We lost another music legend this week. This time, Maurice White, the founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire. The impact that he has had on the music industry is immeasurable. He created so many classic songs that will live forever. In over 10+ years of playing with Doctorfunk, we’ve hardly played a gig that didn’t have at least one EWF song in the set list. They are definitely in the top five all-time great horn bands.
So when I heard of Maurice’s passing, I did what I always do: I listened. Then I got out my horn to play. I’ve had Don Myrick on my to-do list for a while now, so I figured there was no better time than today to tackle his most iconic solo.
And what a solo! Although the track is considered one of the ‘smoother’ songs in the EWF catalog, the Alto solo is anything but smooth. It’s only 24 bars long, but it’s filled with meaty bebop-inspired lines that are quite challenging to play. Picking them out of the lush mix was no small feat either! But it was worth it in the end to me, I can finally cross this song off of my bucket list!
I’l have more Don Myrick in the future as well – what an inspiration!
RIP Maurice, you’ll be missed…
Don Myrick - After the Love is Gone
- Artist: Don Myrick
- Album: Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (1979)
- Track: After the Love Has Gone
- Instrument: Alto Sax
Enjoy!
@SdartSax
Many thanks , Scott, for this beautiful transcription. I never thought I would every be able to play the sax solo to such a timeless treasure. You deserve all the accolades for your hard work and dedication.