Jacob Collier - Danny Boy (Maida Vale session)

[@2kiwis1aussie]

His intro the is the most teasing passage I've ever heard. You keep thinking he's going to resolve it on a tonic chord BUT HE KEEPS DRAGGING IT OUT AND PROLONGING IT. My blood pressure is through the roof. Lovely sounds!

[@KaylahH]

I feel this comment on a spiritual level

[@WilliamSlaght]

+Nikau Wineera At least it ain't Tristan and Isolde dragging it for 4 hours till the end ahaha

[@marlonfolive]

He resolves it at 0:50.

[@mhe123321]

Same in the outro with the piano. Sticking to the dominant and floating around with a tonic melody until he goes down a fifth and resolves so lovely

[@christopherreyes9396]

I don’t know what you’re talking about because the tonic (F Major) is being sustained from the very beginning. He plays different chords with F Maj in the background and then resolves back to F Maj at 00:50

[@Crybaby-Media]

My grandpas favourite song . He passed away this morning . Little blue reminds me of him too. ❤

[@rux_99]

rest in peace man, hope youre doing better ❤

[@Us3r10billion]

Heard this on some unknown radio channel today... and I thought it was beautiful... had no idea it was a cover... it was one of those panic moments where you clamber for your phone to Shazam the song before it ends... then Shazam didn't even know what it was and what followed was overwhelming sadness that I'd never be able to hear this beautiful song again... I've been searching all night for it and I can't believe I have actually found it!! To Jacob Collier... I would totally listen to a whole album worth of songs in this chilled out style over and over again... you know... just saying... haha. Keep doing what you're doing dude!

[@zaretix]

+Allan Pelosi Wow! I know EXACTLY how you were feeling. That moment when you find the song you've been looking after... it's indescribable. I was on the search for a song for over a year.

[@Wespups]

+Allan Pelosi This is the first artist I have ever heard on radio and gone and looked him up!! (as in found the songlist from the radio playlist, so happy I did, he's the next Prince/ harry connick jnr in my opinion!)

[@jordanputt]

+Allan Pelosi Had you not heard of Danny Boy before?

[@Us3r10billion]

Nah, can't say I've ever actively listened to Danny Boy by choice before so I had no idea.

[@jordanputt]

Allan Pelosi Huh. Interesting! I meant no disrespect, it's just one of those songs I assumed everyone had come in contact with at some point. It's really old.

[@JXter_]

That interlude at 3:04 is absolutely unreal, it's like discovering a new color. And yet, the entire passage is so distant but near, so warm and cold all at the same time. It's by far my favorite portrayal of love and conflict. It's absolute art.

[@Relflow]

After reading, i played and waited. And what you described, I felt.

[@nathanarmerding]

Jacob is literally a portal, a radio that is tuned into the harmonies of heaven. The harmonies are literally the musical representation of things like longing, hope, despair, and unconditional love. Jacob’s rendition of this timeless tune made me feel the same way I felt holding my brand new baby boy for the first time.

[@GreenCarrot6]

Holy wow, that’s awesome and crazy.

[@jamescolohan1035]

This is genuinely one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard

[@rugueuxbysurson3118]

You obviously do not listen to a lot of music ....

[@achenarmyst2156]

I have listened to tons of music of all sorts, and I totally agree

[@antonillustration7918]

@@rugueuxbysurson3118 first off thats a really douchy statement because music taste is a very personal thing, and second off, this piece of music is incredibly advanced from a completely objective standpoint. i dont see your point.

[@oscarpelly7455]

@@rugueuxbysurson3118 don't be an idiot

[@ajesco]

@@rugueuxbysurson3118 I've listened to a lot of music. I've studied classical music at Uni. I've played musical instruments my entire life. I come from a very musical family. And I can also say that without a doubt, this is genuinely one if the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. So fuck off.

[@101xaplax101]

I have waited my entire life to hear something this beautiful

[@clayjohnson2618]

That was deep man haha

[@janhuydts6430]

My favorit musician since two years: I think all musisians in all ages can learn so much from him, I’m an eighty-one old jazz-player, and cannot live with my daily portion of Jacob Collier and still learn from him!!

[@achenarmyst2156]

Jan Huydts Humble reference to our great son 😉

[@danieledibella2204]

Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side. The summer's gone, and all the roses falling, It's you, it's you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow, Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow, It's I'll be here in sunlight or in shadow, Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!

[@alexanderlindgren9080]

The reverb on Jacob's harmonizer is fucking fantastic. Damn. It really sounds like a reverb from a real church.

[@soosebagel]

This kid is a musical genius. His improv intellect is crazy.

[@Leonecta]

Only true artists can convey the message as this dude does, and make you weep like you're the one waiting for Danny.

[@setantaize]

I'm an Irish musician, and I am aware of and play this song in many variations, it's the first time I've even thought of Herbie Hancock and an Irish air. So you have unlocked a door for me. You might be impressed by the key changes in Mná Na h-Éireann, if you find a good versions of it. Although it's not a popular song to the wider public, and you wouldn't cover it. It's worth a listen if you like enchanting Irish airs.

[@Zorez-fs8zw]

What version do you recomend of Mná h-Éireann?? Thank you Redbranch

[@bills48321]

Those low harmonies are beautiful and remind me of the emotional experience I had listening to Thomas Tallis. This is my new favorite version of this timeless song.

[@joechesshyre]

Collier says he was exposed to a lot of Tallis, Byrd etc. growing up and I think this definitely comes through in his work.

[@ilyasseckin]

I think it also resonates with Vaughan Williams, whom I love. (Especially his fantasia on the theme by Thomas Tallis.)

[@bobinoregon2024]

What's unique about this, I think, is that it's one person's vision and choices driving all the voices at once, instead of an ensemble where a dozen minds decide on the treatment (attack, volume, etc). of each note, or where the composer has to multi-track themselves, which kills the spontaneity. This performance is all his creative choices delivered in real time by the tech he's using.

[@KiatHuang]

Beautiful, ultra-modern, yet respectful to the tradition. Watch one Jacob Collier video and, even though you've done it countless days before over the past few years, you just end up seeking out and listening to a whole load more. And it stops you in your tracks (this time I was meant to be practising my bass :). I've given up trying to describe this guy or how I feel about his music. All I can say to my friends now is just "Listen".

[@StorminMormin91]

Amen to everything you said. I am completely enthralled and drowning in his music.

[@achenarmyst2884]

Still so true. Just happening again. 🎇

[@dylandecker_music]

"Listen" to one of the greatest muscians alive today.

[@griffindrucker5712]

It's even more true now that he's released a lot more music. I always get the question: what kind of music does he make? I can never give them an answer, and I always just show them bits of different songs of his, to show how he isn't limited by any genres or labels.

[@SebAntosh]

i'm listening to this for the 100th time now. such beautiful harmonies! great use of space too. and the sound... oh my damn

[@richardcutting4706]

Can't stop coming back to this... amazing...

[@Bouncybon]

This is so majestically beautiful it gives me a pain in the brain - akin to euphoria. If you get me. Whenever I listen to this, I am in tears. And thank-you, BBC, for your masterful sound engineering and clever photography. It really adds to the glory of Jacob's performance.

[@achenarmyst2884]

Love your comments on JC, just sayin.

[@alexanderleeart]

I feel like there are things going on in this guy's brain that most minds would never be able to fathom

[@danielcongleton2878]

I feel like there are things going on in this guy's brain that even he can't quantify. He rationalizes all he can, but also trusts his inner intuition to take him to the promiseland.

[@omegakek]

don't say stuff like that

[@omegakek]

it's not true and you need to just trust your inner self and think out side the box

[@omegakek]

it's more about how you think about music than it is about skill

[@omegakek]

and when I say how you think about music I don't mean the technical side but the more abstract and "philosophical" side of music

[@xXKIKOXx0]

Me: *video plays, no sound yet* Collier: *hands reach for piano* Me: *immediately likes*

[@jamescolohan1035]

The intro is just a masterpiece.. waiting for that resolve like... *grows beard*

[@Bouncybon]

After months of knowing Jacob Collier's 'Danny Boy' I still cannot get through it without hot tears rolling down my face.... and I have heard and watched this times without number. When Jacob reimagines a familiar melody, it is more than a masterful improvisation. It is a new creation. His best music is angelic, mystical, heart-breaking. (And thank-you, BBC, for your inspired portrait photography!)

[@achenarmyst2156]

Bouncybon nothing to add 🌊

[@barrytheparry]

I discovered this in late 2015 when Eric Whitacre reposted it on social media. That was the first time I had ever heard of Jacob Collier. Now I am a massive fan. Still come back to listen to this every few months and get chills every time

[@edkawalec3360]

I can't stop watching this, it's really one of the best things on KZbin, IMHO! I would love to see this guy live. Bravo, Jacob!

[@dron66]

I watch/listen to this video every... single... day. Absolutely incredible chord changes. Pure heaven. 👌🏽

[@magnusjrgensen2782]

I read a comment on another Jacob Collier video that said " I want to be one of those chords". Fits here as well!

[@VermisTerrae]

Sometimes you find music that feels like the most soothing salve to your soul and you just can't stop listening.

[@wooof8575]

I saw him - and listen to ! -a week ago in Jazzavienne, France: he and his music touched my soul...This Danny Boy is so genuine, so spiritual...Thank's a lot Jacob. Waouw !

[@susanneh66]

Jacob.... I have not smiled so often than Ive done the last days.. Thanks.. love what you are doing.

[@Relflow]

This piece is so driven with emotion it can't help but evoke memories.

[@antoniomontemuro9751]

When I listen to this I go to places so special. I'm really grateful for Jacob and BBC music, to bring this joy to my life and ears.

[@kalebean97]

4:09 he knows that chords gonna be crunchy

[@TheTragic123]

This is absolutely perfect in every possible way.

[@BunkleMcCrunkle]

This song took me to some very real places.

[@aloysiuskurnia7643]

Just look at his face when he change the chord at the interlude! He absolutely feels every harmony decision he made.

[@claytonbuilds5961]

About 4 minutes in a tear rolled down my cheek

[@ThisIsRobinY2K]

Jesus Christ this is so amazing. There's so many incredible harmonies in here that feel SO good on the ears. Absolutely inspirational.

[@Bigdrum2]

I am listening to it now the sixth or seventh time and i am asking myself from which kind of star this endless timeless calm is coming from. Oh i like that very much. My heartbeat went down to 20 beats per minute :-)) Thank you. oh...i have to breathe...

[@sdeogburn]

Jacob, you are beyond your years by miles. Thank you so much for your musical spirit........

[@Icebbear]

Sends shivers down my spine... so unatterable brilliant. Jacob, you are incarnated music!

[@jamescooney8712]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've experienced

[@avalonsdearestheart]

This gave me chillbumps and tears at the same time! My God. It is so heartening to see we actually do have some wonderful young talent coming up.

[@Bouncybon]

This powerful song has been waiting over 100 years for Jacob Collier's interpretation. Wouldn't you say? A heartrending performance! Irish or not, your tears will flow, so be prepared....

[@Bouncybon]

Special thanks are due to the BBC Production team and the photographer/camera operator for a beautifully-lit sequence of shots.

[@Bouncybon]

The DANNY BOY story: In 2001, the writer Malachy McCourt tried to unravel the mystery of this most popular Irish song in his book "Danny Boy: The Legend of a Beloved Irish Ballad." Not only are the lyrics not Irish, they were not even written by an Irishman. "Danny Boy" was written by a British lawyer. According to McCourt, the story of "Danny Boy" has its roots in the terrible siege of Derry in 1690. He claims that "Danny Boy" is not even an original song but just one version among hundreds of different lyrics set to the tune of the "Derry (or Londonderry) Air." The original air is believed by some to date back to Rory Dall O'Cahan, an Irish harpist who lived in Scotland in the late 17th century, while the lyrics were written by Frederick Edward Weatherly, a British barrister and prolific songwriter. Weatherly wrote the words for a different tune in 1910 but in 1913, his sister sent him the tune of the "Derry Air." He adapted the lyrics to the tune and it was an instant success. Weatherly gave the song to the English opera singer Elsie Griffin, who introduced it to a wider audience. The first recording was made in 1915 by the German singer, Ernestine Schumann-Heink. So who is Danny? Why are the pipes calling? As for the meaning of the lyrics, some say it’s the call of parents, begging their son to come home before they die, or sending a message to a son at war.

[@Bouncybon]

For some reason, KZbin refuses to allow me to post the whole story here. What's THAT about?

[@achenarmyst2156]

Bouncybon Love your dedication 😉

[@derm75]

Beyond words! Mesmerising!! Poetic poignance!! Amazing!

[@austinhuntley5169]

This is one of the first videos that I've seen where the quality of the audio actually captures a fuller range of the harmonizer.

[@esharp13]

If you think that was awesome, you should hear what he does with it at his live show. Absolutely incredible.

[@simonebrady05]

I've listened to this so many times and it it still leaves me speechless. I can't even begin to fathom how on earth you hit those notes....

[@simonebrady05]

It's jazz

[@achenarmyst2884]

Well, it's life, and it's love.

[@simonebrady05]

@@achenarmyst2884 yes it is !

[@williamash6466]

This is something you would hear entering heaven

[@jonascederlund881]

The way his singing sounds is what I expect how angels sound when they speak.

[@hakolind]

The tension he builds at 3:58 and further resolve to 4:04 might be the most satisfying thing known to man.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Johann Sebastian Bach also loved pedal point. Jacob exercises it in the beginning and repeatedly throughout. It‘s the synthesis of stability and variability. The constant tone is sliding into different harmonic functions resulting in a variety of fascinating colours.

[@leopoldleoleo]

I’ve listened to this over 10 times today and I'm still speechless

[@db1815]

genius right here man, no words..

[@Bouncybon]

Jacob's intense song and accompaniment are ravishing. But then - THEN - comes the most exquisite, reflective, delicate, thoughtful, sad, magical, moving piano finish imaginable. What he plays from 4:51 to the end will break your heart.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Bouncybon crowning it all with that little cristalline arpeggio at the end 😉

[@Sundex]

Out of all the things he's done, this is probably something that's high on my list. It may not feel like much compared to his other songs, but this particular arrangement had me shocked at how he could create euphony out of something so cacophonous. It really emphasizes the fact that he is the Shakespeare of music: he can break most of the rules and still make it sound good

[@playthemstrings1]

Hey just an FYI, using big words that no one really uses anymore doesn’t make you sound smart, it just makes it sound like you’re trying way too hard to sound smart, having the opposite effect than what was intended

[@cedarbrooke]

​@@playthemstrings1those words are still used to this day... just because you have a limited lexicon doesn't mean the greater populace does as well.

[@chad7928]

⁠@@cedarbrookepopulace 😂😂😂

[@cedarbrooke]

@@chad7928 proletariat 🤓🤓🤓

[@darrenirwin]

mind blown with delicate complex beauty

[@ghice47]

no words.. amazing beauty

[@Tascamaniac]

Pure music. Pure love.

[@Currabell]

Grew up listening to this sung well and badly in Ireland. This is a beautifully fresh rendition.

[@Lynduh47]

What an amazing rendition! It was mesmerizing!

[@niyohmusic]

beautiful... 2:09 and around 2:37 is simply magic

[@okko1411]

I agree! 2:09 that chord is just magical

[@helmikorhn]

bon iver meets eric whitacre. this is amazing

[@kaingates]

Helmi Korhonen perfect description

[@svono_svono_music]

This is so pensively beautiful. The reverb is a fine addition too, amazing soundscapes. From the interlude instrumental section, I see myself standing alone on a plain by a mountain at the brink of dawn thinking about life, or on some long journey across the sky and space.

[@keyboardtek]

May his genius have a long life!

[@TwoCitiesOneWorldOfficial]

Just beautiful...

[@Dontaking2008]

I hear the bag pipe approach in the beginning. So nice

[@LukeDallert]

Jacob must be a genius. He flashes me with every single song..

[@zacdefaut]

just perfect... thanks Jacob, thanks !

[@josuaschlag8208]

One of the best things I ever heard!

[@suegha]

Yes, this is exceptional! Wonderful!

[@robertpontalion5529]

I cannot stop watching this.

[@Atezian]

this is one of the best aural experiences ever

[@randomcubing7106]

As a classical musician, I have to say, no matter how I hate pop, I love jazz

[@vincentpenschke500]

Wow. A truly stunning performance!

[@Yadeehoo]

I love this guy

[@dominikn19]

Timeless beauty.

[@zikolatesla]

This has such a Bon Iver, Bon Iver album vibe all over. Mesmerizing!

[@SuperFivestrings]

When you listening him , how he's creating music , i can emagine the moment when you meet God , when you just look at him and you can not say a word , you just standing and listening , whatching..... this could be like the "Smile" on God's face ! ...

[@PauloStekel]

Fantastic! A very inspiring version of this song.

[@lukasf9260]

A masterpiece of music

[@JakeOfAllTrades25]

i won't lie when i say that the chord hit at 2:00 is possibly my favourite thing i have ever heard

[@lukemercer9452]

right?

[@ivocassiet]

Esta es probablemente una de las mejores cosas que escuche en mi vida

[@rvmontandon]

Love you Jacob

[@Skhal]

Perfection

[@rafii349]

beautiful.. really really beautiful sound a man can hear

[@SolarMumuns]

This defies belief. Exceedingly deep harmonic and emotional exploration.

[@jazzladz5950]

Holy holy, Jacob. [there aren’t enough ways to appreciate]

[@TONIKOBLER]

beatifull play,thank you very macht

[@calmclaughlin8185]

This is powerful stuff

[@flowresonance1248]

This is too good to be real!

[@melodicharmony9772]

2:04-2:13 KILLED ME!!! That was just ridiculous!

[@peterkovacs9951]

Eargasm

[@Angusss]

Unbelievable experience

[@cziehd5158]

2:09....... enough said

[@illusionistROL]

You should make it available on Spotify!Soooo damn good!

[@TheDay141]

Great to see Jacob on BBC Introducing :)

[@RachelBearinger]

Perfection.

[@aryamanZEUX]

OMG BEST!!!!!

[@abirdynumnum9612]

Sublime.

[@JonErikKellso]

Keep up the beautiful work, Jacob!