The Top 10 Leon Sylvers III Basslines
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- #bass #basshistory #musicanalysis #solar #boogie #laboogie #paulthompson
The man behind 100 hit songs, let's breakdown the greatest Leon Sylvers III basslines! Performer, songwriter, producer, and incredible bassist Leon Sylvers and Solar Records changed the way we grooved in the late 70's and early 80's and left us with unforgettable music by artists like Shalamar, the Whispers, Dynasty, and many others. His iconic basslines are some of the best R&B, dance, or any other music. Let's BOOGIE.
**All transcriptions of played examples can be found at drive.google.com/file/d/1bNUh...
00:00 Intro
00:20 History
01:05 BOOGIE and the SOLAR Sound
03:30 #10
04:25 #9
05:07 #8
05:54 #7
06:49 #6
07:33 #5
08:21 #4
09:15 #3
10:12 #2
11:06 Honorable Mention
11:44 #1
12:30 Coda
13:22 Outro
Website: www.paulthompson.us
Instagram @pdbass74 - Hudba
Thank you very much Leon, I really don’t think that Leon will see my comment, but he was the first one to mention music publishing to me as a teenager. His family came to my mother’s house in the Bronx New York during the early 70’s and the Sentimental Souls and Sylvers had a wonderful time jamming to music together.
Here’s my information: czcams.com/video/yG5SddqQmSg/video.html
His and Bernard Edward's clean finger style was some of the best,not alot of slapping but song carrying bass lines
Wow! I love those songs. Doesn’t get his props! Thanks for this video.
Clean technique and versitality are the ish.--- barribass
Thank you for that.
Just go to his FB page he read every comment.
Man Leon Sylvers III doesn’t get anywhere near the kind of love he should. The brother is a flat out legend!
Yup..JIMMY…...czcams.com/video/QYIcUPkjGY0/video.html
True. He's always been over looked. The Sylvers never got much love. They were once called a knockoff Jackson 5 and I'm not understanding why. The Sylvers and the Jackson's were different but I will tell you this, NO ONE could touch the Sylvers when it came to HARMONY! HI Olympia. Sorry but I really loved Olympia and Foster.
Not even close!
Been hearing it my whole life and never put the name to his stuff. Damn!
Word !
Leon deserves so much more credit than he gets.
He is the only bassist more rich than Paul McCartney, i think money is a kind of a credit and a congratulation in this case. He's a discret king.
He deserves a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame 👍🏾
My favorite Shalamar song "Take that to the bank!" Yes that Bass line is Baaaad!
Yes me too especially long version
I saw something special about Leon Sylvers and his family in 1972. So talented and skillful as writers, producers, singers, and great musicians. Thank you Leon Sylvers.
Leon is like Prince, when it comes to bass. They wrote bass lines the way a trombone player or trombone section would, which means the "note choices" are going to be more horn-like, and using a combination of long and short notes to make the groove :-)
This is true, I started playing trombone before I switched to bass and it definitely influenced my style of bass playing.
One thing I noticed 30 years ago, his lines always were an attraction and memorable
They stood out
@@normanlovesirsaxalot2991 Yeah, it's amazing when you think about it. He said in an interview that he composed "The Second Time Around" (verse, chorus and bridge) with just the bass. Then he did the vocals, and then the keyboards and strings.
@@bourgeoisbrats Way back, when I first heard Misdemeanor, I was getting into fusion and more technical stuff.I was almost shocked! The notes, movement, feel were beyond the bass lines you heard on any radio tunes.I'd sometimes wait for it to come on the radio.The sound and feel of that part left no doubt the bassist was a heavy cat!
@@normanlovesirsaxalot2991 I was young But MISDEMEANOR was always a jaw dropper... the vocals too! just the way the song woVe and unwoved itself just intricate not a typical Song! The harmony killed IT!
Leon bass groove seems like the bass was talking especially on “AND THE BEAT GOES ON” what an iconic baseline and bassist
Leon Sylvers III made some of the best sounding records in the 70s & 80s. His productions were stellar and he's not celebrated like other legendary producers from that era. Leon Sylvers III is a legend and a genius.
He's up there with legendary Maurice White, Gamble & Huff, Quincy Jones and Arif Mardin.
You're telling the truth. He's the best of the California producers of the 1980's and '90's. Lots of samples from West coast rap artists. His bass playing is legendary. Some of the funkier bass playing of his era, but intricate and thoughtful and "hard".
Holland/ Dozier
Ikr. Absolutely
That’s a big reach
First, thank you for giving Leon Sylvers, one of the most underated producers and one of the greatest bass players to ever play the Bass his well overdue props ❤👏👏👏👏👏👍
Back in the SOLAR days, Jeffrey would take me with him to Larrabees and Sound Masters recording studios when Leon would be producing tracks for Shalamar, The Whispers, Lakeside and other acts under the SOLAR Records. Leon would go from one studio to another, laying down tracks that would go on the be some of the greatest songs of all times. Watching Leon in action was a real treat and a sight to see, especially Watching him do the Leon Sylvers neck thrust to the beat of the track he was laying down 🎹🎼🎵🎸👍
Bravo Bravo Bravo 👏 🙌 👍 👌 🙏
Man to be a fly on the wall of that experience. I'm just envious 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂
My favorite was Here I Am, by Dynasty
Leon Sylvers, Bernard Edwards, Bootsy Collins, Verdine White, James Jamerson are the Bass Gods
And late great Mark Adams of slave too as well
Brilliant bass player, arranger, producer, songwriter and singer...
Leon did it all.
Leon Sylvers III is a legendary producer/songwriter. I place him right up there with Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis and L.A./Babyface. During the 70's and 80's he kept the jams coming!
Lmfao
Absolutely he's the one that mentored those guys along with Reggie Calloway
Leon Sylvers III....BADASS!! Straight legendary producer and bassist!!
His bass lines are INSANE!!
Couple of my favorite bass lines from him:
"Love Me Like This" - Real To Reel
"High Hopes" - SOS Band
"I Can Make It Better" - The Whispers
"Keep On Lovin' Me" - The Whispers
"Show Me Where You're Coming From" - Carrie Lucas
"I've Just Begun To Love You" - Dynasty
How can one not smile when ya hear a Shalamar tune?
they still sound fresh to me 40 yrs later
One of my absolute favorites is, “It’s All the Way Live” by Lakeside. He killed it on that song! The instrumental toward the end is amazing!
check out here i am by dynasty killer bass playng by leon
@@desmondwallace5367 Good choice. And Love in the Fast Lane from the same album.
@@desmondwallace5367 Yeah I was gonna say the same thing..Here I Am
OMG I love that song! He was the bassist on that? Aw yeah!!
That wasn't Leon Sylvers, III on bass. It was another great, and that's Lakeside bassist Marvin Craig.
Leon, was under appreciated and unrecognized. But an extremely accomplished bassist. Hats off to you Mr Leon Sylvers III!
Thanks for sharing. Leon Sylvers is the bomb and very underrated and appreciated.
As I listened to r&b in the early 80’s, I gravitated to all the songs with his baselines and productions, not knowing one man was responsible. When are we going to honor this man who influenced black music heavy in the 80’s and even the sampling beyond the 80’s?. This is “born” talent. Genius and on an isolated level of hearing and creating Melodies.My all time favorite bassist and producer!!❤️🤲🏽
Right Leon was very underrated one of my first bass lines I learn back then was Misdemeanor!
That was your first as a beginner!? I'm a beginner as well, but I cannot wrap my fingers around those complex bass cords. Kudos.
@@novacorps2468 It was hard for me back then but as they say practice makes perfect... I fly threw it with ease now 👍🏾!
I can play that
Not only is leon sylvers crazy talented but I’ve been in love with him since I was young teen watching him with the sylvers…🤦🏽♀️😁
Leon Sylvers was a BEAST on Bass!💯👑🎸🤘🏿🖤🌹👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
It's a crying shame that I've been playing bass for 8 years and had never heard Leon's name until today. Thank you for shining a richly deserved spotlight on this man's phenomenal playing. I'd heard a lot of these tunes, but never knew they featured the same bass player. 'It's A Love Thing' was my personal highlight here, an incredible line which I have to learn TODAY.
Never Heard of Him either but I'm going to study This Cat💯
that intro bass line of Misdemeanor has been sampled more times than the mustard at Hickory Farms
Wow!
WTF?!!!!
@@stretchfinnell RIGHTFULLY SO👌🏿!!
Leon Sylvers has an unorthodox style of playing the bass. A lot of open strings and the ending results is just magic.
As a 53 year old “non professional” bassist, who’s been at it for 40 years, I have this to say..
I have two intensely great loves, Crushingly Heavy and slow Doom Metal/Rock, and ALL manners of Funk. ❤️🔥
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you so very much for your very enlightening video!!!!
♥️❤️🔥♥️🖤♥️❤️🔥♥️
My favorite one was Hear I Am by Dynasty! Love that bass line!💯💯💯💯
Thanks for doing this video. James Jamerson, Leon Sylvers and Bernard Edwards are my trinity of R&B fingerstyle bass players. Check out the Solar Galaxy of Stars DVD, it's worth it alone for the 10s clip of Leon grooving during the bass vamp on I've just begun to love you.
His nuance of syncopation and long notes on Turn Me Out (the Whispers) is impressive and like for so many, the bass makes that song.
@@fivestringraal you should totally check this guys channel out as hes doing a 50 bassline tribute to Leon Sylvers done on a Ric perfectly. Heres his cover of Turn me out: czcams.com/video/5jGQ_FevtNw/video.html
Yes you got it 💯percent because they are definitely my favorite 3. Marcus Miller is 4th.
@@jordanscott4066 only seeing this now. really good stuff including trans. Thanks!
@@jamessmallwood5061 Marcus Miller can do decent fingerstyle indeed. Slap bass is its own thing.
Great tribute. "There It Is" by Shalamar is a killer top 10 bassline. Loved watching those SOLAR records spin while playing!!! Big ups CZcams 👍🏾😎
Agree "There It Is" is still one of the funkiest tunes ever written...and that bottom 🎸🎶
@@tacommanche You know bro ✊🏾. MadDog approves
My favorite song of all time!!!!
"There It Is" has cold-blooded guitar track as well.
@@renalove2537 Yes it does!!! Almost Nile Rodgers-esque... 🎸
I love all his music. As a drummer the bass player is your partner in crime. Take that to the bank is my favorite too.
I’m 47 years old and I’ve been playing bass for almost 40 of them and yet somehow this amazing player has flown under my radar. I’m ashamed to admit that, being a huge fan of 70’s R&B, Funk, Disco and Pop, but I’m grateful to be hip to him now. This is probably the best CZcams channel ever for not only bass players who are starting their journey in music, but it’s a great way to learn the music theory behind the music you’re already playing. Great channel for all musicians!
According to the “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”, James Jamerson actually played the bass on “Boogie Fever”, and was the only gold record he ever received and was one of the only big acknowledgements of his work during his lifetime!
True. Weird, because at that point in his career, James's strings were so beat up (never changed!) which caused the intonation to be so bad that his bass had to be really low in the mix and doubled with a keyboard.
@@MrBubba171811 How would the strings being old effect the intonation?
This is a good explanation:
Absolutely. The harmonic balance is thrown out by old strings that have stretched and/or (partially) corroded by the acid in ones fingers.
@@AiMR
@@MrBubba171811 Acid in the fingers? That sounds more like an unsubstantiated claim than explanation.
@@AiMR It's not the acid like the drug, if that's what you're thinking. More like amino acid. I don't know what else to tell you. You will have to look it up.
I have a deep appreciation for the work that Leon Sylvers III has done, now that I'm educated about his work. This man has produced some of the greatest R&B music that's ever been produced, and his bass playing is on point. Leon Sylvers III is a musical genius, and you can take that to the bank!
Wow... I grew up down the street from the Silvers and they introduced me to the bass guitar. I'm still playing to this Day 40 years later. Thank you for sharing this tribute! 🙏 ❤️
If you see Leon ,Foster, Ricky or Pam tell them Leo Childs said hey
Hey Leo, I'm going to remember you, what said to The Sylvers when meet them. I plan to write to Olympia Sylvers, because I do have her home address. Lorinda Swann of Washington DC 🎵❤️😘🙏
One more Leo, I will tell her in my letter ✉️💌
@@lorindaswann5797 tell Olympia we love her and hope she has healed from the horrible things done to her and her legendary family!
TOOK 30YRS. IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEBODY TALKED ABOUT LEON ... HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST BASS PLAYERS OF ALL TIMES... THANX... ROB FOUNTAIN...
Leon is one of the best, “I’ve just begun to love you” is on a whole other level. I love the way he plays. I have attempted to emulate his sound, but it’s not easy. I became a Bassist after listening to the great “Bernard Edwards” of Chic. He was my inspiration.
One of the most UNDERATED musicians on the planet.
My favorite bassline on Solar Records is Shalamar's, Right in the Socket. This video is a great clinic and reminder of his talent and that of Solar. Back in the early ladies I saw the Solar concerts with Shalamar, Dynasty and the Whispers more than once growing up in Houston, TX. My 14 year old son plays bass and I have already shared this video with him to emphasize it what you do with those notes that makes the difference!
Love Leon! One of the most underrated players, writers, producers and performers ever!
Leon is still one of the baddest Kats on the block. Too many songs to choose from…………did he write “In the Raw “ and “ Keep on loving me “by the Whispers ? Those bass lines are outstanding !
Don't know about 'In the Raw' but he produced and played bass on 'Keep On Lovin Me' which is my ATF Whispers track.
Ricky Sylvers did the bass on In The Raw, Leon did, Keep on Loving Me.
@@droxyocean972 A1 In The Raw
Arranged By [Horns, Strings] - Benjamin Wright
Backing Vocals - Grady Wilkins
Bass - Foster Sylvers
Contractor [Strings] - Janice Gower
Drums - Wardell Potts, Jr.*
Keyboards - James Sylvers, Patricia Sylvers, Ricky Smith*
Lead Vocals - Wallace Scott, Walter Scott
Producer, Arranged By [Rhythm, Vocals] - Leon F. Sylvers, III*
Producer, Arranged By [Rhythm], Keyboards - Richy Sylvers*
Written-By - Charmaine Sylvers, Dana Meyers, Glen Barbee*.
@@bmuhamadSylvers fam collabo for sure! ❤
I LOVE Leon Sylvers lll. The one bassline that still drives me crazy till today, is the one he did on the Whispers song, called Turn Me Out! I am happy to see, that many people now recognize him today, as a genius.
Agreed John! My fave Whispers jam because of that amazing bassline. I with you here bro 🙌🏾
My newest favorite is ( l can't hardly wait) by Ndambi. Leon kicks ass on this track. You are pretty nice too bro. Check out my homeboy Rodney Skeet Curtis. Another unsung who laid down the bass line on (help is on the way) by the whatnuats (priceless
I love that Leon Sylvers music 💙
Leon Sylvers still fine as wine 😍
Thank you my man, because of your dissecting of Leon Silvers’ music, you helped me truly appreciate his craft even more than I ever thought.
Leon’s music was the X-ray, and you were the technician who explained what we were listening to.
Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Leon Silvers.
Thank God almighty for the gift of music.
So dear readers may we humbly, obediently, appreciatively grow to love the absolute greatest work of art ever conceived, the Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16,17- “All scripture is inspired of God… beneficial for teaching, reproving, and setting all things straight”.
There it is
Great presentation of Leon Sylvers III! His bass lines were truly iconic of that era and today.
I'm dreaming of the old skool using today's drum machines, back in their day... Yuuuup!😎
I've remember all this music. I love the Bass. Grew up in Cincinnati Ohio. I didn't know his name. Thank you!
Bootsy was my idol... many of us back then picked up the Bass.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Bassist Ron Brown from the California Motown Studio. Awesome Bruhtha 👌!
I'm still plucking away at 57yrs Blessed 🙌!
Rest in Power...Louis Johnson!!!
I'm really glad Leon Sylvers gets the attention he deserves!! I'm always surprised that so few know about him!
He wrote history... The master of early 80's sound. Thank god he was there to bring us real good bass hymn.
This guy created some of the best bass lines. Dynasty is an amazing band! Love Solar Records!
"I Know And Love Everyone Of These Songs, Never Knew LEON SYLVER III, Was The Mastermind Behind Them, I Always Had RESPECT And LOVE For THE SYLVERS And I'm So Glad That I Did Finding Out This Let's Me Know My Music Ear Is On Point, "THANK YOU"...
Midnight Star - I've been watching you
That's my favorite Leon Sylver lll baseline. I never get enough of that song. Great video.
Yessir…It’s a love thing is nuts!! Leon Silvers is legend
& you sir are a Champ!!!🏆🏆
I remember a lot of years of my life by this guys music , truly amazing !🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️😇
One of the baddest to ever do it. Also a really nice and good person all the way around. God bless that brotha. 🎸👑
Definitely one of the most underrated bassist
He's a master on The Bass Guitar and he's all over The SOLAR Record sound! He was trying to recreate the MOTOWN Sound via SOLAR sound! He definitely was influenced by James Jameson and the Motown sound and The Funk Brothers! Thank you for sharing your video!
GREAT VIDEO!!! Leon Sylvers is definitely UNDERRATED!!! Been following and a fan of his music for many years! He's definitely ONE OF THE GREATS!!
The man is simply incredible he has reached his new horizon 🙌🏽
Leon's written some of the most memorable bass lines ever recorded. Great video; great tribute. Thank you.
The best. Period. Fantastic basselines. His productions, wow!!!!.
Now I understand why I love Jam and Lewis so much! It’s Leon!!! I’ve loved his music since my youth. Thanks for this!!! It was great!
Say WHAT
And the beat goes on is my favorite I can listen to that song over and over again.
All I can say is musical genius & FINE FINE FINE 👌🏽🎶
Fools Paradise, hands down. And the Beat Goes On is a close second. A great tribute to Leon Sylvers III. Well done, pdbass!
Is that Fools Paradise by Chaka?
@@tomf6021 No, no! It's The Sylvers' first hit.
'Fool's Paradise' is a masterpiece!
Fools Paradise was pure nastiness! He was
somewhere else when he did that one. Everything about that track was like dang!
Leon is one of my favs! On Bass and production, highly unsung and underrated!
Love the man,Leon is a Pure GOATS Singer,producer,Musician!
Leon all love to you my brother. BASS MAN YOUR MUSIC 🎶 🎵 IS FOREVER. RICK BRENNAN FROM CHANGE AND COMPOSITE TRUTH BAND N PHILLY LOVE ALWAYS 333.RICK
I learnt to play bass from Reggae Records, when I heard "there It Is" by Shalamar it was a game changer for me. Leon Silvers III, Nate Phillips and Robin Duhe taught me everything I needed to know about Soul and funk bass playing. Great Channel Paul.
fav... when the beat goes on..still practicing... one of the best basslines EVER..
The nostalgia of this alone is worth its weight in gold! But then you zoom in on this amazing musician (definitely enough recognition) and his approach to music takes this brief expose beyond the moon. An amazing sound from an amazing individual that launched an amazing company! Thanks for sharing!
Bro I’m so glad someone finally gave Leon his due!!! I’ve been a fan of his music and production style from the beginning. He is still one of my favorite producers! You even mentioned about how he mentored Jam and Lewis! They did a joint venture on a group called Real to Reel. The song was called Love Me Like This. When you hear it, you will hear Leon all over it!!!! Awesome job!!!!!
First, I’m very happy to see someone pointing out the amazing talent, contributions and accomplishments of Leon Silvers. I was fortunate enough to work with Leon on a few projects and I can never forget the impression, learning experience and influence he had on my career path. Thank you so much creating such a good video, giving Leon the credit he deserves!
So underrated as a Bass Player and Producer. My favorite Bass Line "This kinda of lovin" The Whispers
You sir are a music savant! Beautifully presented
This is a great talk and lesson. I grew up hearing this music and it is so relevant today. This is textbook worthy.
One of my favorite songwriters and musicians
I just realized how much Leon shaped my music life as I grew listening to all with all the artists you just featured. One of my favorite Leon’s guitar work is with Carrie Lucas’ show me where your coming from.
I'd say there's a direct connection between Leon Sylvers and Bernard Edwards of Chic. Thanks for featuring LS! I knew there were some great bass lines in those early R&B/disco tunes and I just didn't know who the core guy was.
Fantastic Video Tribute to a Truly Remarkable Bassist and Musician. Well done!
Always liked the Sylvers & their music even watched a documentary about their struggles . Even saw their movie.Never knew Leon’s fingerprints were all over Shalimar , whisperers & lakeside music until you pointed it out. 👍🏾
Thank you for this appreciation of one of my heroes! Growing up in the 70's listening to Solar Records it was a great time to be alive!
Often back then I just read about the music and bought the records without hearing them first! So glad I did!
Here in the UK, the Soul Train TV shows were never shown. The UK version that ran in the mid 80's hosted by Jeffrey Daniel showed a few clips but that's all.
So many incredible songs to choose from, if I have to choose one to add then perhaps The Sylvers-Come Back Lover Come Back.
Love them all But Especially misdemeanor. Truly a Bass legend, writer and producer.
Misdemeanor and The Beat Goes On by the Whispers are etched into my brain as iconic songs, precisely because of those basslines. Thanks to the creator of this video, brought back memories
It’s uncanny how I didn’t realize until recently that this man wrote the soundtrack to much of my childhood in the late 70’s-early 80’s.
Multiple thumbs up for this video.....Thank You. Leon Sylvers III was an amazing musician and producer. I'm a hugh SOLAR fan!
Great excursion into Mr. Leon’s world!!🎶🎶🎶🎶
🌟 This video is so GOOD! Everything about it-giving Leon his shine, the knowledge dropped, the baseline breakdowns, the passion in your voice-this is my first time seeing this and I'm here for it💜 Well done 👍🏽
Leon Sylvers is a GENIUS. I saw him with Steive Wonder at Radio City Musical in the mid70's with his siblings when Foster joined the group. He is a giant among those in the industry. Take That to The Bank and Make That Move are signature songs with thumping bass lines.
I played 2 gigs with the Sylvers, arranged by Leon so I could visit my family in Baltimore. I have mad love for Leon and his family. His music is challenging to play, and he helped me get it right.
My oldest brother Maurice plays the bass and is dope. I grew up in L.A. during the 70's listening to the grooves. This is video is a great service to the history of music. Thank you.
You're bassline break downs are always insightful and on point! This is no exception. Soon as I read Leon Sylvers III I immediately put down my coffee and picked up the bass! "It's a Love Thing"
Fascinating
I appreciate this wonderful tribute and awesome history lesson. My all time favorite Leon Sylvester baseline can be heard on the Carrie Lucas song “Show Me Where You’re Coming From”. For my money, it doesn’t get much better than that!😁
Wow, I saw Carrie Lucas at an In-store promotional at Western and Santa Barbara Bl, Now called King Bl, in Los Angeles.
Thanks for The feedback. After reading what you shared I went back and read many of the other comments. I was struck by the fact that I couldn’t find any negative comments in regard to Leon’s work. Another testament to his extremely underrated GREATNESS! I am grateful for this platform and how it is instrumental (PUN INTENDED!) in bringing more attention to his talent,and this fabulous body of work!!
Undoubtedly one of the most talented people who ever walked this planet.
This kind of loving bass line ...no cap. I play this while driving to work almost everyday
Excellent call by you. I remember listening to The Sylvers and Shalamar and couldn't believe that there wasn't a statue erected of Leon Sylvers III. Everything just jumped and bubbled on his baselines. So reminiscent of Jamerson. There's so many to choose but a great one, for me, is Full of Fire-Shalamar.
LOL! Great!
He’s criminally underrated
I love the Carrie Lucas joint "show me where you're coming from"
Every time I hear a song, I always listen for the bass and the hum the baseline. I had no idea Leon Sylvers lll was the genius behind so much of the great music that I listened to as a kid and still love today. Thank you for the acknowledgement
of his wonderful creations!
Leon has ALWAYS been a BEAST!!! One my late older homies Ernest "Pepper" Reed did some guitar work with Leon & Dynasty.
Yes, I recall Ernests' name on all of Dynasty's albums! He is on the cover of "The Second Adventure" LP!
@@tacommanche Yes sir!!! He was a dope guitarist & brotha!!! 👊🏽
Leon and Bernard Edwards, Mark Adams, and Aaron Mills are among my favorite funky bass players!
Leon Sylvers s a GENIUS!! Thank you!!
Great Job on highlighting Mr Sylvers and your commentary. Bravo 👏🏾