The Greatest Bridge in Pop Music

#analysis #breakdown #history #adultcontemporary #paulthompson
Breaking down one of the greatest songs from the early 1980's: Al Jarreau's "Mornin'" from the 1983 "Jarreau" album (Warner Bros.). Written by Jay Graydon and David Foster (with lyrics by Al Jarreau), I'll walk you through a history of the song, the recording of the parts, and what makes that bridge SO AMAZING.
How was the song written?
Where was it recorded before Al Jarreau's version?
Who played on it?
How did Al Jarreau write the lyrics?
What is going on with the chords in the bridge?
How did Al hit that high note?
What's the story behind that keyboard solo?
Part history, part analysis, all love for one of the great songs of the past 45 years!
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[@gsveeb]

Holy crap! You look like Al Jarreau. I thought I was watching him when I saw you.

[@issiewizzie]

Now i can't shake it

[@8nick620]

Same here

[@matteop.481]

True 😂 he also has something of Mike Lindup from Level 42

[@Groov3lab]

Been watching this dude for a while now and never picked up on the resemblance till now Lol

[@rgordon2691]

Lol! Now I see it also 😅 They can go for Brothers or his long lost Son

[@chamboyette853]

"Ah, the days when you can hear the jazz influence in pop music." - I agree so much.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

You still can in Japan. Better taste over there.

[@mariantreber8055]

Music really started too go to h during the 80s. AL Jarreau was a shining talent that stood out over the garbage music. So great to hear this analysis! Great music will always be great.

[@ultramet]

The lyrics of Mornin’ are on his gravestone. RIP Al Jarreau …one of the greatest jazz vocalists ever. Thank you for your wonderful song breakdown. Love the music theory.

[@wesboundmusic]

The breakdown along with the power that this bridge conveys has me emotional. It used to lift any depression from me when being younger and feeling too constricted to really embrace my own being. Music helped me retrieve and protect all that and more. I'll be eternally grateful for this particular song! If I had lived for only one moment in time, I'd pick that one when the song and video aired on #MTV for the first time, I'll never forget! (It had the same effect on me then and I needed to hide my emotions from family)

[@tonybino01]

Foster, Porcaro, Graydon, Jarreau. These are legendary Last Names in music. Wow.

[@MrJsfingers]

Add Lubbock to that list.

[@ucbx]

It's a very uplifting song. Whenever I hear the bridge and Al Jarreau singing, "...and touch the face of God," it's almost like I feel it deep in my soul.

[@scotabot7826]

Boy, you can sure say that again. Been feeling that way since 1983 when this song came out. Music will never, ever be this great again!!

[@justhearmeout]

I had the honor of meeting Al Jarreau before he left us. He was so effen sweet, friendly and approachable. I truly miss him. He is part of my life soundtrack. 😢

[@wesboundmusic]

Couldn't have said it better, @justhearmeout - part of my life's soundtrack as well. R.I.P., Mr. Al Jarreau et al and thanks for these timeless masterpieces!

[@arthurford829]

Music is the closest thing we have to time travel. It has the ability to transport backwards in time.

[@marmaly]

I wrote that.

[@pamelah6431]

So does smell.

[@Alliasjoplin]

The human mind too :)

[@VallaMusic]

I had to pinch myself after stumbling upon this video. I've been thinking this song had the greatest bridge for the longest time. Now it's confirmed.

[@francescosirchia2595]

35 five years ago I was playing with a pianist here in Italy and this guy explained me why this bridge is a masterpiece of composition according to the rules of classical music…and now your post brings to me so many memories of my past (the pianist died a few years ago…)

[@fernandotuna1]

Some cold-hearted fellas might even find this song corny, but it really takes me back. And after knowing the story behind it's recording, just made it even more magical. Thanks, man!

[@DocScOOp]

I grew up with this song, as my father, a musician himself (he even met Al Jarreau a couple of times and always would point out how nice Al was), would play this every morning for me and my sister when we were kids. After I got my hands on his record collection after his passing I started playing the song for myself bringing back sweet memories. I will now continue this tradition and play it for my daughter's mornings. And yes the bridge and the build up are simply godly.

[@Alice-the-seal]

Everytime I hear Al Jarreau, i think of "some walk by night"❤

[@hotdrumchick]

Moonlighting! Great song!

[@Tat2Dragons]

Some fly by day Nothing could change you Set and sure of the way🙂

[@anthonymeans7439]

One of my favorites!He knocked that one out of the park!

[@andre.79]

Count me in

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

Moonlighting was an amazing tune.

[@BBT609]

This man penned a 4 minute hug. The Fender Rhodes colour the song, the drums give the smooth rhythm with the bass just complimenting the groove. The guitar adds that flavour while Al Jarreau just COOKS. The song Boogie Down also is a hit but this album is one of his BEST!

[@TedAflicker]

I keep forgetting he made Boogie Down, that's a childhood song! 😮

[@FitzArias]

A song I have always loved. I was 14 then. im 56 now, and it still makes my day. ❤️

[@thatonegirlelaine]

I'm also 56, and same.

[@dpascha7288]

Same

[@joachimmahoudeaux8619]

When I saw the thumbnail, I instantly knew the song it was. I was 10 and watching this clip on tv in France, I was hooked 😮 years later I was offered the Larry Carlton Collection by my uncle and the Al Jarreau’s best of on CD for my bdays. Pop jazz never gets old !

[@Blessed07055]

😮Yess me too

[@awkwardletter9533]

All the cultured people knew that!

[@pthesmith]

“I know I can, like any man, reach out my hand and touch the face of God.” It doesn’t get any better than that.

[@MelOnaMission]

That climb gets me every...single...time. 😭

[@danielcouch4852]

"Ah, the days when you can hear the jazz influence in pop music." There still is!

[@QueMusiQ]

Exactly. Still is.

[@mitchrogerstudios]

not as common now

[@chamboyette853]

@@QueMusiQ I am not sure about that. Give me one single example of any song in the top 40 where there is such an influence to this extent,

[@tommyoster4541]

Please give us examples.

[@chamboyette853]

@@tommyoster4541 I would be very surprised if he can. He may be thinking of artists like Collier and Snark Puppy but they are not at all on the pop charts and most people (young and old alike) have never heard of them so that wouldn't count at all.

[@SaverGC3]

When I was about 18 y.o. I purchased some albums from direct mail music seller Columbia House(1984). I wanted to buy Al’s album with “Breaking Away” on it, but I didn’t know the name of the album. Duh! So, I purchased this album hoping it had the song I wanted. It didn’t but, I was so glad I purchased this album. I purchased “Breaking Away” later, but until this day, I do play Jarreau more. A benefit to my soul it has been.❤

[@selalewis9189]

Al Jarreau is from my hometown of Milwaukee. R.I.P. to a legend.

[@bethmessner4453]

Milwaukee needs to honor him properly with a permanent monument!! He was unbelievably talented!

[@cessaly100]

He was absolutely a TREASURE! Miss him!

[@jenniferfirer2837]

The Cawler Play Area (2929 N 30th) was renamed after Mr. Jarreau, but I agree with you. There should be a monument in honor of this soulful, joyous mke son.

[@ALVIEDZANE]

I've seen Milwaukee and Chicago... Al Jarreau is just a LEGEND.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot2]

I lived in Cream City in 2015 and 2016…and I had no idea. There should be something to honor him. One of my favorite cities.

[@mlbalan74]

I’ve liked this track since I was a kid. It’s now my morning wake-up call alarm on my smartphone.

[@jlaws318]

That Jay Graydon/Al Jarreau run was incredible. I have almost all of Al’s albums, but the ones with Graydon are definitely my favorite

[@bike42]

Every time I listen to Al sing the “touch the face of God” line my eyes fill up.

[@slaphead8835]

I couldn’t agree with you more. The greatest bridge combined with the most powerful lyric line. Incomparable!

[@lisasim]

I read AI instead of Al and it sent shivers down my spine, for a second... 😳 What a relief 😅

[@mikec518]

I'm not formally trained in music whatsoever, just a thorough music enjoyer. You've done such a great job of illustrating all the craftsmanship in this song in a very accessible and straightforward way. I look forward to seeing more from you! Subscribed!

[@maatiangoddess9890]

I was just listening to this on jazz playlist while cleaning the kitchen a few days ago. It’s such a beautiful celebration of life. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@AZGWA]

Thank you for this. I will never forget the first time I heard this song. It was sometime in 1983 and I had just purchased the cassette of the album (remember those?) and brought it with me on a road trip up to Yosemite from my home in LA. That song almost made me pull off the road to collect myself because of that bridge. I instantly recognized the line from the "High Flight" poem. Any baby boomer would. Throughout the 1960s and into the 70s, a film of a fighter pilot including narration of that poem was played every night on local TV stations as they signed off for the day. I'm sure a quick KZbin search would reveal it. Al Jarreau was always a major influence for me and this just cemented it. I was 25 or 26 at the time and I never get tired of listening to this - and really that whole album. (I bought the LP as soon as I got home from that trip.) To this day, for all my road trips to the mountains, I include this album (now digital of course) in my playlist.

[@podlou9939]

Beautiful ❤️

[@indy1936]

Dave Foster is a music genius and added with Al Jarreau...what a mix of influences ...Timeless happy song!

[@jamesbarbour8400]

Would that be the same David Foster, who gave the Irish group, the Corrs their big break in the mid 90s ?

[@manuginobilisbaldspot2]

I love the internet for stuff like this. We treat history like some sort of chore. But people who care about things usually provide awesome content like this. Al’s voice as he says “touch the face of GOD” still sends chills up my spine.

[@machinelearng]

The best video about one of the best songs with one of the best singers and artist ever. I love Al Jarreau as a child. When I became a producer I met him and his wife and would be invited to parties all the time. I could never be normal around Al because he was such a giant to me. One of my most favorite, of his non-jazz songs, was Alonzo. In Los Angeles 40 years ago that song was used to open the radio show time slot for a DJ named Alonzo at KJLH radio, which was owned by Stevie Wonder. You can never get tired of hearing Alonzo. A magical song.

[@qfella]

👍That's a cool memory you've shared. Thanx👍

[@chasjazzz]

Kindness, Joy, Love and Happiness. 102.3 Thank you Stevie!

[@anonikys]

Thank you for this comment 💜 Al Jarreau's music played a major role in the soundtrack to my childhood and continues to be a mainstay in my life. Of all his creations, Alonzo has always been my favorite. Alonzo is also my grandfather's name who just happened to transition from this realm on the same day as Al Jarreau. I imagined both ascending up to heaven while listening that song on repeat that day and will always be thankful for the peace and solace it brought me.

[@ErinT80]

‘Mornin’ is literally one of those songs that instantly picks you up and makes your day a bit brighter.

[@LittleFly75]

That is a fantastic marriage of melody and lyric across that bridge. Thank you for turning me on to that. Your videos never fail to teach me something.

[@SaltyTubers]

DUUUUUDE, this takes me way back to the WAY BACK. I used to poorly sing this tune in my car while in high school, always having been a HUGE fant of Jazz, esp Jobim and Sergio Mendes! I grew up listening to Mendes' Beat of Brazil and playing low brass it just amazed me. Your disassembly of this amazing Jarreau peformanc is so thoughtful and well researched, thank you!!

[@gloriawalker6196]

I love Al Jarreau. This was one of my favorite of his songs.

[@calvee1100]

I LOVE this song! How I miss the days when music was more colorful and rich.

[@Joborges10]

This video is absolute amazing! Thanks. I grew up hearing this Al Jarret Album and became a fan of Him and David Foster too. 2 of the greatest artists of his time and David still serving us with the greatest songs, like this one.

[@dulcerolindeaux9700]

Sometimes the urge to hear that bridge stops me in my tracks and I have listen to it.

[@charlescdt6509]

This is awesome has an early "Moonlighting" vibe. Another bannger Mr T.

[@thesbg92]

I'm 42 years old. Moonlighting was a great show

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

That’s what it reminds me of

[@Vagran]

This takes me back to being a toddler and listening in while my mom and aunt played music like this in the living room.

[@KDonhoops]

love to see a thumbnail and completely agree without even clicking, the ultimate "roll the windows down" bridge

[@PJay-wy5fx]

I absolutely love and admire how you manage to make complex and advanced musical theory understandable, almost 'self explanatory' if that makes sense, to those who are not very well versed in it.

[@nitecomet]

I was just thinking the other day "hey when is that dude whose channel I like who looks like Al Jarreau going to actually cover some Jarreau?" so thanks very much!

[@jlu1536]

Always loved this song Hearing your explanation of the lyrics and the musical techniques makes the song even more the treasure Thank you for sharing

[@justingaines2024]

No joke, I listened to the song on purpose just the other day. Great song for sure. I need happy music like this in my life.

[@mrkinla]

I know, right? I listen to Morning and Bill Withers' Lovely Day (1977) for the same reason.

[@ysonesse829]

Thank you for posting this. I've lovedt this song since I was a kid. It's so beautiful, and so underrated. But it's perfectly orchestrated. Still makes me burst into tears.

[@Gakuto86]

“Mornin” is one of my all-time favorite songs and just evokes this huge sense of nostalgia and joy for me. Thanks for the deep dive!

[@scottmoore3043]

Feels likes Al's musical contributions are under appreciated, the theme from Moonlighting made me watch the show! 😮 Thank you and RIP Sir!

[@cesarbaca5297]

This song always makes me feel so happy and smile. When it comes on in the morning I get so excited. I'm also proud to say I have the vinyl record and almost all Al Jarreau's albums on vinyl

[@rktay52]

This popped up on my KZbin and made my night. I’ve always thought this song was a masterpiece. I’d like to see more Al Jarreau content.

[@fritzhank3225]

Love this song since it's release in the 80's. Brilliantly brought together. Stands the test of time.

[@csmcrckrs]

Yes! My favorite Al Jarreau tune, and what a great analysis ... I learned a lot! On a semi-related note, there's a great little clip from the Fender Rhodes documentary (Down The Rhodes), where Al is meeting up with his former collaborator Tom Canning on the keys. The chemistry is just beautiful to watch, and Tom Canning's playing is so clean and pure. I'm a big fan of the more polished sounds and arrangements of the Graydon era, but there is an unmatched magic to the earlier stuff with Canning! R.I.P. Al Jarreau!

[@fviannaval]

The Canning era is the best for sure!

[@danielnelson6649]

You are absolutely correct... I have been saying this for years... this bridge is absolutely triumphant!

[@aleksamrkela831]

It's about time that this song got the limelight it deserved. Such a brilliant combination of great musicianship from all sides.

[@anthonydulin8693]

I can't tell you how much I love this song. Than you for sharing your thoughts about its development and the talent that was Mr. Al Jarreau.

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

One of the best songs ever written. What a gift this song. Foster is not one of my favorite people but I am mellowed a bit now.... Amazing

[@eltitanepimeteo]

Incredible Song. I'm an amateur bassist from Argentina. Last year I was rehearsing with a jazz-bossa-bolero band and a new pianist we had brought this song. It wasn't exactly on the style of the band, but she liked it, so we gave it a try. When I listened to that bridge I was stunned! It's amazing! As an exercise, I learned what Laboriel was playing by ear. It wasn't that complicated, but it took me a while because the chords were "weird" to me. Great experience.

[@Jamal-sr9nn]

He look like your father or uncle

[@gregsmith3406]

Wow! This was a great analysis of Morn’in. I’ve always loved the song, but you filled in the backstory and built a strong justification for your thesis. Very well done. I had no idea of David and Jay’s role in recording the original. And it was so nice to hear Al’s voice on the interview. I miss him and often cry when I hear his tunes. There’s something very special about his gift to music. Thanks for this video!

[@ExTriv]

I've got this album on vinyl. I inherited it from my parents' record collection that my mom gave me. It's a beautiful album as a whole, but this song is the pinnacle of the album.

[@Mooncelt]

Went to hear Al Jarreau on one of the early dates with my husband. He was really, really late starting but it was a wonderful show. Loved Al Jarreau and it's interesting hearing this theory analysis.

[@miask]

This is one of my favorite songs Balong with Lovely Day. Two magical songs from a magical time in my life.

[@auleschay180]

Thank you for picking out this song. It's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and it follows me my whole life since it came out. There is another great version when David Foster plays it live with Brian McKnight on vocals.

[@supme7558]

Huh how

[@francescomolina]

yes , my favorite bridge too , i get always goosebumps

[@emilerose1424]

Thank you for your thorough analysis that doesn't just tell but also shows.

[@theurchin65]

Fantastic analysis of this brilliant track. 👏👏👏

[@GGiblet]

Everything about it is so fabulous 🌈🌞✨ it's soothing and exhilarating and makes the heart smile

[@jdsheleg8332]

You really earned my THUMB UP and Subscribed and my comment. Excellent video.

[@BeastIt9]

A well deserved analysis. Jarreau's delivery, as usual, is golden! The performances by Foster Graydon Laboriel and Porcoro [as well as the contribution of Hey] are undeniable! Such an uplifting song. Thanks brother for yet another amazing post! #mornin

[@leonardticsay8046]

Never heard of Al Jarreau, but now I’m in love.

[@daddysfavourite4056]

That's the beauty of music. Always something new to discover no matter your age.

[@emmanuel77000]

So you're about to feel great !!

[@arandolph826tube]

Oh, you’re in for a treat. I recommend Look to the Rainbow from 1977. Amazing.

[@victoriabostick2935]

I love how u broke the song down. One of my all time favorite singers.

[@RaptInABlanket]

There's this little known Dionne Warwick tune called "Cant' Hide Love," a remake of Earth Wind & Fire's classic which was produced also by Jay Graydon and it featured David Foster, Jerry Hey, Abe Laboriel, Steve Gadd, Jeremy Lubbock, Richard Page and all those cats. I would love you to give it a listen. Very slick arrangement!

[@DaveTexas]

Just one of the many reasons why I loved the music of my high school years, 1981-1985. I was so obsessed with music in high school that I went on to study theory and opera in college. I’m a professional opera musician today because I listened to music like this in high school.

[@aaronpimanfo4854]

Thank you and thank you Sir Al Jarreau🤎

[@Avery_4272]

Wow! I've loved this song for years, and I loved hearing your great discussion of the elements that make it so wonderful. Thank you!

[@agochoa]

Absolute legend. Light, classy and sophisticated.

[@charlesdavis8935]

I absolutely Love your channel and the musical history lessons and insights behind each artist. ❤🙏

[@wesleymarkmusic403]

Oh my goodness!! I haven’t heard that song for years. What a masterpiece. Thank you for your breakdown of it. Now going to find it on the YT.

[@turtlespiritflutes7570]

I remember the record store, the time of year and the weather when I first purchased this album. I saw Al perform so many times over the years. By far, my favorite jazz, pop vocalist and one of the most charismatic performers of all time.

[@keepgrindingup7661]

Fantastic backstory ...Al Jarreau is the man

[@Ascendantmusic]

Ain't nobody going to argue with you on this. No. Body. It is magnificent. The greatest bridge in one of the greatest songs of all time...

[@uncledonteg]

Simply amazing.

[@GaryBeardsley]

I absolutely loved watching this video. Brilliant description of the theory involved, and how each part contributed to this magnificent song. I've always loved it myself, including the mastery of the bridge. It initially sounds like it's going to be a meandering stab at some jazz that is too atonal and can't resolve. But WAIT!! It turns out to be genius!! And resolves to the original key in such a powerful and emotional expression!! This song, when I hear it, always sticks in my mind for days afterwards, if not weeks. Thanks again for this perfectly thorough piece of musical assessment. 😊😊😊

[@michaelanthony9068]

Thank you for including just the right amount of keyboard. Excellent lesson !

[@Guitfiddlejase]

I'm here to tell you that your channel is fantastic. ..and man, I love Al Jarreau..and I love Abe Laboriel! That live album, "Look To The Rainbow" comes to mind too! Thanks!

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

This is an awesome breakdown of this song. I had a group in the twin cities that played this song, and people loved our rendition of it. Our singer Jerry Eskridge, who has passed away, really nailed the vocals. Great video as usual 👌

[@poldidak]

Do you remember when Steve Faison and Samoa used to cover this one in town as well?

[@PastorFunK]

The album was/is such an incredible collection of songs!! 🔥🎶🤩🤯

[@debralynnpaxton5238]

The entire production is an absolute Masterpiece ! ❤❤❤

[@SarcasticTruth77]

A similar solo, using the exact same synth and patch, was tried again, just a couple of years later, on DeBarge's "Who's Holding Donna Now". Foster and Graydon play on that one, too, along with the other big Porcaro, Steve.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I was living in the UK in 1983. I'd never heard of this song until this video. Will go check it out now.

[@watchingvideosnow]

This was so sweet and educational at the same time, thank you! In the spirit of "Mornin'"! New sub!

[@TheEcstaticFool]

I have been obsessed with this song since the 80s. I started feeling it paralleled the experience of a spiritual Awakening the more I listened to it through the years, so I really appreciate this breakdown of how the intentionality behind the music adds to this feeling of a joyful soul-crescendo.

[@KevinniveK2112]

I'm so glad I caught this video in my recommendations today! I heard this song back in 1983 when I was 5 years old and it was beyond me at that time, but the animated video always stuck with me so the song always kept a little bit of space in my mind throughout all these years for when I was ready for it. All the nuance you discussed here was lost on my 5 year old self, but my 46 year old self is all about all those amazing parts that make this song so great! Wonderful analysis.

[@chiefbeefofficer]

I completely forgot about this track. Thanks for remind me of it's brilliance! Jazz influence is sorely missed in popular music.

[@gidget101]

Thank you for this! I'm always fascinated by details of how a song/recording came to be, who played which instruments, arranged the orchestrations and produced the overall piece of work. Hearing the details of this particular song was especially rewarding! And seeing the chords on the keyboard always helps me better understand what I'm hearing. Ever since Al Jarreau released Morning it has remained one of my top tier 👌 favorites. And from everything I've read or heard, he couldn't have been a nicer person. Thank you again for all your work on this well-presented song documentary!

[@JetEnduro96]

I'm glad someone made a video on this, I absolutely love the chords on this song

[@stevemathews1728]

Yessir! Always thought this song was an absolute masterpiece, a case where masterful songwriting, incredible musicianship and artistry comes together! Beautifully done? Your analysis is spot on! Thanks for bringing light to it here!

[@DannyBlancoHall]

As a kid I used to whistle the keys solo to perfection. How I loved that song

[@el_puma_real]

Al ‘s music is a gift to us all. Great video, love your passion and enthusiasm. 🙌🏽

[@empyo2008]

Morning is such a classic!

[@irenedennis1003]

I've always loved this song, but these insights give me a new appreciation for it - thank you!

[@Dyamond75_Gaming]

I met Mr Al Jarreau when i was kid.. His dad lived next door to my grandparents back in theday.. After his dad passed away his brother stayed there so Mr Al Jarreau would come back to Milwaukee occasionally to see his brother and that's when I met him..