I ALWAYS love the Mitch slap when people first hear Mitch Grassi's voice (the guy in the hat). Mitch is a countertenor... his vocal range is crazy big and he can sing all the way into the soprano. He has the voice of an angel!
Actually Mitch isn't a tenor. I know we're conditioned to the idea that adult males are either tenor or bass, but Mitch is the ULTRA rare adult male alto. The man doing the reaction refers to him as a 'tenor altino', but if you listen to Mitch's natural speaking voice the timber is clearly alto. He can stretch 'down' into the mid-tenor range, but he can 'full voice' all the way to top of alto and range well up into the soprano range without going 'full head' and easily without having to 'dip' falsetto. Damn near unique honestly. Avi is also quite rare being a 'basso profundo', but not quite the 'near unicorn' of Mitch. The fact they have both of them and world class vocalists in their own right in Kirsti and Scott both having wide range with great breath and tone control. Kevin is just a beat-boxing god as well as an incredible instrumentalist (obviously doesn't do that with Pentatonix) and can sing with a light but pleasant tenor. The fact they assembled this collection of talent and skill into a single group? Historic.
I'm a 73 year old pensioner and have just come across your videos. I love the expression on your face when a song or singer amazes you. Just subscribed....I hope I'm not too old
Too old??? There's a couple of sisters your age that I seek out in church. With my deep voice it sounds awesome with them turning with smiles to match mine. There's no age limit for a party!
@@elainedefoor8599 65 here! And I'm finding that music becomes even more meaningful the older I get. Maybe it's just when you've gained more life experience you've got more to draw from to find a connection to most any lyric? Whatever, I don't care WHY, just IS.
@@faith.s_mom Music is the only True magic. It can bend me, shape me, any way it wants to. At All ages I've been. And I am a bunch older than those lyrics I ripped and changed. Little older than Mary.
I live for "real" first time Pentatonix reactions. When you see someone experience the amazing talent of this group for the first time, it is so rewarding.
Pentatonix is not an a capella group, they are THE a capella group that has redefined a capella for the whole music industry! Welcome down the rabbit hole! Their catalog of 10 years is wide & deep!
Perfectly stated! I think that they are probably in the top five artists to come out of the tv singing competition shows in terms of overall success (not being overly familiar with all of them), alongside Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson, and the only non-American Idol contestants on the list. I remember when they got their first Grammy nomination, Entertainment Weekly had an article headlined, “Grammy nods: The Sing-Off: 1, The Voice: 0.” And that was after TSO was canceled by NBC.
"There's something about her voice...can't put my finger on it." I've always thought Kristie's voice is like the perfect mix of pop, choral and gospel.
Wait til you find out that Kevin invented "Cello-boxing" featured in the "Radioactive" collaboration with Lindsey Stirling. If you like this kind of arrangement, "Mary Did You Know?" was fantastic. Among acapella groups, Pentatonix and Home Free are typically regarded as the best of the larger genre.
@@gregbolin651 Tenor altino is a term for a tenor who can sing in the treble range without falsetto. It’s a synonym for countertenor. Maybe you should try looking things up before you accuse someone else of being ignorant.
@@cockathiel5319 I’ll concede if you can define “falsetto” without referencing what it’s NOT. While we’re at it, define “treble” range without using “notes covered by the treble clef”, which are used be regular old tenors on a daily basis. And if there’s already a ‘synonym’ that’s been in use for centuries, why make up another term?
@@gregbolin651 - Falsetto is defined by where in the body the primary resonance occurs. Mitch can get quite high without leaving "chest voice" - but then he has some really high notes once he leaves his chest-resonance voice behind. Kirstie can do that too.
The first guy is Scott Hoying (baritone). His voice is soulful. The second guy (beard and beanie) is Avi Kaplan (pronounced Aahh vee) and his tone sounds different perhaps because he is typically the bass. His voice is full of emotion and warmth and he has an amazing range. Next is Kirstie Maldonado mezzo soprano and her voice is light and angelic. Mitch Grassi (in the hat) is the countertenor. His voice quality is so beautiful and unique. Guaranteed to blow your socks off. Last but definitely not least is the beat boxer extraordinaire and also a tenor Kevin Olusola. Probably the most talented of all. Thanks for your reaction. I hope you will check out Daft Punk (their first Grammy win), Imagine and Bohemian Rhapsody. The PTX fans(Pentaholics) are the best and they will support you on your journey.
When fans are so supportive of new people discovering their long time passion, you know it's the artists worth following, and the communities worth joining.
The main motto of doing reaction vids is not just making wonderful comments bout song etc etc...This guy, literally showing all the wonderful things that ptx perform, not just about vocals and music like harmonies and vocal qualities, but also filmo-photography and ton of things. Amazing reactions, and very informative! Keep it up bro!!
I'm not here to pick a fight, and there's no doubt that this version is incredible, but I'm pretty sure he said the same thing about the K.D.Lang version. Perhaps he heard K D before PTX?
You can't compare a solo artist from a group. Different textures, very different feel. Kd langs is one of my favorites to be sure, but with a group the sound is richer because there's chords in voices, it's like a single speaker over double speaker sound. And we forget one of the best artists who covered this before ptx or kd. Jeff Buckley. Rip. But Cohen did say the ptx version was the best
This is probably my favorite song by Pentatonix, with “Mary, Did You Know?”, “Imagine” and “Sound of Silence” tied for second! The last one was done after Avi (their bass) left the group and was replaced by Matt, who doesn’t have quite the resonance of Avi but has a lovely voice nonetheless. Thanks for the reaction!
I have agreed with everything you said, and according to the views on this video a lot of other people feel the same way. And I love all the other songs you mentioned also. 👍
1) Do you know why Avi left? Did he think he’d have a better career solo? i never understand when group members do this. It often doesn’t work, and even when it does (Sting), it usually destroys something more precious. 2) What do you think of their duet (sextet?) with Dolly?
@RLucas3000 Not really, he mostly left because the lifestyle of constant touring and performing wasn't what he really wanted anymore. He wanted to slow down, settle down, and spend more time with family, which he couldn't do touring all the time. He made the decision best for him, and i believe they're all on good terms still
I appreciated your light bath comment. I learn something new every day. With the sun behind them, they almost looked angelic. Just like their voices. Excellent commentary.
Kevin Olusola is also the most gifted beat boxer on the planet who can also sing and play cello. You'll be even more amazed if you watch their video of "Bohemian Rhapsody."
he is 100% not the most gifted beatboxer on the planet. He might be the best in an acapella group but there are dozens of better beatboxers. -MB14 -Reeps One -KRNFX -Tom Thum -Dharni -Peponi Just to name a few. Check them out of you want your mind truly blown by what the human voice in capable of. Kevins great but he's the Lars Ulrich of beatboxers.
If you're anything like the rest of us Pentaholics you're going to go back and listen to this a half-dozen times. Maybe a full dozen. Almost everything they get their hands on is amazing but this one is their showcase IMHO.
@@ChurchNietzsche It is! Very dope. But I've heard everybody and their uncle do that one so much I was pretty tired of it, good or bad. I'll admit it's one of the best versions out there, but it's one out of thousands.
@@Blue-rl5dp it does get covered a lot, I'll give you that. ... But theirs is possibly the best. I liked when Disturbed covered it, but I loved when Pentatonix did it.
@@ChurchNietzsche I will always have a soft spot for the original, which came out when I was an impressionable teenager, lol. But yes, Pentatonix does do it best and I really liked the power Disturbed gave it.
I love Pentatonix!!! 😍❤️😍❤️ And I don't care if they're 'college Acapella'. They're the 'bees knees' in my opinion. A capella is one of my favorites. Gives me chills every time I hear A cappella.
I see this made you feel the same way we all feel when we heard it the first time. I’d be surprised if u didn’t get goosebumps lol. The type of song that just makes you smile. Great job friend
Every song they do makes me say "Dayum, whose idea was that?" They don't have a genre. They've done every style of music. The voices are perfect together. I'm always happy after I listen to them.
This is an amazing cover of this song, and all credit due to these amazing vocalists, but I so rarely see the original musician who actually wrote this song get credit for spawning the original masterpiece, so I also want to spread some love for the late great Leonard Cohen.
You mentioned Mitch doing a vocal flip and switching octaves. For more vocal acrobatics from Mitch I'd recommend Gold. He makes it seem so easy. This is a laid back performance but is live and is one of my favourite videos of theirs.
I always love watching first time PTX reactors, especially when it's to this song. 99% of the time we get the "Mitch face" (hat boy) when he starts his verse and you didn't disappoint haha. If ever in doubt that the tight harmonies and singing are studio produced, you can watch them perform this song on RU-vid from their TV Christmas special a few years back. I've seen them 3 times in concert and will definitely see them again when tours are allowed once more. You mentioned hearing the girl (Kirstin) more...I suggest Shallow (cover) or Be My Eyes (original). Other staples to react to I've seen in other comments, Daft Punk, Bohemian Rhapsody, etc. Looking forward to seeing more of your PTX reactions.
They are not a college acapella group-- they are a professional acapella group with a huge following, several albums, and they won an acapella competition. Avi, the second singer left the group. The first singer, Kirsten, and Mitch started the group -- she and Mitch met in high school choir.
Confusion about them being a college group may be in part due to them guest starring on a tv series as a college song group involved in a murder mystery. Just can't remember the name of the show at the moment...
I don't think he meant it like that. Pentatonix pulls a lot of from college acapella arrangements, particularly the smaller group style arrangements. They aren't amateur in terms of the record business though.
Pentatonix (abbreviated PTX), a 3 time Grammy award winning American a cappella group from Arlington, Texas, consisting of vocalists Scott Hoying (baritone), Mitch Grassi (tenor), Kirstin Maldonado (mezzo-soprano), Kevin Olusola (vocal percussion), and Matt Sallee (bass). Avi Kaplan, the original bass of the group (he was the second singer in the video you just watched) left in 2017 and was replaced by Matt. Characterized by their pop-style arrangements with vocal harmonies, basslines, riffing, percussion, and beatboxing, they produce cover versions of modern pop works or Christmas songs, sometimes in the form of medleys, along with original material. Pentatonix formed in 2011 and subsequently won the third season of NBC's The Sing-Off, receiving $200,000 and a recording contract with Sony Music. When Sony's Epic Records dropped the group after The Sing-Off, the group formed its RU-vid channel, distributing its music through Madison Gate Records, a label owned by Sony Pictures.[3][4][5] Their RU-vid channel currently has over 18 million subscribers and 5 billion views. The group's video tribute to Daft Punk had received more than 347 million views as of April 6, 2021. They are considered the best a cappella group in the world with their innovation and sound....
Exactly. And they can reproduce any of their recordings just as well live on stage with no effects. Though Kevin, the percussionist, sometimes also plays cello, which he calls cello-boxing. Also has a great clear tenor voice.
Thanks,I live in Texas, hopefully I will be able to hear them live when COVID calms down and life outside our home continues. I’m having serious withdrawals from live music.
@@id10tsyndrome Heard a knowledgeable reactor the other day classify him as "altino", which actually is a thing in opera. (tenor contraltino, reaches C5 without falsetto) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenore_contraltino
The lens flare around Mitch's hat occurs when he sings, "God above." Good timing. Also, when he sings "see at night," the sun disappears behind his hat again.
I laughed at this because I feel like maybe you don’t watch Lboyd much. He was very animated in this and visibly excited. I’d say he very much noticed the soul, but he’s very professional in pointing out the many small details people admire in groups.
If you go on a pentatonix journey, ill click as fast on these as I do on Harry Mack. This is my favorite musical group of all time. Their talent is immense and they are incredibly humble.
Welcome to another rabbit hole. The pentaholics are an extremely strong fan base. You should definitely check out their beginning on The Sing-Off. They will continuously blow your mind.
This group is brilliant and became well known after winning a singing competition. Kevin, the beat boxer who plays the cello as well is from my hometown and is one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Hey there I love music but have zero knowledge about anything on how or why it's produced , loved , or unloved . this is the first video I have ever seen stopping segmants and teaching us what to look for and educating us on each performers voice . I would not listen to anyone who is saying stop pausing the song . Good lord I have listened to that video easily 200 + times , usually I am in tears when it ends , so why would I want to simply hear it again . no need . but you did a great job . I love your passion for music and appreciate you channel very much .M
Such a good reactor. The videos have no nonsense. I listen to songs i wouldnt have otherwise heard before. I learn something new EVERY time i watch a video. I genuinely feel bad for anyone who has not discovered this channel yet. Youre great at what you do, keep it up man. I wish you success.
Welcome to the rabbit hole. If you react to it we will come. #Pentaholic If you want more Kirstie, she slays the lead vocal in their cover of Say Something (A Great Big World + Christina Aguilera). She also has killer solos in Amazing Grace and Sound of Silence.
She sounds Beautiful in "Say Something"! She has a Gorgeous voice! Well.....they All do! Sound of Silence is wonderful! Bohemian Rhapsody is another one of theirs that is Great!
Pentatonix won the third season of The Sing-Off when the three youngest were 19 years old. Saw them live 12 years ago in Chicago & they were AMAZING!!!
Welcome to the PTX rabbit hole! If this gave you goosebumps make sure to check out their covers of Amazing Grace, Mary Did You Know, Sounds of Silence and Bohemian Rhapsody!
Oh man! Sir! Lol... you have to react to more PTX. They have amazing covers and originals in so many different musical styles. They are sophisticated, energetic, talented, fun... enjoy the ride. 🤗
NOT a college a capella group. Pentatonix is THE a capella group. You've just found the very top of the genre. And Mitch, the one with the hat, is a counter tenor. He has an amazing range from low to extremely high and even whistle notes, but he is a counter tenor.
Pentatonix is a three time Grammy Award winning group. Scott Hoying the first one is a baritone with a wide vocal range. 2nd was Avi Kaplan the bass.(when he is singing Scott covers the bass) 3rd was Kirstin (Kirstie) Maldonado a mezzo-soprano. 4th Mitch Grassi, a counter tenor with a very high range and amazing technical control of his voice. Then of course is Kevin Olusola, the absolutely amazing beatboxer, also a tenor. The only change in the group was when Avi left the group amicably in 2017. Matt Sallee replaced him. Note Mitch and Kirstie change their looks often, but you can never mistake their voices. I hope you do many more reactions to pentatonix, so their many fans (Pentaholics) can enjoy them with you.
I have just read all of the comments to date. I notice that several people have recommended Daft Punk, their first Grammy win. I did not see a recommendation for their second Grammy win, "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy", in the same category, Best Arrangement - Instrumental or a Capella. "Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy", as you probable already know, is a piece written for the Nutcracker Ballet and is all orchestral instruments and no vocals. Pentatonix covers this with all vocals, no instruments. Simply amazing. I stumbled onto this reaction video by accident and found your reaction and analysis extremely informative and interesting. I am a Pentatonix fan and I hope you will keep reacting to their music. I have subscribed and look forward to more PTX. Keep up the good work.
TY! For being affected by this song as it’s most beautiful, this is our song we need for our unity as as loving peaceful society as warm blooded, loving humans. Great job sharing again, TY ❤
I remember when I first saw and heard them ( about 8 or 9 years ago). I thought to myself that they were going to do big things, and sure enough they did.
They have such a wide range of music out there from covers to their own original music. Amazing Grace is well, amazing. They have also just released an original album which is a slightly different sound. Also check out their cover of Sound of Silence.
One of the best a capella groups in the world, with a wide range of styles & song types. They have some great originals, but they are also amazing arrangers of other people's music.
And yet Mitch can also sing Bass too .... they are ALL extremely talented, especially the newer member of the group (sorry, I stink at names). They have won Grammys. Sang with Dolly Parton (Jolene) where both won Grammys for that.
I was really impressed with how you nailed every aspect of their voices. Avi, their bass who was the second guy that sang, had some classical training & is currently singing folk. You have GOT to hear his "Change On The Rise", Avi Kaplan. Check it out!
Not college a capella. PTX has been around for 10 years, won 3 Grammys, gave numerous albums out, do covers and most recently The Lucky Ones which is all original music! And to hear Kirstie soar, check out Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone!
