Jacob Collier - Blackbird (full song)

Recorded at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO Aug 22, 2017

[@TooManyEditsProductions]

Jacob: *modulates a half step up* Everyone: loses their shit

[@tirecow]

LMAO

[@maxfotoalbum243]

wait till he modulates a quarter step up to G half #

[@tirecow]

@@maxfotoalbum243 blackbird in the bleak midwinter

[@pavloski80]

fun facr, he stayed in the same key, he modulated for like 1 bar lol

[@ronaldsanfran]

audience of musicians lol

[@TrebleWing]

Whomever allowed him to flourish and become the human he is, deserve gold medals for parenting.

[@ihH6053]

Tyler Barnes both of his parents where musicians and taught him since a young age and let him do what he wanted with it

[@jacobhelbig6967]

his mother.

[@LiMCRiMZ]

As sweet as this thread is uuuuuuh let's not forget Berklee here guys 😅

[@jodijodi7112]

@@LiMCRiMZ oooh but who paid for it

[@marclouly8522]

SMOOTHIE SOUNDZ Jacob Didnt go to Berklee tho he went to the royal academy of music

[@willmartindale245]

I hope that one day I'm a good enough musician to be in Jacob collier's audience...

[@peterg5383]

pro tip: attending a jacob concert will bring you up 3 levels guaranteed, you'll go back home and play like you've never played before

[@franciscoantonio5306]

Lol

[@geno604]

@@peterg5383 Truth, It just happened last night.

[@Frodinir]

@@peterg5383 somehow this is true, he most have so much talent thats its contagious cause i played the best i ever have in my life the day after i saw him lmao

[@dylanjosiah5840]

Good luck with that. You would have to be at Mozart's level to be in his audience.

[@gurenalz]

I think every musician just wants a crowd like this

[@mArs0x0h]

And every crowd wants a musician like this

[@sinatrabone]

gurenalz He's earned it! Or perhaps cultivated it!

[@auburnboi09]

So much mutual respect in that hall. I love it!

[@OS-yg9fr]

@@mArs0x0h no, not every crowd. pop-music crowds don't

[@mArs0x0h]

@@OS-yg9fr But then where are the musicians?

[@edoardoabate]

Unbelievable. You are a genius. Please, don't die at 27

[@LukeDallert]

Wow..never thought about that. that would be one of the saddest stories... :(

[@panagsaganpiano]

Knock on fucking wood

[@andrewandrus3296]

thats exactly what I was thinking

[@BjornLlaneza]

MY GUY KNOCK ON THE FUCKING WOOD

[@BjornLlaneza]

@@louieyesthatismyname wtf Louie Johnston-Ward

[@AlexCamposHPU2024]

Fans of Norm McDonald have a saying that “people go to see comedians to laugh, but comedians go to see Norm to laugh” and I feel like the same sort of thing applies to jacob if you said “people go to musicians to listen to music, but musicians go to Jacob to listen to music”

[@EliaKay1]

Richard Fields yes

[@jacobbrown760]

bang on man.... norm is a comedians comic, committed to the craft... jacob blows away and inspires other musicians

[@jacobanteau6020]

Both geniuses in their respective crafts for sure

[@gimmedataids]

Cardiacs are another

[@zachpike1773]

And also go to jacob to laugh sometimes

[@Chribeify]

like how Jacob picks up the guys singing at 9:57

[@gabrielpianolad2462]

hahaha

[@conbaz106]

haha what a moment

[@geraudjay]

haha! very good!!

[@JRBanitt]

Haha me too

[@effiefs9561]

i keep rewatching it and laughing joyously like theres no tomorrow

[@Ohnonoa]

My favourite moment 9:56 when the guy sings ~night~ and Jacobs instincts kick in and he just can't help but immediately imitate the sound

[@charlottekerr4312]

yess and i love how he tried to mask it 😭

[@alisoncoxtcr148]

Ever so proud to have taught him at The Purcell School!

[@aramalabbascreations5279]

WHAT

[@aramalabbascreations5279]

OMG

[@sjfoster12]

Was he always one who stood out?

[@zhsjjzsjkz9788]

Weird flex, but okay

[@nickbutler123]

@@zhsjjzsjkz9788 thats a pretty legit flex lol

[@RinkyWinkleton]

first crowd I've ever heard hold a beat. That was magic in it's own right. The rest.. unbelievable.

[@videditorEB1]

Amen!! And not one single clap on the one!! Hallelujah!!!

[@joosee6767]

Bro you need to go to a snarky puppy concert , they always bring us musicians to see them and they always come up with cool stuff they know we are there for it. To make weird a Cappella beats and stuff.

[@destroythehuman3380]

Coz only a crowd of musicians would go to see a performance like this and appreciate it.

[@alfonshomac]

That audience can keep time though! I always cringe a little when people start applauding because generally, a crowd keeping decent time is very rare. Well done audience!

[@joshmaday1462]

I was impressed by that, but more so that he was able to keep the audience in key a capella for so long, then return to the harmoniser, and still be in key. Although, in talking to people before and after, the audience did seem to be generally more involved in making music than the typical concert audience (vs those who only consume music)

[@auburnboi09]

I think a vast majority of Jacob's fans have at least some form of musical background.

[@philipem1000]

However he did it he played them like a musical instrument... in part I think he has such a grasp of music he transmits it to his audience.

[@santiagocarrillo2261]

They didn't get a slight rythm change in 6:28

[@Timliu92]

Well that is possible when your audience has some sort of musical background.

[@Bryan_Hagan]

I'm convinced that 100% of his concerts are just him improving in the moment.

[@joshmaday1462]

Having seen several videos of performances of Blackbird, I’m convinced that Blackbird is a completely unique improvised performance every time. I think the rest of the show, he has a framework to work around, and he improvises within that framework. I think some aspects of the show are synced with either a track, or some sort of automated triggering system, and for that to work, there does have to be some controlled timing in the show (I design show automation for a living)

[@joshpipe7755]

@@joshmaday1462 That is such a fascinating insight. Thanks for sharing

[@natopal0819]

@@joshmaday1462 that's cool to know, thanks!

[@stride.10]

@@joshmaday1462 ò

[@ThePrehistoricWars]

@@joshmaday1462 your missing the fact he said improving not improvising but I think your both right

[@AliShaheen89]

Jacob Collier playing Blackbird at the Bluebird theater lol.

[@simenhw]

Improvement: A songbird playing Blackbird at the Bluebird theater

[@TheRealAristocrates]

Well Bluebird probably isn't really his vibe. Fantastic piece of music though. Stanford at his best.

[@lena.dymytrenko]

​@@simenhw 💋

[@vetlerradio]

There's one dude enjoying himself so much in the crowd! haha

[@jonacacarr3839]

music that is really fun!

[@LYSHEmusic]

Jonaca is right :) he just free from complexes that most of us have). Plus hyperactivity of his person. But it's honest.

[@91jubaku]

woo!

[@thedarktruthcometolight404]

Pow!

[@lena.dymytrenko]

yeah

[@kylezo]

For me the most brilliant moment is when he starts losing control of the crowd and resets them in a single moment at 8:51 by just dropping it and picking it back up.

[@Mutantcy1992]

I really don't think he was losing them. I think he was encouraging expression with his hand gestures, then brought it back when he changed it up. The audience knew what to do.

[@emanx222]

7:40 was a CLEAR ode to Bobby OMG IM CRYING

[@jamieweller7397]

I love Bobby so much and I recently found Jacob and thought instantly there was similarities

[@emanx222]

@@jamieweller7397 same and same!!!

[@famatu]

Sorry which Bobby are we talking about?

[@emanx222]

@@famatu mcferrin

[@jamieweller7397]

@@famatu mcferrin

[@colingillespie7635]

This bard rolled a twenty for his performance modifier.

[@waviddetzel381]

A natural 20 for sure.

[@tamra8485]

Yes, I want that outfit. Secondly his generosity and the fun he is having with an audience so musically with him is so fun to watch. Agreed, his rich low tones are amazing. I wonder if Jacob will ever perform with Bobby McFerrin, now that would be sump'm to see!

[@Aqualyra]

That would be amazing!! :-D

[@GrumpyStormtrooper]

do you know where that shirt is from? i might make it myself actually

[@jacobhelbig6967]

saucy risi his mom made it

[@GrumpyStormtrooper]

Jacob Helbig damn!!! i'll hit suzie up that's mad

[@jeanmason4395]

@@GrumpyStormtrooper You could! I was thinking about making it too!!

[@vxlume3475]

When i listen to his music I don’t understand it, my mind can’t comprehend what am I actually listening to, and that’s why i love it, it’s something that’s too beautiful that I can’t explain

[@nicolesouth1716]

He looks SO happy!

[@lucaandre723]

Have you ever seen him not super happy? I havent XD

[@swampsofhome]

Amazing! Is every JC audience made of musicians? They picked up every key change and tempo change from about 5:10 to the end. I love the way he draws his crowd in. Masterful.

[@ivanespinoza298]

Mostly yeah haha

[@olivierpynoh7982]

Dwight Housley : There is actually science to explain why a crowd always sings in tune. I watched a french video explaining it here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooipomurfrGUp5Y The idea is that globally, the frequencies far from the right tune, above and below, are "cancelling" each other.

[@emadeathmetal1264]

@@olivierpynoh7982 yes but usually when there are a lot of people that are not in tune and there are less people singing in tune, you can hear it's a bit flat or sharp, and usually that happens with bigger crowds. Here it was mostly on tune, like a choir. And I think there were lots of people here, 'cause it's not a big space. And also, you can hear people actually singing in this, which is epic.

[@timphillips5543]

The only people that like JC's music are musicians

[@roadchord]

i think so, that's why i'm so excited to see him next year.. i know there will be alot of musicians in the audience..

[@deepalmer3960]

I love how he gets off on people’s reactions and then plays with them. Not only is he having fun, but he’s having fun while everyone else is having fun! What a wonderful, talented human being. I wish I was young enough to be able to travel to see him, but alas, I don’t have the option. But thank you to whoever recorded this! At least I can enjoy watching from my living room. I’m a retired musician in my 60s and I love this kid!

[@fedoragibson3059]

he is planning/or currently on a world tour. go to his web page and see if he is appearing anywhere near you. Good luck and great comment.

[@Cookie_Comment]

:) that’s nice ❤️ have a lovely day sir

[@Kyusup]

4:10 fcks them with that modulation and then goes reverts back immediately

[@paulriccio5333]

Holy shit, I was like OHH! Then..OHH????

[@daysrl]

Chris Shin dang, a real let down

[@bobbyjohnson4730]

@@paulriccio5333 I wanted that so badly

[@oliviasibarani6506]

He's doing a conversation and how the audience response and be part of the harmony is truly is a rare experience

[@marilynhaverly570]

Can you imagine what a concert would be like featuring Jacob and Bobby McFerrin? Heaven!!!

[@brinosaurier6058]

that's what I was thinking the whole time watching this...

[@3HenKiss]

This reminded me a lot of McFerrin's version.

[@mackindle12345]

Love the little nods to Bobby McFerrin in this

[@jbonillaguitar]

one day Bobby will leave us, and we'll have Jacob to carry his magical legacy

[@spung42]

It's like Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin fused together.

[@neekomax75]

Bobby McFerrin stuff is around 7:40. Nice one.

[@NicoShaRylee]

Yes bobby legacy is taken to another dimension

[@emanx222]

YES!!!!!

[@andrewandrus3296]

the most beautiful performer-audience synergy I've ever seen.

[@davidsmallwoodtherapist]

what a joy to see a human actually being himself. total free to create as his music moves him. Stunning!!!

[@Sarah_Passmore_Music]

Genuinely made me cry. I've been binging JC's back catalogue for months but this video just did it. To hear someone with such a deep-seated understanding of music and harmony having so much fun with it, to see joyful collaboration between Jacob and this crowd, how he encourages participation and revels in the creation of harmony. Jacob is the coolest and most astonishing musician and he just has the encouraging attitude and humble nature of the very best kind of music teacher. This video really hit me in the covid 'missing live music' feels.

[@nicholasstuart2357]

Right there with you

[@_heatstreet]

this!!! i'm glad someone else has the same fervor. what have been some of your other favorite back catalogue picks?

[@EldeNova]

If you haven't seen, check out this performance from Bobby McFerrin (and audience). Same level of connection and music understanding. Would be great to see Bobby and Jacob together. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJaZpXVogM6Nq80

[@robertcapostagno2082]

@Chaman Chutiya music is a real mover meng. I get it.

[@anajuliacampanhan3460]

I love the way he dances while playing it. It remembers me he's just a normal person that loves music. We feel astonished by his work, but inside his mind all of this must be so simple as he is. He's hands down my favorite current musician.

[@michael_gibbs]

This is borderline hypnotic. I'm certainly in a trance.

[@ccstot33]

Shout out to Bobby McFerrin for influencing this guy so we can have this amazing music for another generation to enjoy.

[@samdasam19113]

The Bobby McFerrin influence is strong in this one

[@philipem1000]

What a tour de force! He plays the audience like an instrument. He even does air guitar. And it all makes sense, it all comes together.

[@emilianol203]

That Ab at 9:59 following some singer from the crowd hehehe

[@dosaimre]

Amazing young fellow! This guy is far more than a TALENT and only of twentysome years. I'm 72 and this performance reminds me of Paul Simon's South African concert in many ways. I love all his performances where technical gadgets do not shadow but fortifiy his real musician uniquness.

[@MrBeastlyOwns]

Only Jacob Collier can take an audience with all types of backgrounds and talents and turn it into a jazz combo.

[@6BURG9]

The most important musician of his generation. There is something magical underneath his skill that makes him transcendent; I've never heard anything quite like it.

[@BenjaminMorrenMusic]

MAN I haven't smiled so much while watching a performance in a long time!! This guy is incredible, and that audience was the best I've ever heard!

[@justkids2373]

I got chills 6 separate times during this

[@naomin5284]

This guy is ALWAYS in the flow.

[@lena.dymytrenko]

... and flying your color.

[@becmueffelmann6269]

Jacob Collier serving us major Bobby McFerrin vibes

[@Hahahehehoho758]

He heard and sang in the pitch the guy towards the end completely validating him. You can hear him the rest of the time having the time of his life, diverging from the set pitch and creating his own tune. It’s just awe inspiring how one little thing gave this man the confidence to let his creativity flow. He also has a great voice. Made my day and gave me a little hope for the good in humanity.

[@VicFishHD]

first time ive watched the full version of this. moved me to tears

[@RichiJamesMusic]

Jacob can play an audience better than most people can play their own instrument

[@SocialDownclimber]

I now know how animals feel when they hear humans creating music. Its so beautiful and I just don't understand.

[@spibeson1]

as soon as we sort out a time machine, this guy needs to jam with Mozart. that's a ticket i'd buy...

[@pacificpiano703]

It's all fun until Jacob plays a tritone

[@musicalman1995]

Did classical composers even jam?

[@gohan3554]

Cringe

[@SS-wx1bv]

@@musicalman1995 many composers were known for their improvisational skills

[@MusicallyInclined42]

I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling this whole video! I love how he’s enjoying himself so much and it’s infectious!❤️

[@CellarPhantom]

This makes me so happy!

[@davedaranjo]

An amazing performance that stands on its own, yet surely pays homage to the great Bobby McFerrin's version, too.

[@mossgrows6540]

he has such character and personality even on stage i love it

[@Thoughtless427]

He clearly loves what he he does and that is admirable, he’ll never work a day in his life.

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

A genius at work

[@grantwallace1882]

Joyous, glorious and mesmeric ......... and I only discovered this guy after a mention in a Steve Vai interview. Awesome!!!

[@sweetwish3708]

9:02 the bass he plucked and going up chromatically with his singing and keyboard - literally the most amazing thing I’ve heard

[@itopus1]

The 21 st Century has just seen the rise of it's new greatest genius and it's still a kid ! A wonder !

[@lena.dymytrenko]

i gess it's gift. 4us.

[@Eoshatt]

I just listened to this live in Lisbon. Really special moment.

[@saracolacicco1471]

Thank you for the video, I need to watch this often. I feel very fortunate to have seen a similar performance live of Blackbird by Jacob Collier in Berlin just last Saturday. I love this song and the way Jacob interpretate it. Make me cry, make me feel a part of something wonderful in this world, make me feel happy to live and sing with everyone.

[@carlalbrecht]

OMG... JC continues to amaze and shock me. Brilliant! Salute. C.

[@jazzladz5950]

You always make me smile. Your innovation is astonishing. I remain in awe!

[@FinnTheGentleman]

Just ordered tickets for his upcoming tour. Can't wait to see this lad live

[@marjorievandyke8243]

This makes me so happy after a day of such sad news. Music, if nothing else can bring us together 💓💓💓

[@zdvxgf]

Love it or not, seeing him perform with an overflowing passion really hooked us up till the end!!

[@jethrolismano9034]

The audience is so lucky! What an experience!! Looks like so much fun, genuine and organic engagement

[@MrMinxie]

Thanks so much for filming and posting this; we all marvel at Jacob's ability to soar with high notes, and now his voice is coming into it's own at the deeper ranges. Something we really haven't heard much before, featured here so fluently and with hilarious presentation. He just keeps getting greater!

[@MegaCirse]

Let me laugh !! no future for this guy, sorry ....... Too bad because he is an honorable pianist ..... ;-(

[@auburnboi09]

Philippe Cirse Who...who hurt you?

[@MegaCirse]

Bonjour !.. Je pensais juste à son exhibition grotesque sur scène .. A mon avis, c'est un phénomène de foire qu'il n'a franchement pas intérêt à développer, vu son talent au piano, car c'est un excellent pianiste !! J'espère que Google Tr. vous aidera à traduire ce qui précède - lui il emprunte bien un nom bien français pour ses simagrées - Bonne journée l'ami ....... ;-)

[@auburnboi09]

Philippe Cirse Oh you're a troll. Noted. I thought it was kind of weird what you were saying but I understand now. Good luck on your next trolling session.

[@MegaCirse]

Have you only translated and understood my answer in French? Who are you yourself to judge? Do not you like to argue about any artist, recognize his strength and his weakness ??!

[@jasonatherton1549]

It’s July 2021, in South Africa, massive 3rd wave forcing strict lockdown for the 3rd time in 1 year… and I’m listening to this, deeply moved by the joy and genius JC is… bro, you are everything 👊🏽❤️

[@heinswanepoel651]

awe

[@lena.dymytrenko]

👊💓

[@martinoporto8676]

Estuve esperando tanto tiempo para verlo por fin en BsAs, me lo perdí porque no me pagaron a tiempo. Veo esto y dan ganas de llorar.

[@TommyRobertsMusicChannel]

OMG I am so in love with Jacob, thank you NPR Tiny Desk for introducing me to this genius!!

[@tobfos]

Got to be the best audience ever

[@HondaGolwing1977]

an extraordinary young musician comes out through his pores ......... on this subject there is something about Bobby McFerrin @ ...... congratulations. from Chile.

[@DeborahLagutaris]

This is magical! Just writing to say this old music major is flipping out.

[@agustinusmadya]

i've watched it several times and omg i'm still crying

[@omgLamaoLOL]

The harmonies he makes are epic

[@fxpianochannel]

1:24 aww this is so beautiful

[@josearroyo5491]

Have you heard the original one

[@SuperRSWalkthrough]

I always come back to this video

[@judyjae6022]

A master of arranging, performing and musicianship! Bravo!

[@briancoleman936]

This man is so talented, nothing but respect for this guy. But idk if i could sit through a whole set of this

[@user-backpackerpuipui]

観客をいつの間にかひとつにしてるこの空間、、！素敵！すごいなぁ。

[@gavinyeomans]

thank you for sharing! this is gorgeous

[@karenbecker1364]

a new genius approach to music... this boy IS an entire orchestra/instrument. Brilliant

[@zack4president]

I don't get it. It's like watching a kid try to show me the song he learned in school. He even has the messy hair and pajamas. Maybe youtube isnt letting this sound like it should. But mumbling into a vocoder isn't very impressive. Especially when the song never really starts. I keep waiting for my mind to get blown but the video ends. What am I missing?

[@8413Lucas]

I can't stop smiling watching this

[@razkrhak5062]

This guy is extremely awesome and very captivating. Dragging his audience into making instant music is spectacular. This is called a truly gifted musician.

[@jazzladz5950]

beautiful voice + wild musical imagination = amazing

[@yngogutmannkonzerte2371]

You are the most likeable genius I have ever seen.

[@elizabeth1703]

seeing people this good makes me feel better about life somehow x

[@willluck7662]

Barely a minute in and I was already balling my eyes out.

[@milaesirust8960]

I’m in love tbh

[@andreaprodan5616]

Collier shows us just how little we LIVE...how little we PLAY.... HOW LITTLE FAITH WE HAVE IN EVERYTHING. HE IS OUR INOCULATION AGAINST RESIGNATION!!!

[@jeanmason4395]

Well stated!!!

[@mikedinardo7626]

....this is the next step.... unbelievable... simply..... pure music .... directly from the soul

[@MilesWhitt]

I just saw him preform this at his show the other night. it was an out of body experience.

[@PokefreakMaster333]

One of the best musicians of our time!!!!!

[@mae__]

His audience everytime is just👌🏽👌🏽 wanna be a part of it

[@auntymammalia9384]

dude just brings joy

[@felipegodoy5342]

The crowd was simply amazing

[@larryzhang1724]

看的我热泪盈眶了

[@DyesebelEparwa]

He’s like a musical creature

[@was00perera4]

The only musician I knw that can entertain anyone with just his voice and yet can play almost all the instruments.

[@behemothnemoth]

if you can go thru this whole thing without groovin', you are a god

[@bigchestflex]

Insane this kid. Seeing him in Oslo next year, Feb 16th. That's gonna be nuts

[@bigchestflex]

Sorry, it's the 14th! Valentine's Day.