Breaking Down Bobby Caldwell's BIGGEST Hit

#bass #analysis #transcription #breakdown #paulthompson
Breaking down one of my favorite tracks, EVER: Bobby Caldwell's classic hit "What You Won't Do for Love" (1978). I'll talk about the ingredients that make it such a great song, it's ties to Earth, Wind, and Fire (!), that awesome groove, the jazzy harmony, the incredible vocals, that perfect bass line (and that ridiculous bass fill), and that VIBE that make it timeless.
I'll also attempt to solve a mystery going back to the 70's: who played BASS on this song?! I have a couple of guesses. Check out this video and tell me what YOU think!

Instagram: @pdbass74
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[fernandoperdomomusic]

The drummer on the track is a good friend.. just texted him to ask about who the bassman is

[stevenroznowski]

3:27 “…lifetime invite to the picnic” 😂😂👏👏 I dig!!👍

[primeanalogrecords]

Bobby played every instrument on the song(not strings/brass)! Bobby signed the headstock and a pick guard for me on my Fender Jazz Bass! Had the opportunity to sit with and talk with Bobby in One of his very last shows that was in Boca Raton, Florida! He was very nice and answered every question that I asked him! Gone too soon!

[treesoftampa]

When people ask me what my favorite track is, i always say “What You Want Do For Love” by Bobby Caldwell. Pure perfection and I love the relaxed last 2 minutes without vocals. R.I.P Bobby Caldwell. Thank you for this amazing song.

[teuilagracetualaulelei]

"That's jazz, y'all..."the colours & context it provides.

[fritzgrooves]

In 1978, I was driving from Oakland back to my home in Santa Cruz, listening to KDIA, the local soul music station that didn’t broadcast in my area. I heard this tune and just about drove off the road. Within a day or so I had purchased the 45 single and started learning the tune. Shortly after that, we started playing it on local gigs and it was well received, even though most of the local folks hadn’t heard it yet, since it had not yet crossed over to pop radio.

Serendipitously, I’m just in the last few days using a karaoke track in my daily vocal practice sessions, singing the song for the first time in many years! Thanks for hooking us up, PD Bass! Great job.

[srwaite]

Got to see Bobby live in a club in Southern CA in the early 90s. He was a consummate professional. 100% about the music.

[dbmay]

I thought I was the only one who felt the connection with Can’t Hide Love. Glad to see Bobby himself confirmed the EWF influence and thank you for confirming the chords used in the progression!

[scotthsmith]

Those chords are almost exactly like Just The Two Of Us. Another timeless classic.

[SargeantFriday]

According to the new Netflix documentary on "Norman's Rare Guitars" (another great youtube channel), Bobby Caldwell playing bass is how Norm's got started. Norm was in a band with Bobby, who needed a bass. Norm found one in the classifieds and sold it to Bobby. There was so much interest in that bass from those in Miami bass community (including Jaco Pastorius), that Norm thought to himself that there might be a business in buying and selling guitars and basses.

[troyc]

The song is beyond beautiful. As a kid I knew this song was amazing but didn’t know why. Now I know.

[polkmusic]

A great song is always easy to listen to. I never get tired of hearing this one. A true classic. That groove is timeless.

[tel]

That song is worth the price of admission to the club.
The first time I heard it was sometimes in the 80's.
Always had me stopped and say damn.
What a deep cut.
Bobby was the original OG
Rest In Peace 🙏.

[mysticakhenaton]

I always LOVED the horns and strings on this.

[petertrotman]

The whole album is a pearl. I remember as kid learning this bass line, especially that bass fill. Amazing record, amazing, voice, amazing career. R.I.P. Bobby and thank U.

[silvagto]

The last two minutes of that song puts you in another place. It’s my favorite part

[r.elliott]

@pdbass .. Even growing up in the Island of Jamaica, hearig this wicked tune (song) at 10yo in 1978, (and beyond), it became a lifetime favourite. I would say most Jamaicans from that era rated it highly and loved it ever since. Thank you for breaking it down

Wow! This song ever was one of my favorite. And it's jazz. Thanks God for the Caldwell legacy. R.I.P.

[trevormaclaren]

Thanks for breaking this down, the bass is epic on this classic!

[poindextertunes]

Every once in awhile, a musician will start recording a song and the vibes are just right, and you can do no wrong on the mic and you end up making a hit. Its like everything goes right in an industry where everything usually goes wrong and you just hit that “flow state”