AVI KAPLAN - CHANGE ON THE RISE: musician's reaction & analysis

[@SirHairless]

Check out this reaction next! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIu8iaaClq19o5I

[@tiffymcconkey]

We fell in love with him in Pentatonix and followed him when he left❤❤

[@-techno_blade-]

I love Avi Kaplan, and i love seeing other people reacting to his music. I feel like not very many people realize this when they react to him, but besides the tambourine and the clapping, everything is his voice! Im glad you mentioned that, and his voice can go so deep!! I love your reactions and keep up the good work❤

[@goldfishwatching1619]

Avi has spoken on needing nature and isolation to fight depression. This was his resurrection song after leaving PTX and the stress of touring to exhaustion. Excuse me now , I need to go sack a small Saxon village...

[@LindaVernon]

"...go sack a small Saxon village...." 😄 Makes sense as I get a Norse vibe from this.

[@goldfishwatching1619]

@@LindaVernon 🏴‍☠😆

[@SirHairless]

😂 And as I thought this song was about victory/overcoming something - this could be just that; the depression and his overcoming of it

[@badm0t0rf1nger]

That is a tremendous Toob comment... informative, succinct, understatedly witty- Kudos. :)

[@kathyfolkerts4433]

I'm glad you found this one after after "Healing." Now you're getting an idea of his amazing stylistic range. I call him the Man of a Thousand Voices!

[@JoanN63]

A bit late response. But I suddenly saw this and had to respond. Because how amazing is Avi? He is magical, he is peace for me. In my opinion the best solo singer, because listen to his voice. So unique, so beautiful with diverse ranges. This song is so powerful and I think it can only be sung by Avi. His emotions, his feelings flow through the song. My favorite song, although his other songs come very close. I listened to PTX because of him, but then I discovered his solo projects and saw him sing at Home Free (where I thought he fit in much better). After that I very rarely listen to PTX anymore. I hope he comes to the Netherlands again soon for a performance, because I couldn't make it last time.

[@davephillips7209]

Primal is how it feels to me, just deep down guttural primal touch. I think it's that bass in the background that drives it. Inspired is a good description. Great reaction always enjoy your analysis.

[@melissacoviello2886]

I agree his music is inspiring. I always feel better listening to it.

[@kathycurtis8883]

I would call the sound tribal.

[@carriekovach797]

This music gives you a really good idea of why Avi left Pantatonix. The music that fulfills Avi is very much different than that of the "pop genre" that PTX is. (Not to mention that Pentatonix is very well known for their Christmas music and Avi is Jewish.) I'm sure he's extremely thankful for the start that PTX gave him and it just ended up being a win-win for everyone involved. He's happy focusing on the music that speaks to his soul and Pentatonix hasn't skipped a beat since the addition of Matt. This is one of those times that things just work out like they are supposed to. Thanks for the PTX memories, Avi and keep doing you!

[@SirHairless]

🙌🙌

[@cocohol3513]

This is Avi's battle song! When he left PTX, he wasn't sure he was going to continue with music. Avi wrote this as motivation and to say nothing can stop the music. You will find that Avi writes his music in order to help him through situations, and in return, he hopes to inspire and help others. I wouldn't say ritualistic but definitely tribal! Thanks again for your thoughtful and thorough analysis. I hope you continue with Avi. He has many different vibes! Cheers!

[@jill9837]

Yes exactly, tribal is what I've always gotten

[@SirHairless]

🙏

[@gailseatonhumbert]

If it helps in understanding Avi always just wanted to write music but he also wants people to be able to sing what he writes. This song has been sung by choirs all over the world and has been used to highlight protests as shown kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7XfKKigbuAZ7csi=0WQrgH0AU5XojwDV

[@barefootalien]

My favorite song by Avi is "Quarter Past Four". It was released around the same time as this, and it seems like it's a kind of self-soothing about his decision to leave PTX, while this song seemed to me like determination to go through with it and a promise of something different.

[@grannymitch6707]

Great reaction! I think “tribalistic” is the word you were looking for. I feel strong Native American and Black American folk undertones in this. Avi seems to really have come to himself since leaving Pentatonix, and it’s lovely to see. I particularly enjoy his Live at Sunset Sound videos, particularly “When I’m a Fool.”

[@SirHairless]

Indeed it is! I mention this in my next Avi reaction (Chains)

[@mariazorrilla260]

Gotta love Avi… if you want his lower registers, you can check out The Summit, When I’m a Fool, Chains, Black is the color of my true loves hair…

[@stephanie3230]

I haven't gone through all the comments yet but I haven't seen anyone suggest First Place I Go. My favorite is Aberdeen. His cover of Lean On Me is wonderful too.

[@TeahVickery]

The First Place I Go and Aberdeen are two favourites of mine as well.

[@5thgentexan95]

Great reaction! My recs: The Summit (for his range), Aberdeen (great song writing), First Place I Go (range/writing) Chains (yummy bass), When I’m a Fool (sunset sound version for the bass and jam session) - this song is the same pianist as in Healing. Avi shows us his bass in “shorts” but mostly uses it for layering in his songs. He also does “alt versions” - some lower, some higher - of his own music. There are a lot of acoustic live videos out there of Avi…I have a few on my channel and his most popular one is a livestream cover of House of the Rising Sun. Crappy video but the sound is good. Avi is very generous with random singing for his fans. No autotune and just his glorious voice + a guitar. ❤️

[@SirHairless]

Thank you for the recs!

[@RamenNoodle1985]

I was depressed when Avi left PTX, but then he dropped this, and I realized, you know what, I now have even more cool music to listen too. And his music is so different to what he did in PTX, I can understand why he left (aside from his mom's health and all)

[@misslorr2507]

Don't know the man and I cried like a baby lol love Matt, but still miss Avi... he's more gutteral

[@elenahume8295]

Aviii is pure talent ❤❤❤

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Avi is a music teacher. He does workshops with John Byun and Eric Whitaker, and teaches at his own summer camp for high school students. A Cappella Academy. He and Ben Brahm( the PTX music director) and Rob Deitz who is also a teacher, performer, and arranger started the school in 2014. It's an international camp with rigorous admission standards, but lots of very talented people are coming out of the school. So, the answer to your question about whether Avi intentionally wrote this song the way he did is very likely yes. He's a serious student of music himself. He and Shooter Jennings did some short videos about creating Avi's first full-length album and in those, you get an idea of how intelligent a musician Avi is.

[@SirHairless]

Cool! Great info here 👌

[@cocohol3513]

@SirHairless A Capella Academy (ACA) has a youtube channel that you can check out to see the results of this summer camp. My favorite is the choir singing a song Avi wrote called The Seed. He has yet to record it himself.

[@reginairvine3919]

I've always said it's a good thing Avi has such a kind soul cuz he could totally be a cult leader if he chose to...lol

[@professionalvampire1]

I would follow him anywhere!

[@SBQDawn]

kind of a call to a common goal . reminds me of the kind of songs they talk about Slaves sang to lift their spirts , provide drive and determination helping each other through the hard days work. It feels like it's spiritual . Yes Inspirational !

[@pamscarr8696]

A few years back, but here is a video of Avi, live streaming from his cabin in Tennessee. His song "OTHERSIDE". This is his lower version.

[@ambvurt3739]

If you want to hear more of his uber low stuff you gotta check his socials. He has done some lower versions of his popular tunes and some bassified covers of other songs as well.

[@lynn2574]

I always think this song would be a great score. I can imagine it playing behind scenes from Game of Thrones or a similar show or movie.

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Several of his songs, including this one have been used in movies and TV shows.

[@jasgem76]

I think it has as much to do with the video as it does the song, but this one always makes me feel like it's an ancient chant. It's very powerful.

[@SirHairless]

Yes, well-said!

[@reginairvine3919]

Check out Black is the Color of My True Loves Hair Avi did with Peter Hollens. You hear his super lows plus his classical training

[@akinpaws]

Hollens.

[@reginairvine3919]

@@akinpaws thanks. Autocorrect is the debble

[@vmcgriff]

Yes!! All Is Well is an awesome song! Love Avi’s voice so much!! ❤

[@ambvurt3739]

Do more Avi! love his voice and his style, his diversity and soul are brilliant.

[@SirHairless]

Recommending me some songs is the best way as I'll likely add them to my list for a future date 🙏

[@ambvurt3739]

@@SirHairless a live version of "All is Well" great to grasp his ease kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHimhYmXbLakoLM Live version of "When I'm a Fool" heavily leans into his low range kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnaVZYiKfZijo7M These would be great to analyze since they are live and are songs that showcase his voice and compositional skills.

[@heatherhuard]

@@SirHairless Song for the Seeker and Black is the Color of my True Loves Hair with Peter Hollens are 2 amazing songs I haven't noticed being recommended.

[@loritoigo8020]

One of my favorite songs by Avi. Did all harmonies and background vocals including those really deep growls.😅

[@Emilaria]

I recommend Sweet Adeline pt 1 and 2, He Don't Love You Right, First Place I Go, It Knows Me, Quarter Past Four, Otherside, I'll Get By, and Born in California. Oh, and there's probably a concert video of him performing When I Die. It's a beautiful song, but he never released it for some reason.

[@kyrasharp7048]

I've said it before: This song makes me want grab my torch and war axe and scream into battle. Avi just brings out the woman, and the man in me. He's a beast❤😁

[@Socialshug]

Omg! I’m so glad you did this. It’s my fav from Avi.

[@cocohol3513]

I forgot to add my recommendations ! Avi likes to "cover" his own songs. There are a few examples of this, but I would like to hear your take on Aberdeen or It knows me. Both are from the I'll Get By EP, and the alternate versions are on the Lean on Me EP . I think the analysis of the juxtaposition of one song with two very different interpretations would be interesting, cheers!

[@staciemoisa4884]

Okay, I laughed out loud when you attempted to sing Avi's lower register. A little comedy relief. 😂 You have only heard two songs by Avi, but I think you get the biggest part of his music -- Avi makes you feel something. You don't just listen to Avi's music, you feel it. Some songs are so soothing and beautiful, I forget to breathe, while others have brought me to tears. All of them leave me feeling stronger/better and leave me with a positive message. I hope you react to more of his music.

[@kayecastleman6353]

The lyrics of this song appeal to a lot of male reactors. As a woman, I love Avi's voice, but the "battle cry" lyrics seem to resonate with a lot of men. There are definitely women in the group around Avi as he sings, and I'm sure there are many crusading women who relate to this song as well. It certainly has a powerful vibe. My favourite of Avi's new solos is the 7 Layers Sessions recording of "All Is Well." His voice resonating in that little church is like a meditation.

[@cathyboyce6457]

Avi Kaplan, All Is Well, 7 Layers Session # 126 ~~ Yes, it's beauty set to music!

[@trinacaraway1765]

Definitely a "fire in the belly" male type battle cry.

[@kmwwrench]

I absolutely love this. That drum heartbeat. And one of the best lyrics ever written: We're singing all day and you can't tame us.

[@annicajakobsson]

If you like his bass voice I recommend that you check out Chains and/or When I’m a fool (the Live at Sunset Sounds version is a lot of fun!) and I always recommend the All is well-trilogy, official duet, 7Layers-session and Live at Sunset sounds. Three similar but very different takes on the same song!

[@heatherhuard]

All 3 versions of All is Well! That would be amazing to learn about the differences we are hearing!

[@rayofsunshine72cz]

I admire Avi's versatility and vocal ability. He is truly gifted singer. And what's more, he can deliver emotions and feelings.

[@pepinosylvie8887]

Great reaction 👍 remember that Avi's doing everything in this song except for the tambourin and the organ on the bridge. I would love to see you react to He don't love you right ... For me his best song, so amazing ! He's harmonising with himself the entire song and you can enjoy his 5 octaves range 😁 the bass, the choir in the background, everything is just awesome. He wrote lyrics and melody of course and did all the arrangements ... Just a tremendous song ! Hope to see you react to this one 🤞 Thanks 😘

[@GailA6327]

Love Avi! I’d recommend ‘When I’m a Fool’ (live at Sunset Sound) for more of his basso profundo. I believe he really enjoyed making and playing this song, watch for the happy smile at the end. I started running at 57 and needed a mantra, this song was it.

[@valenciathequeen8994]

You will find when you get more into Avi’s music catalog that his range changes from songs to song and that his music is about overcoming. His song the Summit starts in his low register and switches to his upper register. His genre is American Folk with some country mix.

[@vef8790]

I really enjoy your reactions, with your classical insight😊. It's probably been suggested before but could you consider reacting to 'Otherside' it's one of my personal favorites of his 🙏

[@SirHairless]

Thanks! And Otherside is on my list as it's been recommended before 👌

[@TeahVickery]

There are a lot of incredible voices out there, and many of them I love, but Avi's voice has such a raw, inspiring strength to it, I always feel awash with emotions when I listen to him. I love that he doesn't try to overwhelm with over-instrumentation, unnecessary complexities, or bland and lackluster lyrics. You hear his soul loud and clear, along with the encouragement, inspiration, and strength he shares with his listeners. To me that is what makes him truly stand out, that he can so easily pull those core/base human emotions to the surface and interpret them in a way that everyone can identify with. If i were to recommend some other songs of his, I would say Aberdeen, The First Place I Go, and live his cover of House of the Rising Sun. He also has several videos demonstrating and explaining how to use overtone singing (the official video of Pentatonix's Aha has him using it very clearly, but it's harder to hear in the live versions).

[@cocohol3513]

Very well said! I agree 💯

[@5thgentexan95]

Ditto!

[@SirHairless]

Well-said! And the lack of unnecessary complexity really draws more focus to the lyrics 👍 Thanks for the recommendations!

[@suzannedammodonnell9599]

Avi released earlier songs under “Avriel and the Sequoias”. These songs show a totally different variety of vocal and production skills❤. I recommend, “Hey Ya”, “Quarter Past Four”, “Sage and Stone”, “Sweet Adeline”, or any other song under his EP, “Sage and Stone”. I am truly amazed how different he sounds, stylistically and vocally, from one EP/LP to another. He has a unique gift… I’m sure it’s been suggested to check out his songs from his first full length album, “Floating on a Dream”. My favorites are “When I’m a Fool” ( a must see: Live at Sunset Sound), and “Into the Blue”.

[@SirHairless]

Oo interesting, thanks for this!

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

I love most everything on that album. I'll add She Don't Love You Right to the recommendations

[@suzannedammodonnell9599]

@@Lookinforrealmusic I love them all! I was so close to listing Avi’s complete discography! 😆

[@Dr.Giudicessi]

When I’m a fool live is so freaking good!!!

[@michelegillespie1971]

You really check out, "Otherside". He hits some really nice highs in that song.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the reco'!

[@angelahenderson6726]

Loved your reaction. Try The Summet. Shows off his range. Fantastic song. 🌟🌟🌟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@loriemberton1863]

I also love his song, I'll Get By

[@catherinelopresti7121]

So glad you are doing Avi's solo work! Quite different than when he was with PTX, but very good.

[@LyndalParkerNewlyn]

First place I go is another great one of his.

[@lesaahrenstein6360]

Nietzsche says that the role of the artist is not to answer questions but to ask them. That being said Avi has said that the song is about him coming out of a depression. too have depression and can really relate to this. He released it in 2019 and he left ptx in 2017. I would imagine that this song is near and dear to him. I know for me it's a personal anthem regarding coming out of a depression. When someone has depression it is very important to have a set schedule and pentatonix' touring schedule reallly messed with that. Also his mother was sick. I think that the video starts with the blue light to represent you're doing okay before you go into the depression. Depression is a very dark lonely and isolating place to be and that's why it turns to night (darkness) and then again it turns back to the light. To me this represents him moving towards and getting himself out of the depression and the people in there carrying the torches are his support network. Knowing this if you read through the lyrics again you will see that in verse 2 he says "what's good the man whose lost his soul? Can't take a stand when his flames gone cold." That's exactly what depression does to you. He did release some music under the group name of Aviel and the sequoias. The song off his latest album floating on a dream has a song titled the 1st place I go. Nietzsche's comment is very appropriate since each listener will take away a different meaning. I can apply this song to 3 really big areas in my life that influence it strongly. I hope that you react to more of Avi's music. This is the Music that Avi is strongly pulled to it and I think it's the Avi he wanted people to hear. At least that's what the song means to me. I really enjoyed your reaction.

[@lesaahrenstein6360]

Correction it wasn't Nietzsche it was Anton Chekhov

[@SirHairless]

Thank you for this comment!

[@betsyvondracek4009]

Avi sings a song from the Hobbit ( really great soundtrack but my favorite is the Lord of the Rings soundtracks . Yes I love movie soundtracks from Westside Story to even Return of the Black Stallion) called Misty Mountains . It’s in the first Hobbit movie.

[@typhoid_holliw4315]

Personally I love Abby solo work I miss him in Pentatonix but I love his total work! Some of my favorites that he has done besides change on the rise and healing, are quarter past four, and Otherside. There's also several videos of him just performing at his house just him a guitar and it's just so moving.

[@StevenEverett7]

Nice reaction. Thanks! The firs time I heard Avi was when he did Ring of Fire with Home Free. I went searching for his page and the first song I listened to was Change on the Rise. His voice has such a rich sound. I loved it. You are correct that it does indeed sound ritualistic. I got the same vibes. 😉

[@jr8627]

thank you for your reactions. You really are now my favorite one with your style (I admit, I don't do that many anymore). Avi Kaplan is a fantastic singer/songwriter, who is able to capture so much feeling in his songs. I must say, I love his style, even of the darker songs. Somehow he knows how to touch the soul with his music (and sometimes you can't explain why). I especially love his song "Aberdeen", so soothing and still kind of yearning.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks!

[@AprilG72271]

I'm always excited to get the notification of what you are reacting to next. Love Avi...I was really impressed during his PTX days and love his solo stuff as well. This is definitely a song that will pump you up. Belongs in a viking show or something. I'm really looking forward to seeing a certain few of PTX... Can't Hold Us, Daft Punk Medley ( Grammy winner if you haven't seen it) Evolution of Music, or Michael Jackson, or Rhianna. The transitions are remarkable. I think you will enjoy those very much and they are all back in Avi Kaplan's day. Popspring 2016 is a live performance with some original work also...again with Avi. I'm sure you have these on your recommendation list already. I want to keep this comment about Avi, but have fun with his rabbit hole whether it's his solo stuff, PTX, or collaborations. Never disappoint

[@marianbirks6594]

If you get the chance to see Avi in concert please go. I saw him in London and it was amazing his voice is so incredible a wonderful evening

[@SirHairless]

When was he performing in London? And at which venue?

[@marianbirks6594]

@@SirHairless it was March 2023 at Lafayette near Kings Cross.

[@cocohol3513]

@@marianbirks6594 I believe it was 2022?

[@SirHairless]

Thanks! @@marianbirks6594 Cool venue, must have been fairly intimate!

[@marianbirks6594]

@@SirHairless Great venue, really suited Avi and his band

[@greatauntielou6158]

I always think of Native American music, the sort you hear when they are performing their traditional dances, when I hear Avi sing this. It's a real crowd pleaser at his concerts as well. Avi is, to me at least, a folk singer at heart. If you get the time check out the video on YT of him overtone solo singing at a PTX concert - astonishing.

[@carlaemerson1195]

I call this one his war cry Just absolutely love Avi's music. Please keep delving into it and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Thank you for getting his music to more listeners ❤❤❤

[@catsmeowchrissy]

I love Avi! Thank you for reviewing.

[@SirHairless]

😀

[@ericclayton6287]

I was going to recommend some of Avi’s solo work. He has a powerful instrument in, and of itself. One of his I would recommend is All is Well, specifically the 7 layers sessions. It is lovely. Also Tim Foust has some real surprises in his secondary and solo work. As does Austin and Adam Chance. I think you will be Surprised.

[@karenm5681]

2:30 “…so I sensed a bit of a change on the…” (pause) I thought you might say “rise” like the song’s title, but you said “beat”. That makes sense. This song…it feels like a tribal beat, almost primal…like “caveman days” or something. Can’t quite put my finger on it…but I like it!

[@AnnikaRamhqvist]

I’m so glad you’re watching Avi’s music. He’s my favorite that you can relate to and get picked up by or inspired by. ❤ Some of my favorites are It knows me, chains, get down, first place I go, Aberdeen. Also, someone else recommended too one of my favorites 7 layers session of All is well. I like that he will play the same song in different ways, you never know what version you’ll get. 🥰

[@SirHairless]

Thank you! And for the recommendations

[@michmirich]

I think of the word your looking for instead of ritualistic is Tribal.

[@shelbychesnut99]

This song got me through the beginning of the pandemic as I was supporting my team as we transitioned, overnight, to online teaching. I simply had this on a loop as I did all the background paperwork for our Special Education team.

[@juliewade1393]

I really enjoyed the song. Very simple shows his style and voice.

[@katyb9532]

This guy gives me goosebumps every time he opens his mouth to sing! Loved the reaction.

[@susanphillips2379]

Great reaction! Hope you react to more Avi soon.

[@Lurahbebeh]

I love your videos. Both educational and entertaining. You're also very handsome lol, a bonus.

[@SirHairless]

😅 Thank you!

[@deborahhardin4383]

I agree with your assessment, this song really grips you & captivates your attention. The video definitely sets this powerful tone too. This is one of my favorites of Avi's. I really applaud Avi for stepping out and making his music "his own"! What amazes me most in all of his solo songs are his lyrics. What a great line "what good is a man who's lost his soul, can't take a stand when his flame's gone cold"!!! Thank you for reacting, I enjoyed your commentary. 👏👏

[@SirHairless]

🙌🙌

[@LindaVernon]

Regarding your assessment of the lyrics as "overcoming" something, Avi has said that he was coming out of (overcoming) a lengthy depression. It does inspire action of some kind. There is one reactor who added it to his gym playlist. 😃

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the info!

[@mariawilliams4941]

Another good reaction, I think Get Down would appeal to you, every AVI song is different 💜

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@mariawilliams4941]

@@SirHairless I think you’d really like Black is the colour it’s Peter Hollins and Avi

[@janeramirez8767]

Others have listed lots of Avi's music, and every is fascinating and different from the last. I hope the cover of "Hey Ya" caught your eye--don't miss it! Just try to imagine OutKast singing bluegrass...

[@SirHairless]

Thanks - certainly sounds interesting!

[@darkwolfnova344]

I am of the same mind about vibes of the song

[@Blue-rl5dp]

Most of us when this first came out felt inspired to paint our faces with woad and pick up a spear, going to join the rising. The show Vikings was newly out so we all felt a bit of barbarian going on in us. LOL If you'd care to hear another piece that he did that very low background sound, our Avi is part of the soundtrack to the movie "Blade Runner 2049" I'll give you a link, listen to the background. It's hard to tell it's not a techno creation like the rest of it but that's a real voice, and it's Ave. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJCtmIKifNZpn5Y&start_radio=1

[@cocohol3513]

I always forget about this! It's really cool. Someone posted a clip of him explaining how this came about. Avi was on a road trip and pulled off to the side of the road and recorded ideas on his iPhone and sent them in. They ended up using those recordings in the soundtrack, Avi didn't even go to the studio!

[@Blue-rl5dp]

when inspiration hits, grab hold. It could drag you to good places! 😃

[@SirHairless]

Haha well said! And wow, that's cool to see

[@pandatrueno_cl]

With Avi and Keiko (from Kalafina, a female japanese group where she is "the bass") I've seen that they explore their range more in ther solo careers, letting their lower range aside, with greats results ❤️

[@charlottevan_8]

The vocals and sounds in this are all Avi, and the only instrumentation is some organ and tambourine in the choral bridge. He released this in March of 2019 and did his first solo concerts a month later in Nashville near his home, performing 6 sold out shows over 3 consecutive weekends as Artist in Residence at the venue. The shows were to try out the music, his band (comprised mostly of members of Streetcorner Symphony), the playlist, etc. before heading out several weeks later on the full tour (I went to 3 of those shows). And even though "Change on the Rise" was very new, the audiences at all 6 shows sang along, as they still do, since he continues to perform "Change". I don't think he'd dare not . To show you what I mean, here's Change" from his July 12, 2019 show in San Francisco, the second show of that tour. You'll see that he does that low droning chant as a loop, that's then played throughout by keyboardist Daniel Ellsworth (who is the man who played that great piano part in "Healing"). The audience really got into singing along. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4fRi4uQjracm5Y

[@LindaVernon]

Well worth watching to see him doing the loop. As well as for the interaction with the audience. 🙂

[@venetta-sh7su]

I love the way you present this piece and your reaction! I'm comparatively new to PTX and this is the first time I've heard Avi on his own. The piece is touching and emotive - to me it's a mix of Native American folk, Country Western, Heavy Metal and Acapella... Is that even possible? And you got it in one - it sounds ritualistic. Brilliant as ever thank you Sir! 👏

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Lol!! Well if you consider Avi's background it's completely possible. He was raised near the Sequoia National Forest and Mohave desert where he hiked and camped a lot. As a small boy he rode horses with his mother and participated in rodeos. Many of his choir mates were from the Native American Reservation close by and he was familiar with the music performed at pow-wows. He said his father listened to musicians called The Sons Of The San Juacine so he had that influence as well. Then as a teen he fell in love with the music of Iron and Wine. You take a mix like that plus the serious a Cappella, classical and jazz training he had you get a mix that's unreal. His body of work is really not like anything anyone else is doing.

[@AprilG72271]

Welcome to Pentaholics...can never have too many

[@SirHairless]

Yes, well-said! Not bound by one style/genre 🎶 Thanks, as always! 🙏

[@LottieOfWales]

I love this song. Its chilling ❤

[@charlottevan_8]

While I could recommend lots of Avi's songs for you to react to, this one is one of my favorites, as I revel in the incremental layering he does, not just of his voice, but also of various instruments. It's bold and brilliant. It's called "Get Down". The official video is actually audio only, but of course that lets one focus on the music and not on some visuals. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXvTfo2KfpWjnrs

[@charlottevan_8]

Oh, and here's one of the many Shorts Avi has done, doing mini covers of all sorts of songs. This one really shows off his lower bass as he harmonizes with himself as a one-man quartet. kzbin.infoSTR8B6qBc3o

[@cocohol3513]

​@@charlottevan_8I love this one!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@EllaSilentDragon]

Thid song has been on one of my playlists for a long time. But I would have never been able to tell you the name of the singer. 😅😂 Even though it‘s just epic. ❤ So glad you reacted to this! I so enjoy your explanations ❤

[@SirHairless]

Thank you!

[@badm0t0rf1nger]

Any excuse to listen to this Avi song is fine by me. All the better when it's a reaction/analysis from someone who knows what he's talking about! As already said elsewhere in these comments, "Excuse me now , I need to go sack a small Saxon village..." LOL :)

[@The-Sneaky-Vampire]

This is basically like an old southern spiritual. Avi's solo music is so much more folksy and raw. His voice is so rich and soulful, it's captivating.

[@rodconner9079]

Avi - such a rich voice! Be Safe

[@marablemorgan8292]

⚡🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⚡

[@adideles7977]

The lyrics absolutely appeals to me and it's refreshing!!🕵‍♀️💝💞 happy new year 🎉

[@SirHairless]

Happy New Year!

[@texadian339]

Personally, I would describe it as a "war chant"

[@blairkimberlin3447]

I've loved this song since it was released. It's my go to songwhen I'm driving in the summer at night without anything on my jeep. Truly an anthem for night driving at full volume. I don't know if you've heard the artist Ren but if you haven't I think you would find him fascinating. He is a troubadour, quite honestly his lyricism and story telling through music is unlike anything I've encountered in my 60 years on earth. I would compare his ability to encapsulate emotion in his lyrics is equal to Dimash's mastery of his voice and range. Most people start with his song Hi Ren, which is amazing, but I would recommend The Tale of Jenny and Screech full version of the trilogy. It's long and tragic but mind blowing with LOTS to analyze. I would advise against reading the lyrics first or watching with subtitles. Another thing to keep in mind if you watch, his videos are live(uses a lav mic) and done in ONE take. If you do react to him and want to know more Mary Spender has a great video that gives a short but comprehensive overview of his life

[@robinmcintyre3472]

To me, "tribal" is what comes to mind, more than ritualistic, jmo.; but I do understand why "ritualistic" was the word that came to your mind.☺️ It's well known that Avi deals with Depression & all that comes with that, and more than one of his songs can be understood from the perspective of contending with & finding victory over Depression/not letting it completely take one down & out, so to speak. "The First Place I Go" is one such song; one of my favorite Avi songs! "The First Place I Go" lyrics are nonspecific enough that it could easily be applied to a toxic relationship, or an addiction of any kind, as well, tho from Avi's personal perspective he is referring to battling "Depression/Anxiety"; and a battle it is, believe me!😉) Sir Hairless, I always enjoy your reactions ~ you offer us a wealth of interesting, informative information on the breakdown of all things musical, and you do it in such an engaging way as to enlighten & educate us without making it seem as though you're bragging about your "vast knowledge" or making the reaction more about you & what You know than about the wonderful music & artists! Bless you for that, as many vocal coaches, etc. seem offputting to me for doing the latter, whereas you make it all about the music and sharing what you know so that we might greater understand and appreciate what we're hearing.😊

[@SirHairless]

Thank you very much for your kind words 🙏

[@tasia2174]

Great reaction! I hope you'll do his Full Moon. I personally prefer the official audio (there's a lot of background things going on that are just so gorgeous) compared to the live performance he has on his channel, though both are really great! Also, I think it'd be really cool if you compared and contrasted the songs he's done two versions of: Chains/Chains - Alt Version, It Knows Me/ It Knows Me - Alt Version, and Aberdeen/Aberdeen -Alt Version. I think they'd make super interesting videos! I'd watch em all!

[@cocohol3513]

Yes, I suggested the same thing! I love how Avi "covers" his own songs!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[@Badger77722]

The first time I heard this song, I said it makes me want to go out to my cabin in the woods and chop some firewood with my axe. Only problems being that I don't have a cabin (woods or otherwise), and I'd probably take my foot off if I tried to chop anything with an axe!

[@LindaVernon]

😄😁😆

[@SirHairless]

😂

[@karenm5681]

Be careful what you wish for.🪓Chopping firewood to keep a cabin in the woods warm is highly overrated. Exhausting, uncomfortable, chilly, not to mention dangerous and far from a hospital if you do injure yourself. You have to do the work a year in advance and keep the wood covered so the wood has time to dry out properly before you use it and you always have to be thinking about the future supply of firewood. Chainsawing rounds, chopping, hauling, stacking…Much nicer to romanticize about than to actually be in the situation. After 11 years of “roughing it” with my family during my teenage years I’m very glad to be “out of the woods” 😉 It was hard. (And that’s just one element of it: heat.)

[@deannacook3862]

Avi's voice is just so much dark chocolate.

[@kyrasharp7048]

Also, I've read that the sounds are all him, layered. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[@laurag2112]

May I suggest you listen and comment to a duet with Avi Kaplan and Peter Hollens “Black is the Colour of my True Loves’s Hair”. ❤️🇨🇦

[@neotheboxer6015]

Sounds like a great mood for certain types of movies.

[@cherylfrady4602]

As you may or may not know, Avi is Jewish. I hear many words from the bible in every song he writes. Thank you for covering my favorite bass singer. I love folk music also so, it's a win win. Merry Christmas

[@SheilaDellinger]

I wish you lived closer to me so you can teach me how to play the piano 😊 You have a wonderful channel.

[@SirHairless]

Haha thank you! 🎹

[@neotheboxer6015]

His first album release was very light and folksy. I love that album. For example, see Sweet Adeline by Avriel and the Sequoias

[@MsTinyninja]

“Full Moon” has an other worldly flavor with Avi hitting some low notes. Very similar to the soundtrack to Blade Runner 2049.

[@venetta-sh7su]

Makes total sense!! Thank you for all the info - appreciate it! 🙏

[@SirHairless]

Thank you! 🙏