Classical Musician Reacts & Analyses: BE PREPARED from 'The Lion King' - VOICEPLAY

[@SirHairless]

If you're in the spooky mood, check out my previous VoicePlay reaction next 👻🎃kzbin.info/www/bejne/omOmq4aGm7GZrtU

[@marshayoung9387]

Thank you for an awesome reaction to Voice Play. You mentioned there weren't any marching sounds ? I think the sounds Layne's making makes up for that.

[@SirHairless]

@@marshayoung9387 Thanks! Yes in the Spotify version there are a lot of sounds that were removed compared to the version from the film. Not a worry when Layne's involved 🪘

[@christinestromberg4057]

Poor Geoff, he hates playing villains, but Layne insists, And he does it so well! And yes, Geoff is the sweetest guy you could ever wish to meet. He says he isn't an actor but he clearly is. Those high notes of Mykal, something else! Another fabulous arrangement. I also caught reminders of Oogie Boogie in this. Mykal was in the original group with Layne, Geoff and Earl, who later became VP.

[@marshayoung9387]

Actually Elizabeth the Charismatic asked Geoff what his favorite role to play was & he said the villain.

[@karinwolf9639]

​@@marshayoung9387yes & no... in the last chat he felt the need to excuse for beeing so mean towards the "hyenas".... he seems to be a really nice guy inwards. AND a good actor ...who is still improving!🎉😊❤ And with listening to stage directions, trying different aproaches and checking every take... this is the result! A great one! 🥰🥰🥰

[@christinestromberg4057]

@@marshayoung9387 Ah ok, Maybe it was just the one in Hellfire that he felt was a villain too far. He resisted that role for years.

[@Someone-dv7hw]

Which also makes me think... did Layne ask him to shake him by the collar?😂 whose idea was it?

[@karinwolf9639]

@@Someone-dv7hw Don't know... maybe Layne's. That disgusted touch "wet as a warthogs backside" was Geoff's idea... sometimes also Tony is present and gives hints and advise...

[@brd24gor]

Mykal was an original Voiceplay member way back with Earl, Layne, and Geoff!

[@martymiller9802]

Did not know! TY.

[@judithboulden3456]

And Mykal can go even higher than Earl. Crazy huh?

[@tobiasmogensen8820]

@@judithboulden3456 Yes, apparently he was the high tenor of the group. I can definitely see that now.

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

Geoff is a super nice guy in real life but he makes a magnificent villain. Mikael sung with Geoff and Layne in the group they had before Voiceplay and they were thrilled to have him back ❤

[@CarterCanyon]

You've changed how I listen to music now ... thank you 'Sir'

[@katetracton131]

This was a fab breakdown! Fun fact - Mykal was one of the original members of Voiceplay before they were called Voiceplay. He was a great addition for this cover. Thanks for all the music appreciation; it’s so helpful to get full enjoyment from listening to it.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

Mykal was with them when they were still called 4:2Five, after adding a fifth member.

[@EtherealForever]

Thanks for this! I think it is really difficult to do a song like this... plus it comes with expectations... I want to second someone's suggestion of doing the Little Mermaid medley. It's extraordinary and a heck of a lot of fun 😉🌹🕊

[@marshayoung9387]

Absolutely

[@loraleitourtillottwiehr2473]

I think that how fun that medley is kind of hides how musically extraordinary the arrangement & performances are. It's a must watch for sure!

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

This one has a similar energy as Oogie Boogie; it's so hightly animated. Of course, you've heard by now that Mykal was an original member of the group and is one of the rare folks who've been in Broadway shows. What a voice is right. Once a you've performed with the group; you're always family when you're talking about VoicePlay.

[@agentcorba]

Fun fact: When Mykal was in the group he was a Tenor 1 and Earl was Tenor 2. You can just imagine how comfortable he is in his highs.

[@SirHairless]

[@angiesnellgrose5919]

Geoff is a super sweet guy! He sent my son a happy birthday message on his birthday. We were having a bad year and geoff sent him that video and my son was just completely speechless. He is awesome!

[@LoriPeace]

I don't think you've reacted yet to Voiceplay's "Just Sing" which they made as a fundraiser for musicians back in 2020. They got over 20 of the people who had collaborated with them previously (in the little cellphone videos we were all making then), as well as Geoff's niece and the son of ... I forget who, sorry, then Voiceplay sang background for all these amazing vocalists. One of those people they brought in was Mykal Kilgore; and if you watch near the end of the song where they have the faces of all their guests on the screen at once, two different people hit really high notes -- first Elizabeth Garozzo, then Mykal. When you watch it, make sure you have your captions turned on -- they'll tell you who each person is, what else they've done, and how they've collaborated with Voiceplay. Also keep watching after the song ends -- Layne explains quickly about the fundraiser.

[@huldradraco]

the karaoke versions that they provide on their patreon is always so super interesting to listen to, with all the percussion and background vocals coming through so clearly with the lead vocals removed! there is so much stuff there that gets buried beneath the volume of the lead vocalist, that you never really get to appreciate, despite it providing such a gread addition to the overall soundscape. love nerding out on the karaoke tracks they release for each song 🥰🥰

[@janetdw]

After the behind-the-scenes, it’s my favorite perk. I am generally a casual listener of music. Or at least I have been- except for Geoff and VoicePlay . But I miss so much because I get caught up in the performance. Listening to the karaoke version a handful of times and then going back to listen to the full version makes it a whole different experience.

[@johnwatson2887]

I take your point, but want to point out that Sir Hairless (and one or two other reactors) have an uncanny ability to hear and attend to all the background stuff even when the lead vocals are playing. Sometimes even when he points out the background vocals, I have trouble hearing them. I'm proud to say, though, that I'm getting better at it. It's the main reason I watch videos like this; they help me to really appreciate what I already like. Thanks Sir H!

[@huldradraco]

@@johnwatson2887 oh absolutely, there's a reason I love watching analysis videos like this! which is also why I love hearing the karaoke tracks, because it makes it easier for me to hear what reactors like sir Hairless are able to hear that I don't 😄

[@MarieDesJardin]

I always enjoy your analyses. VP plan to feature Mykal in an upcoming video, so you'll see more of him then!

[@LoriPeace]

That's exciting! I love his voice!

[@marieke3032]

Nice! I'll be looking forward to that!

[@lkayh]

Mykal was an early member of Voiceplay before it was Voiceplay. He left to pursue a musical theater career, and has had some real success. I’ve been dying to hear him with Voiceplay after a very brief bit in Just Sing, so now this. I want more!

[@JoBarnes-x2n]

You have an excellent ear, not something all musicians have. I enjoy how you can focus my hearing on the different parts. I'd love to hear you do Geoffs version of Durins song. Personally I feel its one of his best vocal arrangements, but that's just my hearing 😂.

[@Wildecat10]

You can thank Eli for the lighting and the smoke effects. He programs the changes/releases into the playback so that it’s the same look for every shot. Their ‘spoken’ section was a trial by Layne. In Hellfire he included the spoken dialogue and some people thought it broke up the music too much. He asked our opinion on a zoom call and the result was mixed. So this time he made the spoken section a rap. More people (particularly people unfamiliar with the movie) seem to like the rap.

[@DC-tm7ys]

I love your reactions. Having been in chorus and choir, I have always loved music. I have learned so much from you. I appreciate you. Thanks.

[@AppleBearLing]

Thank you for the analysing! It makes me listen to music more musically and understand why I like or don't like about some part of pieces.

[@bjspeck4337]

I just love that Layne holds out for Geoff's villainy. I just can't ever get enough of all the variety of songs/video that VoicePlay and Geoff's solos do. Mykal is in Just Sing and if you do react, make sure you use the captions to see what each of the people featured have as their claims to fame.

[@susanfulbright4898]

Thank you, Sir! I smiled and knew I was in for a treat from you. Just like Voiceplay, you don't disappoint! The boys were in fine voice and having fun. Everyone was great in their roles. Perfection! After the song came out, it along with Durin's Song has been playing nonstop in my head. Smiles!

[@marshayoung9387]

Definitely be prepared for Voice Plays upcoming Halloween cover soon. They are The Theater Kids of Halloween.

[@ilonadever8249]

Love your reactions. The closed captions when Geoff roared were perfect. Cesar's trill after Geoff's second basement drop was so much fun. Voiceplay can make something be dark, sinister, and gigglyfunny at the same time. Try their versions of Carry On Wayward Sun or Go the Distance. The featured artists are Omar and EJ Cardona. They are brothers. You've seen Omar in Dragonborn and Dream On, and EJ in I Can't Make You Love Me.

[@DravenGal]

I've wanted to hear VoicePlay do this ever since I saw the Peter Hollens version (very good, highly recommend), but once again, VP takes the top spot. I also very much want to boop Cesar on the nose. I can't really explain why. He's just adorable. And man, what I wouldn't give for the jacket Geoff is wearing! Thanks for another wonderful reaction/analysis! 💙

[@vdoyne]

LOL...the jacket is possible - it's on Amazon

[@DravenGal]

@@vdoyne Oooh, thanks, what's it called?💙

[@vdoyne]

@@DravenGal chouyatou Men's Removable Fur Collar Sherpa Lined Steampunk Faux Leather Jacket

[@DravenGal]

@@vdoyne Hmmm, I can't find the burgundy square pattern one Geoff is wearing. Lots of nice ones though.💙

[@vdoyne]

@@DravenGal It looks like the jacket but agree about the darker color not being there now. No telling how long ago they ordered the jacket as "Be Prepared" has been thought about for awhile. It may be that in their area there are local cosplay stores that offer additional, or older, colors

[@LucyBogacheva]

Have you heard/seen the Little Mermaid from Voiceplay? Geoff is the villain Ursula)

[@Badger77722]

In that one, Geoff spends most of his time in the basement, but he does do one run where he goes through about 3.5 octaves in a single breath - it's his Ursula highlight, for me!

[@SirHairless]

Not yet!

[@LoriPeace]

@@SirHairless Oh, you must! I would say "it's amazing," but then again, it's Voiceplay, so saying it's amazing is redundant. ;)

[@janetdw]

I always thought that in Classical Chaos Cesar is turning the tables on Geoff/Ursula because he stole his voice as well as Rachel‘s. (Even though Layne actually did the voice.)

[@LoriPeace]

@@janetdw Oh that's a very good thought! Making up for the fact that Geoff/Ursula stole Ariel's voice? That's very good!

[@thisismetoday7423]

Thank you!! Turn the captions on for a giggle next time you watch it I thought they did a stellar job capturing the essence of the original while putting their own spin on it. VoicePlay are just experts at that! And Geoff was the perfect Scar. The ending was very reminiscent of Oogie Boogie’s Song!

[@SirHairless]

[@maskedmallard537]

Meow!

[@margiestevens2384]

I always enjoy your reactions. My slight deafness means that I sometimes miss things until knowledgeable reactors point them out and I can listen specifically for them. It really improves my enjoyment of songs that I already enjoy.😊

[@XuLee35]

I was waiting for your analysis of this song. Thank you Sir for all the little details you point out or explain 😃

[@Juliana_Livingston]

Hi Sir H! 😁 Great reaction and analysis as per usual! Again, my appreciation for a song increases after watching your analysis. Lots of comments on this one! I agree w/ other folks about the Little Mermaid medley. And the “Wicked” medley. I haven’t requested the little mermaid quite yet because it’s over 5 minutes (same w/ Wicked) 🤷‍♀️🙃

[@thisismetoday7423]

I’m the other VoicePlay requesting Patreon and The Little Mermaid Medley was going to be my very first request months ago but the length was a no go. My top 2 requests would be that one and The Wicked Medley!! Maybe one day… 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🫠🫠🫠

[@venetta-sh7su]

Love it! Love it! Love it! Love it! Love it! Love it! Love it! Love it! 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾Sir H! I Love it! Excellent analysis, very enjoyable good piece - Bravo! 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@ShadowPerson11]

I love how much fun you had with this one!

[@lauriehallcolemandowns7364]

I love your musically insightful analysis. It makes me happy to hear someone who hears and thinks the same things I do about it. I wish I'd had a professor who made music theory as you make it! LOL BTW, Mykal was an original member before he went off to do Broadway!

[@chih-chaoyang5290]

So glad that you dived into this one so fast!! Geoff is so good in this one and what a voice for Mykal indeed!! Love your reaction!

[@PurpleButterfly0918]

I have not been so patiently waiting for your reaction and analysis. Guess that is why this has been an earworn since the first heard it .

[@barbarakennedy2667]

I have been watching every reactor for this song and I still want to hear it over and over.

[@CharronMcLeod]

No head tap today, Sir Hairless!? Another fine analysis as per usual. Thank you!

[@amberfuchscia709]

Love your reactions/ analyses. We learn things?we did not know we needed. 🥰❤❤❤

[@asemlagnestal]

Thanks! I was looking forward for this. Always a treat to hear your analysis. 🥰

[@johndandrea8034]

Your'e analysis videos are awesome. Love the music theory aspect of it.

[@micaholson7718]

Amazing. Such a unique song choice.

[@SirHairless]

A great song choice 🤝

[@marieke3032]

Thank you for another great A&R! I learn so much, you've changed the way I listen to music! You really are an excellent teacher. I came in on the VP tide but discovered new music through your other A&Rs and the ranking. Thank you for that, too! ❤ Btw: If you're in for a laugh - there is a short for this vid called 'shenanigans on the set' ...

[@cherylsmith3291]

I was waiting for your analysis. It is always the best Analysis.❤

[@KaaSerpent]

You shouldl watch it again with subtitles on. When Geoff/Scar roars, it says, "Meow!" Oh, and some of the background speech: "Endless meat! Endless meat! Treat!"

[@jenniferwalker5980]

I just enjoy watching you while you are listening and wish I had the musical knowledge that must be going on in your head. It's why I have your reaction and analysis so that I can get your insight. Still wish I could have the knowledge so that while I'm listening to the original I could break down the cords and the like. Thanks for your wonderful insights.

[@KMS58]

Whoa… I was shocked by Geoff’s voice. I thought Ko Woo-Rim was lowest voice ever. Totally different texture. Going to check out more.

[@lattelover5471]

Or, for a complete change of pace, try VoicePlay's cover of "If I Were a Rich Man/Girl" ft. Ashley Diane.

[@pzycho_reclas1794]

Mykal was a founding member of the group when they were all back in HighSchool. Geoff is one of the nicest guys you'll ever talk to, he hates playing villains but is sooooo good at it so Layne insists, oh he also says he isnt an actor... Really!?!?! lol Another amazing reaction from you I'm gonna say it again we need online classes on theory and analysis from you Sir!

[@monairen86]

Thank you for the R&A! This was a biggie for me; growing up with the 'Lion King' on VHS; remember those?, I swore no-one could live up to Jeremy Irons; but I stand corrected. VoicePlay just have their own way, own sound to worm their way in. And Mykal, oh man.

[@vdoyne]

Thank you for this. I always look forward to your detailed analysis of VoicePlay's and Geoff's solo releases.

[@judithL3100]

Geoff is the most perfect villain…..as are the “hyenas”

[@dorothyrosenberg1301]

I’m still relying upon FEMA for internet connection - meaning this must be brief. Geoff’s range is showcased here. This is fun. Cesar’s hyena’s salute proves his acting chops. I’m also in love with Layne’s frightened beatboxing when Geoff/Scar has him by the throat. Thank you for this reaction.

[@elainecourteau6231]

Voiceplay is just wonderful, truly committed to their performance. I think they are a great introduction (along with Disney movies) to musicals, for people who feel cringey about them. I love all musicals. To me, the combination of story telling, acting, music and singing is the most perfect form of expressive entertainment. Thank you for another great R/A. 🤗

[@Wildecat10]

I’m on my way out to an appointment, but I can’t wait to hear this when I get back!

[@minamishoujo]

Since it's already October, I hope you do a reaction of Geoff's solo cover of either monster mash or Jack's lament from nightmare before christmas.

[@SirHairless]

[@bettinasade9385]

I Loved that Song right away, lets see what voiceplay did

[@SirHairless]

You likey?

[@bettinasade9385]

@@SirHairless i do. Sometimes a modern acapella group can do a little too much to a simple song (in my Personal opinion). But voiceplay did a good Job and i really Like Caesar's acting. 😊

[@karinwolf9639]

Have a look on it with subtitles: the roar is subtitled with "meaow!" ... 😂❤ Fun and details everywhere... 🎉

[@iamsquatty]

Nooooo you didnt do the sir hairless slappy head thingy 😂 geoff is the best disney villain 😁💜

[@pzycho_reclas1794]

Also I can't wait until you see the October releases from VP and Geoff it's their favorite season and they always go all out!

[@thisismetoday7423]

Are you in VoicePlay’s Patreon? They just released their Halloween cover and it’s epic! 😅

[@pzycho_reclas1794]

@@thisismetoday7423 oh I absolutely am!!! It's epic!

[@chelliespider]

It's kind of funny that the original was something you didn't care for much when it’s popularly regarded as one of, if not the very, best of Disney villain songs. We all come from different experiences and backgrounds though, so we all enjoy different things! Love the detailed analysis, as always. It gives me a better depth of appreciation for what I'm hearing 😊

[@Maria...-mo5qm]

This was a lot of fun, thank you! Even though hyena’s sounds/ behavior/’character’(?) usually cause unpleasant reactions in my mind, I had a great time watching your enjoyment increasing during your reaction to this new VoicePlay creation :) Also loved listening to your analysis - you always highlight interesting musical/visual bits that increase my appreciation of the video analyzed (aww Geoff personifies the cutest version of Scar!); besides, the sound of your voice/your accent is very soothing and a true delight to listen to (so lovely!)😊

[@masafilipovic7629]

thank u for the reaction

[@annel6265]

I really love listening to your detailed analysis of songs. Thank You! I recommend Geoff Castellucci's Jack Lament as one of your Halloween's videos. It is excellent!

[@SirHairless]

[@yudith.royo8]

No "head tap" to start the video? 😢💔 It seems that Geoff heard that Jeremy Irons damaged his voice on the "you won't get a sniff without me!", and figured out a different but equally menacing way to do it! 😂

[@carinarodebak9419]

Now I long to hear a barbershop number from back in the days when Mykal was tenor 1 and Earl tenor2, Layne baritone and Geoff bass.

[@Wildecat10]

There are a couple on KZbin

[@marge2548]

I liked this song a lot even if I never had heard the original. (I think I heard it once from the bass gang, though, come to think of it?) - I loved the percussion in this one. It made everything sound so smooth and easy, lighthearted, even if very sinister things were going on. And Jeff did a great job as your not quite average leonine baddie surrounded by harmonically talented, yet hapless henchmen.

[@janetdw]

I think it was Tomi P In their Disney EP release

[@marge2548]

@@janetdw Yep - just looked it up. That was the one I remembered. Thank you for reminding me. Now, even if I liked their rendition, too, this was even more fun. ☺️

[@gigi3242]

Thank you

[@judithboulden3456]

Thank you for the notification. Let's go.

[@SirHairless]

🙌

[@lattelover5471]

Please consider reacting to VoicePlay's cover of "Creep" ft. Anthony Gargiula. Cesar is AMAZING in it.

[@stevegreen6760]

Great analysis! Now if you had the captions on, you would have seen at the end, it wasn't a growl but a "meow" instead...lol. from what I understand, Geoff does the captions

[@annek7262]

As others have said, Geoff is absolutely the sweetest and definitely not a fan of being a villain. :) I'd love to see you focus on Geoff for a couple of videos and review some of his solo work. Things like 16 Tons, 'Til Then, Way Down, Jack's Lament, or Ghost Riders in the Sky, are all good ones. Or maybe one of his Halloween ones, like Monster Mash?

[@sharonleath1232]

Ditto Jack's Lament, and may I add Headless Horseman to your list?

[@SirHairless]

[@ScottJThornton]

Geoff's "Sound of Silence" completes a really good triad with the versions from Pentatonix and Disturbed to get the different feelings of the song.

[@SirHairless]

@@ScottJThornton or a quadruple including Peter Hollens & Tim Foust kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoOmh6Ghj8SFeNk (I've not seen PTX's or Disturbed's versions yet)

[@sharonleath6384]

@@SirHairlessDisturbed’s version is spellbinding. David Draiman was trained as a cantor and infuses the song with such pathos. Be sure you listen to the live performance on Conan.

[@Gael4ce]

Now turn their captions on and watch it again. You missed some amusement. ☺️

[@corinnacougar881]

The tone of Mykal's voice reminds me somewhat of Alex Newell's.

[@patricks1223]

Not sure if you’re into more modern musicals… but Voiceplay (+ Rachel Potter / Emoni Wilkins) has a terrific arrangement of WICKED. It might be a good time of the year to check that one out 🧙 … and we’d love to see your reaction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJK9nnV9fdKGaasfeature=shared

[@darthleia2536]

Geoff is just a great villain and awesome review 👏

[@kellytressler7671]

❤

[@annevoss4302]

Geoff has one of the few speaking voices that are more beautiful to listen to then Jeremy Irons'

[@MelindaBrown-yz5jc]

❤️❤️❤️

[@emilyrln]

The intro had more music and Sir Hairless didn't pat his head! What's happening?? 😂 Edit: it's all good, he's still our boy 😊

[@venetta-sh7su]

No tap tap!! 😮 but it's OK! ❤😊

[@SirHairless]

Just got back from abroad and was apparently too tired to remember the head-tap Shame on me

[@venetta-sh7su]

Hahaha! Fair enough! 😂❤

[@emilyrln]

@@SirHairless we forgive you ;P

[@Matthewrents]

EXCUSE ME!!!! Where’s the Tap Tap in the intro?!?!?

[@SirHairless]

How could I forget

[@patricks1223]

Voctave includes this song in their “Heroes and Villains” medley (with some fun hyena inflections!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5a4YZmwZZdojJofeature=shared That would be a great reaction for your Voctave rabbit-hole journey… and it ends with an impressive and moving E.J. moment from Hunchback 👍 👍

[@kingscrub3386]

RIP headslap

[@SirHairless]

🪦

[@LokificentsLair]

He was in 9-5 aka voiceplay before they changed the name

[@rdy3357]

Now you have seen one of the original 1997 singers in Mykal it would be great if you could put the Halo theme on your list to hear from the last of the yet unheard pre-VoicePlay line-up.

[@thisismetoday7423]

Don’t forget about Tony! He joined in 2011 and they became VoicePlay in 2012. 😊

[@rdy3357]

@@thisismetoday7423 Sir H saw a glimpse of Tony in Hellfire. He made a great Phantom, and his role in the Chicken Song is not to be forgotten.

[@thisismetoday7423]

@@rdy3357 That glimpse doesn’t count for me. He hasn’t heard his voice yet.

[@veronicathunander4579]

👍

[@loveloochay]

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨🌕✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@bindak]

Does the UK celebrate Halloween? I thought it was an American thing?

[@SirHairless]

We do! It's a very old tradition (that pre-dates America by over 1000 years apparently 👻)

[@maciekprochniak9539]

What about Little Mermeid Medley?

[@SirHairless]

It's on my list for the future at some point 🎵

[@Jennifer_J_C]

Thanks 😊