James Hill, "Billie Jean" With His Imaginary Band
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2011
- James Hill from a performance at Don Quixote's International Music Hall in Felton, California. Video has shot on 06-05-11. To learn more about James Hill, visit his website at jameshillmusic.com/
- Hudba
He plays the uke, he plays the crowd. Genius.
He plays with himself.
classic Harvey
He plays with girl hearts
Hee hee
Noice
The fact he is engaging with the crowd the entire time while playing is impressive. That’s hard to do.
Especially when you have played with some of the bands I have played with.
Fucking jerks.
A true entertainer not just a musician.
What's extra hard is doing that on the road. There will be nights when you're not feeling particularly social.
he kinda has to because the music and his voice alone would never fly
@@charlespancamo9771 he can rap or something while playing the uke though 3:31
Y'all are never gonna believe this, but I didn't really believe and I could still hear all the parts.
D:
4 real
I dont believe that u didn't believe but believe me if only you could imagine that we would believe that you would never really believe that i will be writing this reply to make you believe.. ahhh shit
😆🤣
He forgor💀
This is the ukelele equivalent of circular breathing. Awesome.
What is circular breathing ?
@@verdiernoyama9681 When you suck air into your nose and blow it out of your mouth at the same time
@@verdiernoyama9681 when playing a wind instrument, it is the ability to breathe in while still blowing out, thus creating an infinite note
So this is very clever. In this song with these chords and base and drum pattern, the parts overlap
So he’s not playing every note of the baseline - he plays a few, then plays a chord from the piano part and then switches back to the baseline while simultaneously playing the beat with his fingers in between strokes
Also he’s singing
Also also he’s playing the crowd just as well the ukulele
It’s genius, and he plays so nonchalantly it looks fake but isn’t
Just incredibly well choreographed with insane skill and hundreds of hours of practice
@@zaydengestures7275 How the hell do you even do this?
As a musician, it is wise to only play at about the 40% level of your potential so when it's right you can unleash your hidden talent. This guy is deep.
R big facts
@@Dell-ol6hb i agree
"it is wise to only play at about the 40% level of your potential" - you are the most boring guy I`ve ever heard of.
Dr. Comfort i think its just so youre act doesnt get stale
@@raw8814 nobody wants a controlled musician. The crowd loves it when you reach your limits or more.
Plot twist: the audience are fake it’s all him all along doing the sounds
ywah he made all the sounds
I only liked it because it was 68
v\m/n
Way to go, Soldier!!
Seeing his talent that seems possible too!
That actually made me lol, bravo
I finally understand the lyrics.
Me too!!!!! B 😄
Me three!!!
Make it four!
me five
Ahaha that’s what I was thinking
The year is 2021, and this is still as amazing as ever.
Like a fine wine it will be even better in a few months... 2022 baby!
False. The year is 2022. But it's still amazing.
@@patrickmcgarvey8072 I was about to say the same thing, seems you can find an honest soul these days
Still amazing in 2022! AwesOmneSS!!!
Jesus Christ loves you u u
I was carrying my ukulele in its case at school and my friend asked, "You play an instrument?"
I replied, "Yeah, I play a little guitar."
*Slow hand clap*
Bari Uke too then? ;)
Lol
Sound of one hand clapping:)
I actually giggled.
he did this for my choir class, literally three feet in front of me, just a dude and his ukulele.
:o epic
All I can say is WOW!😎
Theres clearly more than one guy...
@@LukeSeeleygamertagisV3XChintzy you're clearly not seeing clearly
@@laynenewswanger1310 clearly
Now that is ART.
I had no idea the words made any sense!
Me too!
The 2.7k haters could not play a lick of this guys jam. I stumbled on this by accident and was happy I did. Keep entertaining!
more imp - they can't appreciate it - means they will never get close to doing it.
what a great entertainer
J.L. Cantrell i
J.L. Cantrel
My sentiments exactly.
J.L. Cantrell Definitely a talent.
Pina
No playback or loops, I've been at the edge of the stage when he does it. It's like magic.
Wait, no playback or loops?
fucking _w o a h_
@@Epicawesomeness64 look up fingerstyle guitar, same concept and its amazing music throughout all genres
no need to say it e can imagine it too
Nah that’s all bullshit
4:00
Look at his hands
@@jonathangadzini1435 What about them? Looks legit to me.
Most people could not grasp how difficult this was !!
That was freakin amazing !!
beatboxing this song is already hard. can't imagine doing these 3 parts at once on an instrument. his brain is doing so much work. wow.
Most people can’t do a backflip either
i mean i got the basics in 40 min. It doesent sound as good and clean, but in a day or two i would play it fluently, maybe then sing over track, but singing on this one is hard)@@jayweh
It’s 2023 and I just found this. Watched the whole way through. Captivated the whole time. Amazing.
Just landed here and he's introducing his band, lol. Looking forward to the jam ;)
I heard James Hill was walking home from school with $1 when he was young when he ran into the devil. The devil asked him what his greatest desire was. James said he wanted to be the greatest guitar player in the world. The devil said that would be no problem, but it would cost James his soul. James did not want to give up his soul, so he asked what he could get for his dollar. The devil offered to make him the greatest ukulele player in the world, and they had a deal.
David Schwartz +
Except, I would posit that doing this on a Uke may even be superior to accomplishing the same on a guitar.. close call but the hand-to-instrument size ratio plays a role.
They had us in the first half not gonna lie
I think he put a little extra cash for enchanting the audience! Kudos for this comment! Not a single 👎🏻 !!
That reminds me of the time the devil challenged me to a fiddle playing contest for my soul and a golden fiddle. Shouldn’t have accepted because I can’t play the fiddle, but you know how it is when you’re drunk.
It like he has multiple personalities and they're all musicians. Oh and a story teller.
Implying there's a difference between a musician and a story teller.
Reminds me of David Bromberg
I keep watching this. How can I give it a thousand likes?
Top-notch performer. He can't rock a stadium, but he knows his act well and I can't help but play along with his games. Wish I could see this guy live.
Idk, imagine a stadium of people hitting the "HEEEEEEEEEE!"
Can't rock a stadium said who? Ed Sheeran does it all the time, with a guitar and a looper and a mic, just the same.
He looks actually pretty intelligent. And damn, playing ukulele is a great skill of him but playing the crowd that perfect? NOW THAT'S HARD.
intelligent to you is anyone who wears glasses
@@fleetwoodsoup7443 if you took that as an insult then you have got bigger problems than my little comment
@@zvezdan956 I didn't, but even if I did;
it's not your problem mate. That's what I meant.
and I still mean it
I hate debates.
@@fleetwoodsoup7443 thanks for reminding me that the air is made out of air.
@@zvezdan956 yyyyeeaah... ok I'm gonna head out that way, bye.
This dude's a natural entertainer.
Barnyard eggs
@@CosmicM0th0 Merv
like MJ
Yeah…”this dude’s a natural entertainer.” which only took him years to become.
Amazing.
I love your channel!
@@finchmaster2404 me too
Looper
Your not so bad yourself Eric
Mind totally BLOWN....
Can play a mean tune with comical timing.
His ability to own the crowd with humor is endearing.
This is why I love CZcams. Never would have known this existed otherwise.
new here?
Right 👍
I came to youtube 3 hours ago to figure out how to fix a small leak in a tile roof... HOW THE HELL DID I END UP HERE!?
-Glad I did though
thass the funniest fkin thing i have ever heard thanks ..... A. Non'stonedperson
Juh get it fixed yet?
Joshua Cowan - We’ll never know
I fell through the same rabbit hole.
Yes, fixed the next day but man did I enjoy this. Just enjoyed it again haha
2 years!? Usually I'm like "I can't believe it's been this long." But for some reason it feels like I've been listening to this song for the past 5 years. Feels like it's been with me for longer than it really was.
Love his skills but most of all love his humour
That is without question one of the greatest and most original covers of a classic song I've ever seen and heard. Amazing skill to make all those sounds with just his hands and the ukelele.
Sarcasm ....???
@@aarohanyt7374 ??? why would it be,
Another good one was Eye of the Tiger by Walk Off the Earth.
@@darnellpistachio2991
You have a link?
& looks like Tommy Chong’s twin brother! 🤣
CZcams 2011: nah not yet
CZcams 8 years later : recommended list worthy
I know, right?
Honestly, probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it for what it is 8 years ago myself
Not bad, kid
PhilChillPill why is this true. i am now even more upset at susan.
You weren't even on this site 8 years ago so you don't know if it wasn't recommended then.
I'm a 40 year player of multiple instruments. This is simply AWESOME!!
I always say I’m multi talented lol
That's amazing,This guy is using the force. He has imaginary hands helping him, awesome talent.
To me, the most amazing thing about this stunning performance is how he can just talk and joke to the audience whilst playing! I've never managed to do that and I'm not a bad player!
I've never managed to do that either, but it's only because I don't have an audience I'm sure.
And I've never managed to use "whilst" in a conversation. Kudos to you!
No worries, it gets easier and it comes with practice. You'll get it one day.
You'll get there if you practice for 40 hours a day.
I can't sing and play the keyboards at the same time; but I can do both well
I saw this so many times but still I cannot believe what he does!
u need to believe
no kidding. haha
why you did not believe ?
Akirito's Ukulele BELIEVE
it's call FINGERSTYLE picking technic
Can we just acknowledge that this can sing sweet sultry jazz as well as all that? Wow.
this is the best thing ive binged in lockdown
I can't even walk and chew gum at the same time.
Billy, don't let anyone tell you what you can and ca... someone HELP!! He is chokinh on gum!
wait so you can walk gum?
You should run for President!
British ppl, smh
This literally made me burst out laughing 😂 My family thinks I’m crazy, but thank you
After seeing what he does, the mind is definitely terrible thing to waste.
Taste, the mind is a terrible thing to taste.
rick columbo woah that’s a great quote
You just gotta believe
@@rickcolumbo3148what.
It's so true - we don't use our minds to their best advantage. These kinds of skills draw out our potential in other areas besides ukulele playing. I'm looking forward to strumming it and drumming it.
I keep coming back to this video and have watched this about a dozen times and it still amazes me.
I cant imagine how much practice it took to be able to play 3 different parts on the same ukulele, and sing at the same time. He's truly a talented man.
*melody from heaven* czcams.com/video/blaG4kgsHb8/video.html
And then adlib over it. Dude is mad talented.
You guys should check out Feng E too!! He's a kid who also happens to be his own one man band with his uke! He was Asia's Got Talent's golden buzzer and had a standing ovation from all the judges in America's Got Talent! Feng and James are both extremely talented and I love listening to them play
that last chord, when he flicks to make the snare sound and strums the chord at the same time. that was crazy
Story teller comedian musician magician holy shit he’s good
My wife asked me why I have four ukulele. I say, "I haven't found the fifth one yet." So, when I bought fifth, she asks, "Why FIVE ukulele?" So, I get six.
She doesn't ask me anymore.
goshea 😂 that's good, sir
goshea rich ass
Hat of, 4 u my sir!
I dont get it
Synth owners would continue, even when not asked.
( if the twist was, hadn't she asked, he wouldn't have bought another)
Wow , his voice is so "Lou Reed " , and I love Lou Reed . Amazing !
He sounds almost exactly like lou reed, man, I didn't expect it to be so similar
you’re right.
@@jannetteberends8730 Take No Prisoners is the best comedy album ever. The music is also fabulous!
I thought this was a Lou Reed song for a bit….
I’ve heard this song hundreds of times, but this is the first time I actually heard all the lyrics.
Entertaining, pleasant sounding, and skillfully done.
Quality at its finest. Nothing flashy or expensive, just a man with a tiny guitar.
+1 for that. A genuine music lover!
tiny tim he isn't...thank god
Ukulele
if you don't think that was flashy I don't think you really understand what was happening
just a giant man with a perfectly normal sized acoustic guitar
Wow! Musician,comic, communicator. He's got the lot.
Tim Warner hes also ugly
Tara io>yes 6thank of new 6year 9the and 7the are all beautiful in this car in the middle and then tell them if they will get the best of 775565uyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyhhhhhhhhhuthuioiuiygghhh jll kku
How tf is he ugly
LzdBern uhhh this dude is not ugly lol
His crowd work was so impressive that I expected him to pass a hat around at the end and collect tips..."If you thought that was amazing... anything you can spare folks."
And I also expected the camera to pull back, showing that he was on a unicycle.
"I believe in fairies", I whisper as I clap my hands.
This guy controls not only the ukulele very well, but also the audience !
It is that off-beat snare that is the most amazing bit of this cover... 6:13 ish ..
Right! He actually does it another time, around 5:40.
Yeah, like . . . far the fuck out.
It's just great
So with you
markwitz did you mean 5:25 ? :-B
Mannnn that was just PURE TALENT!! AAAAMMAAAAAAZZZZZZIIIIIIIINNNGGGG!!!!!!
That talent is on another level!😎
And here is me, proud of playing F chord without looking at the uke, and totally escaping from E chord cuz I just can't, lol
He is just amazing :)
E suuuuuuucks. i use the semi-barred e but it doesn't sound as good #lazymultiinstrumentalist
You can play F with one finger if you cheat a little
Salma Mo Ahhh the dreaded F chord. The bane of many a new stringed instrument players!
I was so proud when I successfully played the g chord! I'm getting there! Lol
An E7 usually works just as well and is way easier.
How did you do what the hell my brain doesn't... I know slap bass, the idea, but-- how did. WOW.
This is such an amazing performance. I've been a musician my whole life and I never have seen anything like this. Absolutely brilliant
M A S T E R !!!!! This is one of the BEST suggestions on CZcams!! I suscribe!!! Blessings from Mexico!!
This is awesome and he's super funny lol
Truly one of the masters of uke! Awesome!
Wow.
I feel like was yesterday i watch this the first time, this guy is still impressive.
I can't believe it took 11 years to stumble onto this. Where was the Almighty Algorithm when I needed this?!
Why am I watching this I have 3 projects due tomorrow to start working on
Jacob Pinard Well I'm a bit late but you just need to *_B E L I E V E_*
Been there man, how did it go?
@@Sphagetti__ nice one 😂👍
@@_FaisalSayyed they still haven't finished... they discovered Japanese ska music, and medieval knight mma fighting instead... CZcams's a dangerous place.
Legend says that he is still working on his project...
Talent, ton's of practice, and a smooth entertainer!
All that AND he's singing and talking and making people laugh while working his humor, and never missing a beat. I am impressed to say the least.
Jane here. Wow! He is impressive!
He is so creative.
*melody from heaven* czcams.com/video/blaG4kgsHb8/video.html
almost gave me Mitch Hedberg vibes, with his voice and delivery...but then it turned into Cake covering MJ...
It’s the hair
Yes! Sounds like Cake!
I thought the same.
I LOVE CAKE ♥︎
“I used to play the ukulele. I still do, but I used to, too.”
Eight years and this is still so cool
Wow! What a performance!
I'm pretty sure I first saw this clip at the dawn of CZcams. Glad I happened upon it again.
I believe!
I'm speechless
Right!
He sure knows how bring the audience in. This dude is amazing. Loved his Billie Jean version
James Hill, it never gets old. If you are still around, thanks!. Even if you're not still around, thanks! Best wishes wherever you are.
crazy how he's doing all that while singing into a PlayStation VR remote
So crazy
How cool is that.
I can't handle my loop station properly - James doesn't even need one!
it's been a while since I've genuinely found anything funny, but man, was this one of the best's things I've ever seen.
My favorite version of Billy Jean from this point forward. Amazing and extremely entertaining.
Apart from Michael Jackson, it's the best version I've heard of Billye Jean.Everyone else is trying too much to be Michael . Good and very relaxing video .
Civil Wars
Chris Cornell
Well i came to reply Chris Cornell but i see i was beaten to the punch by someone else with great taste 😉
@@cronick1981 everything that man sang was amazing. His voice hits you deep like non others can. He will forever be missed
@@mikep3813 im pretty sure he could have sang an ingredients label and make it sound wonderful lmao.
This really inspired a lot me to make my Ukulele sound more like a band, cause this tiny little instrument has some secret powers!
WOW!! He is fantastic I loved it
Hey there Barbara, how are you and how’s the day going for you?
@@Alexnaill hi Alex my day is going pretty good thank you I hope yours is too
Not only is he an amazing player and comedian, he is a teacher too! He has some great instructional videos that I have used in my music classroom!
hold my beer i can do this.
Patrick Veldhuis Oh my God
I literally fell down laughing
this comment made my day 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Patrick Veldhuis If you're really good, you can drink your beer and play at the same time!
Funniest comment I ever read!!!!!!
Ik zat vroeger in een klas met een Patrick Veldhuis in Sneek.
Yea gimme
*runs away with the beer*
Wow... 🔥🔥🔥👍
Magicians do funny things with their hands that you don't expect to be possible and that you can't clearly see or understand. In this perspective, this is magic 🎩
Now this is talent and showmanship!
Michael Jackson would have been really proud
MrUndeadEd yes he would
Might not've been too proud of that "remember to always think twice - a little ironic, I know" joke, lmfao. But other than that, yes, absolutely!
who cares what that freak would think
He's too old to peak MJ's interests.
For sure, michael wrote a lot of his songs in his head completely just using his vocals and a tape recorder
Gift of Talent, can't be taught..it's bestowed..from above..Wonderful.
The way he talks while playing is just amazing
ya but can he play riptide!?
Listen to his version of Voodoo Child. Slight Return
Valen J. 🤣🤣🤣
Michel I did "Kin Hell:
Michel Grimes we asked if he could play riptide not jimi hendrix
By Beirut?
brother got soul
I bring this video up every once in a while and every time it makes me smile. What a talent!
This is an excellent demonstration of showmanship, musicianship, talent, entertainment. I just saw "Felton" in the description. It's only about 19 miles from where I live.
Well done. I’m a metal head at heart, however I enjoy hearing ALL types of talented musicians.
Same here.. Have you checked out The Offspring's acoustic version of Self Esteem, with Noodles playing a ukelele?
Almost 9 years later, there's a tutorial. I can't thank you enough.
There's talent and then there's this young man. Damn, wish I had just a smidge of talent cause i do believe I 'm actually minus talent, a void if you will but I can see and appreciate in awe most times as exceptional individuals operate on another level like a human 2.0. Kudos Mr. Hill your hard work shows of the two instruments you possess, it's obvious which one you played with the most.
Oh my GOD!!! Incredible
that improvisation rapport with the audience is entertainment itself, so chillac, so cool 😎
So rarely do you find someone this gifted with their chosen instrument. And I typically find that those people are 'only' good at that instrument (not only, but you get it). Expected that to be the case when James started singing, but sure enough he can hold a tune. Then was thinking, awesome he knows his limits and that he can't do MJ so he's keeping it simple. Nope. He hit some buttery smooth notes I was not expecting. Very nice!
Wish i could like this 1 million times
When you have more talent in one finger than most you get pure genuis. Rocks the instrument, brings the crowd in and captivates. Solid gold!!
What a great musician, he brings his audience into the performance.