The Isley Brothers, Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2 | COVERS

In the 26^th edition of COVERS (2024), The Isley Brothers deliver a compelling rendition of “Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2” originally performed by Seals and Crofts.   

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 26^th edition of COVERS (2024), The Isley Brothers deliver a compelling rendition of “Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2”, originally performed by Seals and Crofts.

3 + 3 marked the expansion of The Isley Brothers and their eclecticism. The addition of Ernie Isley is monumental.  He kills it on guitar 🎸, specifically his sick, rock-infused solo.  That solo alone is a key reason why “Summer Breeze” is an elite song in The Isley Brothers catalog.  It’s not only the solo, of course.  The instrumental introduction is the first hook, emulating the summer breeze perfectly. Ron Isley is on-point, singing with his ripe, ‘to die for’ falsetto. Besides the melodic guitar, the acoustic rhythm guitar gives this rendition a sublime blend of folk-rock, rock, and soul.  This was a different sound for the group, and it’s nothing short of awesome.  There are also the keys of Chris Jasper and bass of Marvin Isley, forming the instrumental half of the band.  Harmonizing sweetly with Ron are the late Rudolph Isley and the late O’Kelly Isley. With Seals and Crofts solidifying the excellence of the songwriting, Ron, Rudolph, and O’Kelly ensure the lyrics come alive in their rendition. The section to beat is the chorus, of course:

“Summer breeze, you make me feel fine

Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind

Oh, summer breeze

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine

Blowin’ through the jasmine my mind

All in my mind.”

“Summer Breeze, Pt. 1” is the shorter ‘single’ version.  It’s well-rounded however “Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2” is worth the six-minute-plus duration. This is a cover that brings something new and distinct to the original.

The Isley Brothers // 3 + 3 // Sony Music Entertainment // 1973

The Isley Brothers, Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2: Covers No. 26 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; Andrea Piacquadio, cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Matteo Milan from Pexels; MR1313, OpenClipart-Vectors, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]