rhodes & synth in 1883. I spent hours trying to learn this song and obviously as a beginner failed for many years. Eventually a time came when I was giging this song but was only ever 99% happy with what I was playing. Along with "Street Life" I keep going back to it re discovering so many little this I did not originally hear. Today is a great day thanks to you. I am sat at the same Rhodes I bought in 1983 and feel I can finally say " I know this song". I am sure you have seen this but if not check out Brian Mcknight live with David Foster doing this song. His vocals are of the charts.

[@richardramon2175]

This is top 3 of my most favorite songs. Thank you for explaining the chord progressions and intricate changes to the original. Missing Maurice every day for his musical contributions to the music industry and for his inspiring insights to music and life. I smiled every time you mentioned the word 'uplifting' as it fits perfectly how the songs of EWF affect their fans.

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Why again has no other keyboard instruction KZbin channel just done away with the onscreen keyboard and just filmed clear , well lit close ups of the instructor’s hands? That’s all we need and Aimee saw that in the begining. Another banger of a video from someone who teaches jazz harmony form a much newer and more contemporary “Great American Songbook” . Thanks again, Aimee ..

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank you for that

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@AimeeNolte #wellDeserved

[@yvesjeaurond4937]

Visual? Mime? How about aural/functional harmony? Much more useful than hand closeups.

[@King-oj8hr]

There’s quite a few. And a lot of people like the onscreen keyboard.

[@ekted]

"Suck it, Apple!" I laughed so hard, I woke up my wife. 🤣

[@mcwulf25]

😂😂😂

[@agtrst]

@@mcwulf25 Yeah, that was definitely a good one.

[@kjsdestin]

Omg. Me too!

[@markdesantis3183]

I just had this blacked out on my phone but listening to it, while driving, and I veered into the other lane when I heard suck it Apple! Aimee, you are absolutely awesome! I love your videos and I love the other night when I saw you and Rick beato together on one. I cannot wait to hear you to either FaceTime each other or sit down with each other again! Keep all this great stuff coming, PLEASE!!!

[@MikeVidler]

The boys from Airplay ( David Foster & Jay Graydon ) & also Bill Champlin had a wonderful time producing, writing , singing & being creative, mainly in the late 70s & through the 80s.

[@dessiplaer]

Great song! I once saw an interview with the band where they stated how surprised they were that people would request this song at their wedding receptions, as it is a song about breaking up. Thanks for sharing this. In this post video note, I now understand why people may choose this song. The music itself is indeed elevating, and it makes people feel so good that they don't necessarily pay as much attention to the lyrics . Thanks for explaining this. I really enjoy your break down of this song.

[@potatoindespair4494]

yesss I love EWF! I just saw them in seattle a few weeks ago - yes they are still around and touring and everyone should go see them 😀 thank you for the breakdown aimee!

[@archangel4678]

You took a song that brings me bad nostalgia and made me see it in a whole new light. Thank you for another incredible video and for changing how I feel about this song.

[@StevieG777]

Love your analysis as always Aimee. Written by three of my musical idols, David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Bill Champlin.

[@donschneider7953]

Hearts afire creates love desire. High and higher to your place on the throne.

[@johnhamers4571]

Thank you for this great lesson, I think you've nailed the chord names and I love that fact. It helps me a lot 🙏🏼✌🏼

[@MrRufus302]

Ah, Ms. Nolte, that was a great exposition into a great song, performed by one of the greatest bands that has ever been formed. Of course the YTFU (KZbin Fair Use) policy is going to drive me to listen to both versions by Airplay and EW&F! Thank you.

[@jonathanuy4084]

This song is just so unique it has stood the test of time. My son is now appreciating it even if it was written decades ago. If my grandson turns out to be a music lover he'll surely dig this as well.

[@Darcity1]

Great breakdown and explanation!! Awesome job!! 👏

[@kieronbowker9983]

Wonderful analysis. Really enjoyed this. Thanks Aimee.

[@Harriet-Jesamine]

Bless you Aimee, you are so cool 😎. and thanks.

[@richardftalbot9182]

You So Got It Going on Girl BRAVO Aimee Nolte !

[@andrewyancey878]

I love seeing Brian McKnight sing both the low verses and the high chorus with david foster. Obviously the original recording has everything you need or want, but the McKnight version is vocally amazing. And the fact that it is mashed up with “mornin’” which is another fantastic piano/chords song.

[@dantedt3931]

This is awesome. A fascinating and genius progression. You broke it down excellently.

[@timbuktug3321]

Hello I just discovered your channel today. Thank you for this video. I love this song performed by not only Earth Wind & Fire but by many artists. I grew up with listening to David Foster and Jay Graydon’s compositions. So thank you again for this beautiful video. I love your voice too. I’ll check out your bonus video too. I am also learning the electric bass guitar.

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks so much! When you get over to Nebula, make sure and click on the “classes “tab so you can see my best stuff!

[@timbuktug3321]

@ I sure will when I get a chance!😊

[@celticpride12345]

Can’t go wrong with EWF. I love them. I’m also glad Kool and the Gang finally got in the hall. 💙💙

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

Aimee, I really love your musical taste and that's why I love to watch your videos (here). Thank you!

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

RIP Quincy Jones....

[@SurferJoe1]

Maybe the greatest pre-chorus I can think of...I think this song came out about two weeks before the seventies ended; if I'm remembering that correctly, a great coda for a time that was ending; so much was about to change.

[@geoffknot]

thank you. I had binged on this very song last year, and put it on the back burner. Thank you from this reminder, and thanks for this insightful review of this beautiful work.

[@agtrst]

The hidden genius of Aimee Nolte 😀. I'm a mediocre theory person/musician but I got what you were telling us. The movement and chord changes are wonderful. This is my favorite EW&F song. Only saw them once, 1979 in Chicago. Still one of the best concerts ever. Thanks for your analysis and sharing knowledge with us. PS - playing the sax solo at then on piano was very satisfying...

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Amy, I love your voice. There are qualities that remind me of Bonnie Raitt!

[@AimeeNolte]

She’s a favorite of mine. Thank you!!

[@jmreinke]

"Apple can suck it!" LOL! I love your content @AimeeNolte, and I ALWAYS learn something. This video is perfectly timed because I recently learned this song for a new EW&F tribute band. As the bass player, I usually have a good base (pardon the pun) understanding of the chord structures, but you filled in the holes in my analysis. I now appreciate this song even more than I had!

[@Jazztrpt43]

Aimee! More of this. LOVE this video. And these CHORDS? Whew.

[@rickemmet1104]

Thank you Aimee, that was very nice! After listening to tons of progressive rock (from its inception) when "Way Of The World" was released, it was as if music had just been invented. Several albums further into the EW&F catalogue I started to buy Jazz albums. I knew that it was the Jazz that made this music so insanely good and EW&F completely changed my musical trajectory. I bought the B.C. album by Billy Cobham, Bob James 3 and Head Hunters (if I remember correctly) and then pretty much bought nothing but Jazz albums from then on. Just a passing thought, Rick Beato interviewed Sting and made a reference to something he thought was surprising in some song. Sting said that he was glad Rick brought that up, because to him, surprise is the essence of music. So true!

[@AndersRomin]

Amazing song, one of my absolute favourites. Thanks for the detailed walkthrough! Just one addition, make sure to listen to how this song transitions over to the next song on the album, where the sax solo seamlessly fits into the new funky tempo. Crazy good!!

[@AimeeNolte]

I do cover that in the bonus video! You are right it is essential and beautiful. Thanks for your comment :-)

[@dougimmel]

AIMEE, I just re-upped my subscription to you and to Nebula via Aimee Note Music - Nebula. THANK you for re-inspiring me to pick up the piano again. A "musician' (of sorts) who lost his way. I love EVERYTHING about your work and your site. Thank you for doing what you do for the world.

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank you Doug! Make sure you visit the “classes” tab to find my best stuff! 🙌🏼💙

[@wildbeanz]

Yes, featuring songs like this does drive people to listen to, and possibly purchase, the song (like me!). Great video/tutorial.

[@universalmeditation8631]

And to know this was the song David Foster made up on the spot for Maurice White. Insane!!!

[@PabloRainer]

so good!

[@calebfudrums]

YAYYY i hecking love this song I'm so glad you made this thanks Aimee

[@kristoferpersson1614]

Very well done Aimee, thanks for trying to understand that lovely song!

[@robertartese808]

I think I like your voice and the piano better than the recording....yes. Yes I do.Theres something soothing and calming about it. Very beautiful. That is a brilliantly composed piece

[@joseroldan1389]

Wonderfull song. Great work with the tablature!! Thanks !

[@bedmen]

Thank you so much, This inspires greatly. Now I can finally tell my daughter what makes a great Christmas gift: your Nebula subscription.

[@AimeeNolte]

Yes!!🙌🏼💙

[@michaeltlewis3481]

Super awesome content and presentation! I will be rewatching and sharing this! I really appreciated (in addition to the super detailed music theory side of the composition) how you highlighted examples of when the band tweaked the arrangement to create even more drama, emotion, and lift. Wowsah! 🔥

[@roberthessman4846]

Excellent break down. Makes my limited theory brain go, Hmmmm. Truth is, I love any video of yours, where you sing.

[@dreambrother1240]

Thank you Aimee!

[@Thoth-Is-Pleased]

This is so enjoyable to play. It's kind of addictive.

[@musiccreation1198]

Awesome!! Ty Aimee.

[@Energy_from.the_Sun]

This was dope

[@alonzowhite3046]

Thank you so much for this video. I loved E W F and played the bass in garage band, but I had no idea what this song was doing. I love your Vids because you not only share theory, you demonstrate it. Plus you are a fantastic musician. I love your musical spirit. ♥♥♥

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank you so much!!

[@dougimmel]

Thanks!

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank YOU

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Thank you Aimee for all you do!😊

[@AimeeNolte]

Oh thanks so so much!

[@jimwalshonline9346]

Love your stuff - come back to Bismarck soon!😊

[@JimmyDeez6122]

Amazing Amy! Well done and appreciate the insight on this… one of my faves!

[@mcwulf25]

Great choice of song. I bought the album off the back of this song back in 79 or whenever it came out. I didn’t understand any of this stuff back then!

[@abbos_axiy]

Aimee, thank you so much for sharing this awesome video lesson🙏🏻

[@theeniwetoksymphonyorchest7580]

EWF aren’t my kind of music but I recognise their class and that they were very good at what they did. Amazing production.

[@TonyThomas10000]

The composers of that song are some of the best: David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Bill Champlin. Foster was the king of modulations. Check out the David Foster album: "Rechordings" to hear his genius.

[@jeffreymassey5541]

great work Aimee 🎶👍🏾✅

[@oselini]

Great lesson for this super beautiful song! Thx for sharing ❤

[@alexkatsanos8475]

Love that walk up. On that key change. That big chord change…haunting…Very Jazzy like Vince Geraldi to me. Yes the song just lifts you up over and over! Thanks Aimee! The reasons are…” hey why not do “Reasons” next haha. RIP Quincy Jones talk about musical direction little changes make amazing differences! And Ramsey Lewis must have had an influence on them. The sax i think of Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You are” from the same period.

[@2jazzen]

Amiee is the Best! From Korea

[@vernonbrooks6890]

Thank you!

[@marblemanda]

My favorite song (top 3 anyway) and EW&F’s version is my favorite. Thank you David Foster & Jay Graydon. If you’re looking for another great version to listen to, listen to Jay Graydon’s recording on his album “Airplay for the Planet”

[@stephenpikaahu8883]

Bravo very cool Aimee blessings

[@Zalento]

What a fabulous video Thank you ! Now you’re and you’ll be part of my life 😊

[@kayo-music]

Hi Aimee, once again well done and it really dug it, this is one of my 10 all time favourite songs, all the bass-t from kayo

[@localpm]

Fantastic Aimee.👌

[@erieparks1100]

totally outstanding

[@mthomas73]

great video

[@Ronpedley1]

So good Aimee! Well done. All of the key centers this wonderful gem goes through is truly amazing right?!

[@ideo52]

Thanks!

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank you!!

[@deffer1856]

Ah! All these cool chords become best friends, immensely satisfying to the ears 👌 lifts the emotions of the lyrics to another level, that’s what music - and the arts - can create ❤

[@michaelnorris2522]

I've always loved this song (as well as many other songs by Earth, Wind & Fire). The harmonies and structure of the song were a mystery to me. Thank you for throwing some light on the many details and genius ideas that make it what it is. I'm curious whether you've heard an a cappella cover by a quartet called Kings Return. It's very different from the original in the intro and outro, but I think they get all the key changes and chord progressions right. On another subject, that flugelhorn sound always calls to mind Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick for me. All these associations make me smile.

[@ericwarncke]

I know about 15 seconds of this song on piano. A pretty intermediate to advanced piece. Great modulations.

[@SurferJoe1]

I'd never suggest a topic, because I know the things that interest me wouldn't tend to do well for the channel, but the other day I was thinking that I'd love to hear you talk about Bill Evans' arrangement of "My Foolish Heart"- (a song that has a connection to J.D. Salinger!)- especially his classic performance of it on British television on March 19, 1965, less than 24 hours after I was born.

[@williampaganucci1084]

Thank you Aimee. 🎹 👍