Songs That Changed Music: Chic - Le Freak

[@Producelikeapro]

What other songs do you think changed music? Share your thoughts with us below!

[@andaryal256]

Tool schism or 46 and 2

[@yauhenikunichkin3487]

Thriller or Billie Jean by MJ

[@Producelikeapro]

@@yauhenikunichkin3487 stay tuned!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@andaryal256 marvellous

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

Nobody else seems to want to touch this, but I'd love to see something from Chris Whitley's record Rocket House covered. It's well off the beaten path, but no album has ever hit me like this one did.

[@soulsonic]

IMHO, it's important to remember that Nile Rodgers is, in his own words, is an arranger who plays guitar. I used to think this riff was mostly right hand fluffing. Hearing him talk about implied chords and his writing/production approach, things made more sense. Jazz guy raised by jazz heads. He wrote those string parts, for example. He's had a hand in the sound of the past 40 years! Hats off to Nile Rodgers

[@Producelikeapro]

He’s a brilliant songwriter, guitarist, arranger and producer, and of course modest too! Huge fan of Niles!

[@cirenosnor5768]

Sean Ike - You mention “right hand fluffing” and I laughed cause I was trying to find a word to describe what was going on with his right hand strumming and thought “fluffy” - lol. Achieved by things like the little touches most don’t seem to be aware of that are mentioned here: not strumming all strings and light guitar picks ❤️

[@scottbrower9052]

And having Julia contribute here is genius - she's amazing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Yes, Julia is amazing!!

[@Alpha_7227]

She is tops, I love all her videos especially when she puts on that bass face while she plays.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@Alpha_7227 yes, wonderful to have Julia here on the channel!

[@unclemick-synths]

She is! 👍 Seeing these female bassists with their fluidity of fretting has made me change my style of playing . I'm unlearning 30 years of stretching my fingers out - I practice with a hair elastic in a figure of 8 round my fingers so I can't stretch.

[@effyiew7318]

@@unclemick-synths Stop being a simp.

[@shyman99]

The Diana Ross album they produced in 1980 is also legendary as was David Bowie's 1983 "Let's Dance" album.

[@Producelikeapro]

Indeed! Huge fan of both! Check out our Let’s Dance video here:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYrToIyeYrKMbdk

[@EricRabb]

Agreed!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@EricRabb yes!

[@robw3000]

Duran duran also!

[@BuroAan]

Bowie’s downfall

[@joolz666]

The fact that you did Chic's 'Good Times' about a month ago as well as this new one says everything needed to know about how influential Chic were and are. 👍 One of the major sounds when I was growing up was Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards groove, be it via Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, David Bowie, Duran Duran...

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed, hugely influential! I did Queen's 'Another Bites The Dust' and Pink Floyd 'Another Brick IN The Wall' both owe so much to Chic!

[@MarcG7424]

I remember my aunt going to see them in various clubs in NYC before they hit it big with Le Freak she raved about their shows. My favorite band of all time. They truly deserve a spot in the R&R HOF

[@ruminantmelanoid5444]

*THIS* was the song that convinced me to take up the bass guitar. Bernard Edwards is on my Mount Rushmore of bassists along with James Jamerson, Louis Johnson, and a 4th spot that rotates. Nile Rogers *IS* R&B rhythm guitar *PERIOD.*

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@VariedPerspectives722]

Niles and Bernard were light years ahead of their time. I truly enjoyed this breakdown of their greatness

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@soulsurvivors7565]

As a 'serious' musician back in the days, disco was a no-go. But Rogers' style was fun to play, so we did it, tongue in cheek, at rehearsals and soundchecks. Fast-forward to now: at least 10% of my guitar-dna is his. A true pioneer.

[@Producelikeapro]

His feel, groove and performance is second to none!

[@damon_aaron]

When he was listening to Bernard's bass line, Warren got the stank face! Love it!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks Damon!!

[@roscoechance5155]

Great example of a song with relatively simple parts that all come together to create a killer groove and memorable song

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, amazing on every level!

[@RonGalloway]

Julia Hofer, La Reina Del Funk! While I was watching this it occurred to me that Julia hadn’t done any Chic songs yet on her channel, and boom there she was. Well done, awesome as usual. And Bob Clearmountain! Dude…..

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Ron!!!

[@AllanGildea]

You’re the gift that just keeps giving! Thank you all. Lovely to see Julia on board, she’s a gem.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Allan!

[@lucasm4299]

Can you also talk about the Isley Brothers please? They’ve been sampled so many times and have had a long successful career. Their music is 🥰

[@acpg]

Awesome video, as always Warren. Thanks so much for asking me to contribute - a real pleasure to be involved.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend! It was great having you on the channel!

[@Producelikeapro]

@ghost mall marvellous!

[@kxrv6629]

Saw Chic live in their prime at the Florida State Fair in 1979. Le Freak, Bowie Let’s Dance, Daft Punk Get Lucky. What more can you say- Funk!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow!! Amazing

[@RayWhitney3]

I remember this song from the radio in the 70s. Defined an entire era. Thank you for deconstructing (as always) in your ineffable way!

[@RayWhitney3]

I grew up in New York, and the impact...the through-line from this and early rap/hip hop cannot be overstated.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Ray!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@RayWhitney3 agreed 100%!!

[@unclemick-synths]

I don't remember us having the anti-disco thing in the UK. That was such a great era for us in Britain with all sorts of genres charting. We could listen to a mix of Carpenters, Chic, and The Clash without thinking anything of it. Afterwards, coming to Canada and hearing about that disgusting record-burning incident that had taken place in the US was shocking (especially as it was basically a burning of any black music that could be found).

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, it was just a US thing. In the UK Disco was in everything! Punk, New Wave, Rock, everything and it was fantastic

[@inphanta]

Yeah, the "Disco Sucks" thing in the US had a very ugly racial element to it. Fortunately it completely backfired.

[@arenalife]

I first heard this song in the mid 90's when I was 16 on a ferry crossing to France from the UK and was totally blown away. I didn't know who it was by but amazingly I searched for it in France without being able to speak French and by mimicking the 'duh-duh' intro I found it in a market, right next to feathered chickens hanging up by their feet! Amazing times, I played that tape till it wore out

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

16:48 Warren: Unlike some of my peers at the time; I NEVER EVER put down disco music; not back in the day, not now ― not ever! I love, love, love Chic! How much? As much as I love The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin, ABBA, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera... Most excellent appreciation. Well done, Warren! Thank you. 💙🎤🎤🎸🎸🥁🎹🎻

[@edalder2000]

Yaaaasss!! I heard that Chic simply started yelling "F*** off" after getting being turned away by Studio 54. The rest is history.

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes, they were told that by the doorman!

[@edalder2000]

@@Producelikeapro All the way to #1!! That'll show that doorman!

[@ardiris2715]

Boogie Oogie Oogie by A Taste of Honey has always been my favorite disco song. That bass intro! That bass riff! That guitar solo!! (:

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@MarcG7424]

Taste Of Honey's Rescue Me is my favorite of theirs because of the bass solo

[@Polostar79]

And the fact that it was played by a woman at a time where women bass players weren’t taken seriously is even more amazing.

[@exerciserelax8719]

Listening to the isolated tracks, everything sounds great, still hi-fi by today's standards. The engineering was fantastic on these recordings.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Bob Clearmountain is an amazing talent!

[@fourutubez7294]

That smile when the bass kicked in matched mine , funky af. On a dance floor its properly perfect .

[@Blaze_1961]

The keyboardist for Chic was Robert Sabino, our sons were in Boy scouts together around 15 years ago. I didn't realize who he was until I went over to his house and seen all the platinum and gold albums on his wall. He has some really interesting stories and is an awesome human being.

[@michaelchadwick6424]

When you listen to the isolated parts you think simple. Collectively they kill. And that whole instrumental bridge section. When that kicks in the whole thing goes to another level. And so does your dancing. As I recall back in the day.

[@scottbrower9052]

This song launched my lifelong love affair w/ prominent & interesting bass lines.

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely! Truly amazing

[@Steedonline]

It was the first funk I've ever heard and got hooked instantly. How many times did I dance to it when I was a teenager !! It's the one and only disco-funk standard

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing

[@bartonone2005]

Thank you, Warren. for showcasing one of my favorite tracks, guitarists and bassists. Always loved funk, the Wilson Brothers, Rick James, George Clinton and many others. Nile Rogers has always been in my top five guitar players. When I first heard his guitar vamps, I knew right away that he was a jazz guy. And Bernard Edwards was a very funky bassist!! The whole "disco sucks" thing had me scratching my head. The personnel on these records were top notch players. And the production was usually high end too. I could not help thinking it was just racism.

[@garysmith8073]

LEGENDARY . This song will never die.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Masterpiece

[@renewijgh8859]

That multitrack version you used was immaculate. What a sum of instrument parts......

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed, masterpiece!

[@hijmestoffels5171]

I agree, this is an incredibly important song. Nile Rodgers is also in my top 5, but Bernard Edwards is, without any doubt, my #1 favourite bass player. Some of my favourite ‘Chic tracks’ are songs by other artists like He’s The Greatest Dancer by Sister Sledge and Spacer by Sheila & Black Devotion.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Yes, all incredible musicians! I also love Sister Sledge and Sheila & Black Devotion!

[@terencecarter7793]

Fantastic Warren, so great to hear Julia in the groove on this.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@D4nnyboix1]

Hi warren. Would be great to hear your thoughts on the 70s ska revival and 2tone. Surely this changed the landscape of music in 79 given that punk was the dominant force. Too much too young, gangsters or ghost town were all game changers and also introduced kids to the original 60s jamaican ska. The fact the clash covered both genres is also groundbreaking

[@Producelikeapro]

Coming soon! Been working on it for a while!

[@unclemick-synths]

Early Madness too until they lapsed into dross like "Our House" - it's sad that this side of the pond almost no-one knows One Step Beyond.

[@stephanleo]

Dear Warren: It's great to see that we (almost) share the same record collection! Thank you ;)

[@paulyearley1084]

Chic were ludicrously talented and I'll defend them until I'm blue in the face --- and I am passionate about harsh industrial noise. Just everything about that album is so PERFECT

[@AndersRomin]

Yet another great video of a song that changed music! This one is definitely one of my favourites! I always love it when you share your personal stories at the end too. Thanks!

[@yauhenikunichkin3487]

It was fantastic to hear these tracks by themselves, sometimes you can get headache when you can't figure out EXACT way to play theese iconic parts! Pure gold, Warren, huge thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks! I didn’t know it was two guitars until I heard the tracks!

[@ferleiva7080]

Wow two Chic songs in a row.... I actually remember regretting that you had chosen ''Good times'' over ''Le Freak''. This recording is marvelous. As is the album opener, ''Chic Cheer'', another marvel with its never-ending suspense and killer riff. Thank you for dis-assembling these songs and showing the individual tracks to us.

[@mungflesh199]

Being more of a punk/rock fan, I'm a casual mainstream disco listener and I just don't get how people come up with this stuff. The guitar riff, the bassline, both blow my mind. It's pure funk wizardry.

[@s0ul2s0u1]

Ah Warren Huart you’ve done it again Le freak. As a funk guitarist I appreciate this video. Keep up the great work.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Frank.Zimmermann]

Oh man, how I loved this song, and still love it. A true gem. You couldn't and can't stay seated with this one, your body inevitably wants to move, is electrified. Many thanks Warren and team! 🙏 ❤️

[@MrTimdriver]

Good to see you using Adrian, a great teacher. Hope your arm is getting better. Love this tune!

[@ShiningHourPop]

Great track and production. Imagine being in the control room when that was being mixed! No wonder Nile Rodgers was in such demand as a producer.

[@Alpha_7227]

The thing I love about this song alot is during that great bass part you also have the magnificent string part which is real strings not fake keyboards. Truly great. It just adds that classy cherry on top.

[@damon_aaron]

Thank you, Warren! If only the rest of the industry would follow your lead and give Chic their due.

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very kind! Huge fan! Both Nile And Bernard are two of my favourite ever musicians, writers and producers

[@Alpha_7227]

Judging by the amount of people that have worked with Nile Rodgers and the others, I think they know how talented these guys were or are.

[@xela8384]

I've been subscribed fir at least two years and have never seen you so animated. You could barely contain yourself!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@groophz]

For DJing in the discotheque of my parents in the 70s Le Freak was one of the most important songs for sure, Sex Machine one of the others to keep the crowd dancing. After studying the history of the songs I loved most during the decades I recognized that not Hip Hop or Disco but Funk was my passion. And Nile had his hands on so many songs (Chic, Sister Sledge, Madonna, Bowie, etc). Besides James Brown Nile is still one of the most influental artists for modern dance music.

[@markkusmierz3756]

The syncopated rhythms and precision layering of instruments, melody and tone on this song are Amazing.And many guitarists have been influenced by Nile's playing.Andy Taylor and Jamie west Oram for a start.

[@MolonFrikenLabe]

Great choice my friend! I do love, and appreciate, these deep dives into some of the music that has truly changed the landscape of music. Thank you so much for all of your work on these videos.

[@barcellos61]

When I was a kid, we had a turntable with 78, 45, 33.3 and 16 RPM in the house, too! It also helped learn some Ritchie Blackmore's guitar solos!

[@patlrampros]

Thompson plays pretty steady on the kick and snare but it's in his hi-hat that the real funk comes out

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, groovy!!

[@bcinnamonclark8301]

Ty so much for doing this video. As a Teenager in Brooklyn NY during that time when LeFreak came out. You mentioned something that was so real at that time. All the Rock music people and Rock Musicians used to say that Disco Sucks. Personally I thought the people who said and Thought that Disco Sucks had no real knowledge or appreciation for True Geniuses that created and Played Disco music. The Late Great Bernard Edwards laid down some of the Best Bass lines to have ever been recorded. It's a shame that Bernard and James Jameson really didn't get the true recognition that they deserved in there lifetime.

[@joehermanartist]

It's great that you are giving classic disco the respect it deserves.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@MrLeka1111]

Yes. Freak out is still fantastic song. I also was teenager and full of rhithm in my soul. Thanks man.I always enjoy your stories about studio and music....

[@cabofalcone]

Wherever they played, that rhythm section was unbeatable!

[@Producelikeapro]

The Best

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

As a 16 year old certified rocker (Toys in the Attic, News of the World, Hotel Ca, _koff_ Kiss, Boston) I had an instinctive aversion to disco, but even then I had to admit Le Freak on the whole was killing it, but that guitar lick -- oh lordy, absolutely on fire. If that doesn't make you want to get up and dance, you ain't breathing.

[@Producelikeapro]

I grew up on Queen, Pink Floyd and Chic made perfect sense to me! Then of course both of those bands paid homage to Chic so it all makes sense to me! Haha

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

@@Producelikeapro Yeah, later on I got to seeing those layered, interwoven melodies and rhythms that early Queen was saturated with.

[@PooNinja]

Immediately that guitar line starts in my head. 🤘🏽

[@Producelikeapro]

It’s a masterpiece

[@joolz666]

I can play the bass line to this song. Somehow I make it sound utterly unfunky. 🤷😆

[@YTbeber]

Stomping At The Savoy was composed by alto saxophonist Edgar Sampson in 1933, although it is often credited to Benny Goodman, whose recording of the song peaked at number 4 in the 1937 hit charts.

[@scottclark3139]

Prince played this at nearly every concert from 2004 onwards. Respect paid

[@mcwulf25]

I figure we are the same age. I loved this song as a teen even though I thought disco was simple pop compared to rock music. And Nile is still in demand today. Chic has stood the test of time even though they were by no means the biggest act of the day.

[@L.Scott_Music]

Way to go getting Julia involved. Fantastic!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Loren! Yes, Julia is fantastic

[@L.Scott_Music]

Ya know, the base tracks are really fun to jam lead guitar over. (Base, not bass. I mean all the tracks without the vocals.)

[@samson7842]

Warren’s face @16:30, that’s that 100%, pure, uncut “Funk Face” right there. He knows what’s real. Though, I have to say my favorite Chic record is, “I Want Your Love.” To me, that’s even more of a musical masterpiece than, “Le Freak.” It just never reached the same level of popularity.

[@KenL414]

Julia is amazingly talented - great to see her contribute

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, Julia Rocks!!

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

You blummin funkster, you. I finshed off my comment, on your Good Times vid, by saying, 'I'm gonna go and listen to Le Freak now', because I was feeling the need to dance - seriously - and even in 2022, Le Freak, still grooves, still burns up the floor. I grabbed my bass, and joined in, just waiting for the middle 8, oh what a joy! Play that and tell me disco sucks, and I laugh at them. (16 rpm - so quaint, now)

[@jppagetoo]

Nile is an influence on EVERY guitar player, some just don't know it. If you look into Nile's career you will be astounded where he shows up and how wide the field of his work has been. Disco was important to the development of rock music. The reason it got so hated was it became a parody of itself. The same thing happened in 80's metal. Commercialism took over for inspiration.

[@fibboobbif]

The original Musicman basses of the late 70s had a rubber dampener to minimise Sustain. I owned one of the first Sabre basses that came to Germany through a studio musician around 1978. Unfortunatly i had to sell it. (i know Bernard preferred the Sting Ray)

[@ruminantmelanoid5444]

I was 12 when this song came out so I missed the original Stingrays, but I did get a Stingray Classic 5 in 2010, that had the foam rubber mutes. Like you I had to sell it. I miss that bass so much.

[@lesliemason1]

Wonderful wonderful Review of a classic Soul/Disco/Funk track !...... and thanks so much to Julia for going through the Bass line and THAT transition ,Which has been driving me crazy . I'm just learning / getting the hang of/ the 'bass groove' but was trying to play 'the Bridge' but doing it ...in the wrong position . Fantastic work - as usual .... !!! Special thanks for highlighting Tony Thompson - most under-rated drummer in the world and very few people give Bernard Edwards the credit he deserves in my opinion . You always seem to find some excellent extra detail in your research. Well Done - Wonderful inciteful stuff ......!

[@mageprometheus]

Warren, I had goosebumps all through this video! 😃 Dancing to this at sixth-form discos, everyone in a line, doing the little jump on 'freak out'. What a rush. Another classic at this time was Do You Wanna Get Funky With Me by Peter Brown. Before this period it was East River by The Brecker Brothers. After Le Freak was the epic Night Cruser by Deodato. If I wasn't wearing silly clothes and dancing I was playing with Trad Jazz bands on trombone in pubs. Love and light.

[@Robil63]

Adrian Woodward, excellent, versatile guitarist and teacher.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Amazing

[@outcast491]

"he is one of my top five guitar players of all time". now thats a video right there

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Niles is such an important player! We get so lost in the amazing abilities of all of the soloists that we forget that amazing groove and rhythm players are so important

[@EricRabb]

Great documentary again Warren! You put a smile 😁on my face! Chic backing tracks are like perfect funk! All pro musicianship, it’s a great recording and record.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Eric! I really appreciate it

[@coffeeshot.studio]

Love this style of funk guitar. And now I know it's Nile. Thanks Warren for learnin' me some

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@Aeronaut1975]

Adrian's a fantastic guitar player! I've been following him for a while, it's great to see him on this channel!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Wonderful musician

[@Producelikeapro]

And teacher!

[@jkris2361]

The guitar part truly is badd ass funky...I read that Niles plugged his guitar straight into the channel of the mixing board to get that crispy in your face tone...no guitar amp was used...

[@Producelikeapro]

Soooooo badass!!

[@t0mpsy]

I'm so glad those drums were on tape

[@gregmize01]

Really appreciate the guitar lesson here! 🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@mystikrebel1089]

Absolute classic. Coincidently I live at number 54 working on some Disco-funkesque tunes.Best get those flares out lol

[@Alien-qw5ks]

Oh Yeh! Let's get the funk on 🤘🤘 I used to secretly loved this song, not so secretly anymore, grooving for miles you guys 🙂

[@Producelikeapro]

Huge fan!!

[@dreddguy6454]

The enthusiasm and sheer love of music is written large across all of your faces. My favourite episode yet. More please.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

I’m a huge fan and my first two years of making a living in music were playing Chic, Sister Sledge and Police songs! Ha

[@robhooworth6738]

Fantastic track and brilliant breakdown as usual. And having Julia and Adrian from Anyone Can Play Guitar is the icing on the cake. Thanks Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Robert!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, both Julia and Adrian are wonderful

[@dieleuts8702]

Thanks for this wonderful channel.

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@HadrianRex]

It's great to see Adrian on your show.

[@mdp303]

Amazing to find our how others have done the same thing trying to work out that damn riff. It just sounded so good!

[@vacuumelite2065]

Warren. You pick the most tasty tracks. I am in splinters. The TWO part Nile part 😎 You have smashed me. 😊♥️😊♥️

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much!!

[@tedmuss]

to me....Bernard Edwards was like my bass player version of bruce lee...I idolised them both as a kid

[@Producelikeapro]

He was and is truly incredible

[@StratsRUs]

Really sweet video.Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@gregmize01]

That bass line is sick!!!!

[@eancurtis9333]

Amazing bass riff and sound

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Ean!

[@scottbrower9052]

Fantastic choice, Warren.

[@bullet1218]

Great break down of this song...I'm learning and hearing more about this song than when it was released...💯👍

[@mhoppy6639]

Layer upon layer of groove builds to a plateau of brilliance. Especially the bass of Edwards though. Love it Warren. Hugely influential of later French electro as we see through Lose yourself to dance and Get Lucky etc. thank you Warren marvellous as usual! Hope the wrist is healing nicely

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@dennismullins4930]

Excellent ☮️

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Ashfaq1999]

Great video on this disco classic 🎶

[@willemmoller6736]

Great video, thanks Warren! Genius stuff in every respect, Le Freak still sounds as cool and funky and fresh as it did back then, and I never get tired of hearing it. The clean guitar and muted bass, the swoop vocals, the unison string lines . . . wow. The tight, try drum sound was a big part of too, thanks Bob! There have been some great guitar, bass & drums trios - Cream, The Police - but Nile, Bernard and Tony could just take the cake for sheer collective coolness

[@fungiug]

I enjoyed this, along with the earlier episode you did on Good Times. It also got me thinking. In the '90s, dance music seemed to go through a massive change where it went from the happy, catchy tunes of the '70s funk and disco into a harder, moodier sound. The song I always think of to illustrate that change is SNAP! I've Got The Power, but I wonder whether there was something earlier that triggered that change. Massive Attack perhaps? I don't know, but perhaps you do! Is there a dance song from that era that changed music? Thanks ever so much for another wonderful episode. I especially loved seeing all of you grooving along with the track. 40+ years later and it's still that infectious!

[@yoshi-808]

Nice one Warren! The BBC4 docu is great. I'm shure you've seen it. For everybody else: Have a look at "Nile Rogers - The Hitmaker"

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks! Yes, amazing!

[@roddunne]

Great vid Warren & team. Sole addition to Niles guitar riff I'd add is that he strums up around/beyond the neck pickup which can round out the sound too - if you see the Hitmaker lately you'll spot the strumming wear on the higher frets :) Also worth noting Nile's background in jazz and its impact with partial / jazz chords (e.g. in Chic & Lets Dance). Your vid on Wes Montgomery and his use of block chords reminded me of Nile's work... using partial/block chords to add a melody or end of line flourish :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Rod for the great tip!

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you enjoyed the video

[@thethesaxman23]

I find it funny when they talked about Tony not doing fills and not being good at fills because one of my favorite parts of their song Everybody Dance is a simple little drum fill during the first verse, which I presume would have been Tony as well.

[@Producelikeapro]

I’m sure he was amazing at fills! It’s the fact he held down the groove that is what is most amazing and wasn’t just showing off his technique

[@cskeise]

Julia it would be great if you could put up tabs, yet again you execute this song with so much feeling...💙👊😎

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Carl, the link to the tabs for both Bass and Guitar are under the video

[@Producelikeapro]

Here's the link:- producelikeapro.com/chic-le-freak-guitar-tab

[@cskeise]

@@Producelikeapro Thank you...💙👊😎

[@stellaVista]

I can never quite decide which is my favourite Chic (produced) song. Good Times has the monumental cultural influence, We Are Family and Lost In Music are bridging several generations...but in the end it´s Le Freak that appears like the black monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey! The way everything falls into place as it builds and builds on itself is just amazing. I´d say that the production is as important as the amazing musical skills on display. A few things you haven´t mentioned: As the strings are lifting the song and the dancers higher and higher there is a subtle reverse delay on the handclaps. This is a perfect effect that draws you right into the sound and hightens the euphoria. The "AAAHHhh" before "freak out" sounds so strange and alarming. It certainly is mixed in much louder than the rest of the vocals. But there is something else to it, which is hard to explain. Maybe they overdubbed the voices several times? It sounds almost like a scratch or a shot. I´d argue that without it, the song would not work. Probably the only other (disco) song which used strings to the point of magic is Don´t Stop Til You Get Enough?!