Thank you both so much for another amazing story, revealing the mystery of this rather “contemporary” but yet genius sound. I have wondered what synth was used and the exact knob/slider settings on that synth, now is a bit closer🤔😀 Is it possible to show a picture of Bill’s settings on the CS-80 or perhaps a recreation on Arturia CS-80 V posted🙏😎
I just don't understand why MJ's estate doesn't release a documentary about all the amazing aspects of Jackson's genius. Stories like this and unseen footage of Michael would show his true character, counteracting the negative narratives, and allowing people to make informed decisions about what to believe.
That bass and synth really gave Micheal that spark which made him move to the beat and created an lfo like sound with his voice which just makes you want to move with it.
God I love this channel. Genuine, super talented, lovely folk, who just happen to be music legends. Sharing their historic processes for us with humility, grace and good humor. These choons will put child-like smiles on grown-up faces as long as the universe has ears. Infinite thanks.
MJ used to say "you should never get in the way of the music, let it write itself". And this is a testament to it, you don't need to do the most, you need to do what the song asks of you. That's it.
Thanks so much for this video. Bill is a great guy and I actually met him while fixing his CS80 a couple of times! Also, about a year ago, he had me restore his 50-year-old Minimoog. It's great working on these classic, old keyboards that were built like tanks so they can last for many decades!
Way to get the Legendary Bill. I love his album back in the ‘80 with Jon Gibson “Wake up”. Still Love it to this day. MJ did backgrounds in the last track if that album. Love this channel!!
Thank you Anthony and Bill ! What a deep and interesting episode. Anthony it's great to have you as the host. Your questions and elaborations lend so much clarity to these discussions. I can see clearly that you are delighted to explore these topics and interact with the musicians that made these epic tracks. With Gratitude - John
I was 14 years old when this came out. I was al about the music, didn't have time to watch TV and seen the clip years after the release. The sounds of the track where so new and rich and full. Love to see who created this sounds. It always gives me a smile and good feeling when I play my 12"versions of that album. Keep those video's coming!
@@edwardbautista146 Nothing is being assumed. He stated that he was 22 years old. That means he was literally raised with the internet, and has had the ability to google anything since the day he was born. Even if (and especially if) he's a beginner, he should be spending his time researching, reading, and learning the history of the thing he's trying to get into.
Bill Wolf is actually very cool. I like his approach and search for "that" sound as well. He is a researcher, probably all his life. He respects other people. A great man.
I am a big fan of vintage recording gear and was lucky enough to find some classic items before prices went through the roof. I am fairly knowledgeable on the subject of vintage synthesizers and drum machines. I know the fine details even though it’s rather meaningless. I know a LinnDrum is NOT an LM-2. I know that my Prophet 5 is a rev 3.2 etc… Most musicians that used these things when they were hot and new saw them simply as tools. The names were forgettable and they might track with whatever was rented out for the session that day. That’s why it is nice to hear a guy like Bill talk about specific machines like the Linn LM-1 or CS-80 and could even remember that he got the inspiration from a Stevie Wonder song. I really can’t get enough of this channel and I believe every musician could really take something from these videos. I hope to support Anthony’s channel as much as I possibly can.
Your channel has been such an addition to great music channels, especially for us synth geeks. There's still so much to learn and discover, even after many years. I love it!
Perfectly timed upload! I was running out of Billie Jean deep analysis content to listen to. I'm not even joking! This arrived right on time, and it was great! Thanks!
What a great song! The name Bill Wolfer will always pop up in my head the next time I hear this song......! A small detail. In the first bridge there is a subtle trumpet. I would not be surprised if that was a small tribute to Miles........ It`s so cool. Thanks!
Hearing you talk about those wonderful days, I wish we could all just go back in time and be there once again. I remember loving the early eighties so much, and now they're getting more beautiful in today's era of lazy app users and a general lack of creativity. Thank you for this wonderful video. You two were and are the real deal.
I really enjoy listening to Mr, Wolfer's interviews. When I bought albums and reading the linear notes and the musicians that contributed to the albums. Great Stuff!
Bill and Anthony, thank you gentlemen! Watching these videos is like watching a mosaic of the masterpiece being brought to life before my eyes, piece by piece.
As another commenter typed, "Those who bought the "Wolfer" album knows this great musician." I bought that album, 'back in the day'. What a GREAT, groovalicious player Bill Wolfer is. Bill: please consider recording some retro funk with Prophet synths, vocoders. (New Age music & Cuban tunes: great. However PLEASE more synths, Bill.)
Great interview 👏 it would have been fascinating to interview the late Rod Temperton too about his rise from heatwave to writing Thriller. He was from my neck of the woods in Lincoln England.
Detective Marinelli nails it at 19:04. A glorious moment when after all the discussion and pondering, you hone in on this fantastic essence of just how Michael Jackson constructs his music. You shine a light on incredible organic process of an artist and his creative journey, ably assisted by the most talented in the business, it’s so beautifully revealed in these videos Anthony. The fact that Michael very did likely take essential elements from the demo and use them as pencil sketches would be used by a painter, lightly but definitely creating the space upon which more solid ideas can be layered. There really is “always more to uncover”. I really can’t thank you enough for sharing such beautifully joyful series of videos that celebrate the depth and intriguing insight into this creative process of such a wonderful piece of music from a wonderful artist and his team. Wonderful to hear Bills insights and gems from right there, at the heart of the magic.
Archiving these important musicians and their process is as important as being able to listen to the songs. As a musician & synth lover your videos are priceless. I appreciate what you’re doing. ❤
You are amazing Bill. I knew who you were. You appear in the credits. Thanks for clarifying about Michael. He was a great musician and composer. I like to hear who is behind each instrument and how MJ wrote and came up with his songs.
I love how you reminisced about David Williams. Sometimes we forget these musicians are humans. I’m hoping a longer interview is on the way or maybe I’ve just missed it in my queue. All these are gems. Always happy to see a new Anthony video whether it’s MJ related or otherwise. The team is doing great work with all this. The quality keeps getting better, and Anthony has become a fully developed journalist and interviewer.
Again a memorable, heartwarming, partly amusing (candy koma) & relaxing interview. "C" is usually YAMAHA's abbreviation for Combo. My user manual tells so. I've never heard or seen any source for "compact". If there is one fellas, please let me know.
I would definitely love to hear about Bill’s other work with the artists mentioned in the description. They have some truly iconic productions from the 80’s.
I am beyond words on how lucky we are to be able to watch content like this for free.. if it were 20-30+ years ago we'd have to pay 50 bucks to see these interviews on VHS lol. Thanks for posting all of this Anthony!
Love the passage when he try to replicate the Yamaha GX1 and play a snippet of Song in the Key of life track name ( Village Ghetto Land) also an true iconic album from Stevie Wonder i love what Stevie add to funk and jazz music with his uncommon way of bring synth , clavinet and crazy chord progression that he was the only one to know the secret...
Loved every second of this vid, so interesting. Great to hear that snippet of Village Ghetto Land from Songs in the Key of Life. Would love to know more of Bill’s involvement with that album and even more so his work with Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants. Thank you Anthony for these great insights : )
incredible valuable video! thanx a lot for making this and asking the right questions. I love how Bill lives exactly what Russ demanded: If you are not sure about something, don’t try to hide. Two great and honest souls in one room here!
I can't thank you enough for bringing this to us, I love music so much music is magic , And I always like to know and understand who was behind that . 🙌
Jim Morrison was very similar in how he created songs. He would have the melody in his head when he made up the words and the rest of the guys in The Doors would figure out the key and add in the various parts. He wasn't a formally trained musician probably like Michael wasn't but as Bill said ...sometimes being formally trained can put you in a box. He had to forget his Berkely training to get the chords right for Billie Jean. A classic song!!!! Very interesting interview and a great behind the scenes and great insight to the recording process of an iconic album. It took a whole lot of talent to put that record together!!!!!!
These videos and interviews are incredible! It's like being a fly on the wall on the Thriller sessions. I'm glad the making of that iconic album (which I must confess I hated at the time!) is being documented for posterity.
I absolutely love this!! Like all of us, I bought Thriller the minute it hit the streets. Being an aspiring musician at that time, I would always dig into the album liner notes, to see who played on what and how they did it. When I saw the name Bill Wolfer, I thought to myself, “who’s that guy?” Now we all know!! Whenever the song Billie Jean pops into my head or it gets mentioned by someone, the first that come to mind is that iconic synth part of too~too, too~too. Funny how that sort of things sticks with you. Thank you Mr. Wolfer!! ❤ 🎶 🎹
Nicely done, Anthony! Thanks for inviting me. It was big fun!
Thank you both so much for another amazing story, revealing the mystery of this rather “contemporary” but yet genius sound. I have wondered what synth was used and the exact knob/slider settings on that synth, now is a bit closer🤔😀 Is it possible to show a picture of Bill’s settings on the CS-80 or perhaps a recreation on Arturia CS-80 V posted🙏😎
I still rock the Wolf album on vinyl on the regular! It’s a true masterpiece!💯🤌🏾🔥🪩
Still listen to and tell people, other musicians, folks who come to our shows, about your album and am learning a couple to perform live...
The Great Bill Wolfer! We are blessed to still have you Sir. Hope you are well :)
thanks for explaining the concept of "flying" haha i was lost on that one
Dear Anthony, with this RUclips channel you are leaving a great legacy. Thanks.
Bill has a rare good: Modesty- Something that nearly got lost nowadays. Thanks for this great interview.
Another fantastic interview! We are so lucky to have these!
Nothing better than a CS80 story! I would have happily spent the extra 20 minutes watching Bill programme this sound. Thanks for making this 🙏
Generations to come will study the genius & work ethic of all of you …
Thank you again Anthony, Bill everyone else … Thriller is HiStory…
Hearing him play the Stevie chords just like the record was pretty crazy
I just don't understand why MJ's estate doesn't release a documentary about all the amazing aspects of Jackson's genius. Stories like this and unseen footage of Michael would show his true character, counteracting the negative narratives, and allowing people to make informed decisions about what to believe.
Maybe a lot of the information is lost. Most people that have worked on the Off the wall and Thriller records are dead or can't remember things.
It’s because most people don’t care about this shit!
Especially now that Q checked out (
That bass and synth really gave Micheal that spark which made him move to the beat and created an lfo like sound with his voice which just makes you want to move with it.
the best there is on RUclips. Anthony you are golden. Cheers
God I love this channel. Genuine, super talented, lovely folk, who just happen to be music legends. Sharing their historic processes for us with humility, grace and good humor.
These choons will put child-like smiles on grown-up faces as long as the universe has ears. Infinite thanks.
The only thing taking more space than those enormous synths in that room is... humility
MJ used to say "you should never get in the way of the music, let it write itself". And this is a testament to it, you don't need to do the most, you need to do what the song asks of you. That's it.
Haha, he's right. I've seen him play now aswell, that's great. Such a good yet easy chord hook
Thanks so much for this video. Bill is a great guy and I actually met him while fixing his CS80 a couple of times! Also, about a year ago, he had me restore his 50-year-old Minimoog. It's great working on these classic, old keyboards that were built like tanks so they can last for many decades!
A favorite piece of music history becomes more and more complete and exciting each time you release an episode. Thanks to you and your talented guests
Way to get the Legendary Bill. I love his album back in the ‘80 with Jon Gibson “Wake up”. Still Love it to this day. MJ did backgrounds in the last track if that album. Love this channel!!
This is gold. This is what michael, real artists and music is all about. Love and passion being expressed honestly.
Thanks for letting us see all those who contributed in making the thriller album great.
I thought it was strange that bill wolfer wasn’t mentioned in your billie jean intro video
Great to see him
🫡
Thank you Anthony and Bill ! What a deep and interesting episode. Anthony it's great to have you as the host. Your questions and elaborations lend so much clarity to these discussions. I can see clearly that you are delighted to explore these topics and interact with the musicians that made these epic tracks. With Gratitude - John
"if they didn't want it, nothing but kindness, and they moved on." -- words to live by.
I was 14 years old when this came out. I was al about the music, didn't have time to watch TV and seen the clip years after the release. The sounds of the track where so new and rich and full. Love to see who created this sounds. It always gives me a smile and good feeling when I play my 12"versions of that album. Keep those video's coming!
Thank you for explaining to a 22-year-old who uses Garageband as a DAW what a 12-track was. I was today years old when I found out.
Smh
@@andybaldmanI’m curious why smh?
@@edwardbautista146 If you're in any hobby, always learn the history of it.
Since we’re assuming things, couldn’t you have assumed that since hes using GarageBand maybe he’s a beginner? 🤷♂️.
@@edwardbautista146 Nothing is being assumed. He stated that he was 22 years old. That means he was literally raised with the internet, and has had the ability to google anything since the day he was born. Even if (and especially if) he's a beginner, he should be spending his time researching, reading, and learning the history of the thing he's trying to get into.
Finnaly I see the faces behind the songs.
This video is an awesome service to the history of the music..
Thank you so much.
Bill Wolf is actually very cool. I like his approach and search for "that" sound as well.
He is a researcher, probably all his life.
He respects other people.
A great man.
I am a big fan of vintage recording gear and was lucky enough to find some classic items before prices went through the roof. I am fairly knowledgeable on the subject of vintage synthesizers and drum machines. I know the fine details even though it’s rather meaningless. I know a LinnDrum is NOT an LM-2. I know that my Prophet 5 is a rev 3.2 etc… Most musicians that used these things when they were hot and new saw them simply as tools. The names were forgettable and they might track with whatever was rented out for the session that day.
That’s why it is nice to hear a guy like Bill talk about specific machines like the Linn LM-1 or CS-80 and could even remember that he got the inspiration from a Stevie Wonder song.
I really can’t get enough of this channel and I believe every musician could really take something from these videos. I hope to support Anthony’s channel as much as I possibly can.
Your channel has been such an addition to great music channels, especially for us synth geeks. There's still so much to learn and discover, even after many years. I love it!
Perfectly timed upload! I was running out of Billie Jean deep analysis content to listen to. I'm not even joking! This arrived right on time, and it was great! Thanks!
I listen to the Wolf album since 1982…this guy is terrific, respect.
2 legends in 1 room, thank you both forever inspirational.❤
Absolutely loved this interview. Bill is such a sweet guy. It's funny how things get together. Keep it simple often works best.
Documenting music history... thanks Anthony!!!! 🎹
thanks for showing us
to the musicians behind these great songs Anthony
What a great song!
The name Bill Wolfer will always pop up in my head the next time I hear this song......!
A small detail.
In the first bridge there is a subtle trumpet.
I would not be surprised if that was a small tribute to Miles........
It`s so cool.
Thanks!
Hearing you talk about those wonderful days, I wish we could all just go back in time and be there once again. I remember loving the early eighties so much, and now they're getting more beautiful in today's era of lazy app users and a general lack of creativity. Thank you for this wonderful video. You two were and are the real deal.
I really enjoy listening to Mr, Wolfer's interviews. When I bought albums and reading the linear notes and the musicians that contributed to the albums. Great Stuff!
RIP David Williams. Passed away 3 months before Michael.
Bill and Anthony, thank you gentlemen! Watching these videos is like watching a mosaic of the masterpiece being brought to life before my eyes, piece by piece.
Those who bought the "Wolfer" album knows this great musician.😉
Some great songs on that!
Anthony, I can't get enough of these videos! This is such an amazing experience as a viewer to see and hear how these classic songs were put together.
As another commenter typed, "Those who bought the "Wolfer" album knows this great musician." I bought that album, 'back in the day'. What a GREAT, groovalicious player Bill Wolfer is.
Bill: please consider recording some retro funk with Prophet synths, vocoders. (New Age music & Cuban tunes: great. However PLEASE more synths, Bill.)
Thank you Bill and Anthony for this great content
And Anthony's team!
Two maestros in one video!
Bill's own album from 82 or 3 has some GREAT tracks on, he was not just a great collaborator. I play them out now!
Just love these stories. They truly make my day.
Best storytelling videos I can think of. Any genre. Not just music. 👌🎵👏
Great interview 👏 it would have been fascinating to interview the late Rod Temperton too about his rise from heatwave to writing Thriller. He was from my neck of the woods in Lincoln England.
Priceless interview never heard of this guy what a legend
Another great, synthsational video. Thank you Professor Anthony.👍👍👍👍👍
Edit: It sucks that we can only give 1 like on this video.
I love "Window on a Dream". Still listen to it❤
Bill, you rock 🤘🏼 thanks Anthony for introducing us👏🏼
Detective Marinelli nails it at 19:04. A glorious moment when after all the discussion and pondering, you hone in on this fantastic essence of just how Michael Jackson constructs his music. You shine a light on incredible organic process of an artist and his creative journey, ably assisted by the most talented in the business, it’s so beautifully revealed in these videos Anthony. The fact that Michael very did likely take essential elements from the demo and use them as pencil sketches would be used by a painter, lightly but definitely creating the space upon which more solid ideas can be layered. There really is “always more to uncover”. I really can’t thank you enough for sharing such beautifully joyful series of videos that celebrate the depth and intriguing insight into this creative process of such a wonderful piece of music from a wonderful artist and his team. Wonderful to hear Bills insights and gems from right there, at the heart of the magic.
love hearing about unsung heroes of synth session work. great job sir!
Fantastic to see this. Cheers from London
Archiving these important musicians and their process is as important as being able to listen to the songs. As a musician & synth lover your videos are priceless. I appreciate what you’re doing. ❤
Anthony ... you are an icon. I cannot possibly thank you enough for these videos, i'm serious. Lots of love from Cairo, Egypt.
What a video…. This is what it’s all about… musicians of different era ❤
Another superb video! Thank you Mr. Wolfer
You are amazing Bill. I knew who you were. You appear in the credits. Thanks for clarifying about Michael. He was a great musician and composer. I like to hear who is behind each instrument and how MJ wrote and came up with his songs.
Wow, so interesting - beautiful insides, top signature sound by the way!!
Say say say, another one of my favourites!!
Wow thank you Bill so much and thank you for the interview Anthony!❤️🙌
I love how you reminisced about David Williams. Sometimes we forget these musicians are humans.
I’m hoping a longer interview is on the way or maybe I’ve just missed it in my queue. All these are gems. Always happy to see a new Anthony video whether it’s MJ related or otherwise.
The team is doing great work with all this. The quality keeps getting better, and Anthony has become a fully developed journalist and interviewer.
wow, youtube needs a 100x like button for videos like this! what a pleasure to listen to you both.
This is amazing thank you for creating this channel.👏🏾👍
Great discussion and interview! Just the idea of flying in that guitar part from analog tape to tape is insane! Fascinating story.
Great stuff! Very generous of You!
Thanks Anthony to bring up one of my best keyboard mr bill wolfer
Bill Wolfer - Wake Up is absolutely frikkin bananas
Again a memorable, heartwarming, partly amusing (candy koma) & relaxing interview. "C" is usually YAMAHA's abbreviation for Combo. My user manual tells so. I've never heard or seen any source for "compact". If there is one fellas, please let me know.
I would definitely love to hear about Bill’s other work with the artists mentioned in the description. They have some truly iconic productions from the 80’s.
I know who Bill is! I bought his Wolf album in 1982 that contained his take on Papa Was A Rolling Stone.
Got that Moog modular behind him👊🏾
I am beyond words on how lucky we are to be able to watch content like this for free.. if it were 20-30+ years ago we'd have to pay 50 bucks to see these interviews
on VHS lol. Thanks for posting all of this Anthony!
Love the passage when he try to replicate the Yamaha GX1 and play a snippet of Song in the Key of life track name ( Village Ghetto Land) also an true iconic album from Stevie Wonder i love what Stevie add to funk and jazz music with his uncommon way of bring synth , clavinet and crazy chord progression that he was the only one to know the secret...
Tony you're a synth/music nerd and i fuckin love it.
Loved this video, thanks! Amazing to watch.
Great interview!! Amazing Stories. Thank you!
Such great stories. I enjoy all these behind-the-scenes- stories of songs I grew up with. Thanks for making them.
Incredible.. thank you
Great interview man
Loved every second of this vid, so interesting. Great to hear that snippet of Village Ghetto Land from Songs in the Key of Life. Would love to know more of Bill’s involvement with that album and even more so his work with Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants.
Thank you Anthony for these great insights : )
incredible valuable video! thanx a lot for making this and asking the right questions. I love how Bill lives exactly what Russ demanded: If you are not sure about something, don’t try to hide. Two great and honest souls in one room here!
So inspiring to hear and se you guys and for what you have made for the music history in synthesis love from TAO from Sweden
Une très belle vidéo, j'ai apprécié 👍.🎹 Theret Jean-Luc.
Beat It ✨👑✨
Thank you very much, I love these videos with so much information, especially when it comes to MJ.
Dr Mix sent me. New subscriber! Can't wait, currently going through the back catalogue of vids.
Absolute gold this. Incredible. Bill you legend.
I love this quest you're on, Anthony. Thank you!
These videos are wonderful!
Love this one... truly inspiring man
I can't thank you enough for bringing this to us, I love music so much music is magic , And I always like to know and understand who was behind that . 🙌
Anthony!!! Thank you again… I love these interviews
Jim Morrison was very similar in how he created songs. He would have the melody in his head when he made up the words and the rest of the guys in The Doors would figure out the key and add in the various parts. He wasn't a formally trained musician probably like Michael wasn't but as Bill said ...sometimes being formally trained can put you in a box. He had to forget his Berkely training to get the chords right for Billie Jean. A classic song!!!! Very interesting interview and a great behind the scenes and great insight to the recording process of an iconic album. It took a whole lot of talent to put that record together!!!!!!
This is insane, You guys made the music I grew up with!
Alright. So this is the orginal Bille Jean guy. Nice to meet you. I have listened your playing thousands of times.❤
Would love to hear you breakdown the instrumentation on “Human Nature” at some point.
Two members of the group Toto wrote Human Nature. I heard their demo and the music was pretty much the same
These videos and interviews are incredible! It's like being a fly on the wall on the Thriller sessions. I'm glad the making of that iconic album (which I must confess I hated at the time!) is being documented for posterity.
I absolutely love this!! Like all of us, I bought Thriller the minute it hit the streets. Being an aspiring musician at that time, I would always dig into the album liner notes, to see who played on what and how they did it. When I saw the name Bill Wolfer, I thought to myself, “who’s that guy?” Now we all know!! Whenever the song Billie Jean pops into my head or it gets mentioned by someone, the first that come to mind is that iconic synth part of too~too, too~too. Funny how that sort of things sticks with you. Thank you Mr. Wolfer!! ❤ 🎶 🎹