Vocal Coach & Songwriter React to Sound of Silence (Cover) - Pentatonix | Song Reaction and Analysis
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
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DESCRIPTION
Watch first-time reactions and expert analysis with Guinness World Record-breaking vocal coach, Richard Fink IV, and Billboard #1 songwriter, Johnny Cummings.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Pentatonix singing Sound of Silence
01:05 First time hearing Sound of Silence cover
02:25 Initial reaction to Pentatonix vocal arrangement
08:40 Analyzing vocal skills and technique
10:06 Private Online Singing and Songwriting Lessons
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SONG CREDITS
Written by: Paul Simon
Produced by: Pentatonix and Ben Bram
Original Video: • Pentatonix - The Sound...
*This video is for educational purposes and is not intended to infringe any copyrights
#pentatonix #soundofsilence #reaction #pentatonixreaction #vocalcoach #vocalcoachreacts #songwriting #thevocalgym
THANK YOU for all of the info on Pentatonix and additional suggestions! We have a brand new PTX reaction video for you to see!! Unfortunately, it was hit with a copyright claim and has been blocked on CZcams. As a result, we decided to create a Fan-Exclusive page that features reaction videos not available on CZcams. Check it out at throga.com/react
“Beginners-PTX-musts”: Hallelujah, Daft-Punk-Medley, Amazing Grace and Bohemian Rhapsody!
Hallelujah, Daft punk, Imagine, Bohemian rhapsody ❤❤❤❤❤ the best!
Make that THE OFFICIAL VIDEO of "Imagine." Pentatonix sings it just as well live, but the official video of "Imagine" includes some important visuals that can't be duplicated live.
They often make a video or a tape of each of their parts and then each one will practice when they can, because they all have lives apart from the group so they've found a compromise to make the practice a little more fluid. Then as time closes in on a recording date they will show up sometimes in two and threes and practice that way. Eventually they will all show up at the same time and make the record.
You need to check out Kevin's cover of Down by Marian Hill! Absolutely amazing. czcams.com/video/IGjg193h4Ok/video.html&ab_channel=KevinOlusola
A good set of headphones, makes all the difference with listening to PTX😊
Remember, PTX doesn't do covers... They do upgrades!
PTX has a mini documentary called Recording Evergreen. It was their 2022 Christmas album & they were nominated for a Grammy Award for it! They arranged & recorded the entire album in 2-3 weeks! Arranging on the fly! The documentary basically shows how they developed the arrangements, who sang what, etc, as they all recorded in the studio together old fashioned style! I think you'd really enjoy it! ❤
Definitely watch it. It's so informative. I loved it too!
I second that recommendation
You guys would love this one and we will watch it with you
Oh my bod yes, they need to watch this just for the 2-3 mins of doing that one phrase like, 7 different ways. As a singer, who performed a capella for over a decade, that still blows me away after watching it like, 10 times
Must see 'The Prayer'!
The beat boxer also sings during the crunchy chords. That gives them five tones to play with.
I love how you commented on how they are all good in lead AND backing, and how different those skills are. I personally think that is one of the major keys to their success, honestly!
I agree! And none of them are greedy for the lead! They love each other like a family, & they make their choices based on what sounds best musically. They all get a time to shine. Sometimes the arrangement calls for one of them to carry the lead thru the whole song, but they give each member one or 2 songs to sing lead on each album they release. They have loads of original music too, and they are genius writers & arrangers, on top of being perfectionists with their vocals. I see them perform 2 hour concerts at least once a year, and they never hit a wrong note, or go even the least bit flat or sharp + they always keep PERFECT rhythm with each other. I suggest you do some double reactions of them performing the same song twice - one official video & one live on stage. I swear you can't tell the difference!
THIS IS WHY PTX IS THE NUMBER ONE ACAPELLA GROUP IN THE WORLD🌎🎵🎙🎶
Listen to their original Run to You. Not one chord is a simple triad. All five-part harmony with no beat boxing. Simply exquisite from beginning to end.
Like every other song they have ever released! But yes, Run to You is just pure enjoyment & shows how talented they are, not just vocally, but creatively. Run to you was a song that was inspired by the song "My Heart With You" which they began covering a couple of years ago. It's so beautiful. I watched them perform this from the 2nd row 2 years in a row, & I can tell you that i held my breath - well I forgot to breathe coz I was so mesmerized!
Great suggestion for these guys!
IMO, "Run To You" has the most beautiful harmony of any song Pentatonix has released, which is saying a LOT.
Lots to comment on:
They did all come together in 2011 for the show Sing Off which was for acapella groups. The Trio ( Scott..tall blond guy, Mitch slim dark-haired guy, and Kirstin ( Kirstie) ..the girl) all knew each other in high school in Texas. They actually formed a group at the time. Went to 1st yr college and decided to enter the contest, but needed 2 more members. Ben Bram ( the groups arranger and sort of 6th member) knew Avi Kaplan and Scott persuaded him to join as their bass singer. They found Kevin Olusola on CZcams playing cello while beatboxing. They entered and won the competition and except for Avi leaving amicably in 2017 and Matt Sallee ( black guy in white jacket) joining as the new bass in 2018, they've been a tight knit group for some 12 years now.
Yes, Scott Hoying takes over bass when Matt sings verse. Scott is a baritone with an impressive range...but then they all have massive vocal ranges.
Mitch Grassi is a countertenor and he can hit notes higher than Kirstie, but interestingly, Kevin ( a tenor when he sings...and he does occasionally ) can reach higher notes than all of them.
These guys tour LOTS!! Have in fact been touring for almost a year straight right now. How they manage that strain on their voices...I don't know! And yet they have also come up with new Christmas album that's being released in October, I think. Scott got married last month and released a solo album....they just never stop working!
If you're interested in a documentary video on how the group arranges, discusses, makes adjustments, record and generally make a CD, then there's a video out called Pentatonix, The Making of Evergreen ( their CD from 2020). It's about 20 minutes long and a fascinating look into their recording process.
I'm waiting for Kevin to find his inner Philip Bailey and sing "Reasons" or "Fantasy" from Earth Wind and Fire.
@@axepagode33626 ,LOLZ!! That would be something!!
I just saw them Thursday in Houston...Oh. My. God.
I am very impressed how Mitch enunciates his words when he sings!
Agreed... His ennunciation really stands out in this one and in amazing Grace
I heard one reactor say that they know how to get out of each other's way. All I know is they make beautiful music together.
They are the masters of arrangements. That’s how they won their first Grammy.
The Grammys even changed the category so that they could give them a Grammy.
@@femmy-syahraniand let's not forget - earlier this year they received a star on the walk of fame - the first a capella group ever to have that honor! 4 grammy nominations & 3 of those won!
@@beverlykrebs4372 - I want Matt to get one
It's also how they won their second Grammy.
@@femmy-syahrani Yeah, me too. That's what bothers me most about "Evergreen" losing out to Michael Bublé; it must be hard for Matt, being a member of a band with three Grammys, and not one of them his.
Ptx is known for the wall of sound and how they layer.
Scott Hoying - baritone, 5/6 octaves. Kirstin Maldonado - mezzo soprano with power, Mitch Grassi - natural countertenor , 6 octaves and a tone, Matt Sallee - lyric bass, drummer and Kevin Olusola - tenor, beatboxer, celloboxer, cellist. Avi Kaplan, who left in 2017, - classically trained basso profundo. I would like to suggest that you check out some of their earlier songs and then current ones to hear how they have matured and grown into their voices.
One thing to remember is that 3 members have a 5 octave range, I don't know about Kevin, because he doesn't sing that much (I do prefer his normal tenor voice to his falsetto, but what do I know), that leaves Mitch, our boy Mitch (Second singer) has at least a 6.5 octave, and probably more, but he refuses to let others know his true top or bottom note. Part of that is he's afraid he'll hurt his voice, which I can understand. There has only been one personal change that was in 2017, Avi Kaplan the bass singer left for various reasons, and Matt Salee came on board.
In order of appearance, Scott Hoying (baritone, covers bass when bass singer is solo-ing), Mitch Grassi (natural born counter tenor I believe his highest note is a B7, yes 7) Matt Salee, (bass but baritone is a second home) KIRstin, (notice the placement of the "I", or Kirsty rhymes with thirsty, Mezzo-Soprano, her super-power is her strong voice and belting abilit), Last but not least Kevin Olusola (the human 808, beatboxer extraordinaire, , Doctor, plays the sax, cello, (has been to Carnigee Hall with both instruments has ability to speak wile beatboxing without missing a beat, discovered by PTX because of his ability to Cello-box beatboxing while playing the cello. You wouldn't think the two went together, but when he starts you can't look away.
I watched a live feed with Mitch (the tenor) a couple of years back and he said that doing an arrangement generally only takes about an hour, simply because they've done it so many times. The five vocalists each work out their own parts, and then the sixth "member" of the group, Ben Bram, puts it all in the computer, cleans up the arrangement and usually acts as the producer when they get it into the studio. Mitch said that one of their favorite places to work on these arrangements is in the tour bus.
Scott (middle) is a baritone and has a wide range. Matt (white jacket) is the "official" bass of the group. When Matt is singing, Scott will carry the baseline for him.
The tall blond guy is Scott Hoying, Baritone; the girl is Kirsten Maldonado, Mezzo-Soprano; the guy with the hat is Mitch Grassi, Counter-Tenor; the new guy replacing Avi Kaplan, is Matt Sallee as Basso Profundo; and Kevin Olusola, Beatboxer, and Cellist beatboxer. Scott, Kirsten, and Mitch met in high school in Arlington, TX between Dallas, and Ft. Worth, TX. After graduation, they all went to different colleges as music majors. They got together to compete in "Sing-Off," but they needed 5 per group. The other two came along as references.
Those close harmonies you were talking about on that "keyless, fretless instrument" are something Pentatonix is known for. Kirstie and Mitch do that frequently, but you hear it with the others too. You're right, if it's not dead on, it would sound like garbage. They nail it, not only in the studio, but in live performances as well.
Their cover of The Prayer is so beautiful it leaves me in tears. They said it was the hardest arrangement they have done.
I absolutely love Pentatonix. They are amazing
But once you have expires that rabbit hole thoroughly you need take a deep dive into the a cappella group that won the following year. Home Free. They are just amazing.
Every time I get chills and/or tears in my eyes!
Pentatonix won season 3 of _"The Sing-Off,"_ which ran in 2011.
Kevin (the beatboxer) does add some of those bell tones you hear in the harmonies, even when he's also beatboxing.
Yes, between Kirstie, Mitch, and Kevin it can be hard to tell just who the high harmonies are coming from.
Names, from left to right:
Matt Sallee (pronounced Suh-lee', emphasis on the second syllable), lyric bass. His range extends through most of a normal tenor range!
Kirstin (also known as Kirstie, which rhymes with thirsty) Maldonado sings anywhere from a low alto through coloratura soprano, and she has gorgeous whistle notes on top of that.
Scott Hoying, lyric baritone. Scott's range begins somewhere in the middle of a normal bass range and extends through the entirety of a normal tenor range. When the bass has a solo Scott can and does take over the bass harmony line.
Mitch Grassi (pronounced Grah'-see, emphasis on the first syllable) natural contratenor. Mitch has a range of just over 6 octaves and switches seamlessly between chest voice, mixed voice, and head voice. All the other members of Pentatonix agree that Mitch has the best voice of any of them. I THINK Mitch is finally starting to believe them.
Kevin Olusola (pronounced Oh-loosh"-oh-luh', primary emphasis on the second syllable, secondary emphasis on the fourth syllable), beatboxer extraordinaire. Somewhere there may be a better beatboxer than Kevin, but if so I've never encountered him or her. Kevin is generally too busy being the entire percussion section to sing, but when he does sing he has a lovely tenor voice that occasionally dips into the uppermost reaches of baritone, and he's known for the beauty of his falsetto. He's also a pretty good rapper. Kevin has perfect pitch. He's classically trained on piano, saxophone, and cello. He beatboxes while playing the cello, a technique he calls "celloboxing." He performed at Carnegie Hall twice when he was a teenager, once on saxophone and once on cello. He has a pre-med degree from Yale and had been accepted to Yale Medical School before he decided to become a professional musician instead of a brilliant surgeon. He speaks five languages fluently: English, French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin Chinese. He's one of the kindest people in the world, and when he laughs he makes the whole planet seem like a brighter place.
More Pentatonix please. I recommend their Evolution of Michael Jackson, Imagine, or Bohemian Rhapsody. Oh or Hallelujah which is their most watched video at over 700 million views on CZcams.
Two to do that strips studio assets.
Gold - Avi is still with them. Just the 5 in a circle each with a mic so you can definitely hear what each is doing.
Evolution of Rhianna- With Matt. Just the 5 in a room doing a quick medley and just a couple of mics. Uncut They do a bunch of Evolution videos. They do 3 or 4 takes uncut and just publish the best one.
Btw, Scott, Mitch and Kirstie grew up together in Arlington, Texas performing in choir and theater productions.
Love both suggestions… all their Evolution of.. are superb, the Ariana Grande too
Great reaction and analysis...and, they ARE really tuned into each other. Also, they don't record any song that they can't sing live.
You should hear them LIVE in concert (or anywhere), so check out their "2016 PopSpring Concert" video which highlights their talent beautifully...it was sponsored by MTV, so the audio and video are terrific !! It only shows 4 of their own songs (15 minutes, but well worth it) !! There is a huge playlist of live performances.
I suggest that you take a look at the CZcams video “recording of Evergreen”. It is a behind-the-scenes view of the second of the two weeks that they took to record their Christmas album “Evergreen”. It really gives you an insight into how they create their sound.
my favorite thing about Pentatonix is that they are able to share the stage and really sing alongside each other :) each person gets a chance to shine.
thank you for highlighting that idea. big love from chicago ~
I'll try to summarize each band member as quickly as possible.
L-R:
Matt Sallee: the band's main bass singer, and yes the newest. He joined in late 2017 after the original bass singer Avi Kaplan left because the touring constant work took him away from family too much and he now has a solo career. Matt also has a nice baritone range and can beatbox and play drums
Kirstin Maldonardo: mezzo-soprano, but with a wide range. She has also released some solo stuff and been on Broadway
Scott Hoying: baritone, but with a very wide range. He covers the bass when Matt or Avi in the past sings lead - but can also sing tenor and has a powerful falsetto too. He's probably also the most versatile in terms of music styles: pop, rock, country, rap, he can pretty much sing it all. Scott has also released some solo stuff - very recently an EP. Also has released an album with the next band member in line - under the name Superfruit.
Mitch Grassi: counter tenor, again a very wide vocal range. also has solo stuff under the name Messer, and is the other half of Superfruit.
Kevin Olusola: beatboxer, tenor and cello player. As everyone else, he also has solo work - especially his cello-boxing - which is him playing cello and beatboxing at the same time.
While PTX is mainly acapella, we do see them use intruments from time to time: Kevin: cello, Matt: drums, Scott: piano.
and in the last few years they've started using more production and instruments on their tracks - but they're still mostly acapella.
Kirstie and Mitch have been together since age 8. Scott joined in high school. Those three go together amazingly. The other two were added later, but are no less amazing.
mitch and scott also have known each other since 10 y.o.
They won the Sing Off in 2011. Scott, Kirstin, and Mitch were in choir together at Martin High School in Arlington TX. It is a superb music program. They not only learned to sing but how music is structured. Those three formed a trio in high school. Avi and Kevin came in for the Sing Off as they had to have a minimum of five members. They had 24 hours practice before auditioning. It wasn't really a contest and the other contestants seemed to know this. Avi and Kevin jelled immediately to the group.
3:57 - Speaking of if you're off by just the slightest bit... This is very much what it is like playing the violin. If you are off by even an infinitesimal amount, it is *very* noticeable. So yes indeed, your point is very valid. And they pull this off beautifully, superbly, effortlessly. The harmonization, the dynamics, the phrasing, the arrangement, the quality of their singing voices, the skill they have... Just excellent.
Scott is typically the lead vocalist as a bari (with a crazy range). He covers the bass line when the bass vocalist (Matt) is singing lead. Mitch is a high tenor and Kirstin is a soprano. Kevin is the beat boxer but also sings tenor when they're doing 5 part harmony. They all know how to take the lead and shine as well as blending to support the other vocalists. I've followed this group since they competed on and won the 3rd season of the Sing Off (acapella vocal competition show). They found a level of success that other winners haven't because of their ability to create compelling arrangements and covers of current pop songs which they put on You Tube.
In this song they switch roles between singing lead and singing harmonies in a pretty straightforward manner, i.e. one singer one long verse. But their "Evolution of ..." videos take this to an insane level. Not to mention their "12 Days of Christmas" arrangement, they're just flexing at that point. The amount of control is crazy.
Guy on far left is Matt Sallee. He is the new bass, replacing Avi Kaplan. Scott Hoying is the baritone. However, he covers the bass notes when Matt takes lead.
I hope you do more PTX
Scott is a baritone but when the bass sings solo he fills in the background bass. Matt replaced Avi and he is a bass.
There are 5 voices the “beat boxer” also sings when not supporting/creating beat. He is a tenor in the mix.
You should go back and listen to this again. Notice that Scott is filling the bass line while Matt takes the lead. Scott did the same for Avi in Hallelujah. His range is incredible. They are remarkable and Ben does a great job of production.
i really enjoyed your analysis, very interesting perspective. one thing i love about pentatonix is how they all add something special of their own and can easily let the other shine; they have good chemistry and energy. i love their original work almost more than the covers. they do all genres of music and i've heard them sing in at least 5 languages. pick the music you like, even rap, and they probably do it.
Happy you enjoyed it!
I think of their style as dancing harmonies, weaving in and out of each other's singing.
I'm sure people said during the live but you are correct. Matt, on the far left, is the current bass who was added in 2017, when Avi left (the only member change). Scott, in the center, is a baritone with a monster range who covers the baseline when the bass takes a solo (true for both Avi and Matt).
Also, they won the 3rd season of The Sing-Off in 2011. The trio of Scott, Mitch and Kirstin - middle three - had been singing together from middle school on (8/10yrs old; they were 19 when on the show), Kevin and Avi were added specifically for the competition (22 and 21).
Pentatonix won season three of a show called The Sing Off. It is a acapella competition. Kirsty, Mitch, and Scott were 19 at the time.
I just subscribed to follow your dive into PTX. I would LOVE for you to react to their LIVE version of Aha. Specifically, this recording (by a fan) "Pentatonix - Aha! Singapore, The Star Vista." Mitch (Counter tenor) goes off the walls in this performance. I want to see your faces when you hear him. LOL. Thanks for an excellent reaction!
Loved your reaction and it is clear that you all in fact professionals!! Great and Informational!!
Thank you so much!
I've been to two of their concerts, the most recent a few weeks ago where I was in the front row. I've also seen pretty much any video existing on the internet of this group, lol! Mitch (the second one who sang) is the most consistent with what and how he sings. It usually sounds exactly like the recording, and it is angelic every time. Scott (the first soloist) sings something different every time almost. He is the riff and run KING, and he just goes with his spirit when he sings. Lately, he's been doing some insane stuff with his falsetto. I love Matt (bass), Kevin (beatboxer), and Kirstin as well. Oh, and in some of those chords, I think Kevin was also singing, so I think it was actually 5-part harmony.
I'd love love LOVE for you two to react to PTX's version of Silent Night. The song is recognizable and classic, recorded in a church (but off to the side, big stone space, no ceremony, just them clustered up sounding gorgeous), but they take the chords to places you'd never imagine, and do a counterpoint (I think that's what to call it) that is just breathtaking. I think you'd have a great time reacting to it. No need to wait for Christmas!
Great reaction! I’m obsessed with PTX
Just subbed because I loved your commentary and I learned a lot.
PTXs RECORDING EVERGREEN is a must see to watch how they divvy up the parts.
Simply amazing!! I’m here for more PTX 💕
I always especially love seeing different professionals react to that. I've seen producers and singers and everything in between react to it, and they always pick up so many different things!
Awesome, thank you!
Pentatonix is one of the few groups that I can say I was around to see their genesis before they blew up and honestly proud does not even begin to cover how they make me feel. I'm sure others have touched on it, but Johnny was right about them winning the show The Sing-Off, which was a show I'd watch from its very beginning. I'd love to see you guys react to some of their arrangements from the show, especially a song like Video Killed a Radio Star which I feel is another song arrangement they did that truly showcases their range (especially Scott's), and Dog Days Are Over (which shows off Mitch's). Thank you as always for the tremendous job you guys do in your analyses, cause as a musician and also fan of a lot of the artists you guys have been reacting to lately, it makes me feel SO happy. Much love!
Great reaction. Subbed for more PTX content. You are about to be inundated with information and requests. The best introduction to this remarkable group is to watch their 12 episode winning season of The Sing-Off. It's an amazing journey. Love witnessing the birth of new pentaholics. Welcome to our ranks!
I think you might like their cover of Gold by Kiiara. If you're not familiar with the original I'd suggest watching that first though to see the genius that is Pentatonix.
Excellent!
Crunchy - such a good description. Thanks for choosing Pentatonix. It’s so valuable to have knowledgeable commentary and analysis. I can’t quite tell how familiar you are with them because some of your details were exactly right. The next recommendations would have to be Hallelujah, their Daft Punk medley (first Grammy) and Bohemian Rhapsody so you can get an idea of their versatility. Other songs of note include Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Imagine (official video, please), ‘90s Dance Medley, The Prayer, Mad World and their brand-new original I Rise. Come Along is whimsical, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy won them their second Grammy, O Come All Ye Faithful is a different take on a Christmas classic, and Gold shows what they can do just sitting around in the studio. Honestly, any title you choose will be good. New subscriber in the hope that you will continue with PTX. Peace from Ohio …
Please...feel free to check out PTX's other works. Their Christmas music is unforgettable. Try "Mary Did You Know". Also, I suggest you check out Dimash Kudaibergen. Start with his rendition of SOS, from a 1970's rock opera, Starmania. Then follow his performances chronologically to see how he just gets better and better. Another artist worth mentioning is Cakra Khan. Check out his rendition of "Tennessee Whiskey", "Iris" (orchestral version) by the Goo Goo Dolls and "Monster" by James Blunt.
Eure Kommentare sind unglaublich kompetent und bringen mir viel Spaß. Pentatonix höre ich schon seit einigen Jahren und jeder !!!! Song ist ein absoluter Hörgenuss - egal ob BOHEMIAN RHAPSODIE oder HALLELUJA, hört einfach mal rein.
Aber ich hätte noch einen riesigen Wunsch...... bewertet doch einmal das absolute Ausnahmetalent Dimash Kudaibergen, für mich das größte Stimmwunder aller Zeiten.
Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland
Thank you SO MUCH for reacting to PTX!! This is my first time visiting your channel. You mentioned that you were aware of their talent and vocal skills. I certainly hope you'll go further down the PTX rabbit hole! They have so many songs (covers and originals) and different genres to listen to. As for how they create and work together, I suggest you check out "Pentatonix - The Recording of Evergreen", BUT I suggest you watch (and hopefully react to) their upgrade of "The Prayer" first, as part of it is included in The Recording of Evergreen. I'll check back for more PTX reactions from you both!
Great reaction. I think you would really enjoy reacting to their cover of The Prayer.
I am interested in your channel because of your analysis of the performance. Welcome aboard🎉. I would love to see a reaction to Kevin's 5th. He is the beatbox er but he also plays the cello and does his own completions that integrate both talents
oh yes please!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Thank God we're listening to something else but Rap. This genre around long time but I'm enjoying everything I am see8ng and hearing. This is great. Been keeping up with them 3 yrs at l3adt. Home Free another big talent also.
Sorry about typos...early here
And did you catch where the bass threw the melody back to the group for a bar or two in the middle of "his" verse? The arranging, like the talent, is incredible?
I've heard your post commentary described as "getting out of each others' way." Agreed. They are masters of that! I think it really helped that 3 of them were such good friends as they formed the group but the unselfishness always shines through...
Great reaction! I hope to see more of Pentatonix!
I enjoyed watching your reaction and analysis for this beautiful Pentatonix video. Thank you. I look forward to more of your Pentatonix reactions.
Kudos! I've heard a lot of reactions to this performance, but nobody has ever noticed (much less analyzed) those delicious crunchy dissonant harmonies at key moments in the song. For me, those are the best moments in the performance. The bass is Matt (left), Scott does bass backing when Matt is singing lead but is really a baritone. Mitch is a countertenor, full on. Kirstie is a mezzo, mostly overlapping with Mitch in range. Kevin when he sings mostly does head voice alto range; not sure what his chest voice range is.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE that augmented transition...feels like an A# accidental. The suspense it creates is impressive to say the least.
Thanks to S&G for writing and recording this classic over 50 years ago, allowing PTX, Disturbed and others to re-interpret the impact of the lyrics over time......to me a capella harmonies are the purest form of musical expression........
I would love to hear you analyze their version of Hallelujah.
There are two guys that sing bass, but not at the same time. The guy on the far left,the third singer (Matt) is their bass, but when he takes lead line, Scott, the first guy who is the baritone, takes over bass line.
Pentatonix
They won The Sing Off in 2011. They made a guest starring appearance on America′s Got Talent as non−competitors a couple of years after that.
The founding members are:-
Scott Hoying (tall blond guy, natural baritone but has an impressive five−to−six octave range, can go all the way up to high tenor and down to bass, sings the bass lines when the usual bass singer takes the lead);
Kirstin "Kirstie" (Rhymes with "Thirsty") Maldonado (the only female member, natural mezzo soprano, but can go down to low alto and as high as upper soprano, also can sing in whistle notes that are off the scale); For a time in 2018 between the group’s tours, had the female lead on Broadway in the production of “Kinky Boots”.
Mitch Grassi (a true contra−tenor, can hit high notes in his chest voice with ease and go WAY higher in his falsetto, also with ease);
Avriel "Avi" Kaplan (dark beard and long hair), true basso profundo, trained as an opera singer, also can go up into the tenor range; and
Kevin "KO" Olusola (beatboxer extraordinaire, also is a world−class cellist who plays cello on some of their songs, has a beautiful high tenor voice and gets occasional lead vocal solos as well, graduated pre−med from Yale and speaks several languages including Mandarin Chinese).
Kirstie, Scott & Mitch grew up together in Arlington, Texas, and began performing together as children in local youth musical theater. They ended up in high school together and performed in the choir. While there, they formed an a cappella group called The Trio which had several performance videos go viral on CZcams, most notably a cover of Lady Gaga′s "Telephone". The three of them are best friends and consider themselves to be almost siblings.
Scott & Kirstie (who were a class year ahead of Mitch) both graduated high school in 2010 and went their separate ways to different colleges, Scott at USC and Kirstie at Oklahoma.
While at USC, Scott joined a USC−based a cappella group called the SoCal VoCals, where he met alumnus Ben Bram, who was now an arranger and vocal coach for the NBC TV show The Sing Off, an a cappella competition show. Ben convinced Scott to get The Trio to audition for the show. The three reunited (Mitch had to skip high school graduation ceremonies to go) in Los Angeles for the audition.
They found out that the rules had changed, so they needed at least five members to audition. Ben put them together with Avi (a native of Visalia, California), who he knew from Avi′s performing days at Mount San Antonio College in California. They found Kevin (from Kentucky) through one of his CZcams videos that had gone viral featuring him playing the cello and beatboxing at the same time, a talent that Kevin coined as "Cello−Boxing".
Kevin arrived in Los Angeles literally the day before the audition! Scott came up with the name "Pentatonix" after the pentatonic scale. They performed a re−arrangement of "The Telephone" for the audition and passed, despite having been together as a five−piece group for less that 24 hours!
They won The Sing Off that season (all of the performances are available on CZcams), in which they received a substantial cash prize AND a record contract with Epic Records. They pooled their prize winnings together and all moved to Los Angeles, and all got apartments right next door to each other in the same building.
But just a week later, Epic dropped them because the marketing people didn′t think an a cappella group could sell records.
Instead of giving up, they were determined and began recording their own songs on CZcams, hiring Ben Bram as their producer and arranger. These usually consisted of the five of them sitting on a couch and performing cover songs live.
Several of the videos went viral, and Sony (the parent company of Epic) decided to give them another chance by placing them on one of their smaller labels, Madison Gate. They released two secular EPs and one Christmas EP on Madison Gate, all of which were strong sellers.
But when their cove r of a medley of songs by Daft Punk not only went super−viral, but also won them their first Grammy, they were promoted all the way up to RCA Records, Sony′s top label.
They began writing and producing their own songs in addition to their covers, began putting out a Christmas album just about annually (which has become their best−selling genre), and have had multi−platinum album sales, sold−out world tours, and have won two additional Grammys.
Avi began getting burned out with all of the touring and heavy recording schedule, was suffering from anxiety and personal problems, and learned that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017. He announced he was departing from the group and taking some time away from the music industry.
Matt Sallee (from Baltimore) joined them in September 2017. He did only become official when they renewed their RCA contract in February 2018, but he recorded with them in September as a featured artist and went on their Christmas tour as a featured artist, as well. When he attended the audition for the group, he had already mastered the Bass part for most if not all their past catalogue. He was successful and has proved that he fits in well with the group.
If you think there have been other changes to the line up - look again. This is the ONLY change. Kirstie and Mitch are like chameleons and change looks frequently.
After a year away from music, Avi has now returned as a phenomenal solo artist in the Folk/Americana/Roots genre.
Ben Bram has been in charge of their production, including arranging and directing from the beginning. He is often referred to as the sixth member. Scott and Kevin are major players in the arrangements, but every member contributes. A good watch is "The Recording of Evergreen" where a camera was invited into the studio for the second week of recording/
Also, all members are songwriters for both Pentatonix and their own solo work.
Ed Boyer who mixes everything of theirs (even the HWB Livestream) is the one who pulled Ben Bram into the sing off in the first place.
They have Grammy wins for Daft Punk Medley, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Jolene featuring Dolly Parton. They were nominated for a 4th Grammy for their album Evergreen, but didn't win.
Kirstie became a new mum which caused a pause in touring after their Evergreen Christmas tour 2021. Mid March 2023 Kirstie has announced that she is engaged to Ben Hausdorff, their videographer. No dates YET!
They have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame installed in February 2023. They are the only a capella group with a star!
They came 3rd in the 2023 Masked Singer performing as "California Rolls" being unmasked in May 23.
Things you need to know because if you get these wrong Pentaholics will come after you with pitch forks and torches! Ha Ha!!
1- There is NO Auto-Tune; what you hear is actually what they sing. They really are that good. One exception is the 90's Dance Medley where Cher used autotune as an effect - so they had to.
2- What produces everything that you hear in the video, you see in the official video. If there is an instrument used in the music, you see it on screen. In the 2022 Christmas album, there are some instruments not featured throughout the album.
3- They never release something on video they can’t reproduce with the exact same quality live on-stage.
One of their covers I'm obsessed with is "My Heart With You" by the Rescues. They sing it in five part harmony -- no beatboxing. Kevin actually sings it all the way through. you can hear every one of their voices and the rich chords they choose. It's worth a reaction as it's from a live concert too, so no studio polishing. czcams.com/video/fcSkFppAFms/video.htmlfeature=shared
I got to hear it, OFF MIKE, last Thursday in Houston...you could hear a pin drop and it was unbelievable
That is the most powerful rendition of "The Sound of Silence" I have ever heard!! Fantastic ... You guise are great!
You should check out their version of Hallelujah and Daft Punk, it'll change your life. But after the PTX love, if you're going to do acapella then you must check out Voice Play and Home Free. The bass in both groups are very special, as are all the members. Try 7 Nation Army by Voice Play and Man of Constant Sorrow with Home Free. They both arrange their own songs, lots to react to and analyze, plus it's always alot of fun watching new folks find them. Enjoy!
I LOVE this reaction - you’ve given me a completely new angle on a song I’ve heard thousands of times. Thank you!
I hope you do more PTX reactions!
Thanks so much!!
I just saw them live and this song sounds JUST LIKE THIS LIVE!
So, matt, he’s the newest member and he’s the bass, he’s also loved pentatonix forever. Kirstin, she’s the mezzo soprano. Scott, he’s the baritone. Mitch, he’s a tenor but he can sing really high. Kevin, he’s the beatboxer/percussionist, but he’s also a tenor when he sings. I love them. Also I suggest that you have a look at hallelujah, seasons of love, I rise(their newest song) or creep. Any of their songs really. They all are amazing.
They won a show called The Sing-off. It was a competition made up of acapella groups. Dig deeper into their incredible library of songs!
Love Pentatonix since they entered the music scene! Kristin, Mitch, and Scott are original members! I still have my original Simon & Garfunkel vinyl with this song! You must watch Disturb’s 2015 original black and white video of it. It’s considered the best cover of it! Paul Simon personally contacted the band and let them know they now own the song. Disturbed is known as a heavy metal band, but write and do covers that aren’t metal. You’ll find the lead singer, in his youth David Draiman, was a trained Jewish Canter, as his father and grandfather before him. You find his voice and interpretation of the song mind blowing.
Yes, definitely Hallelujah because at that time he was still in the group Avi. That's the best voice I've ever heard❤❤❤❤❤
Avi😢
Yep, Pentatonix was the winner of Season 3 of The Sing Off. And the three in the middle (Kirstie, Scott and Mitch) have been singing together since they were kids, so yeah, they've got an insanely good rapport with each other musically.
from left to right-- Matt is the bass, Kirsti is the mezzo/alto, Scott is the baritone, Mitch is the counter tenor, Kevin is the percussionist/cellist.
This was a fun reaction-Thanks! Scott has an insane range. Technically a baritone but he can go stupid high and he covers the bass when they’re soloing. You can see it clearly in their cover of Hallelujah-the live version- czcams.com/video/haFHrfmfHbc/video.htmlsi=sOz_I_bgmLkEeFnv
You MUST check out "Love Again" and "Natural Disaster" by these guys. They are their own songs and they are perfect. Hallelujah will have you jaw dropped, Daft Punk melody will make your head spin and Bohemian Rhapsody will touch your soul
and a not Pentatonix one, Jinjer - Pisces...I didn't believe it.
aaaand Disturbed - The Sound Of Silence
I just saw them in Atlanta 2 weeks ago and it was mind blowing.
Scott, tall blond, is the group's baritone. Kevin, black guy on right, is the group's vocal percussionist and a fantastic singer himself. Matt, the black guy on the left, is the bass and took Avi Kaplan's place in 2017. The trio in the middle are the three best friends responsible for Pentatonix becoming a thing. They are Kirsti, Scott, and Mitch.
Kirstie, Mitch and Scott went to school together- and have been singing since they were teenagers-
pentatonix playlist evergreen rehearsal.. You need to watch how they did 14 tracks in 2 weeks. This is so cool to see how they work together
Would love to see you react to another acapella group called VoicePlay. They are independent so they do all of their arrangements and everything themselves. They are amazing!
I love this cover. it's on my playlist, but so is the original by S&G
There is a behind the scenes for their Evergreen album. Most reactors can't really tell what is happening while they are arranging "Over the River" but I know you would be able to and to explain it to your audience. They try out five or six different ways and it is so incredible to see the trio of Kirstin, Scott and Mitch working together. It is like they have a hive mind.
You may enjoy watching them sing 'Gold'. It's just some friends sitting on a couch singing live and doing an amazing job.
If you get the chance watch their evergreen experience where they let you see behind the scenes them creating and devising parts they make. Pretty cool.
Their Hallelujah is still the best version I’ve ever heard!
So, so great watching you analyse the arrangement! Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to hear your next one. Much love from South Africa!
Avi Caplin used to be in pentatonix and he’s an amazing bass. You should check out his solo stuff ❤
They were the winners of the Sing-Off... their names are Scott (baritone), Kirsty, MItch (tenor), Kevin (percussion), and Matt (bass)
They won season 3 of The Sing-Off in 2011, a televised a capella singing contest. Ben Folds, Shawn Stockman from Boyz II Men, and Sara Bareilles were the judges
Very informative reaction. Yes Matt on the far left in this one has been the PTX bass since 2017 (he took over from Avi Kaplan who has a fab solo career now. When Matt sings a solo (and when Avi did before him), Scott (tall, blonde, baritone) takes over the bass line. Scott has incredible range - over five octaves - as they all do. Matt is their bass but he can also sing really high when needed. Scott and Matt cover for each other and Kirstie (mezzo soprano) and Mitch (counter tenor) cover for each other. Kevin, their beatboxer, sings in about 10 per cent of the their songs and he also has a beautiful high tenor voice.
Subscribed for more Pentatonix!!! I hope you check out their version of The Prayer and also Daft Punk!!!!
I love that you pointed out the "crunchy" chords in their arrangement. This song evokes NYC for me and I think those chords sound like traffic sounds - horns honking, subway train air rush, bus brake exhaust, all happening at once. They add so much to the mood of the piece.
I hope you react to more of their work. Their Christmas songs are divine. "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" has no words and won them a Grammy.
When Matt, the group bass (in the white jacket) sings lead, Scott, the first singer takes the bass......and yes, they won the "Sing Off" back in about 2011..............
You may be interested in reacting to La Poem. They are a korean crossover group, have an operatic sound. Kinda remind me of Forestella, but more classic in a way.
Their cover of "Rolling in the Deep" is good, as well as "I will be a bird and fly", "Jokes on You"
Their original songs are also gorgeous, "Anchor", "The War", " The Fire".
There is a video "La Poem Killing Voice", it's a live session there they sang parts of their songs and covers they did.
Scott is the baritone but sings the bass line when the bass sings. Scott has a 5-6 octave range.
Give Voiceplay a listen! Great Acapella stuff and my personal favorite bass singer of the groups
They won the "Sing Off" vocal contest
scott hoying- the middle guy- is a baritone but often takes the bass parts- Matt Salee- the bass- replaced Avi Kaplan in 2017 who left amicably to explore his own music- Kirstie is a second soprano- Mitch (with the.mullet) often take the soprano parts- and Kevin beatboxes, Cello-boxes because he's an amazing cellist as well and often takes tenor parts- they are phenomenal. I've seen them perform live now three times and just as good, of not better, live!