One of the greatest bands ever, Verdine on bass is one of the all time greats. His grooves are infectious. I was a metal head in the 80s and did dismiss them, and I regret it.
Have you tried the "Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" album by The Beatles ? It has the part owned to dogs, the last song fading out ? It is a sound of 20 000 kHz.
I saw them years ago with Chicago. They toured together for years, and apparently flipped a coin before the went on stage to figure out who went on first. They played the final 30 minutes together. Amazing.
I read that with September, they played fast and loose with the lyrics. "Twenty-first" sounded better than other dates they tried, liked it, and went with it. And that their manager/engineer/label wanted words for the "Ba-dee-AH"s in the chorus. But they couldn't find lyrics to fit as well, so kept Ba-dee-AH. Such a classic.
Thanks Doug - EWF were stunningly good. Aside from focusing on the basic grooves and chord arrangement perhaps you could look at how amazing quality of their vocal arrangements - just listen to those thrilling harmonies in Let's Groove for example. That was genuine performance then . These days it takes computers to create that stuff
This was so much fun. If the music isn't infectious enough for you, Doug's enthusiasm will get you out of your chair to enjoy the sheer joy of these classics! Thank you, Doug!
One of the great bands from the '70s. They created classic grooves with a unique sound. 'September', a very complicated tune, sounds so smooth. 'Fantasy' is another great tune. Phil Collins liked EW&F so much that he used their horn section often. And from there became friends with singer Philip Bailey; co-writing 'Easy Lover' (1984) which appeared on Bailey's album Chinese Wall. The tune was nominated for a Grammy. The video is worth featuring for a reaction. It even has a hilarious visual reference to EW&F when Collins comes in with an EW&F costume.
EWF is joyful music. I am always overjoyed to hear their music. It makes me very very happy. This is a talented, multi instrumental, incredibly tight and unified band, just like the world they wish for us all. I love them.
I friggin' love E,W&F! RIP Maurice White.... Those horns did it for me. One of the 1st albums I ever bought was That's The Way Of The World. And September is set on the night after my birthday. Verdine White is awesome on bass....
I was a little kid in my small country Guatemala and fall in love with EWF since then. The greatest band ever. Thanks for the video. My kids enjoy this music too
Earth Wind and Fire is by far my favorite band of all times. Loved their music in the 70’s growing up and love their music today. Doug I came across your video and really I enjoy watching your enthusiasm for these EWF songs. Good job !
Doug, thank you. Winter storm in Minnesota, so great to be able to move and groove to this today! Like we used to say back in the day, if you're not tapping your feet, you're dead or can't hear.
One thing I love about your videos is how you play along and make up fillers, they're always so much fun and really enhance my listening to you! Love your reactions!
I bought the Raise! album in 1982 when I was in high school here in Finland. My very rock’n’roll friends very totally aghast 😅 and it took some convincing to have them give EWF even a quick listen. To the credit of a couple of those guys, they did and they swiftly wanted to hear more. I think EWF was also one of the key influences and inspirations for many of the young talents studying at the then-brand new Pop and Jazz Conservatoire in Helsinki; the musicianship of the guys in EWF was amazing.
Thanks, Doug - enjoyed your reaction - and I will second a comment below - give it up for Verdine on bass - so energetic.. draws my attention every time...
I work with 7 to 12 year old kids at an afterschool daycare and when we have to clean up stuff I like to turn on music, because it takes their mind of the actual cleaning... When I turn on Earth, Wind & Fire everyone is dancing around while working together. It might take a bit longer, but no one cares :)
Saw EWF in Concert at Chicago Stadium back around d 76 or 77. We had seats behind the sound boards at the back of the main floor and could not see anything since the sound boards were raise up. Went and talked to an User before the concert started and he gave us 5 VIP tickets in like the 12th row center. It was an amazing experience and everyone was standing and dancing the entire concert. I think this was my first big concert I went to.
You and a few others I watch, regularly or occasionally, can point out and identify notes and chords by name, including numbers (D7 major, for example)…. I have been attracted and involved in music my entire life including 6 years of formal training in school and some semi-private lessons (trumpet)…and I’ve never been able to do that (except maybe concert Bb, haha!) So I keep watching you and others like you to not only enrich my entertainment but also my knowledge and connection….keep it up!
Magnificent -- well done, sir! So glad I didn't notice the 'critics at the time' -- I loved this stuff. Also, if you have a spare moment some time, I think the background vocals could use one of your rapier analyses. I'd appreciate it, anyway.
Doug, I would strongly recommend EW&F and Chicago's performances together (when both bands perform the songs together). It's quite an event. Maybe others can choose a favorite song from the show to check out, but they were all fantastic to me.
Isn't Rock and Rule a Nelvana animated film? Made in Canada, the villain is voiced by Don Franks, Cree Summer Franks father (she is known for her voice work)
I hope you are in a jazz band Doug. You have a great ear and what you played in Let's Groove adds to the sound in a very nice way. BTW Hello from Australia
EWF are incredible and a huge part of the soundtrack of my life - I don’t think they’re capable of having a bad song. If you haven’t seen it, check out the Kennedy Center Honors celebrating Earth, Wind, and Fire with tribute performances by Cynthia Erivo, John Legend, Ne-Yo, and Jonas Brothers. Also, Doug just wanted to thank you for your Focus (Hocus Pocus) reaction - I ran across it last night and loved it! They’re one of my 81 year old mom’s favourite bands; I’ve been listening to them for 50+ years.
Thank you for sharing some EW&F! We need positivity more than ever..Let's let the Love and Light flow from Jesus freely through us all today, filling us with Joy, and overflowing into others lives!
We ended up on the front row of one of their concerts about 4 years ago - they were FANTASTIC. Russian band, Leonid and Friends did a great take on this tune also with a strings section also.
I always thought it said 'Party On'. And that's what I'm sticking with. I'd love to see a newer younger band take over and keep playing this music. Earth, Wind & Fire, Commodores, GAP Band, all of them.
September's chords are clearly taken from jazz. The chorus is Bm7 - E7 - C#m7 - F#m7, and the verses / bridge are Dm7 - C#m7 - B7 - C#m7 - F#m7 - G/A (A-G-B-D-G). You can clearly hear the guitar on the right channel doing these chords, and the guitar on the left channel is highlighting these chords with a simple melody between G#, A, B and C#. As usual, great analysis!
Big music fan of many genres, seen Earth Wind and Fire in Philly at the spectrum in 1978 during the All n all album… they were fantastic and the band is not the same since M. White passed the way P. Bailey fed off of White was what made them so special with their vocals
I grew up hearing EW&F on the radio, even back before FM. They'd play everything from Led Zeppelin to Elton John, Elvis, and everything in between. As a teenager, I ran with the crowd who thought disco was uncool. As i got older and started playing music myself, I grew to appreciate bands that could just lay back and groove. As the late great Miles Davis once said, It's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play.
EW&F. Absolute legends 🙂As I'm sure other commenters have mentioned, because Phil Collins knew what he was doing, he nicked (stole) the brass section for his albums and live shows from 1982-1990 and also had Fred White on backing vocals for his Serious Hits Tour in 1990. He kept some of the brass players on the later tours but nothing that you'd call EW&F. 🙂
In the Netherlands we have had another great band during late sixties, seventies and eighties. Earth and Fire. Great music early prog music with in the later period more pop influences
I’m positive that you will be thrilled to review “Pirates” by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. Works Volume One. When I saw ELP in the ‘70s, they were touring with a 40 (or was it 70?) piece orchestra. They were touring for Works. Also, Emerson has a full LP side piano concerto on the album that is outstanding. Edit: my research shows that it was a 70 piece orchestra.
"Let's Groove" is my FAVORITE SONG EVER, I mean EVER! And ""September" is a close second. I dont care what kind of mood I'm in or what I am doing, time stops, and good feelings flow.
Guy who wrote this said producer didn't like ba de a ...in there and wanted lyrics but Maurice white said screw that cuz as long as it grooves that's all that matters
Part of the story is the record label was on their back to produce a disco project. There was some protest on their part. But they delivered “Let’s Groove”.
Back in the day they were the anathema of my Prog leanings but over the years I have grown to love them and yes you have to groove. David Foster their producer knew how to make a great song.
One of the greatest bands ever, Verdine on bass is one of the all time greats. His grooves are infectious. I was a metal head in the 80s and did dismiss them, and I regret it.
I was (and still am) a metal head since the 80s, but EW&F was my 1st musical influence. They're just awesome no matter what you like.
Verdine, a master. Just a killer band.
YES, Darryl - Verdine White... I can never not pay attention to him.. not just his amazing bass playing, but also the incredible energy and moves!
"September" is one of the greatest songs ever written.
True story: my Yorkie howls when this song plays. It’s the only song he howls to. That is high praise. It has to be the vocals. Love this song!
Have you tried the "Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" album by The Beatles ? It has the part owned to dogs, the last song fading out ? It is a sound of 20 000 kHz.
Aww
I saw them years ago with Chicago. They toured together for years, and apparently flipped a coin before the went on stage to figure out who went on first. They played the final 30 minutes together. Amazing.
I read that with September, they played fast and loose with the lyrics. "Twenty-first" sounded better than other dates they tried, liked it, and went with it. And that their manager/engineer/label wanted words for the "Ba-dee-AH"s in the chorus. But they couldn't find lyrics to fit as well, so kept Ba-dee-AH. Such a classic.
What a combination of Funk, Soul, R&B and Jazz. Dancemusic has never been better.
and some pop, a band for everything
Thanks Doug - EWF were stunningly good. Aside from focusing on the basic grooves and chord arrangement perhaps you could look at how amazing quality of their vocal arrangements - just listen to those thrilling harmonies in Let's Groove for example. That was genuine performance then . These days it takes computers to create that stuff
Every song from Earth Wind and Fire is top tier. Loved your reaction.
The right people, writing and performing music at the right time, for the right audience. Absolutely superb tunes.
I was into rock music, but still loved the groove of bands like this.
Let this groove 😎 what a groovy vibe. Roller skating. And it's still seventies maybe 1980. Boogie on down
1981
This metal head has loved EWF since high school! Fantasy is my favorite. This was really fun! I was dancing with ya! 😊❤
This was so much fun. If the music isn't infectious enough for you, Doug's enthusiasm will get you out of your chair to enjoy the sheer joy of these classics! Thank you, Doug!
One of the great bands from the '70s. They created classic grooves with a unique sound. 'September', a very complicated tune, sounds so smooth. 'Fantasy' is another great tune.
Phil Collins liked EW&F so much that he used their horn section often. And from there became friends with singer Philip Bailey; co-writing 'Easy Lover' (1984) which appeared on Bailey's album Chinese Wall. The tune was nominated for a Grammy. The video is worth featuring for a reaction. It even has a hilarious visual reference to EW&F when Collins comes in with an EW&F costume.
EWF is joyful music. I am always overjoyed to hear their music. It makes me very very happy. This is a talented, multi instrumental, incredibly tight and unified band, just like the world they wish for us all. I love them.
EWF, Chic, Kool & The Gang…. all stellar, extraordinaire groove bands.
Aren't they, the ones left, still touring? I grew up with this giant band. The are so freaking groovy✌️
5:04 Love that impromptu piano moment! 👌
I friggin' love E,W&F! RIP Maurice White.... Those horns did it for me. One of the 1st albums I ever bought was That's The Way Of The World. And September is set on the night after my birthday. Verdine White is awesome on bass....
Greatest R.B group of ALL TIME
Absolutely genius. Where have gone all the people able to make such kind of music ?
I was a little kid in my small country Guatemala and fall in love with EWF since then. The greatest band ever. Thanks for the video. My kids enjoy this music too
Earth Wind and Fire is by far my favorite band of all times. Loved their music in the 70’s growing up and love their music today.
Doug I came across your video and really I enjoy watching your enthusiasm for these EWF songs. Good job !
"Let's Groove" is absolutely fantastic. I remember when that came out.
Along with Mr. White and Ms.Willis, guitarist AL McKay was a co writer. Also, Don Myrick needs a mention on sax
That time will never happen again. Thanks for the reaction.
The element "water" can be found in the liters of perspiration spilled on the dance floor.
Doug, thank you. Winter storm in Minnesota, so great to be able to move and groove to this today! Like we used to say back in the day, if you're not tapping your feet, you're dead or can't hear.
One thing I love about your videos is how you play along and make up fillers, they're always so much fun and really enhance my listening to you! Love your reactions!
I bought the Raise! album in 1982 when I was in high school here in Finland. My very rock’n’roll friends very totally aghast 😅 and it took some convincing to have them give EWF even a quick listen. To the credit of a couple of those guys, they did and they swiftly wanted to hear more. I think EWF was also one of the key influences and inspirations for many of the young talents studying at the then-brand new Pop and Jazz Conservatoire in Helsinki; the musicianship of the guys in EWF was amazing.
So hard to sit still to these songs, we are warm blooded humans for sure
Check out their live album “Gratitude”. My favourite! A lot more funkier and jazzy; before disco took over their sound. Put on side 1 and crank it!!
Thanks, Doug - enjoyed your reaction - and I will second a comment below - give it up for Verdine on bass - so energetic.. draws my attention every time...
I work with 7 to 12 year old kids at an afterschool daycare and when we have to clean up stuff I like to turn on music, because it takes their mind of the actual cleaning... When I turn on Earth, Wind & Fire everyone is dancing around while working together. It might take a bit longer, but no one cares :)
Love this band ❤
Great upbeat video Doug. Thanks for doing this, how about a deeper dive into the Band, they have some seriously impressive music to talk about.
September 21st was the day Maurice white son was due to be born!!
Saw EWF in Concert at Chicago Stadium back around d 76 or 77. We had seats behind the sound boards at the back of the main floor and could not see anything since the sound boards were raise up. Went and talked to an User before the concert started and he gave us 5 VIP tickets in like the 12th row center. It was an amazing experience and everyone was standing and dancing the entire concert. I think this was my first big concert I went to.
I saw them in 1980 in Hollywood Fl best concert I have ever been to.
You and a few others I watch, regularly or occasionally, can point out and identify notes and chords by name, including numbers (D7 major, for example)…. I have been attracted and involved in music my entire life including 6 years of formal training in school and some semi-private lessons (trumpet)…and I’ve never been able to do that (except maybe concert Bb, haha!)
So I keep watching you and others like you to not only enrich my entertainment but also my knowledge and connection….keep it up!
Wow. 1978? I thought it was before that. Such a beautiful song. I really did think it came from 68 or /70. ,♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🎹🎤😎
Beautiful songs!
The Best Group of the 70's!
Unforgettable!
Greetings from URUGUAY!
Magnificent -- well done, sir! So glad I didn't notice the 'critics at the time' -- I loved this stuff. Also, if you have a spare moment some time, I think the background vocals could use one of your rapier analyses. I'd appreciate it, anyway.
Doug, I would strongly recommend EW&F and Chicago's performances together (when both bands perform the songs together). It's quite an event. Maybe others can choose a favorite song from the show to check out, but they were all fantastic to me.
Nice to be open-minded. Always leads to fresh ideas 😊👍🎶
LEGENDS! Their song DANCE, DANCE, DANCE from the animated film ROCK And RULE is such a great song that never gets enough recognition!
Isn't Rock and Rule a Nelvana animated film? Made in Canada, the villain is voiced by Don Franks, Cree Summer Franks father (she is known for her voice work)
It's been a while since I last listened to Earth Wind and Fire, so this was a refreshing change to my normal listening these days. Nice one Doug!!! 😀
So many great songs. Fantasy and Got to get you into my life are magnificent.
Thanks Doug. These songs bring back so many great memories...sometimes brings a tear to my eyes...especially Lets Groove.
I hope you are in a jazz band Doug. You have a great ear and what you played in Let's Groove adds to the sound in a very nice way. BTW Hello from Australia
The play along is the best part of it! Groovy Doug.
Earth Wind And Fire Masterclass 💗💯😇
EWF are incredible and a huge part of the soundtrack of my life - I don’t think they’re capable of having a bad song.
If you haven’t seen it, check out the Kennedy Center Honors celebrating Earth, Wind, and Fire with tribute performances by Cynthia Erivo, John Legend, Ne-Yo, and Jonas Brothers.
Also, Doug just wanted to thank you for your Focus (Hocus Pocus) reaction - I ran across it last night and loved it! They’re one of my 81 year old mom’s favourite bands; I’ve been listening to them for 50+ years.
This song never fails to make me feel happy
Thank you for sharing some EW&F! We need positivity more than ever..Let's let the Love and Light flow from Jesus freely through us all today, filling us with Joy, and overflowing into others lives!
I was a rock fan in the 70s but I broke out with an EWF album - the one with Boogie Wonderland on it. Superb 👍
Greatest band ever on god's green earth - bar none. Great vocals, musicianship and lyrics.
One of the best band ever ❤
Sounds extra sweet when played on the piano!
Thanks for this video brings back memories 😊I defy anyone to sit still listening to this music😊
We ended up on the front row of one of their concerts about 4 years ago - they were FANTASTIC. Russian band, Leonid and Friends did a great take on this tune also with a strings section also.
So stressed. Thank you for this. I just watched them earlier from the Midnight Special. ♥️🎹💞🎤🙏
Al McKay was the key songwriter!
What great band. Love the videos too!
I always thought it said 'Party On'. And that's what I'm sticking with.
I'd love to see a newer younger band take over and keep playing this music.
Earth, Wind & Fire, Commodores, GAP Band, all of them.
Joy.
Pure joy.
Help me out, guys.
Is this the same Phillip Bailey who does Easy Lover with Phil Collins?
yup
It is!
September's chords are clearly taken from jazz. The chorus is Bm7 - E7 - C#m7 - F#m7, and the verses / bridge are Dm7 - C#m7 - B7 - C#m7 - F#m7 - G/A (A-G-B-D-G). You can clearly hear the guitar on the right channel doing these chords, and the guitar on the left channel is highlighting these chords with a simple melody between G#, A, B and C#.
As usual, great analysis!
Such an amazing Doug! I would love to have you react too CHIC's "I want your love" or "Le Freak"
13:00 When this came out, I was in the sixth grade. I always thought he was saying "boogie or die!" That would have been cool.
It definitely is infectious
Oooh Pure Gold - last genius song my them. Walk into light.
Big music fan of many genres, seen Earth Wind and Fire in Philly at the spectrum in 1978 during the All n all album… they were fantastic and the band is not the same since M. White passed the way P. Bailey fed off of White was what made them so special with their vocals
The greatest band ever
I grew up hearing EW&F on the radio, even back before FM. They'd play everything from Led Zeppelin to Elton John, Elvis, and everything in between. As a teenager, I ran with the crowd who thought disco was uncool. As i got older and started playing music myself, I grew to appreciate bands that could just lay back and groove. As the late great Miles Davis once said, It's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play.
My favorite song of theirs is "Evil". From the 'Head to the sky' album.✊🏽🖤 Good one, DH.
EW&F are epic. Another group of similar group size and style, but not as famous was Cameo. There was a legal beef between the two groups about a song.
Nice!! Very uplifting.
EW&F. Absolute legends 🙂As I'm sure other commenters have mentioned, because Phil Collins knew what he was doing, he nicked (stole) the brass section for his albums and live shows from 1982-1990 and also had Fred White on backing vocals for his Serious Hits Tour in 1990. He kept some of the brass players on the later tours but nothing that you'd call EW&F. 🙂
your dancing is such a dad dance. I'm 63 so I would probably dance the same way myself
In the Netherlands we have had another great band during late sixties, seventies and eighties.
Earth and Fire.
Great music early prog music with in the later period more pop influences
Kirk Franklin did an amazing gospel cover of this song!! Definitely worth checking out.
Always loved this song. Plus, my dearest long time friend's Bday is September 21st.
Seems like it's coming from another universe now. Perhaps it always was. Gotta love EWF.
I’m positive that you will be thrilled to review “Pirates” by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. Works Volume One.
When I saw ELP in the ‘70s, they were touring with a 40 (or was it 70?) piece orchestra. They were touring for Works.
Also, Emerson has a full LP side piano concerto on the album that is outstanding.
Edit: my research shows that it was a 70 piece orchestra.
"Let's Groove" is my FAVORITE SONG EVER, I mean EVER! And ""September" is a close second. I dont care what kind of mood I'm in or what I am doing, time stops, and good feelings flow.
Doug Helvering on keys!! Give 'im SOME!!!!
Guy who wrote this said producer didn't like ba de a ...in there and wanted lyrics but Maurice white said screw that cuz as long as it grooves that's all that matters
Dance away, Doug!!
That's The Way of the World lines up with the What's Going On from Marvin Gaye.
Part of the story is the record label was on their back to produce a disco project. There was some protest on their part. But they delivered “Let’s Groove”.
“After the Love is Gone”, “Ladies Night” and “Celebration” (among others) marked my life.
Just checking...you do know two of those songs are Kool & The Gang right?
@@Richard_Jones Yes, absolutely man ! I mentioned them in another post afterwards, thanks.
@@nsgobbi Like I said, I was just checking. Have a good day man!
@@Richard_Jones Oh yeah, no biggie my friend.
Lovely
concert in joiliet with Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago musty have been early 2000's, cross playing each others music. Great concert
If doing EWF for the love of God
" Shining Star" 🔥
Now that's a funky dance party. Sept is when they became straight up pop.
The tightest band of their time. But aren't they getting a bit faster and faster in this song?
I remember when this had everyone on the floor at the high school dance in the 1980s
Dr. Doug...Dr. Doug...Dr. Doug.........Standing Invitation to DJ my next White Socks and Sandals Pool Party.
Back in the day they were the anathema of my Prog leanings but over the years I have grown to love them and yes you have to groove. David Foster their producer knew how to make a great song.
The next song: Fantasy! Thank you! 🙂