Bass Singer FIRST-TIME REACTION & ANALYSIS - Geoff Castellucci | Ghost Riders In the Sky

[@DragonxFlutter]

He calls it "dip down into the basement". I call it "reaches through his soles to dig into the earth itself".

[@raeyth_]

One of things I love about Geoff is his diction. When a lot of singers try for that legato sound, they lose a lot of their diction trying to make the words flow, but Geoff still keeps his vowels and consonants very defined while still moving smoothly between them. Same thing with his bass notes. Being able to keep clean diction at that range is impressive to me. The years he has spent mastering his voice really does show.

[@CapriUni]

Agreed. One sign of the clarity of Geoff's diction while singing is that even KZbin's auto-generated closed captions can keep up with 90% of his sung lyrics, while with other singers, you're lucky if you get 20% accuracy. (I think it's because the voice recognition algorithm is based on frequencies in the voice, so most of the time, layering a melody over words just causes confusion -- But not nearly as much with Geoff).

[@raeyth_]

@@CapriUni yeah. Another thing that helps with that is how amazing his pitch is. Yes, there's a little bit of post production on his voice, but he does such fantastic takes that there's almost no pitch work that needs to be done. His notes are very clean and pure, and his vocal tone is very soft. Any algorithm shouldn't really have much issue ever figuring out his voice.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

Precise phonation is a good indicator someone is cleaning in their chest range. As low and high as Geoff keeps good phonation is beyond impressive. Equally impressive is his ability to sing lyrics using subharmonics, as well.

[@jebvlogs4761]

@raeyth__ that's cause a lot of singers don't "practice" rifts,pitches and their ah,oh,awe,hmm, etc they just stick with sounds that they are comfortable with. Learning to be uncomfortable with sounds that you aren't comfortable brings out the better quality,so you then learn to respect the comfortable sounds. If that makes any sense 🫰🏼

[@terrylynnwarner-hurst8230]

Ghost Riders in the Sky is my absolute favorite cowboy anthem. Every time I hear it the tune gets stuck in my head. Being 74, I've probably heard most versions of this song. The first time I heard it was sung by the Son's of the Pioneers' - one of my favorites. Geoff's version is so incredible I have to play it over and over. As an aside, one of my favorite versions (until I heard this one) is by The Outlaws. I love the instrumentation that drives the piece, which I think overshadows the great voices, but hey, that's metal and I love it. I love the great guitars and drums. However, for shear beauty of the voice and this arrangement, how can you go wrong with Geoff Castellucci. I enjoyed your analysis.

[@sarahereach]

12:00 "the video editor did a nice job..." You mean Geoff? Geoff is also the video editor.

[@Badger77722]

FYI: Geoff already has the Ghost Riders logo on several items of merch in his store, including a t-shirt!

[@sarahereach]

I was about to say, the T-shirt arrived in my mailbox yesterday, so I beat ya to it!

[@Chiefbird007]

Can’t wait for the day when Geoff is featured on the bass gang.

[@DBXander00]

His Misty Mountains cover was always my favorite version and I never knew how to explain it. I had never heard the term 'forward progression'. Thank you for helping my explanations of this type of beat in future conversations lol.

[@katetracton131]

It’s so nice to see your analysis. I love how you delve deep into what the singers do, not just reacting with over-the-top faces. Geoff’s version of this song is so catchy!

[@johndeeregreen4592]

When he did that little low slide/trail-off, he went down to the inverted 5th of the tonic at B1 (F#1)... it took me 10x to finally catch it, so only being a half-step off your first time is pretty impressive.

[@TheBre1491]

I personally prefer the smoother version of this song that Geoff does. I in general tend to like smoother voices over more gritty ones. I understand that is completely just personal preferences though. I also really like Geoff harmonies with…himself 😂.

[@davelister2]

I don’t mind this version, except for the Yippie-yi-ay Yippie-yi-yo, it’s (for me) backwards and jarring.

[@marshayoung9387]

@@davelister2 Johnny Cash was the one who reversed those two lines in his version.

[@melissastruxness512]

I like them both for different reasons. But Geoff is my fave singer right now by far

[@brandonsmith-bo6fk]

I love your analysis. You have such a vast vocabulary

[@ellenlanderson]

Son's of the Pioneers made it popular way before Johnny Cash. I remember as a child I loved listening to them. It gave me chills. This is a great version and again I learned something new.

[@embran8486]

True, but 4 months before that (same year - 1949) released by Vaughn Monroe & his orchestra and only Monroe accomplished it being a hit song.

[@ellenlanderson]

@@embran8486 wow, you just triggered a memory! I loved hearing Vonn M sing. I'm listening to his version

[@davelister2]

The highway men did it as well, I don’t know which version I know best, probably Vaughn though, rings a bell.

[@coletedeux]

The first celebrity to record this was Burl Ives in February, 1949.

[@embran8486]

@@coletedeux Indeed. And still one of the most unusual ones, it being in that special high voice of his. Even writer Stan Jones himself was two months later on that same year releasing it.

[@Debs_Badger]

He has absolutely already slapped that logo on a shirt. It's available through the store on his website.

[@Starrynightdiner]

Got mine today. It is awesome!

[@marshayoung9387]

Geoff designed the logo.

[@kmwwrench]

Remember this from my childhood. A great choice for his voice. And such a fun video.

[@joyfulyes]

I'm among a substantial crowd of his fans who have been bugging him to cover this one for several years! And it's as awesome as I hoped!

[@davidcummins475]

As a traditional western ballad style Geoff nailed it. Listening to Sons of the Pioneers as far back as I can remember I appreciate Geoff’s rendition.

[@batrn7236]

My T-shirt and mug arrived yesterday. Awesome.

[@sylviawhipple4688]

Love the bass voice

[@SybilWard]

This is, by far, my favorite reaction to Geoff's cover of this song. Mr. Barber, I could listen to you ALL DAY! Thanks for doing this!

[@troymclain9441]

Also one of the things I like about Jeff he doesn't just try to get the lowest base note he can hit, he just uses the base that's necessary for that song to make it sound best

[@artchic1984]

No shock but his version gave me goosebumps. This was so raw and gritty. We all love the bass king and his low notes are just epic but I will say that he is just so smooth in every aspect of his singing like his voice is just so- I want to say pretty but not really like it's just so smooth and pleasant to listen to especially on the holds and riffs. This was such an amazing version. One of my absolute favorites the only one that even comes close to this is the blues Brothers version. I love the visual aesthetics of this video as well. Gotta love the Geoff's lol I remember when he came out with Missy mountains one of the first comments I ever saw in his video was some person who had never I guess seen him before and was like wow how did this guy get so many people that looked kind of like him to sing in a video and the amount of comments that were just like dude it's him times four come on LOL. Awesome reaction analysis as always thank you so much for your in-depthness like always. Definitely my favorite out there

[@ciawaaah]

I was looking forward to your analysis when I first heard this song! Great reaction! :D

[@bryanpscolka7280]

I do believe for me. This is the best he has done. Love this so much. It's not bass heavy like he usually does. Done get me wrong. Love his bass. This is perfect by him.

[@PinoyBoy76]

These longer videos feel more investing as you explain what might happen in the song breakdown. This is good insight and I'm here for it!

[@DavideBaroni]

I just LOVE your analysis, there's so much to learn for me, and you're such a gentle guy. I'm looking forward to watching your next one. Thank you for all this. 🙂

[@athlov]

He's got a wild range. It's crazy that he doesn't even consider himself a true bass. He said that any given day he can do a G1-A5. Then there's the subs in addition to that! ETA: Don't worry though, Peter. Geoff couldn't get a G1 at your age either. You'll get there, just keep working at it.

[@Notmiddleg]

I can barely get a G1 chest. On a good day I can get a A1

[@melissastruxness512]

I would love to hear a duet between you and Geoff. Just putting that out there

[@folklorequine]

So glad I alerted you to this one - Geoff's just something else!! I could hear that bass background you were talking about, good thing about having ridiculously sensitive hearing. Fascinating analysis as per usual.

[@sandrathompson8916]

I grew up with Jonny Cash singing. I was so happy with this version of Ghost Riders In the Sky. It was a great song.

[@leekestner1554]

The longer hold is a call back to the Sons of the Pioneers who were the first to record it. They used to sing it regularly on the Grand Old Opry.

[@carinarodebak9419]

As always, än interesting analysis. Agree on the logo. It's said that Geoff designed it himself.

[@thomasfarr7934]

I have a few absolute favorite reactors. You are one of them! Thank you!

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

think he does have t-shirts with that logo on it❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@KaaSerpent]

The background Geoffs are apparently named Goff, Jeoph, Jeff, and Daryl. If you were wondering. :)

[@sprumf]

Currently watching this with his ghost riders in the sky shirt on so he definitely knew what he was doing when making that logo for the song.

[@ilonadever8249]

As I listened to the legato, and realized that the diction was not crisp, I wondered what you would think of it. And Geoff does the editing on all his solo work. Great reaction as always!!

[@craigcook1350]

Amazing analysis as always! Always fun to hear your thoughts on Geoff’s releases. And yes, he’s got that logo on a shirt at his website!

[@marshayoung9387]

Geoff designed that logo himself. That makes it extra special.

[@janetdw]

Another viewer said that during a web chat that he actually designed the logo!! Crazy talent

[@cherylrobbins715]

As kids, my brother and I were scared listening to this song. If we’d seen this, we’d have trouble sleeping! LOL

[@BenchChan]

Imagine trying to enjoy this song and Geoff goes ☠👹GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY👹☠

[@allisa_tx]

Glad to see this video, love to see how you point out techniques I might initially miss. As great a bass singer Geoff is, my ear gravitates towards your voice, tonally more pleasing to my ears. Glad you make the music you do. Loved hearing your Texas/Tennessee twang come out for a second. Cheers!

[@lkayh]

I always smile when I see you have a new reaction!! Thanks for this!!

[@Tiewaz]

The fourth ghost is Daryl. ;) And thank you. There were some things I wasn't sure I was hearing and certainly couldn't put a name to any of it.

[@CapriUni]

The four back-up singers are credited individually as Goff, Jeoph, Jeff (who appeared with him in "Way Down"), and Daryl 😉

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

@@CapriUni Haha nice :P

[@diminished4934]

You've got low pass filter and high pass filter mixed. The low pass filter allows lows to pass, filtering out the high frequencies, and the high pass filter does the opposite. So, Geoff was using a high pass filter to make that EDM effect. I love these analysis videos and how much insight they bring to the music!

[@b.buster.]

I still want an Avi, Tim and Geoff colab.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Same, that would be the dream ♥

[@lkayh]

Let’s add Peter and make it a quartet!

[@jerlynneallison6361]

I'm all for that!!!! 🥰🥰😁🥰🥰

[@thinwolf4516]

I will be the customer number 2 for the tee shirt. I suggest that Geoff cultivate a haunted (flat affect) face to go with this song.

[@joeb4142]

It may disrupt the space/time continuum.

[@maryanderson5443]

Vaughn Monroe first popularized this song. Way back in 1949.

[@tuguybear930]

I think it was originally done by Burl Ives. Plenty of other people did it also. My favourite version is the instrumental by the Ramrods.

[@shanialover]

Peter, I have been waiting for several months since I first asked you to react to Geoff singing a cover of the Beatles song Blackbird. I am still anxious for you to declare it Pit Viper status and to announce what the almost last note is. PLLLLEEEEEAAAASSSSSEEEEEE! 👗👗👠👠😊😊💓💓

[@stansmith7400]

This was one of my favorite songs when I was a kid. My oldest brother gave me a radio when I was about 5 years old. One of the first songs I heard was Vaughan Monroe's version of Ghost Riders (he recorded it in 1949). Also Burl Ives also recorded Ghost Riders about the same time.

[@christinestromberg4057]

I never heard the Johnny Cash version, I remember it from my teens in the early 60s, by Frankie Laine. Geoff has certainly made a whole new thing of it. :) Geoff made the logo and has put eith that or very similar onto merch already I think. or intends to.. I reard that when Kathy saw his moustached version of Geoff - who does the low voice solo - she said he looked wicked as f*** - and I have to agree. The original version from Stan Jones is on KZbin. I think his version of Ain't No Sunshine is less formulaic. Something very different. But I love his Misty Mountains too.

[@janetdw]

Don’t forget she also called him Hairy Gibb😂 and then he sang in that high high voice. I first heard the Sound of the Pioneers. (Dad was a Roy Rogers fan.)

[@gendy225]

Peter, I've noticed that you don't actually have an analysis video to Geoff's Blackbird rendition. I would LOVE to hear your analysis of that beautiful song.

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

I love Geoff's rendition of this great cowboy anthem. It's my favorite cover of this song. His range is amazing and I truly appreciate your reaction, analysis, and breakdown. I also would LOVE a Geoff, Tim, and Avi collaboration. What a treat that would be!

[@codytutor567]

Way to give a shoutout to Thou Yang. You're absolutely right about his ability to dissect a chord, he's a master at it. Still hopeful y'all will collab soon!

[@maudglazbrooke1287]

musically or reaction wise? 'Cause if you thought the reactions are long now, hooooboy. LOL

[@amberfuchscia709]

Thanks for this. Love your analysis...always learn something about the song I did not know before.

[@marshayoung9387]

Thank you for another great reaction to Geoff. One more to go Peter. Please do a reaction video of Voice Plays cover Hide & Seek ( Ding Dong ). Very spooky. Layne's costume is the best. It features Lauren the Stairwell Siren.

[@Notmiddleg]

Geoff also hits a C#1 in the credits

[@thewrenchreviews9986]

The first cover of the original song was done by Burl Ives. Really enjoys Geoff's interpretation.

[@ronsbrat525]

Names left to right... Jeff, Daryl, Geoff, Goff and Jeoph. My favorite is Daryl with Jeff a close second. Goff third and Jeoph fourth. And of course above all Geoff ☺️

[@livvhas3447]

The editing in this one definitely gave Geoff a run for his money. It turned out pretty cool though!

[@jakesbel8237]

It’s a simple song, Jeff is singing more as the original music. In the early 60’s was used on a Western about cattle ranch and all of us kids on the street ride to the top of the street race singing this song. The street was so steep that you only pedal for 10 yards or coasting to the bottom street going up a driveway to stop. Haven’t heard this song in decades!

[@lkreinmiller-author]

Singers who recorded this song well before Johnny Cash. Sons of the Pioneers. Frankie Lane. Marty Robbins. Even Bing Crosby and Burl Ives. I realized after all the reactors started talking about Johnny Cash doing this, I have listened to this song my whole life and never heard him sing it.

[@zacharyalvernaz7916]

Don't forget Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi in Blues Brothers 2000.

[@KaivalaJenva]

So maybe I have been too distracted watching your face reactions but I do belive that is bass gang banner ? Also I love hearing your discussions about all that Jeff puts into his work. Thanks for another great analysis.

[@sylviawhipple4688]

Little dance moves there. Very nice Peter

[@CharronMcLeod]

Peggy Lee did a version of this in 1949 that falls into the smooth voiced category. It can be found on YT. Nice review of this one! Geoff always does interesting arrangements and I enjoy your observations on them.

[@janetdw]

Nice to know Peggy Lee was My moms favorite

[@RevolutioXxNx]

OMG !!! I enjoyed watching and listening to you explain all this. I'd still rather hear Geoff sing by himself than in his group Voiceplay. I'm just mesmerized by his voice. Thanks for your video on this

[@falseparadox3838]

Great vid so far! Haven’t finished it yet but I will later. Can’t wait!

[@caitlinkavanagh3298]

Love the breakdown, thank you!! I've always loved this song, the version I was familiar with was Johnny Cash and was worried how I'd feel with Geoff doing it, but I love it!

[@neilburns448]

There is also the version by The Outlaws Hughie rocked that RIP sir and another fun edifying video

[@samuelsiggelow7106]

I would certainly buy that hypothetical t-shirt lmao

[@amandalindsay8920]

Thank you for another wonderful analysis.

[@troymclain9441]

One of the things I like about Jeff most is his personality he has no animosity for anybody, and he will help anybody, I mean if the base game was to ask him for something I bet he would be willing to do it, if he has the time

[@GryphonDes]

Your analysis and insights are always so great! And being a super talented bass singer yourself it all has even more depth :D I love it! Thanks!

[@colleenleavitt1777]

I've been waiting for your reaction on this one! 😁👍 Great job! This is now my favorite Geoff song...been on my playlist on repeat...Yippee Yi Yay! lol

[@janetdw]

In Hoist the Colours, reactors swayed. In this one, most started galloping along. It’s hard not to! 🐴🤠🏇

[@nydougtx]

When I want to know what Geoff is down to I know I can rely on your analysis.

[@gabrielwallacethebasssinge2224]

"4 ghostly Geoffs joining the party" XDDD

[@marshayoung9387]

Geoff designed that logo.

[@joyfulyes]

That "he ain't caught em yet" chord is such a Geoff chord!

[@b.buster.]

I just ordered Geoffs t-shirt and coffee mug for this song.

[@queenofpixels5458]

That logo at the start looks appropriate for a high-end whiskey. Even though I am slightly hard of hearing with both Geoff and VoicePlay I never have trouble hearing the actual lyrics.

[@vickyburton2434]

I never thought Johnny Cash could sing his way out of a paper bag. I love this version.

[@childcrone]

Another popular and iconic version -- and my favorite -- was/is Burl Ives'.

[@wingryder92]

Vaughn Monroe was the one of the first to record Ghost Riders in the Sky. 1948 listen on Spotify.

[@kathymchugh689]

Love your stuff!

[@bjspeck4337]

Someone said the flowing windblown hair was Geoff's Favio's moment

[@tmfyi8048]

Tomi p just released lullaby of woe. He hits an A0 inhale at the end

[@daventunes3822]

Is that "interesting" chord a barbershop 7th? It sounds like an echo of my Sweet Adeline days, but those were a good while back.

[@marshayoung9387]

Hi Peter, Geoff just released his new solo cover of I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas ( White Christmas ). It is his the best he has ever done. It is absolutely amazing. You won't believe your ears. Please please please do a first time reaction video to it.

[@corbinlayne5223]

@Peter Barber you should get with pit viper to make your own style and then sell those on your page. lol

[@Broomrider1492]

He does have that on a T-shirt in his store. Go get yourself one.

[@darcydevries7557]

Bro you should definitely react and analyze Colm Mcguinness's latest cover of Roll Northumbria!

[@troymclain9441]

If I'm not mistaken I think Burl Ives does this song also, hard to believe but I think he did

[@stevenshewfelt888]

johnny cash sings "day" for about one full beat, and geoff holds its for about 4 beats

[@sebastianaugusthy5648]

Get Geoff to sing with the Base Gang. That would be epic.

[@hedge6364]

Have you done an analysis of Geoff’s song Blackbird song it’s awesome. Would like you to do that song.

[@sainttv6840]

it sounds like an unresolved chord, such as in gospel or blues

[@2mydismae]

You gotta react to Tomi P's Lullaby of Woe. Its incredible

[@bonniewood5286]

Can you do a reaction to Avi Kaplan? My favourite bass so sooth and great range!

[@johonn]

That suspended chord was a V7 FYI :) ETA: Time to review Voiceplay's Hide and Seek!

[@chuckelf3373]

There's some interesting hand motions going on as well. From my limited understanding this is cuing entrance/key-changes and the like -- it looked like Mr. Barber copied it at 21:35, maybe? But it's also different characters at different times (ex. 11:54-57, red coat); could you elaborate on the motions, if possible?

[@bjspeck4337]

I grew up with this one by Marty Robbins.

[@barbarakennedy2667]

Me too.

[@xkrkro]

Strange to see a much less bass version from Geoff, a very interesting take.

[@ServantOfOdin]

And yet, even Johhny Cash isn't the initial one. Whoever sang it first in the saloons of the old Wild West is unknown, but the ever first recorded was from Burl Ives in 1949, and he's basically pulling the opposite of Geoff, going extremely high.

[@giogmusic5726]

13:05 I think is Bb diminished

[@maxsmaglick2352]

I think it's an F# dominant 7. I believe Mortius points it out in his reaction.