I guess nowadays you could add text, tweet, IM etc., to this sentiment. Someday soon I’m going to write about the influence that the Brazilian Samba has had on numerous classic R&B hits including this one.
This is what the standard should be about: Great writing, a great performance, a great arrangement, and production. You have to strive for the best in all those elements and they are all very different elements that require different skill sets. Do-It-Yourself doesn’t mean all by yourself. In order to change the music, you have to change the mindset. Enjoy!
If you haven’t had an opportunity to check out the Unsung episode on Heatwave, I highly recommend it.
Ivan Orr is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, and writer. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia Ivan was involved with the forming and nascent days of The Music Resource Center as its first Program Director. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music, Ivan currently resides in Richmond, VA where he maintains an active performance and production schedule while serving as the Music Editor for Grown Folks Music, a position he has held since 2010.
What a fabulous song! I have heard this Heatwave gem so many times and it never gets old. It brings to mind those lovely days in the ’70s when, as a kid, I had not a care in the world and all was right with it. The song may talk about calling that one person when stuff “ain’t goin’ right” but it always makes me smile.
The samba beat, coupled with the late ’60s/early ’70s breezy music style reminiscent of The Fifth Dimension and The Friends of Distinction make this a treat to the ears.
Tweeting, texting, IM et. al. wouldn’t do it for me if I needed to hear a caring voice on an off day.