Breaking Down Ramsey Lewis' SUMMER BREEZE (1973)

#bass #jazz #analysis #transcription #reaction #paulthompson
Let's dig into one of the most popular Jazz performance videos on KZbin - Ramsey Lewis' incredible interpretation of Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze". I'll break down what makes this arrangement so special harmonically and how Cleveland Eaton and Morris Jennings show us how to communicate without a word on a gig while laying down a DEEP GROOVE. I'll also talk about why people seem to love the sound of the bass in this video.
The anatomy of a great song, and the other songs it birthed!
Seals & Crofts - • Seals & Crofts - Summe...
Ramsey Lewis Trio - • Ramsey Lewis Trio - Su...
Isley Brothers - • Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2
Website - www.paulthompson.us
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Twitter @pdbass74

[@tallbass]

Thank you for posting this! Ramsey deserves so much more credit than he gets for his musical contributions. I had the pleasure and honor of playing in his band for 10 years (1990-2000) and it was an amazing time of learning, growth and experimentation. Ramsey did many versions of popular songs including this version of People Make the World Go Round which he also recorded with the trio years earlier: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH7OnaighNGNpNU Great job on the channel!

[@wolfgangsaller5843]

That´s a real gift of life!

[@csmcrckrs]

Man you made me go down a rabbit hole with this one - I never knew there was a Ramsey Lewis version of People Make The World Go Round ... sounds fantastic though! My favorite has always been by Young Holt Unlimited.

[@Andronicus2007]

This channel never lets you down, THE best bass and groove focused KZbin channel!

[@deeliciousplum]

I 2nd your comment. 🎶

[@eber66]

@@deeliciousplum Indeed! 😁

[@GordonBeckles]

FACT!!! 😁👍🏾🙏🏾👊🏾

[@mnkyuncl]

True dat!

[@Mariodupree]

Cleve Eaton lived right here in Birmingham, Alabama for many years prior to his passing. I’ve seen him perform several times here in town. The one time he heard me performing, he came up after the set and complimented me on my bass playing… You could have knocked me over with a feather! 😲🤯 Glad I didn’t see him before hand. I would have been a bundle of nerves! Rest well Sir!

[@bustabass9025]

Ramsey Lewis defined the Chicago jazz sound from the early 60s, by taking popular hits and literally "Funkin"' 'em up. His blend of gospel and blues licks on the acoustic and later the Fender Rhodes is legendary. The double bass in all of his work is a distinctive, and prominent voice. We lost a giant when his hands went silent.

[@hamacus]

Love me some Ramsey Lewis. I remember carrying my Boom Box and blasting Ramsey and others while waiting for the bus on my way home from school. And I had that shirt back in the day except in green! For real! One of my favorite of all time.🤣🤣🤣

[@astropo]

For anyone not up on Ramsey Lewis trio, amazing consistency in quality of music and recordings from wade in the water through sun goddess. The cadet albums had extra hard drums. Another recording similar to this is slippin into darkness.

[@randygivens8421]

Yes, it's not summer to me until I hear Sun Goddesss. Ramsey is one of the greatest of all time!!

[@iriexela]

Great version. Love George Benson and Al Jarreau's version ,as well.

[@txikitofandango]

I used to listen to Ramsey's radio show as a kid. He was huge in getting me into jazz listening and even performing

[@nuckelanmainsack4419]

Musik Laden was a obscure German music show tho. From Stevie wonder’s beautiful performances of Living for the city and superstition and the German audience reacting like superficial trees, or the disrespect directed towards black music on the liner notes of their music showcase LP… This video is probably the best that came out of German television since probably forever.

[@wolfgangsaller5843]

Awesome trio! This version reminds me a bit of Billy Cobham´s Red Baron! Cleveland is so groovy just like Leland on Spectrum! Almost the same time/Year! The Golden Age of good live music on German TV! Thank you, Paul!!!

[@boat6float]

I've always loved this song.

[@mistersample]

Bass players can relate to that same face of Cleveland Eaton when the sound st perfect... This was a fun breakdown and a good reminder to add this version to my set. I will need to transcribe this version to absorb the bass.

[@dodeka]

I just wanna thank you for bringing more attention to Mr. Lewis. Grew up a fan of his Beatles covers, and could never fathom why more ppl don’t know about him. Like what someone said in the original video’s comments, he def needs to be counted along side the likes of Herbie etc for electrifying Jazz!

[@jdbailey442]

1st!!! I am here for the education! 💋😘🤗 I love the versions by Seals & Croft, Ramsey Lewis and The Isley Brothers!

[@jamesboddington9565]

As a bass player I can't believe I hadn't heard of Cleveland Eaton before. That's some funkiest phattest sounding double bass I've heard right up in the mix where it belongs

[@johnhowardnardine6815]

Another amazing insight into a (for me) hidden gem. What a heavy cover of this song! Now summer can come.

[@pedrobitt_]

One of the most magnificent bass tones I've ever heard in my life

[@girlygirllocssoul]

This was amazing!!! I only knew of the Isley Brothers doing Summer Breeze. So much greatness in this video. Thank you for the lessons!

[@cygmusmandulis7533]

Isley's version is amazing! definitely my fave.

[@Armakk]

Love this so much. That bass is dancing... and the broken triplet run at 5:23 reminds me so much of the break in the solo of Rush's Closer To The Heart...!

[@turtlespiritflutes7570]

"Bring on the Summer!" Amen brother! This and Kool and The Gangs "Summer Madness" two classics that mark the beginning of summer. I was fortunate to see Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1983 perform this song live as well as the Isley Brothers numerous times in concert perform "Summer Breeze" Also Al Jarreau and George Benson recorded as a duet on their Concord Recording "Givin' It Up" I am old school and I don't care who knows it.

[@basslinematters]

Thank you PD. This bass player is so into each note

[@altowatts1325]

Dr. Lewis was one of a kind. May He Rest In Peace 🕊️. This was a great breakdown. If I might suggest, you should have a Join option to your channel so your subscribers can support your work financially every month. Just a suggestion. Be well Brother.

[@fanbladeinstruments]

About 6 months ago youtube recommended that video to me and It's effect was immediate. After 25 years playing exclusively bass guitar I bought a double bass and enrolled in lessons. I did a deep dive on Cleveland Eaton too, his solo work and his work with Count Basie. This video though...that groove...that tone...THAT TONE!!

[@lesterrobertsjr8057]

WOW LOVE THE BASS. RAMSEY IS AN ALL BE THE MAN. VERY GLAD YOU TURN ME ON TOO THIS LP LOOKING FOR IT NOW!!!.

[@pczYT]

HOLY BLEEP!!! Never heard this version! Amazing! RThanks for sharing!

[@expfcwintergreenv2.02]

I love how this music makes listeners physically react to the funk with a grimace and some neck grooving

[@choncho101]

OOOOOHHHHH this is one of my all time favorites songs…could you talk about the Al Jareau and George Benson version? The bass line makes me sooooo happy!!!

[@awesumpowerz6805]

This bassist is awesome ... So funky and clear ... Having a lot of fun holding down the groove ...

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Thanks for your ALWAYS excellent analysis, Professor Paul. Love your lessons man!

[@pikmin4743]

thank you for introducing so many amazing songs and players

[@robgutkowski7141]

I'd hjeard the Isley Brothers version , but I'd never heard this one, solid groove!

[@antmanmusic]

Analysis is on Point!! Thanks so much!! I played with Mr. Cleve Eaton many years!! He played just like this(with energy and power) on EVERY song!! Rest well Cleve!!

[@nuthinfayce]

A complex bass line.. but oh so smooth... gem of a song.. even more of a gem of a bass player... I think though that Ramsey''s version is much more alive than the Seals and Croft radio hit.. love your channel, bass player brother..

[@andredusomme1666]

Hi Paul, just want to thank you for your providing us musicians an open door to different aspects of jazz stylings and not least mention your instruction for us budding bassists. A broader exposure to this great American art form helps so many to understand and appreciate the creativity of music that in recent times has not reached a wider audience.

[@charlescdt6509]

Another banger. My fav version of the song is by the Isley Brothers. Would a semi hollow bass work to simulate an upright? That added some awesome thump to the song.

[@crow3043]

I love this video too, and the bass line inspire me so much ramsey lewis is one of the best descoverys I made this year

[@lundsweden]

Thanks Paul for another great episode, such a great breakdown and analysis as usual.

[@gil3green]

WOW! What a 4th of July treat! Great piece, great work! Exemplary, of what makes live jazz performances so amazing to absorb in person! I got goose bumps just watching this clip! Thanx again & keep up the fantastic work!

[@josephromano7867]

As always more food for thought for us to soak in Thank You Paul!!

[@room34]

So great! I have loved this song since I was a kid but I never knew Ramsey Lewis did a version of it. (I have also dug Ramsey Lewis since I was a kid, but I only knew his tune "The In Crowd," which was on the same K-Tel collection as "Summer Breeze." My parents rarely listened to that record but I nearly wore it out!) Great to hear the subtle differences here, and the amazing band interplay.

[@jumpingthroughhoops9737]

Your videos always make me really happy. I get a certain level of peace hearing your breakdown of your favorite songs!

[@anthonyglaser929]

I love that bass tone. Fantastic. When I saw Ramsey back in the 80's Billy Dickens was sitting in so I never got to see Cleveland play. I didn't realize how good he was.

[@Peconrine]

Ramsey Lewis was one of my father's favorite artist. Thank You for this Brother.

[@kurtisr2339]

Was going to say: THAT SHIRT. Epic. Also: bottomless respect for Eaton and Jennings -- titans both. Your channel is an absolute go-to, sir. The perfect blend of discovery and affirmation.

[@stybba09]

Never heard Lewis' version of Summer Breeze and I'm loving what you described here. Also, I love that you have a rack of CD's in the background. LOL!!

[@bricktothehead]

Music Appreciation 101: .........this video

[@xeropunt5749]

RayJac’s “Make Up Your Mind” by Aurra…sometime in the future? Top tune👍 complete perfection👌

[@sandranoonan3141]

Straight up heavenly playing, damn funkism play me backwater blue. This is real . Peace from Australia

[@stevenmonte7397]

So glad I saw Ramsey Lewis in concert once. He was playing head to head with another pianist (SMU in Dallas).

[@williamtell1477]

I love that triplet turn around figure that goes up in fourths, down a half step, back down in fourths.

[@stanleywilliamsbigdreams7867]

I so appreciate the theory breakdowns and history lessons. You really add to my knowledge bass! I don’t really practice what you show but it bleeds into my playing. You influence me substantially, but subtly.

[@deeliciousplum]

Wow! I had not heard the performance of the trio that pdbass shared. Sounds so good! 🌺

[@deeliciousplum]

7:59 When the bassist of the trio was playing the part that pdbass explored, I cannot but experience my lower jaw dropping quickly to the dusty wooden floor from listening to the trio bassist's tone. 🌺

[@tuttrupmusic]

Man, we are certainly on the same page with this performance! The bass part is a standout. Thank you for your commentary. Ramsey is so soulful. Before seeing your video, I had seen Ramsey’s video. At that time I too noticed how cool Ramsey’s shirt was. 🤣🤣

[@BassWhispererTV]

Really enjoyed that! I came up during the years when the pickup through the amp was the sound. A lot has changed in terms of people's taste (mine too), but for live performance - just doing a gig, it's still the default setup. Thankfully, there are more choices now... I think I recognize Cleveland's tone to be the (in)famous Marcus Berry pickup.

[@esauvenzen2777]

Love the breakdown brotha. I always loved this Ramsey Lewis rendition. Now it’s great to have a better understanding of why I love it so much!

[@malcolmmacdonald4745]

I saw Ramsey once, maybe 25-years ago, and personality was so exposed and mined through out his entire performance. Great video, thanks.

[@edhorne2663]

Amazing as always. I learn sooo much from this channel. That version of Summer Breeze is killin'. Never heard it before. Wow!

[@dsmscenester]

Yes Yes Yes!!!! This was a must do video!!

[@Vagner_Bass_Andrade]

Paul, you are a goldsmith, who presents us with the most beautiful jewels, true works of art... Thank you very much 🎵🎶💛🥇🪙

[@vincentsweargen8436]

I'm on the grill as I watch this post. This my all time favorite version of this song. Thank you for ushering in Summer.😊

[@trademark1874]

Damn! Im Gonna Listen to these two versions in a complete different way from now on.

[@silviosilva2717]

Thanks from Brasil!

[@orkoong8694]

I listen this live version for an hour in loop.. they are amazing

[@thevillainchillin1850]

The best bass show...check that...best music show on the internet!!!

[@freddixon2902]

I love their version of where is the love.

[@davidcoons89]

Man this is fantastic!!

[@valleyvox]

Breathtaking. Thankyou

[@mnije]

Great breakdown of an amazing song. Also, I’m now a Ramsey Lewis fan. Class act.

[@Capnmax]

God, I love that video. Great to learn about your channel and get some fresh appreciation of Ramsey. Thanks for your analysis!

[@danielwoodwardcomposer2040]

Great!!!

[@paulrodberg]

Great lesson on a wonderful example of the soulful intelligent Ramsey Lewis trio.

[@dolemite72]

Found this song this year and was amazed that I'd missed this perfection! Also, on the same album Mr. Lewis and the bank covers Seals and Crofts' 'Hummingbird', which I also found this year and now I listen to it at least once a day. It's just pleasure to experience the soul and spirit of real musicianship. RIP Ramsey Lewis

[@bricktothehead]

Nice love

[@TheRobWay1]

Another great video. I LOVE this channel ! Just your facial reactions to the music as you’re listening is an education. Inspiring, to say the least

[@expfcwintergreenv2.02]

Found myself making the same facial reactions

[@soulstart89]

Funny how I found this video at the beginning of the year. It was mesmerising.

[@leoncarson3455]

Thank you for this video.I was blessed to see Ramsey live in concert the summer right before he passed here in Chicago one of my favorite jazz musicians ❤

[@davidrader5765]

Thanks for this great post, that change at 5:25 is BAD!! love it and all your posts!

[@s3hooligan]

Epic analysis of a masterful version of this song. Isley brothers version is my favorite but this is right there also. Thank you so much for what you do. Because of your channel, I now listen to music much differently! Can’t wait for the next upload. 🙏🏾

[@atlaspath5803]

Thank you for enriching my musically knowledge and please keep posting! Every time I play play back the brothers Ramsey, Eaton and Jennings I just keep digging it more - there playing is so awesome.

[@IdrisFashan]

I had to play this with a few mates on my screen. This was insane. Down the summer breeze rabbit hole we go! God love this channel… 💙

[@tommonk7651]

Great song! Nice performance....

[@peanut-fish]

ooooo love summer breeze :D

[@besetterobinson7468]

I love the Isley Brothers version

[@DomingoVoiceOver]

Great video! I worked at WNUA, the former Smooth Jazz station here in Chicago throughout the years of his syndicated radio shows and spent many sessions in-studio when it was just Mr. Lewis and myself in the room. He was always a class act and a kind & gentle spirit who laughed during every session and I’m forever grateful to have spent this time with him.

[@ultramanj]

"..., also, That shirt is amazing"... 100%. Thank you for the introduction to this and for the laugh.

[@ultramanj]

P.S. Shaw/Blades have a solid cover of the song, although it stays very close to the original.

[@jackdolphy8965]

This installment instantly shot to my short list of favorite PDBass installments. Thank you Paul!! 🙏🏽

[@reedbass5644]

This is a great video: funky as hell! The best part is the Stank face during the solo.....and then the "arrangement".... woooo!

[@oldmanpence4803]

Shame on me, i had no idea about this version. Wow. Summer Breeze is absolutely classic, but this version is soo deliciously funky tasty slippery groovy. Love this so much. Thanks again man. Keep bringing bass to the people. Peace and love. Ted

[@stronglynx]

riiight😎 ! Cleveland Eaton-whaaaat?!! some dopeazz 70s sh*t Skool these kidz 😄!

[@ThomBoecker]

Dammit, the show you grabbed that from was one of the big TV events of my teenage years. And I fkn hadn't seen it!!!! Thanks for unearthing this gem.

[@big58jazz]

Ramsey's arrangements were always genius 😊❤

[@rkshores]

That was just pure genius. I've seen that video before but after an analysis, it's just pure genius . Thanks so much

[@jaredkelsey9964]

Wow! this rendition blew my mind. I am going to listen to Ramsey Lewis Trio now

[@chickenzwings]

Thanks for speaking on this tune and letting us in to hear it! So fun and educational -- I really appreciate it!

[@norm2944]

Xmas Blues, So What and Night in Tunesia are my top 3 Bass intro's.

[@GfnWiz]

I. Dying inside…u make me want an upright and I miss playing with a band so bad. It’s been years that I’ve been in a room with other musicians just jamming for damn sake.

[@retroloungemusic]

What's stopping you, man? You know what to do. 😋

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

Thanks so much for this really great version of this classic. damn ! Thats funky. 👌💖🎶

[@anthonycfletcher1232]

Realy amazing music.

[@sirsnappz5307]

I play This a lot been a fan my entire life!!!

[@techiediva2011]

Love summer breeze