Jacob Collier Explains Music in 5 Levels of Difficulty ft. Herbie Hancock | WIRED

23-year-old musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier explains the concept of harmony to 5 different people; a child, a teen, a college student, a professional, and jazz legend Herbie Hancock.
Still haven’t subscribed to WIRED on KZbin? ►► wrd.cm/15fP7B7
Listen to the Get WIRED podcast ►► link.chtbl.com/wired-ytc-desc
Want more WIRED? Get the magazine ►► subscribe.wired.com/subscribe...
Follow WIRED:
Instagram ►► / wired
Twitter ►► / wired
Facebook ►► / wired
Tik Tok ►► / wired
Get more incredible stories on science and tech with our daily newsletter: wrd.cm/DailyYT
Also, check out the free WIRED channel on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.
ABOUT WIRED
WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture.

[@purpleknight1396]

*Musician Explains One Concept in 4 Levels of Difficulty and Then Hangs Out with Herbie Hancock*

[@cjay2]

Exactly.

[@ShaneWaters-ey6od]

Lmao

[@bananokratos]

Can't blame him.

[@CleaningWeb]

@@bananokratos Of course not, it would be ridiculous.

[@whatup53]

lol

[@Dina8485]

This should be called “Musician explains harmony 5 times and each time I understand less and less”

[@tuexss]

so, yet another youtube tutorial ;)

[@PianoHooks]

LOL

[@BrianGivensYtube]

I'm a drummer and I understood through the professional scene. It's subtle and based strongly on feeling.

[@n4rzul]

That is because by the end, there is no explanation, its just uh hum.... yeah...ahhhhh. Imagine I scientist explaining electromagnetism at the *expert* level and just saying, well you know, light shines, mmmm yeah, like so cool man, its just jus so bright man, yeah, uh hum, would you take him seriously?

[@bobbobinson11]

@@n4rzul in an art field like music, once two professionals understand almost everything about their craft, they don't need to be specific or articulate because their peers know exactly what they mean. Nothing needs to be over-explained or simplified into baby-talk. It can be as simple or as complicated as it needs to be as long as their peer understands.

[@mrcult5597]

Level 1 = Easy and fun Level 2 = Simple understanding Level 3 = Learning Experience Level 4 = Adding Depth Level 5 = Yeah.... yeahhh

[@HoipoIIoi]

yeahh..

[@ArnavThePhukan]

right

[@puuhapate6454]

oh yeah

[@gustavobuquera]

It's amazing that all the talks were about technique and theory, then he met someone who understands as much as he does and the talk became feeling and philosophy. It's like learning grammar and then using it to make poems.

[@isaiasduarte7385]

Amazing.

[@doubledare7034]

Beautiful

[@L3vls]

💯

[@miram2053]

*more than he does. Respectfully, Herbie Hancock has been at it for far too long to attempt to act as if they're in the same league. Esperanto Spalding is a prodigy and I still understand d that she and Christian Mcbride aren't in the same league.

[@sujiut]

otherwise, the trivium - grammar, logic, rhetoric.

[@WaseemYusuf]

The 5 stages of human life: child, teen, college student, professional, Herbie Hancock

[@liammoynihan5419]

this is the hardest I've ever laughed at a youtube comment

[@drepressoespresso3894]

@@liammoynihan5419 true thought 😂😂

[@Callmestev]

Halfway there

[@zebedee1389]

this might be my favourite KZbin comment

[@ArturoRodriguez-mp3uq]

I'd like to skip the college and professional stages, any recommendations?

[@mi-2857]

"yeah 🎹 you know🎹🎹. “ " Right, we got🎹🎹🎹." "Yeah🎹" "Mhm🎹🎹🎹 right🎹🎹!" "oh yeah🎹" "🎹🎹right🎹"

[@jacksonn.sebigunda4725]

right

[@dymo9198]

Even as a person that understands music theory i couldnt understand gg

[@tomasmarrero9477]

should be top comment

[@TicoAcosta]

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

[@hamoudhabibi1996]

which second?

[@Malapropify]

Seriously - sometimes when I watch him, I have a feeling that he already lived 1 life as a musician and now in this run he's speedrunning it.

[@rhatid]

Yeah! Mozart, yet another reincarnation.

[@bellaxo1115]

CAME BACK TO THIS AFTER TAKING MUSICIANSHIP III AT MY COLLEGE AND UNDERSTOOD EVERYTHING I LOVE MY LIFE

[@DECAF1031]

Oh wow, congratulations!

[@ethanwaddell3005]

Where did you go to college that’s so awesome

[@jbukenya80]

I love to hear it. It's like your life comes into color. Cheers.

[@dryelene]

AMAZING, ENJOY YOUR INTELLECTUALITY

[@craigcraig6248]

Congrats, where do you study?

[@zack8521]

The college student legit passed the vibe check

[@-attemptingtherandom-2777]

his style is like John Mayer's

[@unlshtb4524]

sounds like blues and jazz

[@grizzlydynamics]

exactly.

[@loiceyrolle813]

@@unlshtb4524 Yeah ! And slipping that minor chord in there absolutely made the end of their musical conversation. That young man is ballsy and I'm loving it :)

[@lilmissemi]

dude seemed vaguely high XD

[@A_Hironaka]

*Looks a professional pianist straight in the eyes* 6:45 "So, this is the note, F."

[@eatfoss]

This comment deserves far more credit than it has.

[@fluxsneaky6063]

LMAO THIS IS THE NOTE F LMAOAOAOA

[@xriex]

There aren't many people who have perfect pitch - and really it's for our benefit and not the pro player.

[@ethang105]

Lol funniest comment on KZbin

[@thiccboybillybob6388]

xriex it’s for the professional as well. It’s hard even after years of experience to just pull the note out of thin air

[@Skyl3lazer]

It's funny how the mood of the professional changed as he realized that the host really knew what he was talking about, and how joyful he was to hear the progressions

[@loreo1235]

I mean the host is Jacob Collier

[@Chrysmah]

I think they mentioned they met before

[@greysonvoutsas6969]

I love Alpin Hong's expressions as he's listening to Jacob.

[@ducttaperulestheworl]

Can't help it when Jacob explains it in a way it's fun to listen to

[@seyeruoynepotsuj]

There's a point where the English language ran out and they just started talking in music.

[@Sammy71ful]

For me, I think that point was "You've heard of the circle of 5ths right?" After that, I was lost :P

[@pianopanda9057]

I wasn't lost until him and Herbie started flirting over harmony lol

[@pungvsbobawhoami1150]

What a quote man

[@Abrahambinzz]

yes. its like they understand each other over just piano chords... wow

[@michaeltreat4000]

Yeah I had to rewind it for a second because I knew I missed something there :D

[@_knighted]

everybody gangsta until the musicians start talking in 🎹

[@gerardonava2737]

Greg C on god though

[@lejeune.youtube2538]

Bro that’s so C major

[@MyPissBurns]

that’s so Csus7 and b one octave higher aswell as a repeating f to g arpeggio every 2 measures

[@cecipandabear]

And that’s on musicianship 😌✨💅🏻

[@GamerKid_]

@@MyPissBurns I'm getting A flat dominant 13 vibe coming off you, you know, a real Ab Gb Bb C F

[@Robisquick]

How someone who isn’t musically inclined can know Jacob Collier is a musical savant: See how utterly mindblown the professional musician whose been playing longer than Jacob reacts to what Jacob is showing him.

[@kenpokid10]

Herbie Hancock hasn't just been playing music longer than Jacob Collier has been playing music. Herbie Hancock has been playing music longer than Jacob Collier has been *alive.*

[@oliverkennard806]

@@kenpokid10 Pretty sure OP was talking about the guy before Herbie

[@vatopunko]

good example of how being good at something doesn't necessarily make you a good teacher of a thing.

[@Moderrnclassic]

⁠@@kenpokid10w

[@JustcallmeJayrot]

"Real recognize real"

[@Illjustwait]

When i first watched this video, i was vibing with the whole thing up until herbie and jacob started playing. I thought to myself, "That's not what amazing grace sounds like at all! It's too far out!" Now a few years later, i realize it wasn't two musicians improvising over a piece; it was two scientists conducting an experiment with fruitful results.

[@toadonwheels]

Not even scientists, more like a Druid and a Sage performing alchemy experiments lol

[@playdoh1845]

Or two philosophers having a conversation...

[@conniep46]

Jacob: 🎹 College student: :) Jacob: 🎹 College student: :)))))) Jacob: 🎹 College student: :)))))))))))

[@WatersnakeMadeThis]

I mean jamming with him would be such an honour

[@0beseman]

Jacob:🎹 Herbie:🎹

[@brianliveshere]

Hahahaha I was looking for this comment

[@krandobas]

he becomes russian? if you know what i mean)))

[@negy4463]

ConnieP That guy seemed so amazed!

[@sprb4725]

Imagine Herbie Hancock shows up and Jacob says “so... have you heard of harmony?”

[@chloetzpiano6548]

run

[@ethanmontgomery6099]

“Have you heard this song called Chameleon?”

[@phoebej.rosquist388]

I was glad he began that interaction with questions. Appropriate humility

[@judacanul9936]

He has all the right to ask

[@whitebreadisbetter]

"Have you heard of amazing grace?"

[@youngfrijoles]

I like how Herbie says “so we say…” but then plays a note. Very cute and interesting how they each interject or finish each other’s sentences with chords instead of words

[@HardwareSavvy]

To my music illiterate ears 6:52 and beyond sounded like a rally car navigator giving directions to the driver on a curvy road at 180 Mph

[@_TheNoobPlayer]

good comparison honestly he was basically doing the same thing as a car navigator, he's playing chords and using musical terms to describe them

[@m2mdohkun]

Totally G sus

[@gtinetti]

g sus af

[@geologotejano]

That is a great analogy 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@twstdreality]

Samir?

[@dyllpickalio1700]

Ah yes, the five stages of life: Kid Teen College Student Professional *Herbie Hancock*

[@tdb8852]

Lmao. Can't wait to hit the Herbie phase.

[@suhaib168]

Can't wait till i'm old enough to be Herbie Hancock.

[@whenwillitbecold]

LMAOOO

[@GtsAntoni1]

Tonia Di Biase ... I came to comment exactly this. Not all heroes wear capes my friend. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@pangpengmaster]

I aspire to retire when I Herbie Hancock.

[@zacharyadam8467]

Level six: “So *God* , you’ve heard of harmony before right?”

[@TheIndogamer]

God: **Telepathically perfects Jacob's knowledge about music in an instant**

[@Taco_Burrito39]

@@TheIndogamer Jacob: did anything happen? It feels like nothing changed

[@manuelfontana8283]

Yeah God is good, but I honestly prefer Herbie

[@zacharyadam8467]

Manuel Fontana you right *level 5 god Level 6 Herbie

[@TheIndogamer]

@@Taco_Burrito39 Jacob: **starts talking about the VY Canis Majoris tuning**

[@maatenraconterune]

at 15:19 Herbie showing respect by not playing the last note... That's what music is.. Respect

[@BrandonMillerRaps]

I think that was just a nod to resolve the tension in the chords and end the musical conversation

[@maatenraconterune]

@@BrandonMillerRapsyou’re right man

[@bumblemii]

Having met Jacob Collier can confirm that he is simplifying his thought process for this whole video just to be understood 😂 His instinctual understanding of technical music is amazing

[@el1ijah797]

College guy was straight vibing.

[@blondedivy]

he looked like he was in love with jacob

[@christianlauren5883]

@@blondedivy LMAO the way he looked at him😂

[@chesareg8217]

ꕥ LMAO

[@jinjalord]

@@blondedivy lol, to me was more like a "yeah dude, whatever, just stop talking through it" 😂

[@prinnywinny9013]

@@TeakTeakchannel so true😭i was born a vocal prodigy but i have never been able to put it into words like jacob. like he’s beyond a prodigy. i’ve been surrounded by music prodigies since i was little and have never run into someone like jacob collier😭 his understanding is just different. i would pass out and die if he showed up in front of me

[@nathanbank1248]

Jacob: So I don't know, when you decide to.... Herbie: *interrupts* 🎹🎹 Jacob: Oh yeah! Herbie: yeah Jacob: But you know when... *🎹🎹* Herbie: Uh yeah, and then... *🎹🎹🎹* Jacob: 🎹🎹🎹? Herbie: 🎹! Jacob: oh yeah! Herbie: Yeah Jacob: Thank you! That haunted me for days! Me: Huh?!?!

[@unknowablerootvegetable]

they lost me at Bodhi

[@pinklemonade8283]

@@unknowablerootvegetable lmao. The kid’s a legend.

[@K_J_Coleman_Composer]

I need a timestamp for this 👀😂

[@adlaierasga]

@@K_J_Coleman_Composer 9:34

[@blonkski_2525]

the part with herbie is actually a little hokey doe, they def made some mistakes when they were explaining to each other

[@shieh.4743]

I am usually pretty good at following these vids until grad school or whatever, but this one was humbling and beautiful to watch. I felt like a child again, listening to the adults narrate a world I really haven't felt or seen before. Amazing. (I'm 43, so it has been a loooong time to feel like that).

[@alejandrorincon5649]

I am really glad you were able to have a moment like that again

[@benrosie4456]

When he explained how every note works harmoniously with every base note… that blew my mind. Inspired.

[@spakerman]

"this time, let's visit the B flat and see how it feels." It's so nice that he checks in on the notes to make sure they are okay.

[@twstdreality]

Sounds like Bob Ross talking about his paintings lol

[@temitopetaiwo9695]

Underrated comment.

[@johnzackarias11]

lmao

[@noorykorky5056]

LOL... 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MAJORSVNVLOGS]

What a perspective! Don’t let this go over y’all heads!

[@Schatten2712]

Herbie: *"Plays piano"* Jacob: *"Plays piano back"* Herbie: *"Responds with more piano"* Jacob: *"haha, yeah yeah" "Plays more piano"* Herbie: *"uhumm" "More piano"* Jacob: *"wow" "Piano"* Herbie: *"yeah yeah" "Piano"* Jacob: *"right"*

[@another_aaron]

You just described jazz my guy

[@jessm3554]

Ahah🤣 true

[@SaxandRelax]

It’s called jazz

[@alexbeattiemusic]

Happy thousandth like my friend!

[@TheSzybas]

Pure musical conversation. (And I'm still pretending that I understand a liiiiiiitle bit of it)

[@ethanmartin4015]

I think it's awesome how Herbie takes a supporting role at the beginning and let's Jacob lead the harmonic structure while he just plays melody in octaves. A lot of respect and humility in both these people.

[@toadonwheels]

That last note brought a tear to my eye that only the most powerful of songs normally do... and they weren't even playing a song, they were just having a conversation that tasted like amazing grace.

[@hushwonder2070]

Jacob: Have you heard of the Circle of Fifths? College Student: *Am I a joke to you?*

[@RogerBarraud]

Do you *know* how much my Martini-sipping Hamptons parents paid for my education??!!!11?? ;-)

[@itisWhatitis12345]

Exactly I felt personally attacked xD Like of course he has heard of circle of fifths, but then my mind was blown away

[@andrewbryan1444]

But do you know the circle of 9ths?

[@abstractnonsense803]

Andrew Bryan thats called the whole tone scales XD

[@andrewbryan1444]

Dailin Li you are correct.

[@gnome3715]

collier: "have you heard of the circle of fifths?" music student: : )

[@reepicheepsfriend]

I mean, it said Eastman. That's like asking a student at MIT if they've heard of algebra.

[@theangryginger7582]

@@reepicheepsfriend well put

[@ottoschraubinger9652]

lmao

[@TheMusicalMedic]

At the same time, you still gotta ask 😂

[@juanpaez3382]

yea it seemed patronizing, and the college student looked like he wanted to punch this guy

[@jinni0831]

the way jacob relates almost every musical explanation to nature is beautiful.

[@dbx1233]

The depth of his knowledge is incredible. I'm surprised he didn't discuss what music and a freshly waxed floor have in common. That is if you don't C-sharp you'll B-flat.

[@KxNOxUTA]

X'D Good one!

[@Dononut305]

Jacob: *_"Have you heard of the circle of fifths?"_* Joshua: *_Am I a joke to you?_*

[@ebubeawachie]

Lmao. Like how could he NOT have?

[@ericsalazar4027]

While rudementary for the musician that into question was for the audience to set up the rest of the conversation.

[@DanFromIran]

it is the spiral of fifths, really.....

[@flynnfoil]

@@DanFromIran is it the cyclone of fifths, really.....

[@53pittmanjt]

Just small talk leading up to an eventual exchange of phone numbers? I thought they was feelin' each other. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[@EuanGallant]

Piano man 1: "G 7 sharp 11" Piano man 2: "oH dUuuUdE"

[@mattpk2385]

JustForFun this is the best comment here you win

[@nitzankohavi2703]

I guess Herbie Hancock do know something

[@jchandel1404]

NUT

[@EuanGallant]

@@mattpk2385 thanks babe

[@BoBSoN190]

4 stam 4 strenght leather belt. UAAAAAAAAAAAAH

[@rustyshackleford7378]

The way he impressed the professional pianist gave me goose bumps

[@ed2365]

I love this video because the way he describes harmony to the high level is more similar to the way he describes it to children than the middle levels. once someone gets past the barrier of actually understanding it, it reverts to just feeling, and mood. And that is the one word I would say when describing harmony: mood. (At least to me) Edit: the middle phase is the hardest to get through as I have been in it for 16 years. Just. Feeling jealousy of others and disdain for yourself. Such a beautiful thing. You will get there if you want it. Once Jake and herbie really get down to it, its all MOOD and FEELING

[@wizz0056]

Harmony professor: "It's not rocket science" Rocket science professor: "It's not harmony"

[@lordkancho716]

Brian May, Astrophysicist and Queen Guitarist: Let me explain

[@Jinx-iw6zb]

I could imagine brian may laughing at this scene

[@tortillajoe9942]

It’s not like I invented a burger.

[@jordansullivan5764]

As a 4th year physics student taking a music theory class for the first time, 100% can confirm. ^

[@connorb614]

@@avenp.5739 Cringing at how smart you're trying to sound. You only sound stupid when trying to talk like that lmao.

[@daffaabieza1938]

He’s not even explaining to Herbie. They both just vibing together.

[@kellympinda4723]

We here vibing with them

[@1Flyingfist]

How was that even Amazing Grace at the end there? It sounded random. 😶 Were they just playing random chords that might fit the tune?

[@MrX-tm8fy]

Understandable, what would he explain or teach to Herbie Hancock? 😆

[@flumfabliau]

@@1Flyingfist It was improv

[@sleeptalkenthusiast]

@@1Flyingfist you wouldn’t get it lmaooo

[@WololoLazarus]

Watching Herbie and Jacob jam is like watching two wizards sharing hidden knowledge

[@Phyrre56]

Child: You know nothing, I'll tell you the basics. Teen: You know nothing but you have some life experiences, so I'll add a little context. Student: You know the basics, so I'll demonstrate an advanced concept. Professor: You know the objective concepts, so let's discuss the subjective ones as peers. Master: Spoken word can no longer support our conversation.

[@GregoryMarkowski]

Fair

[@Shendue]

Yes, the last conversation was almost surreal. They pretty much said a couple phrases about inspiration and a little bit of technical stuff about notes and the whole rest of the exchange was in music. They pretty much went over technicality and into the realm of abstract, talking in notes.

[@mekenziebrown3205]

As a teen but in band I get the college level explanation.

[@evanmastermind]

@@mekenziebrown3205 👏

[@qwertyki9367]

@@ryanzea7196 OK buddy

[@christinaallen4289]

biggest flex was saying "something you once taught me" to Herbie Hancock and him being like, "aaaohh yeah"

[@clarissa-marie]

Omg yesss lol

[@danijblank1997]

YUP

[@james.peronoblunt]

I totally agree!

[@Crossbuzzin420]

9:00 btw

[@adamgreenhaus4691]

Even bigger flex: “when I was working with Miles Davis”

[@criadabatterista8647]

I am a drummer for 10 years, and just recently pick up a guitar because I always want to express my other feeling not only by beat/rhythm, if you know what I am saying. Seeing jacob explained harmony, the way it feels, or how it is a world or a journey, is fascinating. I guess this is a level I want to understand in my process learning the guitar. Wish me luck!!

[@joshcantrell8397]

He’s absolutely right. Every profession is spoken in its own language. And how fluent you are in that language, determines your knowledge and expertise of the profession. It could be medicine, chemistry, music… etc.

[@benschrock1082]

"My name is Jacob Collier and I am a musician." Understatement of the year.

[@jaedancurcio1545]

Change a to the and it’s probably more accurate

[@sammyboy1236]

Correction: “my name is Jacob Collier and I am THE musician” there I fixed it.

[@nicolasdelcampo2307]

“My name is Jacob Collier and i am music”

[@sammyboy1236]

“My name is Jacob Collier and I am everything.”

[@Boom-]

“My name is Jacob Collier and I am” ) OR: “My name is Jacob Collier and that is it” ;)

[@Mamson608]

Child: *Harmony is a feeling* Teen: *Harmony is a journey* College student: *Harmony is a language* Professional: *Harmony is a world* Herbie Hancock: *Harmony is a universe*

[@manuelpino3722]

Harmony is THE universe!

[@diegovera1353]

Im at the stage in which I’m able to understand it as a language, seeing it as a world seems kinda complex

[@Masanorichan]

Deaf person : *Harmony is nothing*

[@StealthArt]

I think it's more like Child: Harmony is a feeling Teen: Harmony is a journey College student: Harmony is a language Professional: Harmony is a world Herbie Hancock: Harmony is a feeling

[@vasilygurzhiy]

@@StealthArt dude, that actually feels more acurate

[@abbieamavi]

I love how at the end, it came full circle back to basics again. The feeling and emotion in full swing, and the logistics of it weren’t verbally spoken, just expressed in a song conversation. Amazing to watch art being born!!

[@victorvillatoro7241]

That moment of mutual speechlessness at the end is just a moment where they both realize that thousands of words were said yet none could be used to describe what had just happened. It is what in The Alchemist is described as “the language of the universe”

[@julianscott4682]

Thousand of words?…. Right, right!… yeah, yeah…

[@thespeedyyoshi]

3:30 college student: =) 3:35 college student =) 🎸

[@MrRobocopster]

this is it, it found the best comment.

[@xapokalypse]

lmao why is this so funny

[@cozycozy7348]

lmao that's so cute

[@AGMLIST]

idk why i’m dying of laughter

[@TheFirstGroover]

"now you talk" "now you play"

[@HowardWimshurst]

at level 5 they gave up the limitations of speech and just communicated with music which was much more efficient

[@umopapisdnupsidedown5933]

Remove the limitation of "vocabulary thinking" and thought becomes more efficient, too.

[@crackalikeit222]

So true. It was more like yeah yeah right right music music yeah yeah right yeah music :D

[@ploopybear]

I didn't get the last song, but their smile at the end tells us their language is on another level

[@kathorsees]

...or they simply tried to hide the awkwardness of the situation. A 23-year-old dude explaining something to a 78-year-old is already kinda awkward, add to that the idea of anyone at all "explaining" music to Herbie Hancock and you get a disaster. We're talking about 1) a living legend, 2) with multiple degrees, 3) who gives university lectures of his own. Seriously? I'm not a fan of Hancock at all, I barely ever heard any of his stuff, so don't take this as a fanboy getting offended by proxy. Scroll through the comments and you'll see that people who know anything about harmony, or simply have enough commuincative skills, understand that there's no need for this "explaining" after level 2. There's no real discussion happening at all. Asking a music student if he's ever heard of the circle of fifths (something you find out in year one of learning music) - really, dude? And even when he asked Hancock for advice, he managed to do it in such a weird, condescending, smarmy way - "How do you find the courage to make a choice?". "So, you see, Herb, I'm sitting in front of my piano, and my extreme brain-power allows me to see all these endless possibilities, all these chord choices and key shifts... How do I handle all that vast richness? Oh, the pain of making a choice - something that those other plebians cannot even imagine!" So yeah, if you're in an extremely awkward situation, there's nothing to talk about, and there's a piano in front of you - what do you do? That's right - shut up and play! All while wearing a serious face, nodding along, patting each other on the back and making meaningful grunts. "Oh, yes, that was smart, you're a smart person and an expert!" "Why, of course, and that gives me the necessary expertise to pronounce you a smart expert person as well, tah-tah-tah!"

[@ploopybear]

@@kathorsees everyone was like lol wtf I already know this. only the professional had the courage to try to make things interesting, but Jacob was like, nope lol I gotta stick to the script they gave me, sorry guys Cx

[@mooshafesterbone1645]

When that last note resolved at the end and Herbie and Jacob smiled at each other I seriously felt my eyes well up. Something about that moment was so beautiful to me.

[@lukashislop5890]

I love the section where they're playing together is just like an incredibly intricate musical conversation.

[@pogageo4160]

everyone talkin about Herbie and the college kid but no ones mentioning how cool the professional guy was

[@zeeisreal11]

I met him once, I went to one of his shows. he’s a really cool dude. he’s super nice.

[@dmqualitist7316]

Fax

[@zaksmith1035]

It was fun watching him open up. You can tell at the beginning he's there to try his best to be a student, but he's uncomfortable due to his level of mastery. But as soon as Collier throws something at him he doesn't already understand he becomes almost childlike, and you get a window into how the true master is always ready to revel in being a student of his craft.

[@dumbassgoth]

it was probably one of my favorite parts because it just shows you that there’s always new things to learn if a professional can learn something new then everyone can yknow

[@xSIJUx]

nice try, professional guy

[@AlessandroScarano]

0:47 "So, which one did you prefer?" The Kid: the first one END OF VIDEO

[@charlesgamble4670]

Lmao

[@pradyot7]

Directed by Robert B. Weide

[@palesamalolo7163]

Loool

[@kakadu2004]

I'm done. 😂

[@ayolotl4830]

Jacob Collier: *years of academy training wasted*

[@windywendi]

I like how Jacob Collier literally talks like a student when he speaks with Herbie Hancock.

[@PerspectiveCRTV]

I have now realized I need to be talked to like a child to understand things

[@theresilientfilmmaker253]

Jacob was 23 at the time of this video, Herbie was 77 and the speak together like old friends. Jacob is a vampire. It’s the only explanation.

[@supergene256]

😂

[@zaksmith1035]

It's at least one very possible explanation.

[@kz7115]

Herbie doesn't look 77 either.

[@TheOnlyValken]

It's probably also a little fair to hold our other 23 year olds to just a slightly higher standard lol

[@carlosadurt6153]

77? Woh, looks like 52

[@smashtown2583]

0:40 The boy looks genuinely worried about the melody being lonely.

[@WyniciusSilva]

lmao

[@apug296]

:( i felt bad too, poor melody

[@SamanthaAdalia]

This is so sweet :(

[@RogerBarraud]

@@apug296 'Sarrite, it made a good investment with its meagre earnings, now lives in a penthouse on Prak Ave.

[@agustinavarece5304]

the addition of the word lonely (a very subjective and emotional term) is the only reason why the whole proposition had sense, and argumentatively this is a trap! so jacob can vindicate his own argument causing the kid believe him although it's not necessary true, how many of our experiences are this way and we live upon floating castles of thruths and meanings connected only to the emotions of our preexistent experience

[@Tylerdakoh]

Every time I watch this I absolutely love the parallel of Jacob talking about how harmony is simply a language and how you use it, then when he’s with Herbie, they (in the literal sense) speak with the piano.💓 two of the greats!

[@LeeshMa]

I love hearing professionals talk about their areas of expertise, I understand nothing but what a wonderful treat to see people be so passionate about something the love so much

[@michaelmoon844]

Levels 1-4: Explaining in a descriptive way. Level 5: It’s like two kids pressing random buttons and giggling when one sounds funny 😂😂

[@danielroose8607]

It’s like the Picasso quote: It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.

[@maxdiaz9329]

There’s so many intricacies going on in their music; if you don’t know how to listen to it, it can be confusing

[@Murrangurk2]

That's the goal.

[@ieruza]

Reminds me of something my music teacher told me once: "Everybody wants to PLAY jazz, but nobody wants to LEARN jazz."

[@abberss]

People say similar things about abstract art

[@elektrolyte]

Level 1: when two people sing together. Level 6: yeh, right, OK, wow, o yeh, yeh, Yeh, righ right Right. MmHmm yeh yeh. Right right. Woww that's amazing.

[@kaku2189]

Level 7: Ohmmmmmmmm... Ohmmmmmmmm... Ohmmmmmmmm...

[@christiandelord]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA

[@oliverscattergood1077]

Level 8: *intense silence*

[@humorousthief6999]

Level 9: harmonized silence 😂😂😂

[@GR-uc1gq]

Level 10: RREEEEEEeeeeeeeeeEeeeeEEeeeeee

[@ryanfurness7982]

The fact that they took their hands off the keys at the same time right at the end of the video shows how insanely synced to their own imaginary tempo they were 😭 madness I tell you

[@Ohriel]

This is music. It starts as something as simple as arranging notes, and with time you understand that it's all just the most beautiful way to express emotion

[@TenTonNuke]

The people get more and more proficient at speaking about music, until finally, they understand it so well, they speak through music. At the end, they're not even using words anymore.

[@glitched2797]

This is actually so true

[@88KeysToPlay]

Absolutely!

[@Visteaa]

They literraly communicated using the keyboards

[@MErthal21]

Sometimes is so boring to use words again

[@Avisae]

Elvis Govan all about listening

[@dansaunders1655]

Level 8: John Coltrane eats a keyboard, while Jacob Collier, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis applaud to the rhythm of Steve Reich's "Clapping Music"

[@justinflores2022]

Genuinly underated comment

[@lukealoi]

This is a great comment

[@stevenrempel]

His violin phasing piece seriously messed me up. Listening to it on cans with my eyes closed I started to get the sensation the I was spinning, faster and faster And then had to quickly throw my hands up to my neck because I was sure that the core was wrapping around my neck, only to discover I was neither spinning nor wrapping The cord around my neck.

[@perrinyone1596]

This is the greatest comment I've ever seen on the Internet. I just wiped the tears out of my eyes I laughed so hard, oh my god. Bravo.

[@Madhaus47_110]

Dan Saunders 😂😂😂

[@GinaGreenlee]

Next level. What a gift the Internet is to witness the exchange between Herbie and Jacob. For me that was breathtaking.

[@alfredneumann4332]

i was in a jazz band when i was a teenanger. altough i am a metal drummer and always considered myself that, we played a few of herbie hancock's songs and i got to love music even more. no matter what kind of music you like most or what you play; just beeing with other musicians that are as fascinated by the music as you are you can make magic happen. i miss those days sometimes.

[@BlakeMcLain]

I judge how much I've progressed musically by what I can understand in this video. Herbie is on a different planet.

[@outkast512]

So true, I keep coming back to this video every few months to check if I've understood something more.

[@emr1d341]

Dude, exactly same. It feels so good when you have "aha" moment after "aha" moment.

[@alisher000]

So relatable

[@yatharthbakshi]

Bruh. I love your videos!! Surprised seeing your comment.

[@angia3116]

No no. When he met Herbie. Is Herbie explain to him.

[@RingoBuns]

I love the expression of the college student. He looks very engaged and interested but also polite, but you can tell that when he's asked "do you what the circle of fifths is", in his head he's thinking "who do you take me for?" LOL

[@ChrisM-qo1jc]

his response was actually very polite. Regardless of how trivial it may seem, it's always good to touch base when u dont know the other person

[@zaksmith1035]

Yes, but do you KNOW what the circle of fifths is?? Yes, but do you KNOW?? Yes, but have you heard of Giant Steps? "Ah, I know nothing."

[@Em_-en2xp]

I have had the opportunity to go to the Eastman school of music to visit a few times it’s pretty cool. I know you probably don’t care but most of the students there are just like him very nice polite and kind.

[@ems7623]

He's sitting there talking with Jacob Collier. He probably was secretly wetting himself in excitement. But good god, i would love to have someone in my life look at me like that while jamming.

[@musicanditsimplications9175]

@@ChrisM-qo1jc ya

[@fiapritchard905]

Jacob and Herbie speaking with their voices and then the keyboards is such a vibe I could listen to them discuss anything tbh

[@alichamas63]

That signal between them to resolve the last chord of the song was beautiful

[@malloy6400]

I like how herbie Hancock really got his own level he’s like the boss level

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

...and don't you forget it. 😉

[@TallicaMan1986]

@@jerryjazzbo2845 Jerry Jazzbo... hahaha thats a memorable name.

[@Ismael-kc3ry]

He is tho

[@Thoko26]

Listen to headhunters and you'll understand why, absolute beast.

[@rsbeacham]

Herbie is different

[@justme7928]

-Do you know the song amazing grace? -no -okay so it's a good one

[@kellympinda4723]

🤣

[@bubba4847]

How can you be a musician that hasn’t heard of amazing grace, it’s like being a basketball player not knowing how to dribble

[@franckensteine]

@@bubba4847 it's a religious song that isn't widely known in every single part of the world

[@thenarrator1921]

@@bubba4847 it's also a largely western song. If I berrated you for not knowing Махаббат бер маған you'd realize that pseudo pop culture music isn't applicable to every place ever

[@conner.j.a.wilson]

@@bubba4847 He was talking to a seven year old, to be fair.

[@Taco_Burrito39]

It's really crazy, How I find myself watching this video every year with a new level of understanding of music.

[@LaurenKingAllen]

Music is a dimension all its own with the same colors and depth and meaning as visual art.

[@ndgo7950]

Who else noticed those two dudes fell in love with each other when he played the guitar

[@Adventrium]

Was gonna like this but it's at 69 so I couldn't

[@austincha8570]

Adventrium noble effort but it has been made useless

[@aleksilaine2758]

Quazy Duck so sad

[@elliotmcgee8918]

Nah. The kid was into Jacob, but Jacob and Herbie fell in love in the end

[@honklerton732]

leave ur yaoi fantasies in your brain plz.

[@Tophler91]

11:21 I love how Jacob and Herbie speak their own "piano language". They're talking to each other by playing their piano. The only spoken words are "yeah yeah", "right right".

[@YungStinkyWinky]

Herbie says "hey, how's it goin, let's take this somewhere smooooth", and Jacob says "guhioWHOIQ:EJA:IOgjsop;QIhgW;LKSMLKJ, are you impressed?"

[@madstheraccoon]

As someone who takes AP music theory, when in it's in our head it makes sense but hearing someone else talk about it, it's a lot oh yeah yeah, let it sit, and realize it later

[@oreo-hm4lh]

they understood the concept of harmony in its entirety that there was nothing else for them to say except "yeah"

[@compdude551]

They finished playing and just laughed. They didn’t have to speak because they already communicated with music. Beautiful!

[@bryandraughn9830]

"Pointing" tones😅

[@thephirebird]

I watched this say back in middle school, and didn't understand most of it past the teenager. Now watching it again in college, I understood every spoken concept, yet still wowed by their playing. I'm proud of myself for coming so far, and amazed and inspired by Jacob's wisdom and coming closer to being at his level.

[@pw11299]

This is wildly inspirational to me. I was moved to tears by the end. That when you are explaining something to a legend that explanation is mostly listening, it actually progresses into a conversation using music itself. wow.

[@KellyKachowski]

Collier: *says literally anything* Music student: :)

[@GlitzPixie]

felt a little bit condescending

[@MsMoon112097]

He was there to listen. Simple there was no need for him to speak if he knew it or not, could be shy, that could just be his personality you never know

[@Christopher-md7tf]

If you're a music student and in the same room as Jacob Collier, it would be foolish not to do a lot more listening than talking.

[@aram285]

id be smiling if jacob colier was in my room talking to me about harmony

[@KellyKachowski]

@@Christopher-md7tf very fair

[@AmaZaneChannel]

I love how they teach each other in the 5th level

[@scarlettjersey307]

Hiiiiiiiii! Huge fan here!

[@sheikharfaa1865]

Hey

[@kaziiqbal7257]

Haha, that's probably because they're actually pretty good friends

[@AnotherAnonymousMan]

There's literally nothing in this video that Herbie didn't already know! 🤣

[@johnvalmoria9229]

i read that as as "i love how they touch each other in the 5th level" and i was like wtf

[@markloh5493]

Love that final moment when Herb is surprised by that last chord .. Great video, wish there are more like these.

[@nwaikikai]

Funny, how an explanation of the mechanics of harmony is couched so comfortably in metaphors and similes related to emotion and things organic. A wonderful series of conversations between Jacob and his "students"! Really enjoyable to listen to!

[@FreakieFan]

I love how interested and attentive the 4th guy was, even though he is a professional pianist himself.

[@pufferphishgaming6849]

Guido Anselmi yeah he didn’t feel defensive and annoyed about being taught more even though he was professional

[@rockinrobin]

college kid bothered me

[@matthewstorto4387]

Knowing alpin personally, he brings that level of enthusiasm for learning into every situation, he's wonderful

[@EddieEntertainment]

I think the college kid knew more than what he said. (At least in other countries) In college you learn more about harmony than he was willing to admit.

[@noahoudejans5399]

It’s also because every professional musician would kill to have such a session with Jacob Collier :)

[@Elchinodiabolero]

Jacob is a treasure to humanity and culture.

[@saratei99]

Jacob is like modern day Bach

[@nathanbginger7]

At the end, they were communicating solely with yeahs, rights, and hitting the keys, you didnt understand it, but you somehow get the feel of something incredible is going on

[@nathanbginger7]

@DUKE LANGUAGE CENTER ok

[@juliojimenez9794]

Absolutely. Music is it's own language and I don't speak that language, so the only thing I could do is follow their gestures and facial expression to try to figure out what their conversation was all about.

[@ethanwilkes217]

@DUKE LANGUAGE CENTER stop shouting

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

The greatest part to me is that even as someone who has played music for 2 decades, I got lost in the wanderings but the two of them resolved at the same time over and over, especially the final part. I could pick out some keys but how did they know when to resolve? Music is such a crazy phenomenon.

[@arzanstar9907]

@@CyberneticArgumentCreator Exactly

[@OTHRWORLD]

The way Herbie & Jacob intuit and communicate with each other is a special kind of situation, and wonderful to listener.

[@EMvanLoon]

So just to be sure, you are an amazing teacher of harmony, but just how you play together with and challenge mr Hancock to harmonize with your playing is just great. Two great musicians feeling the same emotion is so beautiful to see!

[@aerickajm9298]

get you a man who would look at you the way the college student looks at the harmonist

[@ilikecatsbutimallergictoth1856]

HAHAHA I was just about to comment about this

[@davidchen5463]

Tbf, wouldn't you do that with a now 4x Grammy winning artist ahahahaha

[@sorrychangedmyusername3594]

The dude was so seductive a guitar spawned in his hands out of nowhere.

[@lily_astral]

@@stephaniem8467 Yeah

[@es-gf1rd]

lowkey i ship them

[@Gomace]

Find a someone that looks at you the way the college guy looks at Jacob.

[@sachra7838]

HAHAHA HE WAS PROPERLY STARING, no break of eye contact HAHA

[@lalasee2873]

When musicians are so focused on feeling the sound they sometimes forget about their body language I've seen it happening to many players

[@Speed4Runs]

@@lalasee2873 no he just gae

[@RetroLugia]

@@Speed4Runs 😂😂

[@will1714]

@@Speed4Runs LOL

[@drewryop]

The thing I love about this video is that it's literally just half Jacob Collier explaining harmony to various people then the remaining half is him and Herbie Hancock messing around with two Nord digital pianos

[@CATALOGRL]

they had a whole conversation 13:23 and onwards. So beautiful

[@mercyonthetrack1053]

Nobody is talking about how smooth that guitarist was. And beautiful Gibson too! Nice tone

[@absoluteragee8312]

Mercy On the Track i was actually wondering why no one said anything bout the guitarist he was super good

[@petterhouting7484]

He was mediocre

[@collinledesma7247]

Petter Houting I'm sure you're so much better

[@mercyonthetrack1053]

Petter Houting you don’t even play guitar lol

[@abcrx32j]

Because it's an easy tune

[@robott5177]

*gets to the last interview* *half of the video left* we're in for a wild ride

[@DrGlickenstine]

You're *always* in for a wild ride with Collier

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

Dr. Glickenstine not Herbie?

[@hypno159753]

Dr. Glickenstine I'd say more so with herbie

[@seagullsoars]

kdt its about to get jazztastic in here

[@cooperwood5413]

"This is where the fun begins"

[@RocketSurgn_]

It’s fascinating how he starts off talking entirely about intent and emotional effect on the listener that harmony has, and not at all about structure/components/what defines it the thing itself. It strikes me (engineering mind/background with really no musical theory knowledge) as being like describing, maybe, what the sun is by it making you feel warm and plants using it to grow. So opposite to how I would ever think to explain anything really but in hearing it, it seems just as “correct” and in some ways a more useful meaningful way do it even outside of explaining to younger kids. Very cool.

[@ChristianPaulsen98]

Child: notes make music Teen: music is a carefully placed array of notes Graduate: music is a communication Professional: notes make you feel Grand master: notes have feelings