The percussion in this video was all their beatboxer, Kevin Olusola, the guy at the far right who didn't actually sing (in *this* video - he does sometimes). Members of Pentatonix, as currently constituted (one original member has left, but that was before this video): First soloist in this video, tall blonde guy: Scott Hoying, lyric baritone. His range extends from well into the bass to well into the tenor. Whenever the bass has a solo, Scott covers the underlying bass harmonies. Second soloist, guy to the right (our right, Scott's left) of Scott: Mitch Grassi, counter tenor. Mitch has a range of 6 octaves plus one note, not counting his whistle notes. His voice is frequently described as "angelic." It has also been described as "a once in a generation voice." Third soloist, black guy in a white jacket at the left end of the line: Matt Sallee (pronounced suh-lee', emphasis on the second syllable), lyric bass. His voice extends well into the baritone range. Fourth soloist, the only woman in Pentatonix: Kirstin Maldonado, also known as Kirstie (rhymes with thirsty), mezzo soprano, and yet there is a genuine dispute about whether she or Mitch can sing higher. I suspect it varies from one day to the next. Final member of Pentatonix, black guy at the right end of the line who was beatboxing: Kevin Olusola (the "s" is pronounced like an "sh"), probably (in my admittedly unqualified opinion) the finest beatboxer on the planet, and another lyric baritone, but his range doesn't extend downward into the bass, instead it goes up even higher into the tenor range. Kevin also plays both cello and saxophone and has perfected a technique he calls celloboxing, which is, of course, beatboxing while playing the cello. He graduated from Yale pre-med before he decided on a career in music instead, and he speaks 5 languages, including Mandarin. Both Kirstin and Mitch tend to change their appearance frequently - different hair styles and colors for both of them, Kirsten's figure is now more mature than in their early years, and Mitch's weight tends to be variable - so people frequently think they see someone new in Pentatonix when it's really Kirstin or Mitch. The only other member whom you'll see in their earlier videos is a guy with a beard, frequently described as looking like Jesus. That's Avi (pronounced ah'-vee) Kaplan. Avi is another lyric bass, but his lowest notes are true basso profundo - he's been known to blow speakers in live performances. His range extends well into the baitone. Avi had to leave the group in 2017 due to illness in his family and was eventually replaced with Matt, however Avi has gone on to have a very successful solo career and has formed another singing group (not an a cappella group) named "Avriel and the Sequoias." You can't go wrong checking out his RU-vid channel; just search on "Avi Kaplan."
Thank you Margaret !! I love the information so I can learn more as I watch this group. As I said on another post I’m surprised I like this so much. Uber talented!!! I will reacting to more of these for sure
@@Anothercoverlover62 I have a few suggestions, but anything you select from their RU-vid channel will be wonderful. Nevertheless, here are my suggestions. _Daft Punk Medley_ Published in 2014, during their lean years (we can go more into that at another time). They recorded it in a closet, for the acoustics, filmed it in the kitchen, edited it at the kitchen table, and it had a budget of $400, most of which went for makeup, one ring light, and the editing software. (I *suspect* that they may have skipped a few meals to come up with the $400, but that's speculative.) Then it won them their first Grammy, in 2015. _Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy_ won them their second Grammy, in 2016. Both of these first two Grammys were for "Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella." Previously there was no category for A Cappella, just "Best Arrangement Instrumental." NARAL changed their categories because they needed a way to award a Grammy to Pentatonix! _Jolene,_ their third Grammy winner, in 2017. They shared this one with Dolly Parton, who sang it with them at the age of 71. The Grammy was for "Best Country Duo/Group Performance." _Hallelujah_ This is a good one for hearing Mitch's high range. It's also one of the best renditions of Leonard Cohen's masterpiece available. _Imagine_ It's been said frequently that Pentatonix doesn't do covers, they do upgrades. _Imagine_ is the perfect song, right? So how do you upgrade the perfect song? Watch it and see. I wish John were still alive to see this video; it would make him proud. _Bohemian Rhapsody_ Pentatonix has always loved this song, and Queen, so they very much wanted to cover _Bohemian Rhapsody_ but they were afraid that they couldn't do it justice. So they waited. They waited for five years before deciding that they were finally ready, after which they began arranging, and choreographing, and rehearsing, all of which took a few more months. It was worth the wait. Pentatonix (PTX for short) puts out a Christmas album every year, so there's no shortage of Christmas songs available from them. They also frequently put a non-Christmas song on the album - _Hallelujah,_ for example. That's okay, because pentaholics (PTX fans) tend to listen to their Christmas songs year-round anyway. Particularly recommended Christmas songs are: _The Prayer_ _Mary Did You Know_ _Carol of the Bells_ (also known as "the one where Mitch doesn't breathe," but that's from editing of the official video.) _O Come All Ye Faithful_ _The Twelve Days of Christmas_ _You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch_ (Matt really gets to show off his skills in this one.) Think of a Christmas song that you hate because you've heard it too many times, and then see if Pentatonix has covered it. They'll make you love it again.
I think the Simon and Garfunkel version you played was they way they originally envisioned it. Before releasing it for the radio, the producers thought it needed more instrumentation. So that version is what we know and love. But it was a real treat to hear this "unplugged" version.
Interesting note, Paul Simon himself I believe approved this version just as he did disturbed. Now honest I was never a Simon and Garfunkel fan as I wasn't into folk type music but I loved the lyrics. The disturbed version was my favorite up until ptx came out with their cover. So I like this version best. The drum sounds are absolutely all Kevin and thry can sound nearly identical live. Almost every reactor doubts them their first reaction because they're so good. Definitely listen to more because as good as this was its not the best showcase of their talent. They're multiple Grammy and award winning and for such songs such as daft punk (watch video first then watch the off mic private performance where they sounded exactly same just quieter without microphones) and dance of sugar plum fairy. Bohemian rhapsody, the prayer 'to name just a few suggestions.
If you watch a live version, don't watch the one with actual drums, which I understand the producers of that show required as an add-on. They are very distracting. Kevin's beatboxing is 💯for real
Welcome to the world of PTX. You are in for a ride, especially if you doubt their authenticity. The sound is all them, and what talent 'them' is! Kevin (beat boxer) is a genius, and Mat/Avi, Kirsty, Mitch and Scott are superstars in their own right, but together they are unbelievable. Kudos to S&G for creating this masterpiece and thank you Pentatonix for enhancing it.
Everything they do in a video, they can do live. It's actually kind of their unofficial moto that they never record a song that they can't recreate live! The quickest way to see this is with their Hallelujah cover (there will be one different guy in the Hallelujah video, because they have a new base, the old one left on good terms due to personal reasons), in the live version you see how much each individual person is doing. To most people, their live version is even better then the studio one! Studio version/Official video: (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LRP8d7hhpoQ.html) Live version: (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-haFHrfmfHbc.html)
Simon and Garfunkel were my teen idols! Glad to hear from a reactor that didn't think it was a Disturbed original (felt REAL old with that comment!). If you want to hear the true vocal abilities of PTX, check out Silent Night or the private performances of Take Me Home. No production, sometimes no microphones. Amazing.
Ha!! I loved S&G as a kid. My wife told me I went to see Paul Simon with my brother John. Because of my brain exploding sadly I can’t remember it I’m really happy to have reacted to PTX and will do more! Thanks
S&G were my teen idols as well! Yikes! How old we are!! Moody Blues, Cat Stevens and the Beatles were also. Even the Monkees in my very early teen years.
In the first half of their career thusfar *all* the percussion was done live. Kevin had a special stomp pad and mic setup to amplify the stomping and body percussion. After so many years of basically nonstop touring (PTX toured roughly 8 months a year) it was tearing up Kevin's knee. So now he does the vocal percussion live - which is a LOT - and they pipe in most or all of the body percussion bits on tour. The switch happened around 2017, so keep that in mind. I don't know exactly what kind of "live" you'd prefer but they have it all available. There are mic-less private performances, professionally recorded concert performances, fan phone videos of concerts from the audience... live performances at various radio and TV stations. The Popsprings concert is widely considered the best available concert footage - shot by MTV at a Japanese concert in 2016 the audio is balanced and video was professionally shot and edited. The video is about 15 minutes long, with the added bonus of having 3 of the 4 songs in the set being originals written by the band. The live performance of Love Again is my favorite off-mic. It's an original a-capella "EDM" song. It's from a TV station interview, and Kevin has a regular interview mic for percussion but the others are all without. The newest available lives would be all the audience phone cam videos available from their performance at the Hollywood Bowl at the end of September. I'd suggest their 90s Dance Medley from that, probably. Kevin also did his general "solo" beatboxing/cello this time with Matt (the bass) on drums and the string section they had with them for this appearance. It was pretty epic. As for regular TV and radio appearances... they've done a ton with iHeartRadio through the years that are all of good quality so I'd probably start there.
Pentatonix is the best. If you like “oldies” they do Bohemian Rhapsody, Cohen’s Hallelujah and Lennon’s Imagine. They won their first Grammy with their Daft Punk Medley. Their Evolution videos are awesome. They do it all live too. They have original music “Sing”, “Can’t Sleep Love” to name a few and lots of Christmas music. If you react to Pentatonix, the Pentaholics will show up.
It was nice to revisit Simon and Garfunkel Sound of Silence. It's been a loooong time! Pentatonix doesn't do any song ( original or cover) that they can't do live. They all are great singers, even Kevin Olusola, the beatboxer. You should check out more of their music. They've done an incredible cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody ( even Dr Brian May liked it enough to post to his social media saying, "Enjoy!"). Some suggestions: Daft Punk (medley), Love Again ( original), Dreams (the Cranberries cover), Mad World ( Tears For Fears cover), or anything that catches your fancy from their 200+ repertoire.
Thank you Jenefer! I will go back and look at the live stuff. I had no idea how popular they were! I love that they all sing and the best boxing is so authentic!! I took a screenshot of these suggestions and I’ll put them on the list Thanks again
Best way to see a live performance is one of their performances from the show "The Sing Off", they won the year they were on it. That's also when their original bass singer was with them (he was a true bass).
There are live versions of this where they add extra live percussion instruments, which makes for a different experience, and some where it's their more usual percussion, that being Kevin doing vocal beatboxing and body percussion (slapping his chest, clapping, and stomping), as he demonstrated in the video. He would have done the same in the recording booth, though they often loop him in recordings for ease of producing it - he's certainly proven he has the stamina for an entire concert's worth of percussion with no looping as well, so I don't begrudge them that shortcut, lol). Both with and without additional percussion instruments are great performances, just a bit different feel.
my understanding is that the live recordings with the added percussion instruments were there because the show producers required them / one of the few PTX shows I don't especially care for. The added drums are distracting Kevin Is The Man 🔥🙌🏻
If you want to hear them live, I suggest "Pop Spring 2016". You will hear them perform 3 original songs & 1 "Evolution of......." song, which you can kinda count as a "semi original" song. You'll be able to see with your own eyes that there are no instruments that accompany them. It's just 5 very talented people making beautiful music together. They've said they met when they were 8 years old when they were in a children's theater group. They were in "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" then in "Annie". They were reunited in High School and have been best friends ever since. I'm sure others will fill you in on how Pentatonix (PTX) was formed & their incredible journey right after that, so I'll stop here. Enjoyed your reaction & look forward to seeing you react to many more PTX videos & performances.
They do just as well, or sometimes even better live. Pentatonix (PTX) has been together since 2011 and have a massive song catalog. Subscribed for more PTX. Recommend their most popular song, Hallelujah. There is a live version of this from their 2016 Christmas special.
For live songs, their Evolution songs are all recorded while sitting on a sofa in one take. You have a wider variety of those: Evolution of Music, Evolution of Michael Jackson, Evolution of Rhianna, Evolution of Biance, although one or more of those might be their offshoot group Superfruit (Mitch and Scott's fun channel). They are incredible any way you want to listen; live or recorded. 2016 Popspring concert has 3 of their original songs plus the Evolution of Michael Jackson, so you're getting a 4-in-1 with that live performance. Enjoy!
Simon and Garfunkel's version was a warning, almost "a voice crying out in the wilderness", Disturbed version was closer to anger that the warning had been ignored, PTX's version was closer to the people working together to mitigate the disaster that S+G's version was warning about.
@@Anothercoverlover62 I’ve seen them live and I promise you, they’re amazing. If u like to do originals vs coves, may I recommend Gold by Kiiara vs Gold by Pentatonix. It’s live and it’s incredible, the original is all digitized while PTX is, of course, a cappella ❤️🙌🙌
So glad I found you in my feed! I had forgotten how uptempo the original was initially, so that was a nice reminder for me. Paul Simon’s lyrics, particularly, always struck me as genius, in the same way that I admire Kris Kristoferson’s lyrics. As for Pentatonix, I think you will be surprised at how well their sound comes across as fully formed when they perform live. There is a live version (or two?) of Hallelujah on RU-vid , which they just kill. Other notable covers include Imagine, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Bohemian Rhapsody. They have also released some stellar original music, a favorite of mine is Anchor. But honestly, any title you choose by PTX will be good. New subscriber, here for all the Pentatonix you care to feature. Peace from Ohio …
For a live concert version of a different song, I recommend their Hallelujah from a Christmas concert in 2016. The sound quality is excellent and you’ll get to see and hear exactly what everyone does, including seeing Scott, the tall blonde, take over the bass line while the bassist is singing his solo verse. Hope to hear some more PTX from you soon.
You should start with where they got THEIR start, on The Sing Off season 3. You can see their growth and how insanely talented they are. Welcome to the world of Pentaholics!
I’m glad you played them side by side. I am definitely familiar with the original, but I love the direct comparison. Pentatonix version is my favorite though, they are different enough that there is room for both (really all three) I hope you check out a lot more from Pentatonix. They are mind blowing. I subscribed for more Pentatonix.
Thanks Melissa! I started this channel to do just that, a side by side comparison of the original and a cover. I have actually done a song by the original artist and several covers of it! As one person said, I’m starting the slide into the rabbit hole that is PTX and I’m surprised and happy about it. I will do more PTX soon so please stick around! Thank you for subscribing and I really hope you enjoy the channel Thanks again Melissa
@@Anothercoverlover62 Pentatonix does have originals but they have covered so many songs. Their Daft Punks is a Medley so a direct comparison would be difficult. However it's worth listening to even if you don't react. It won them their first Grammy. They also are known for their Christmas Albums. My personal favorite is little drummer boy. Kevin's best boxing on that is so on point. Their most viewed video is Hallelujah. Closing in on 700 million views.
As you probably noticed by now, us Pentaholics are a VERY loyal fan base. You should be told that Pentatonix has A LOT of covers and you do comparison videos, a match made in heaven. 😅 But just be warned, if you decide to head down this rabbit hole, you should watch your head, as some have been known to explode. 🤯😂 Please join us, 🙏🏼 newbies are always welcome and frankly desired.
Live is great and Kevin the beatboxer is real. His solo work is extraordinary. I read once that they never do a video unless they can do it live. This is one with the only member change. Brings a rich melty sound in the singing like a bass instrument. He is the one on the left. Matt replaced Avi who is a basso profundo so they bring unique contributions to each song. I love that you played the original and cover. Thanks!
So many have already commented so I won't double up on what has already been said! Would suggest their cover of Jolene, with the great Dolly Parton. It's a two for one deal of incredible artists!
Thanks for showing this Simon and Garfunkel video. I prefer it to their official video which to me is too arty. This version was crisp and clean. Thanks for discussing their music Pentatonix is a great group who seems to be able to master any genre. So versatile and each singer, including Kevin the beatboxer, have great voices. Try Hallelujah and Daft Punk to see their versatility. They perform brilliantly live.
I had never seen the S&G video before I reacted to it. I was really happy to see how different it was. It show cases Paul’s talent really well PTX is not a group I’m familiar with so every reaction is the first time! I’ve put all the suggestions on my list so I won’t forget! Thanks Katherine!!
They can do everything live. Recommend Daft Punk, Love Again (original) for mind-blowing percussion and bass and definitely Popspring 2016 for live masterpieces.
They should the same live! Watch Hallelujah live! They are so good! The beat boxer Kevin also plays the Cello and sings. He even beatboxes while playing the cello. Every single one of them can amaze you!
If you want to check out another vocal percussionist along with the one from Pentatonix, you should check out Adam Rupp of Home Free. He is an incredible vocal percussionist! there are three "drum solos" by him on RU-vid - one from 2015, one form 2018/19, and one from 2022. You could even do them all and see how his skill has improved over the years.
Yes, this was a studio version so there was some editing and compression and whatnot, but all the sounds are coming from the group. If you want to see what an acapella beat-boxer can do, check out Home Free's Adam Rupp "Drum Solo" live.
They are the real deal. If you wonder what the beat boxer, Kevin can do, he has a solo piece called Down, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IGjg193h4Ok.html where he shows his ability to play the cello, beatbox and sing using looping to create an amazing rendition. Pentatonix here is a polished professional group. They originally debuted nationally on the Sing-off when it was on NBC where they won the competition with 4 of the 5 singers you see here. The 3 core singers, Kevin, Mitch and Kirsty, were friends in high school and sang together. Only the bass has changed out from the original 5. The original was Avi Kaplan who has a great collection of solo work too. Kevin was recruited to the group after some of his video showing his ability to "cello box" (play the cello and beat box at the same time) went viral. Of course, in their videos, they've recorded in Studio and the visuals are synched. The thing is, as others have stated, other than some normal studio enhancements, (double tracking on rare occasion, or intentional auto tuning for the effect) they're doing the same things live.
Welcome to the Pentatonix rabbit hole. Also for you to discover: acapella groups HOME FREE and VOICEPLAY. Then there is the best singer in the world...Dimash! Enjoy them all and your channel will grow.
First time on your channel. Love this concept! I haven't seen young Simon and Garfunkel in years - and I love them! The Pentatonix video I've seen several times! They do great upgrades of older songs! Hoping to see more! (BTW - I DID watch the Central Park concert, back in the day!)
PTX's most recent concert tour was last Christmas. If you want to see them live, how about "Mary Did You Know?" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LVnjpX8wUEQ.html btw, if you keep reacting to Pentatonix, your channel will soon be flooded with Pentaholics. We can push you over 1,000 subscribers easily. They have original songs but covers are your thing and PTX has done plenty of them. But we call them upgrades, not covers.
If you like doing comparisons... Pentatonix upgrades every cover they do... Don't believe me... check out Bohemian Rhapsody, the original then PTX. (WARNING: Once the Pentaholics find you... watch out, you get bombarded... covers are one of their fortes...)
You should also check out Home Free’s cover of Man of Constant Sorrow, they on the same level as Pentatonix, their cover of Ring of Fire is also pretty original! PS both of these groups do not record anything they cannot also perform live!
Two very nice versions of a great song. A nice honest revue. This is a place i will visit often now that Subscribed If you are looking for good covers I have one suggestion for today. Celine did the original for an animated movie, Pentatonix does a wonderful cover as you will find they do everything great. But my recommendation is Lucy and Martha Thomas. The lead is Lucy 17, A second place winner in a talent show at 13 and her 12 year old sister. This cover will amaze you. the sibling harmonies are just warming. Lucy has a tone that is so sweet to the ear. Check out a song or two at Lucy Thomas Music. Or just do all three? The song is The Prayer.
It's all by voice including percussion. It's called beat box...hmmm The only Instruments they use is their voice, this includes any bass, percussion etc you hear. The one you don't hear or see singing is their 'beat boxer' making most of those sounds. BTW, they've performed live at half time shows, awards ceremonies, concerts etc.
Pentatonix don't do anything on their records that they can't do live. You can hear the live version of this song and it sounds exactly the same. Kevin their beatboxer does all the percussion with his voice. He is considered to be one of the best beatboxers in the world and PTX ae, in my opinion, the best a cappella group in the world. Kristi, Mitch (high voice and mullet on this one!) and Scott (tall, blonde baritone) have known each other since they were 8 years old. They found Kevin the beatboxer and Avi (former bass - who left in 2017, this is the new bass, Matt) in 2012 before they entered the Sing Off a cappella competition. They have been singing together ever since. They are huge and have won three Grammys and have a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. To have your mind truly blow, watch their cover of Bohemian Rhapsody. Brian May said it was one of the best covers he has ever heard and done with no instruments at all (Mitch does the guitar solo with his mouth using a megaphone for effect on the video). Also their Daft Punk Medley which they got their first Grammy for, or Hallelujah which has had over 600 million views on RU-vid. They are just incredible.
Sorry you don't like accapella music because that was PTX focus for their first 10 years. If there is an instrument used, you will SEE it Boldly displayed. Tends to be Kevin playing the Cello while Beatboxing at the same time. He also sings while playing the Cello and he has perfect pitch so all members tune to him.The other main instruments is the piano (often played by Scott) and you can't hide a piano. Not sure why you would listen and then post it if you didn't enjoy it, but it's your channel and choice.
I’m sorry Don. I may have misspoke. It’s not that I don’t like a cappella it’s just that I felt saturated by it years ago. The idea of this channel is to do the original and then a cover, usually suggested by the group. I’m actually very impressed and plan to react to more PTX! I hope you stick around Don
Paul Simon is a genius, yes; he is also a pain in the ass diva. I know from the stories that my different flight crew members have told me over the years. His ego is much bigger than most and always on display. He is very rude to "commoners". Ditto with Elton John only X 2!
Thanks Sealaryn! It’s on the list. I uploaded three videos yesterday, two being PTX covers and all three were blocked! I’ll try again tomorrow and I’m disputing the blocked videos in hopes they will be released soon Thanks again
Nice reaction, PTX obviously loves this song, they wouldn’t do it otherwise. They respect the writer and performers of every song, that’s why they try to use elements to pay homage to the original. If you ask me, it’s like they’re for whom Paul wrote this song. No offense, just sayin
Hello!! Hola!! Entiendo que no es específico sobre lo que ves generalmente pero, puedes escuchar a Angelina Jordan!??? Su versión de I put a spell on you del gran Hawkins. Pleaseee!!!! Tenía 9 años, hoy 16 y te volará la cabeza!!!!!🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 Saludos desde Argentina!!! 🤗🤗🤗🧉🧉🧉
Hello ……. I’m a New Subscriber from Canada 🇨🇦. Can you Please do a reaction to Darren Espanto doing his Cover to the Fantasia Song “ I Believe “ Performed on the Wish 107.5 Bus. I can Guarantee that you have never heard a voice like this before 😊
There are much better Renditions of Simon and Garfunkel singing Sound of Silence this is one of the worst I've heard the quality of the audio is very poor