Why it's IMPOSSIBLE to play SEPTEMBER'S MELODY (

Fun fact about September: they didn't use metronome at that time. Intro: 117bpm Initial verse: 122bpm Chorus: 125bpm Final fadeout with horns: 128bpm

[@ShakaJams]

I knew I noticed an inconsistency! All the better for it though.

[@cocoachunky9619]

Yep. As a DJ who plays this song regularly, I can tell you it's quite frustrating to try and match the tempo when mixing this song in lol

@@cocoachunky9619 did you try to fix this with some quantization of original song? Maybe sounds quite weird, but for remixing, it's the only way, I suppose

[@cocoachunky9619]

​@ Yeah there is an "auto-sync" feature on my DJ software, but it doesn't always work so I find it much easier to just mix manually. You're right though, it might be the only fix with this song lol I'll have to try it next time

[@iankniel]

omg you've healed my spirit with this fact. I thought I'd lost my feel trying to play along before lol.

[@reespace]

Nothing like an Earth Wind and Fire concert. Was lucky enough to see the original group live. It was more than a concert. It was an experience.

[@SOLDbyYOU]

The best crowd control.. Is to MAKE 15000 people dance for three hours… we bought our tickets of free will…. EWF…started cooking and we lost our minds… THE most joyful high energy concert POSSIBLE

[@jazshas]

I got an opportunity to see them in concert as well. Great performance!

[@thatcarlchick7655]

I'm so jealous!!

[@lmboyd3]

I am jealous. I was a baby in the 70s. Listening to their live performances with Apple earbuds is amazing! Good for you. Jam on!

[@chouchounah]

I wish I'd seen them😢

[@ReViv4L]

I love how Jack drops that "CEO of Patreon". Just like that huh? Lol

[@GuyNamedSean]

As awesome as Scary Pockets and Pomplamoose are, being co-founder of Patreon is definitely why most people are familiar with him. Shit, this video is what actually reminded me of that, since I've been fond of his music for years.

[@marianotombetta4149]

I thought it was a joke

[@ready2blowup]

Jack had a pretty ill music KZbin channel Jack Conti before patreon.

[@KasbashPlays]

I still have the video where he first pitched the concept of Patreon, so clearly etched into my brain. It remains on his channel to this day iirc. Conte was still chopping up Skrillex songs and rearranging them with proper tech and actual instruments, during that period of time.

[@OneDollarWilliam]

I understand that it's his best known gig, but you'd think, in this context, he'd focus on his musicianship. Being the CEO of Patreon doesn't tell me why I should take his thoughts on music seriously.

[@nii_amart]

Don't forget about the cowbell. You can never get enough of cowbell.

[@ThiagoSFonseca]

Fun fact about September: my wife and I picked that song to be our "wedding song", way before we actually engage. We couldn't pick our wedding day because the place it was very popular and picked what was the best for us at the time. turns out that the we married as September 21st, 2021 :)

[@aurea.]

Happy anniversary!

[@jtucker473]

That's a fun fact about you all.

[@michelecherek5392]

I LOVE IT!!💖💖💖💖 CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS!!

[@prototropo]

September is a wonderful month for anniversaries and memories, so cheers to you both! If you break down the numbers of that date to one- & two-digit series (representing one couple and a couple ones🐕?👨🏻‍🍼? 🐾? 🧸? 🚼?) and add those with any random ones and nines (representing the chaotic turns of fortune that life inevitably throws at you), the final total equals my age! And since I just got my two kids to healthy adulthood and off to college, maybe 71 will be a lucky number for you two. xxxxx

[@marciawalden]

My son and his wife did the same, married in September! Congratulations on your marriage. ☺️

[@tiffanyedavenport863]

I never even realized that no one person is playing a melody. EWF is amazing!

[@Bepeze]

Wow!! I had no idea. For someone who is very comfortable within the melody, completely missed it. For a composition like this it had to be terribly hard.

[@africkinamerican]

I actually think of most of the parts are melodies woven together. The bass line certainly. It's just that we call it a bass line and not a melody. The rhythm guitar is very much like a melody line as well. And the horns. I think of them all as melodies (some with harmonies) all speaking to each other.

[@africkinamerican]

What they said is that no one person is playing all the chords. Which is definitely the case.

[@markjonesse2556]

@@africkinamerican That's what happens when you have 30 guys on stage ;-)

[@Frontdesk99]

Wrong. The title is dead wrong too. There are melodies played. It's not at all impossible to play them individually. Pretty bullshit video, all in all.

[@SuzyQHorn]

I absolutely adore your channel. As a 73 female bass player, I find your enthusiasm infectious and your knowledge enlightening. Since I lost my weekly gig due to Covid a year and a half ago, the thing I've missed most is hanging with other musicians and talking music. You have captured that so perfectly, it almost makes me cry. Thank you. I hope this channel flourishes.

[@DeadWaxShow]

Susan, what a heart felt message. It's great to have you here.

[@TheWorldTeacher]

@@DeadWaxShow, Mr. Conte, how do you have time to produce these videos and play in your band if you are the head of Patreon? :o Incidentally, "September" is one of my favourite dance songs!

[@shodapad07]

Thank you for sharing your heart Ms. Susan! Greetings from Germany!

[@clarissagafoor5222]

Was just able to get back to singing with a band I do back up singing for - gosh what a relief to be chatting music stuff again!

[@ericrobinson7184]

Wow, your honesty captured me.

[@suprgx472]

He's describing the earth, wind & fire sound. The best musicians playing layers of sound all blended together in a harmonic masterpiece. Every time you listen to a song you hear something new that makes you say "hey I've never heard that before!!

[@adg_87]

Absolute facts 💯

[@africkinamerican]

That was true of lots of the best R&B of 70s and 80s. Just before KZbin gave me this video, I was listening to Love's Train by Confunkshun. Similar things going on although the song is very different.

[@marcusalexander7088]

Sir. What you just said is what separates the Musicians (capital "M") and music lovers from the scrubs. I salute you Sir! o7

[@khalaq2]

Those of us who grew up in the 60's, 70's and 80's were a bit spoiled by all the good songs. So much effort and artistry went into the lyrics and music that it makes most of today's stuff sound "small time" by comparison.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Yes, what he's talking about is something I love called "Wall of Sound". Which was practiced not only by R&B as mentioned here, but also by some of the best progressive groups like Alan Parsons Project and also by Steely Dan. BTW, the fact that each instrument here was just playing a part of a chord or a part of the melody, such that all the instruments played fit together into chords and melody is just amazing. RIP Maurice, you passed in that year when so many good musicians passed...

[@outermarker5801]

The real star of September - space. Somehow they managed to have a thousand tracks without them crowding one another or the groove

[@aramanon]

You misspelt Bass.

[@tommonk7651]

There's never been a happier sounding song than this one. RIP Maurice.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

guess you never heard Boogie Wonderland

[@jazzzman1000]

@@Marcel_Audubon I was just about to reply the same. My band does them both, great songs. Boogie Wonderland gets more butts out of seats. Same when I saw them live about 5 years ago in Seattle.

[@edwardmelendez6346]

@@Marcel_Audubon Or Celebrate.

[@TischTosh]

Sing a Song 🎵 🎶 🎉 also very happy these two back to back...such a vibe!

[@TischTosh]

​​@@Marcel_AudubonBoogie Wonderland is a fantastic song, but happy? IDK Compare think about shifting from September to Sing a Song to Boogie Wonderland... that's a mood shift musically and lyrically... I mean people obviously agree but.....

[@InvestmentJoy]

This song is such a delight in stereo!

[@boimesa8190]

wasn't this stereo first then?

[@Wuppie62]

@@boimesa8190 I don't remember it not being in stereo. That compilation album was the first vinyl record I ever bought from my pocket money, to play it on my dad's new hifi-stereoset, in the seventies. I guess if somebody listened to this in mono at first (on a portable radio or a small bluetooth speaker), and yes, when you then suddenly listen to it on a good stereo or with a pair of headphones, it's like the whole stage opens up. :)

[@hirumi9]

conga man on the right

[@n.mourad2848]

Dude.. try it in 5.1 surround sound! That's right... it literally feels like September in the middle of January.

[@n.mourad2848]

@@hirumi9 🤣ahhhh, that's awesome

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

Maurice White was a genius and will surely be missed in the music industry.

[@joshentertainment2]

He didn't make new music though

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

@@joshentertainment2 Probably because he passed away! All his music music was originally from 70s to early 90s until he became ill. His music with Earth, Wind and Fire will last forever. Some new artists have remade some of his songs.

[@joshentertainment2]

@@KeanonGilliamSlang369 he stopped in the 90s

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

@@joshentertainment2 I'm aware of that but he still wrote songs with Earth, Wind and Fire while he was sick when he was able before his health to a turn. So he's credited for those songs. The point is, he was a great musician, writer, producer, respected by the industry.

[@alblack3425]

@@joshentertainment2 Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, The Whisper, and the list goes when it comes to great artist that don't make new music. The music business moves on from artist no matter how talented or genius born." New Music is Generational it's for the young to create so that they can have their own memories..."

[@CaptWesStarwind]

Funk bands were truly something else. They had it all, horns, keyboards, bass, and assortment of drums, back up singers and when it all worked together it is just something else. Plus they always are ear to ear smiles. When I was a kid and everyone was getting into bands like Korn and Limp Biscuit and grunge was fading I just went for any funk music I could find. This was why I wanted to start playing bass.

[@tiosaintbanks]

To the guys in this video, read the late Maurice White's book, "My Life With Earth, Wind and Fire". There's a chapter in it where he shares how he and Alee Willis bumped heads on the bah dee yah part in the song, "September". Alee didn't like it. Maurice did like it and said to her, "Sorry Charlie". Excellent and eye opening book. I had the pleasure of meeting him before he passed. R.I.P. Maurice 🙏🏾

[@4tun1]

I've read it twice!

[@merchantsmithimages]

I read the book. I find it amazing how people try to analyze the EWF sound without actually listening to all the albums. September is just one of their pop songs. They just had the gift to have every song locked in a groove. Willis was wrong about that adlib.

[@amazing50000]

Yeah I got the e book on Audible. A great book about his life.

[@davidlauter1622]

I always thought the lyrics were - " Party on " not Bah Dee yah Lol - too bad I wasn't at the lyric writing session,cuz my Lyrics are what the lyrics should be. Buy the way my 2 musical Brothers wrote " Get Away " so I'm right in their Ballpark !

[@bAkra60]

I heard Alee Willis’s version and she said she hated it but after hearing it later liked it.

[@mymy38448]

As a former HBCU band member I can tell you, the timing playing this song is brutal lol (screaming in the background) “WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM MEEEEE!!!??” Lmao 🤣

[@sunii4264]

This is my fav HBCU Band jam!

[@maemaedenise220]

@@sunii4264 I thought most HBCUs play "In the Stone" by the elements. That first intro. Pure gold.

[@traciesommerville3819]

@@maemaedenise220 We did at WSSU. Freshman year, fall 1979. The E, W and FFanatic!

[@douglasevans2160]

@@maemaedenise220 Only after Drumline....everybody was doing In the Stone after that movie came out

[@PopsieLouisiana59]

Still out of breath playing in the horn section of the band on this one.

[@ajrafael]

This was fun to watch!!

[@boojoeyseesyou]

i love your song lemonade

[@imtiredsoichoke2892]

OMG AJ!!!!

[@yankeesam4938]

What a cocophony😁 gives one the chills,.years ago i drove 3hrs away to see these guys!

[@samuelgonzalez1392]

AJ!!!!!

[@francisdiaz7324]

AJ! You're here!

[@baldy555]

I was 17 in 1978, and this was no.1 in my personal charts. I’m 61 today and still cannot find another song that beats September. Playing some instruments in high school, I took notice of all the instruments in the song, and only today I’m hearing you guys getting excited about things like the piano, the bass etc. Finally someone who shares the same passion. Thanks for featuring this song. Loved your reactions. Took me back to 1978.

[@amazing50000]

I was 3 years old when it came out, and as I remember as a little boy, this song was playing everywhere here in New York. In the park, in my house on the Radio, everywhere. So it is no surprise that this song has become one of the best known songs of all times.

[@stefanherkenrath8639]

Same age - same passion for that song.

[@StubbyStan28]

I love watching experts nerd out about the thing they're passionate about! It''s like you're learning how to become a master in hyperspeed! This was so much fun!

[@Glim246]

I don't understand anything they are saying but it is a complete joy to see people interact with others that "get you" and your passions. It's like they are just open and flowing with their ideas and for a few moments get to just experience something without all the external stuff.

[@hddun]

My view of these pros kinda is like the gas people telling Elon Musk -- "are you nuts no one will ever buy electric cars" For so called pros they don't add up to nothing...

[@WidgetWW]

I especially like hearing musicians nerd out. As a non musician I don’t have the vocabulary or music theory background to articulate the joy I get from music. So I love hearing musicians put words to these indescribable (for me) moments in songs. I’ve always known I was especially attracted to music that’s filled with counterpoint lines but had no idea until now that’s what it is called

[@chopperdeath]

The fact these guys met each other and constructed such beautiful stuff is proof that miracles exist.

[@okolekahuna3862]

A few years back, I was tasked to arrange this song for our community band, I too realized how intricate the arrangement is. And just like your guys and many other musicians, when analyzing this song, we get excited and appreciate the song even more. Love being a musician!

[@AlexMoukalaMusic]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite KZbin channels. :D Keep it up Jack!

[@DeadWaxShow]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@norjaelawe5696]

Can u pls next time react to Walter Murphy tracks plssssss thanks from Jamaica

[@penpen3231]

I'm just 5 minutes into this video and start to feel the same! =D

[@weakw1ll]

This is my first time here and im watching an ad cant wait to see- o it started ok bye

[@weakw1ll]

Oh i seen some of these people before

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

Nothing better for me then listening to musicians talking about the intricacies of one my favorite songs.

[@dfrnt_hues]

Greatest Group of All Time. There’s a million layers to their music.

[@danovidz9146]

That's why I love the sound of Old School music of the 70s. It is a talent from God to Maurice White in Earth, Wind, and fire and other musicians like them.

[@SelectCircle]

That was my heyday and we took it all for granted. It never occurred to us it might end. : /

[@jazshas]

Yes! The best music and clean, fun, safe times in the hood.

[@prototropo]

@@SelectCircle Yep! Looking back we were all so blitheringly lucky, or talented--including all the good radio disc jockeys, fantastic studio musicians, genius new band sounds, expert music listeners, great new recording technologies, extraordinarily intelligent and knowledgeable composers, astounding instrumentalists, courageous vocalists, loyal, loving fans. Everything about music in the 70s, from film scores (Midnight Cowboy, Butch Cassidy, The Graduate, Days of Heaven, Clockwork Orange) to Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder, C,S,N & Y and E,W & F, Credence, Pink Floyd---was like an asteroid of fantastic sounds landing on our generation.

[@SelectCircle]

@@prototropo I forgot the DJs! It was all a perfect storm of greatness. I don't know about other cities - but in mine the same ones hung on well into old age - retiring just recently. And now - all the personality on the airwaves is gone. Did you hear that Graham Nash thinks that 50 years from now the only music from the '70s that will be remembered is Bob Dylan? Ha! He was the least of it. ALL that music will be remembered. And indeed - let the world not forget the DJs either!

[@prototropo]

@@SelectCircle I totally agree. In fact I slapped my forehead when they announced Dylan for a Nobel. Oh my god, he doesn't even rank, in my opinion, in the top 20 musicians of our generation, let alone deserve the world's most prestigious honor. What a travesty. But at least we can be happy that for 15 or 20 years, there was a Camelot of great musical culture in America, and it flourished on our watch!

[@TT.4_]

Maurice White and Phillip Bailey made it sound like it’s an entire choir singing but these two would create the amazing sounds then rehearse it with the rest of the group. Also in this song September Maurice White made those words “Ba-Dee-Ya” up because he didn’t know what other lyrics to throw in. This song is pure gold! I play it over 20x a day😂. Rest in paradise to a legend!!

[@richardjohnson5979]

Charles, I can’t listen to Pure Imagination without getting misty. Gene’s voice, his sense of wonder, the joy of making children aware of their feelings. So glad we share a love for that music.

[@chingothegringo]

You’re not alone

[@e.j.leonard2379]

Same song writers (Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse) wrote a bunch of other tracks that hit other emotions too. Feeling Good (made famous by Nina Simone), Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett's version is probably the most famous), What Kind of Fool Am I? (Sammy Davis Jnr). They were Soooo Goood!! Newley was also one of David Bowie's favourite singers and performers as a child, and you can really hear the influence

[@platterjockey]

I think "Imagination" had a lot to do with making children!

[@xxdragoneminemxx]

Absolutely one of the most underated basslines of all time love this

[@dalejones4322]

Charles is perfect for this series. I knew he had perfect pitch when he said the drum was playing an F#. It's been said that my son has perfect pitch. For young players it can be a curse. They tend to want to play everything by ear and not learn to read music or learn theory. Jazz chords can throw them off and when a song that they've heard before is played in a different key, it drives them nuts. Charles is the missing link to this series. Please use him as much as possible.

[@TheBigburcie]

I don't think I have perfect pitch but I think I tend towards it. I learned clarinet in school with sheet music, but by high school I barely ever read it more than a few times. I picked up bass and guitar with a combination of tab and by ear and have now been playing them for 30 years almost completely by ear. I can't remember lyrics to save my live but can recall the guitar parts from songs I haven't heard in a decade. It too bothers me when I hear songs played in the wrong key. I sometimes can start singing a song in tune based on a single drum hit because the sound of that snare gives me the relative pitch to the rest of the song. I'm also ADD and mildly OCD but I'm not sure if those are related.

[@dalejones4322]

@@TheBigburcie wow Bruce. Thank you for that glimpse I to my son's future. His doctor has told us he is somewhere on the spectrum. He's quirky and funny but lacks focus so reading piano sheet music is a major chore. If he really likes a song it comes easy to him. If he's never heard the song, it's really super hard for him. He has a natural inclination to adlib with songs which always amazes me. Would you by chance mind telling me how music has affected your life. Is it your job, hobby, artistic outlet? Do you write music or play with friends? I worry that piano isolates an already socially awkward kid but he loves to perform.

[@TheBigburcie]

@@dalejones4322 I work in IT but have always had music as part of my life. I have 13 guitars and 3 amps that I have collected, and most were cheap cast-offs that I did some repairs and tinkering to make playable and tweakable (switches to change pickup behavior). My kids were encouraged to join band and played all the way through high school including marching band, for which I was a constant volunteer for 7 years. My music collection has Broadway shows, metal, blues, rock, Garth Brooks (no other country) and Celtics and I can listen to any of them back to back. I love trying to figure out songs just sitting on the couch with an acoustic or listening to new artists to hear their influences or identify those barely audible little details hidden in the tracks (record crackle, off mic breaths or giggles...). I sometimes annoy my kids by telling them what model of guitar is being used because my ear can often pick up the difference between a telecaster, stratocaster and a les paul.

[@dalejones4322]

@@TheBigburcie Thank you Bruce. I hope to get my son Andrew into band when the time comes. I imagine he is similar to you in what he hears that most don't. He has a variety of music he likes too. Orchestral, old funny jazz, classic rock, and Christian music. kzbin.info/door/IpiuvsZlqzwGrshWOs-QfA . We started this channel for relatives to see his performances, if you're interested. Conjunction junction was his best in my opinion. Thanks again for the insight. A worrying parent likes all the good outcomes he can hear.

[@TheBigburcie]

@@dalejones4322 His ability to play and sing at this age is outstanding. Maybe he can pay for college as the house musician at a club.

[@leelee8406]

EWF is undisputedly the greatest band in the entire world...Rest in peace Maurice and all the other EWF band members ❤❤❤

[@courtneyrodriguez-hamlin]

Classically-trained college music professor here, was in high school in the late 70s....love this song, and you guys are GREAT! This is the first video I've seen of yours but looking forward to seeing more. Love the way you break things down and make it relatable to people of different levels. Very cool.

[@jacobjegira5361]

The way these 3 people dissected one of the greatest songs of all time on a very digestible level even for a simple listener like me, is simply amazing. I’m seeing and hearing bits and pieces of the song that I never would have realized were there even if I listened to the song a hundred times. Great content! 🙌

[@pepesoria]

My old voice teacher Maestro Curtis (musical director for Anita Baker, Phylis Hymen) worked with Maurice @ “Calimba Records”. Mr White was a genius, and terribly missed.

[@pepesoria]

P.S. EWF used “Tower of Power’s” horns to double their own brass.

[@amazing50000]

Wait, isn't he one of the Curtis Brothers? Because according to Maurice White in his book, there was a group called "Curtis The Brothers" who had recorded "Boogie Wonderland" (Produced by Al McKay) first for Maurice's record label ARC/Columbia (Kalimba Productions), but the recordings did not come out right, so EWF record the song themselves.

[@TheTriangleOffense47]

Damn I’m just floored, I’ve listened to September for what feels like over a thousand times but this video made me listen differently and the way yall broke stuff down. Never realized how many lil tricks they threw in this song

[@skeezix8156]

I’ve listened to most genres of music since the 70’s, from Beethoven to the Bomb Squad who worked with Public Enemy. My ears seem to gravitate toward music that is layered like this. Stevie Wonder was another overlooked master of this.

[@BongConcepcion]

You guys should interview Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson on how they recorded September in the studio.

[@chazmartin5725]

Read or listen to the audio books of Phillip Bailey’s Shining Star, and Maurice White’s “ my life with the Earth Wind and Fire”. Fascinating stories. And the two books complement each other so well.

[@charlesedward5047]

If you want a great channel where interviews of musicians from the 60s to the 2000s are done telling the stories of how the songs came to be, is the Professor of Rock. Check it out.

[@rogerringold616]

And David Foster!

[@PoliticalFunk007]

Why would they sit down for something like this? This is kind of embarrassing lol

[@amazing50000]

Fun Fact: Maurice said in his book that Philip didn't like September when they finished it and Philip also admitted it himself in an interview.

[@zanohoriamazo1]

‘Never let the lyric get in the way of the groove.’…..wow! Simple, yet profound. What David Sanborn told me that Marcus Miller (who I attended high school with) told him: ‘Save everything.’ I believe that pertains to song ideas. Great discussion!

[@SOLDbyYOU]

In college… a creative writing teacher said…. “ Never let the facts get in the way of a good story “….. the lesson is the same…… the groove is king

[@chriso8193]

Which is why Marcus Miller and Chaka's Brother Mark Steven made a hit out of "Doin Da Butt"!!!! Two bass players in their own right, but the bassline is simple.

[@Beastintheomlet]

Jack Conte is an avatar for joy and wonder. We must protect him at all costs.

[@SmithMrCorona]

Just don't ever not refer to him as the CEO of Patreon. His power and status must be preserved. FOLLOW THE LEADER

[@lerrynhawke3375]

And he has humility

[@glarris1]

Word.

[@ldenorio]

until he censors and bans

[@ExtraFancy96]

Things I love about this video: 1. This song! Dad played a lot of EW&F growing up, and this song shaped my love of big band funk. 2. Breaking down isolated tracks and instruments. As an average music consumer with little knowledge of music and how it is made, it's cool to see people explain why I love a song. 3. Charles Jones, what a legend, and the fact he said he's listening to "Pure Imagination" which is from one of my favorite movies. Y'all have so much fun making these videos and it carries over to this viewer!

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

The Willie Wonka reference from Charles got my subscription. Beautiful song...

[@Nightowl427272]

Great deep dive into this masterpiece. No one ever mentions how the song massively increases tempo by the end (most EWF songs do but this one is crazy), the most acceleration happening immediately after the 3 hits at the end of the 1st hook. Totally agree that it’s a monumental mixing feat. I’m always blown away how the tiny string line can immediately and easily be heard in such a busy mix. But I would credit all that to the flawless production as well as the mixing.

[@soundsgoodmanrecords]

Loved this song from the first time I heard it as a kid. I had split the price of a stereo with my sister, got it from Radio Shack and played this song over and over and over and over. I knew nothing about music at the time but one of the reasons it moved me was it came across as just one thing. It wasn't horns and everything separate, it was a being unto itself. Kind of like what I'd love to see society be able to do with the joining and working together and unity. Great song. Peace.

[@NicholasStein]

Charles Jones is so delightful. What a musician. His energy is magical.

[@karinw6255]

All of Earth Wind& Fire music is a masterpiece in melody!!! Its beautiful, like Stevie Wonder's Sir Duke, incredibly melodic...💚🌻🌞

[@darkhalo0868]

The way Charles can call out notes is Amazing to me... That is a God given talent.

[@imissmydog8279]

My sister and I have perfect pitch. I think it’s because we started music very young, about 4 or 5 years-old.

[@francmittelo6731]

Evolution.

[@rthib2k]

Thank you for singling this song out as GENIUS without ever saying the actual word. !!!

[@neocollective]

I saw EW&F in Cincy last year and was incredible, they were all great, but Verdine's energy, groove and tone are like a tsunami coming at ya. As festive as this song is it caught me off guard how emotional of an experience it is to hear it live from them.

[@cooldebt]

Wow! That's awesome! Lucky you - an experience to treasure :)

[@robmorrison1043]

Maurice White was a musical genius. I AM and Faces are two of the greatest produced and arranged R&B albums of all time, MASTERPIECES!!!!!!!

[@percywalker3960]

FAX

[@buicklincoln]

Faces was way ahead of its time. It didn't get the airplay and respect that it deserved.

[@barebarekun161]

This is the signature of EWF sound they have so many layers in their music that all these years later someone will pick something new or never noticed before. Faces was the last of their instrumental epic they were playing with a big strings arrangement,two horn sections tuned percussions, Hype vocals delivering universal unifying message, Verdine bass going crazy, Hot rocking guitar leads,trumpet and saxophone solo and wrap it up with church organ. September was and is such an infectious groove it never failed to make me move every time.

[@320cam]

Really interesting fact about the Sus chord (G/A), is that he song is in the key of AMaj but the song starts on the DMaj (making it Lydian). Because it's not starting on the tonic there's this constant sense of elevation that very popular in Funk and Disco. The only way to resolve this would be to land on the A, but because it instead plays an G/A (G not being in the key of AMaj - making the A Mixolydian where it should be Ionian) every time it lands on the G/A you get this subversive harmony that forces you to go back to the DMaj. So the cycle never ends and the song never gets that relaxed resolution really contributing to the excitement. Also the song is always increasing in tempo. If you play the first 4 bars then instantly skip to the end it's ridiculously faster. Adds to that excitement!

[@jas_bataille]

I bet they had no idea at all about any of this, but whether that's true or not, this is a superb analysis :)

[@320cam]

@@jas_bataille Thanks man! It's an interesting thought for sure, and definitely possible, but Maurice White and Larry Dunn were pretty on top of their theory stuff, like the mad key changes in 'After The Love Has Gone'.

[@musictecedu]

@@320cam ‘After the Love’ was a David Foster composition that he brought to EWF, I believe. So it’s David that’s the ‘wonder man” in those harmonies!

[@urbangorilla33]

The G / A can also be called A11. A is the root, you leave out the 5th and it has the 7th, 9th and 11th (octave of the 4th, so that the suspension). I like A11 better, because - and this fits with what you're saying - if you think of it as an A chord then it has dominant function, i.e. it wants to go back to the D.

[@320cam]

@@urbangorilla33 Yeah, I have quite a few friends that prefer A11, I think I prefer G/A because of the absence of the Maj 3rd. But you make a really good point that the function of it as a Secondary Dominant does make the A11 make sense.

[@bryanlevay2549]

It’s funny to me how they talked about how good the arrangement is and then about how hard it must have been to mix the song, because mixing is SO MUCH EASIER when there’s a great arrangement, no matter how many tracks. As an engineer, you don’t have to worry about the parts competing with each other when they are written to mesh well.

[@gvrpresentsbearwilliams]

Great discussion! EWF has its roots deep within the sounds of Chicago. The White Family was born in Memphis but they cut their teeth in the studios and stages of the Windy City. Maurice White played drums in the famed Ramsey Lewis Trio amongst many other great jazz and R&B stars of the time. I was a session bass player in ChiTown in the late 70's to early 80's before moving to Los Angeles and I had the pleasure of seeing up close how Chicago producers like Maurice White and other layered tracks to get the lush sound they were looking for. Tom Washington aka (Tom Tom 84) was the horn arranger on "September" and many other EWF hits. Tom Tom is also the horn arrangement genius behind all of the Phil Collins horns... The Phoenix Horns (Courtesy of EWF).

[@TimeWaverTV]

Best Horn section, best vocals, and always fun on the stage, thanks guys, cool talk

[@SBecktacular]

That’s why they’re “earth, wind and fire “.... all elements existing in harmony and perfect existence. 🌏 🌬🔥👈👌❤️

[@johntychon2524]

You need to have Charles on more often. so underrated such a talent

[@BaldursPicketFence]

Yes!! I mean you play this song anywhere, in any club and it's guaranteed to fill the dancefloor!!!

[@leilaikusura4904]

Charles is a GENIUS. His brain is so musical. He is soooo gifted. OMG

[@omggiiirl2077]

It's why this music is timeless!! Earth wind and fire maze the commodores are all groups i grew up listening to, and much more! It always brings me to a happy place!!

[@iangajadhar]

Great descriptions! This is what happened in most EWF songs. The rhythm section usually recorded first and the layers were added afterwards. Al Mckay...rhythm guitarist told me this by email.

[@marcel4002]

OMG!! Small world...Hey Charles!!! It's your old acquaintance Marlon, engineer from Blakeslee back in the day. Awesome to see you still going strong my brother... For those out there who don't know, Charles is one of the most happy and positive people you will ever meet. Big heart and smile are an understatement with this guy. When it comes to funk and soul music, he knows his business... Cool channel fellas, keep upnthe good work...

[@TheBigburcie]

Gee, I would never have gotten the idea that he was a happy, enthusiastic kinda guy (sarcasm definitely intended).

[@serpentinefire77]

George Massenburg is the engineer on the EW&F albums from 1975 onwards and a genius who made a massive contribution to the finished Fire sound. His mixing on those classic album by EW&F albums have truly stood the test of time.

[@BBT609]

That’s a FACT. He was a BEAST of an engineer.

[@bananablood2031]

@@BBT609 Still is..and he also designed the first parametric EQ, genius fella

[@Gainn]

The horns and strings give the anchor that tricks you into hearing a unified progression that just isn't there. Incredible musicality.

[@wesleylum7585]

Im so glad y'all did an in depth anaylsis on September. This is so educational and entertaining. This song is one of my all time favorites

[@jarrodsmith8260]

I love this series! As a hobbiest musician, I enjoy hearing the collective learning from pros, and the joy you all have for the music. It's inspiring!

[@olgierdvoneverec4135]

Earth wind and fire are just geniouses, despite how complex their songs are everything just plays together it's glorious. I hope you guys take a look at the beach boys someday, they also pulled some crazy stuff specially for their time.

[@260jam]

This is such a gem of a series for the inexhaustible joy that Jack infuses in every episode - thank you!

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

I actually bought EWF Vol 1 on vinyl at the record store the day it came out. I was a 15.

[@greatchiwoods1017]

First time, watching and LOVED IT!!!!!! Subscribed.

[@RichAdase]

I used to sing with a cappella groups, and I remember a story of one group's music director cursed with perfect pitch. Inevitably the group would start going flat over the course of a song, and you could apparently see his face twitching as he had to continuously mentally transcribe the score in his head.

[@FrankChafe]

Perfect song and perfect day to do this. I want to thank you for teaching me to listen more to music. I'm now going through my collection and relistening to the music, and closing my eyes and breaking it down as you guys are. I also love that this "reaction show" isn't a hearing it for the first time, its really "HEARING" it for the first time and breaking it down, and doing so in a way that those who aren't as musically inclined (like me) can understand and appreciate it. Keep on keeping on.

[@davidjobinmusique]

"we own our master so we don't tour" - me loving Jack even more

[@thomass5169]

This has been my favorite song for more than 40 years. I get excited every time I hear it. Just makes me feel good.

[@iashakezula]

Earth Wind and Fire is my all time favorite and I love how guys talk about it😊

[@Kashimana]

They are so tight live, I had the privilege of seeing them in MN and I was so mad that xcel energy wasn’t packed to the rafters. So freaking good! I was pregnant and so happy those vibrations moved through me then. Gratitude to at EWF.

[@EWoodsMsc]

Yes Lewis Taylor!!! Nobody knows this guy and his self titled album was so ahead of its time.

[@theguy5093]

Stoned Part One is the go to song!

[@pinberttube]

Charles Jones mentions the song Pure Imagination at the beginning. There is a version of Lou Rawls in his 1976 album "All Things In Time" which is superb.

[@roadrunneruntd]

I loved this conversation. The passion you guys have makes this video so engaging. You're not just breaking down the composition or the mix in a matter of fact way ( which in and of itself isn't a bad thing) but you're bringing so much joy and energy in explaining the things you liked or found interesting. It's very refreshing.

[@artmichel5572]

This program is really cool sh!+ man. Totally dig musicians knowing their craft..and breaking it down to where us little people hear it according to the sheet and not only the speakers. I studied music many, many years ago and just STOPPED. Too many "other" things going on but music..is always there through every emotion and occasion. You guys keep it up... I'm tracking.

[@1mespud]

Maurice White was also the session drummer on Fontella Bass' "Rescue Me" with Louis Satterfield of the Phoenix Horns on bass.

[@youareivan]

as amazing as all the different parts of september are what i find most amazing is how much space is there is in the song to allow all those great ideas a place to happen. it never sounds muddled or busy even though there's a tons of stuff going on. magic.

[@dcs2402]

I remember 11 years ago, I stumbled across this really cool KZbin band called Pomplamoose. And they did an absolutely kick arse version of this....... I loved hearing the story of behind the scenes of that cover. I bet you never even imagined where you are now way back then. From strength to strength and I still find all your stuff so good. Scary Pockets, Pomplamoose and now these awesome deepdives. Just keep doing all of it, I'm a fan for life....

[@tonteaux1]

I recently saw another interesting cover of September by a band called "Leonid and Friends", who hails from either Russia or the Ukraine. They also do some amazing Chicago covers. I actually was only looking for the song "Vehicle" by the Ides of March and their version came up.

[@williesweetjr8713]

So much to listen to, no empty notes or spaces, pure musical delight!

[@polkmusic]

This was great. Watching musicians geek out over great songs is so much fun.

[@tonyhao9344]

This was killer! This EWF Vol 1, was the first album I ever bought was around 1978 I was 12 yrs. I listened to it every day for months until I could afford another record.. I'm so glad you guys can appreciate every nuance I soaked my young brain in for 40 + years now. Cheers!

[@nsiepmann]

This is a great episode - and I knew Charles had a gorgeous voice but I was not ready for just what a joyous ray of sunshine he is talking about music!

[@caryd67]

I can’t believe I’m actually going to watch this; I literally just got this damn song (which I actually like) out of my head!

[@jayhill1242]

The first time I heard this song when I was about 8 years old i was just starting out on the bass guitar, I can remember falling in love with everything about this song. 30 years later later I play the bass piano and the electric guitar because this particular song never left my mind.

[@Nick-u4e7v]

My 30th year gigging this year and I appreciate the indepth conversations with other serious bassists. I rarely get to talk with other bassists on that level everyones so busy. I dig this channel

[@C.Quince]

Releasing this on the 21st of September is wonderful ✨😂 We appreciate your insight

[@ericjohnson4792]

Greatest group of musicians ever assembled. And Maurice White was absolutely stellar. It was his genius that created that sound of my childhood. And I still listen to them very often still. Man the kids today don’t know good music. It’s ashamed

[@toneranger]

The most amazing song and a blast to play live, RIP Maurice White what a great musical legacy #EarthWindandFire "Dig what I'm sayin' "😎

[@ynazzra]

What is the song please 😢

[@JaceEverettTV]

This channel is absolute joy! Thanks to you fine folks.

[@Waluiginumberone]

2:38 Thank you for mentioning that little piano/guitar lick!!!! It's so quick but it's one of my favorite little moments in the whole track

[@YannDyangu]

The perfect pitch thing is INSANE!! 😮

[@MickeyDs14]

Yes for the Lewis Taylor mention! He’s incredible and glad to see him getting love. 🙏🏽

[@nickcormier]

Oh man, this is great! Really well done! I normally hate "reacts" videos, but you guys make it worth watching by breaking it down on a pro level.

[@turdismiller]

You can hear notes like we see colors. That's the best, easiest to understand explanation of perfect pitch ever. Thank you.

[@robertphillips7630]

I was 16. I could hang with the bass groove. Verdin and Louis Johnson were my first "bass mentors". Glad y'all appreciate my generation's music😊

[@msgflava]

Al McKay's guitar part in the intro getting its due moment in the spotlight.

[@PhilDonaldson]

Charles is such a MUSICIAN! 👍🏾🎶

[@DeadWaxShow]

He is awesome!

[@mattriddell8983]

"and I'm the CEO of Patreon." Among other things! Big fan of Jack's work.

[@SmithMrCorona]

I'm SO happy he mentioned that! Made me so hard instantly! I Hope he's building a space ship right now

[@dougrose2452]

The cover by Leonid & Friends is very special and true to the original.

[@mr_pants278]

There's something really nice about the way this video is structured, they cut to explain certain things now and again, but without totally cutting up the conversation. Really cool touch for people that aren't in the know. I would never have known what a CP70 was without looking it up, but now I do and I didn't have to leave the video to find out. Good stuff.