Joey Blake and Bobby McFerrin vocal improvisation

www.musicianswithoutborders.org
In 2012, Musicians without Borders together with WE-ACTx, are setting up a music program for hundreds of HIV+ children and youth in Kigali, Rwanda. The program will include 4 training weeks in which international and local musicians will collaborate to train youth to lead music workshops, and together work with the children. In the first training week in February, Joey Blake, a voice artist and associate professor at Berklee college of music, will be joining the team.
For more information about the program: www.musicianswithoutborders.org
Joey Blake's website: www.joeyblake.com
(Video recorded at Berklee Performance Center, 24th Feb 2011, Boston; uploaded by permission of Joey Blake)

[@ZakFarley]

You know somethings good when you applaud your computer

[@sallybowles2781]

ahahahah me too!!

[@Kefoo_]

-- Transportation.

[@nelf4830]

?? Get it together

[@brandonk8948]

i'm not the only one! lol

[@charlesmondragon4144]

When aliens get here, can we all agree on telling them this is how we always communicate.

[@anni8419]

Hahaha so good

[@tianlai1495]

romantic

[@lloidie]

Lol, you rule man

[@paulx873]

But this is actually a form of cominicucation😂

[@danielpleitez-martinez7638]

it is..

[@shokarepp]

What amazes me is how Bobby fingers go on the mic like it’s an instrument

[@keziahjose5906]

I think he’s using his fingers on the mic to keep the tempo, that’s what I do when I sing interesting songs with special drumming patterns

[@tomatito3713]

@@keziahjose5906 i think he conditioned himself to play the right notes through his fingers.

[@martincrete9745]

i always thought that McFerrin prolly knows another instrument, such as piano or saxophone or flute or whatever. Maybe hes doing the fingerings of the note he wants to reach, a lot of musicians do that

[@ntlespino]

@@martincrete9745 I read somewhere it's clarinet

[@ragingpanda2207]

yeah do that like I'm playing the piano sometimes when I'm just listening to or humming along to a song that I'm really getting into

[@rakke95]

The best thing you can find in 240p

[@MrReue]

:D genius

[@hutchmusician]

Ah, but the music's in 8K... ;)

[@harwymarks]

Mdr, excellent !

[@JebatTheLegendary]

They are literally 'speaking' to each other. That's the beauty of music i must say. They brought me to them without me even noticing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@2edgy4you]

no, they are literally singing to each other.

[@TS-wv4tf]

+2edgy4you i think what he meant by it is that with these two, it's much more obvious to see that music is about communication🤔🤔

[@lemmysverruca]

-literally- figuratively

[@taylorzesiger8168]

Two brothers come as one!!!!!!

[@azy63]

I think it's impossible to watch a Bobby McFerrin performance and not smile.

[@ricciopaul]

Seriously, I start watching Bobby on KZbin and I am late for work every time.

[@regal.j4686]

Her: he’s probably out cheating on me Me with the boys: 4:49

[@vintagerealityvr]

Hahahha

[@kavalou4799]

Bro.. I never laugh on my own in front of a computer but I was almost crying. "Made my day" as people say jajaja

[@RogerECoffey]

lmao

[@TobleroneABS]

It’s 5 in the morning ! I haven’t slept yet because Bobby has made me remember why I started singing in the first place.😭😭♥️♥️♥️

[@Keesh73]

💕✨️

[@user-pz7ce7md8t]

Me too

[@oerd1031]

my youtube somehow drifted into these bobby mcferrin vocal improvisation videos and I'm so thankful for that

[@colindevine2863]

3:05 they harmonize perfectly

[@semirsellek9758]

Through this genious improvisation I can hear evolution of black music. Begins with mystical african chanting melody, and then upgrading to blues, soul, rap and some modern eclectic forms of house afro-beat. Spontenious improvisation but reflected from deepest parts of their souls. Regards and blessings

[@scottishwind929]

I don’t believe you. I think one just set that genre and they just went with it. There were two solos, on joint. A percussion break then hey went crazy.

[@Niklas-Lang]

It definitely starts with a chant-like melody and turns into blues, and arguably the melody then goes to soul from blue. Just listen to how Bobby delivers the melody.

[@amarok5048]

Don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg

[@lokimask2]

This is about music. Not race.

[@atlefredriksen4167]

theevolution of black music...well i looooove the blues, but there wouldnt be any blues without the mix og "white/european" song traditions and church music...as louis armstrong so eloquently put it...everything is folk music,,,,,after all music is not made by horses..he he..Jazz(just)music is basically all improvised music..across all borders country , religion or colour...of course it would not be the same without the african soul,culture and beats...miles, coltrane..robert johnson..muddy waters..snop dog..dr.dre etc...i used to think that africans had a special blues gene...but after 30 years of playing all kinds of guitar music..and started with robert johnson at age 10...i know for sure its not about colour...after all hwo can saY THAT, STEVIE RAY VAUGHN, MARK KNOPLER, JEFF BECK, ERIC CLAPRON, JIMMI PAGE, RY COODER, JOHN MAYER, DJANGO REINHARDT, PACO DE LUCIA, RALP TOWNER, EGBERTO GIZMONTI, PAT MARTINO, PAT METHENY, KURT ROSENWINKEL, ANOHAR BRAHEM, JAN GARBAREK , MICHAEL BRECKER...OR NUSRAT FATHI ALI KHAN DIDENT KNOW OR FELT OR REALLY MEANT EVERY NOTE THEY PLAYED ..CALL I T BLUES, JAZZ(JUST MUSIC) OR WHAT I HAVE SETLED FOR fOLK/ETHNICAL/WORLD MUSIC...HUMANITY HAS BEN PLAYIN BLUES, HIP HOP AN DRUM,N,BASS FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS..BOBBY MCFERRIN IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HYBRID.. PLAYS SINGS THE BLUES JAZZ FOLK WITH SAME PASSION AS HE SINGS CLASSICAL, EUROPEAN OR SO CALLED POP MUSIC....ONLY THING THAT REALLY MATTERS IS THAT U REALLY MEAN WHAT U PLAY(SAY) THEN EVERYBODYS HEART AND SOUL WILL BE AFFECTED BY YHE MAGICAL VIBRATIONS THAT MUSIC IS...MUSIC IS AFTER ALL WHAT FEELINGS SOUNDS LIKE....oNE LOVE..eARTHLINGS..REMEMBER ITS JUST MUSIC.....IS MAGICK IS MAGNETIC(MAGIC, COMES FROM THE WORD MAGNETIC...AND SOUND IS ELECTROMAGNETIC VIBRATIONS....SO THERE U GO MY HORSES...MUSIC GIVES US THE HIGHEST FOR OF HOPE7UNITY AND LOVE...ATLEANTIZ FROM NORWAY

[@polrua]

Many, many years ago, I was at a video library looking for a film to get out and there was a small group of three teenage boys wandering the aisles, just doing this thing where one or two would just be freestyling off one another, and the other would just point at a title on the shelves every couple of seconds and the other two would just roll it into what they were doing. It was bloody beautiful.

[@jabalation4255]

I have watched this about 50 times and it never gets old

[@Gangly1]

BF's bass range is getting even better with age...if it ever could do. What a fantastic, and sadly, underrated artist of our times.

[@antoniocasalduerorecuero9383]

No creo que esté tan subestimado, he visto vídeos en los que Bobby es capaz de hacer cantar musicalmente a estadios llenos de gente que acude especialmente a verlo en sus recitales.

[@saxyhunz1314]

Alright, admit it when Bobby added in the beat your body automatically started rocking to the beat and didn't stop until they were done.

[@greggarcia1505]

Caught myself humming and adding my own hook 🤣❤️

[@andreaskipper7387]

one of the best performances i have ever seen. fucking awesome

[@-adrienblanc]

Is it me or Bobby's doing poly voices at 3:37 ? so much talent !

[@lauranicodemus824]

Yes he was hitting an overtone in the upper part of his head while he was singing the bass with the mike on his throat I think. So cool.

[@_Dalton_]

He hit's 3 notes in drive

[@anonymousaccordionist3326]

@@lauranicodemus824 From what I can tell, he's creating an overtone between the buzzing frequency of his lips and falsetto singing, creating an awesome sound in the process.

[@Karel_Bartos]

I can also do somting like this but with open mouth and wigeling with my tongue. I didn't know it is actually a style of singing like 20 years when i was 8 years old and bored, so started experimenzing with my mouth and humming and and singing and it becomes to this - beginner skill of overtunning singing. 😀

[@accuser_of_the_brethren7816]

For those interested in seeing more examples of "Polyphonic Overtone" singing, all you need to do is type those two words into KZbin and a compilation pops up. It's super neat and explains a bit of how/they do it.

[@Oddlot0930]

Tonight on 'That Unusual Instrument!', Bobby McFerrin plays the carotid artery!

[@aweimoleayopeter6960]

That's so good

[@hutchmusician]

My tea. It's everywhere now. Thanks a bunch.

[@GibsonOCDP]

Me and my friends get stoned and do this lol

[@robertp1580]

GibsonOCDP underrated comment🤔😂

[@ahmadmadani8400]

That's coz ya'll listen to it while stoned. Next time you should record yourselves and check it out the next. It'll be great if you post it on KZbin.

[@eusou0]

I LOVE to do this kind of thing! It is awesome! And the creativity and connection we exercise... there are no words to express!

[@TheMCJ77]

GOOOOD!

[@amirrezaghorbani2715]

same ;-)

[@silvanolopez3216]

Old school beatboxing my dudes.

[@aristarkos3303]

...and that's what I call...magic.

[@wesmatron]

To connect with another human on this level is priceless

[@JonathanSharman]

LOVE the overtones when McFerrin first put the mic against his throat. Such a cool effect.

[@The_Bean_Head_Men]

I am absolutely blown away by this...every single time I see/hear it.

[@just4all1]

no need for any fancy equipment, no need for any fuzzy bunny auto tune , ... just pure simplicity, amazing ♪♪♪

[@wowengenharia6599]

Fghh

[@Bronco541]

I can't wait until that freaking auto tune goes out of style

[@mrshriimp7765]

EvilAlbear They are amazing with the talk box

[@joelonsdale]

You do, however, need a very specialist voice box, which is impossible to get hold of if you don't have one already ...

[@JRalloveragain]

Bloody hell...Bobby McFerrin is amazing! Always has been....

[@multiversozivoto2997]

They're just having a great time. I love it

[@manolito655]

Just... Damnnn... There is no word to say...

[@kingdray1105]

Man these two brothers are doing it. My new favorite artists.

[@lisanders11]

The Art of Improviiiiiisation!!!!

[@rwegongarambe978]

Amazing how am watching this video and Joey Blake in person standing in front of me rehearsing here in Rwanda for the KigaliUp music festival 2018. A Great Talent 👊🔥👌

[@zavjo]

The Voice. The first instrument. Thank you to Joey Blake and Bobby McFerrin and the likes of others like Al Jarreau, Rachelle Ferrell, Manhattan Transfer, and others that have been inspirational in highlighting the ability of the voice, inclusive of mine, in the exploration of a higher musical perspective.

[@christopherhydinger5212]

Please don't forget Jon Hendricks, one of the originals.

[@jamesperdue8355]

And the Real Group

[@dremichel5698]

Al jarreau ❤️

[@mjfindlay1968]

Felt the first few notes in my neck, wow, great sound and feeling.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

This combination of Joey and Bobby is amazing. Their ranges and tones go so well together. Amazing improvisation as well!

[@MarcusWoodOfficialVideos]

I think my favourite thing about this is the way bobby "plays" his mike :D

[@Joe-bn9fz]

This is really freaking amazing.

[@wilmasalomonsson2322]

I can see this being used as a movie intro; we are watching the landscapes of the movie through different angles while the opening credits are showing. Absolutely amazing

[@gagefraw3182]

This is the blackest outro to Doug I’ve ever seen. These guys are amazing.

[@MateoKupstysChica]

Saw them last night in Vienna, also with Dave Worm. It was the most (or one of the most) beautiful musical moment I've experienced in my life have to admit it!

[@amarok5048]

Testimony that the blues originates in your Soul

[@richardburgos4230]

I find myself smiling the whole time watching this

[@fablecouvrette5334]

This is what every artist strives for- carefree creation drawing from the deepest well of practiced skill. Music is a game folks, you gotta PLAY 🤌 IT 🤌🌈!

[@SaranshKejriwal]

Loved how Bobby taps the mic like a flute

[@bhekinyandeni8570]

Am here 9yrs later this still sounds so damn gooooood🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ZENSIBLE]

There's no life without Bass!

[@angelarandall9184]

I collect as much of this man's music and collaborations and live shows as I can. I am never disappointed nor do I ever get tired of listening to the old music and always on pins and needles for the new ready! #suchaBMCF fan

[@theunwantedcritic]

This kind of reminds me when Bruce Lee came to America and he started teaching a small percentage of Chinese martial arts. These guys are presenting the possibilities of the African rhythmic and melodic traditions. And I’m not just talking about melody there’s quite a bit of more complicated stuff happening here then just pure melody, harmonyEtc.

[@khristinaevans7359]

Pure joy! Am loving humanity... feels so good to see. Bravo.

[@Clefmoutic]

En boucle, toujours et encore!

[@blancagarcia9403]

i need to make a playlist of this beautiful human performances

[@macsmith2013]

Bobby never fails to make me smile. He's a treasure.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

I felt this was good in the beginning. As it went on I knew it was good. And this has never happened to me: at the end of the melody I got goosebumps; a sign that I really like something. I usually start getting goosebumps early on when I really like a musical performance, this time it hit me at the very end. This was superb.

[@TheMichaelBeck]

I was soldier. So was my great grandfather and my grandfather. We need more of this and less war or we are doomed. Cheers from America.

[@barbaragrand55]

Channeling the spirit!!!!! So amazing and what a privilege to be there. I love Bobby McFerrin since "Be Happy". He pulled me out of a depressing situation with that song. God Bless the work he does.

[@MarianneSoher]

Bobby is offering us his heart in his tapping hand. Enjoy them, Those are both unique and will be forever!

[@avec2ailes941]

A so beautiful example of joy and communion trough music!!!

[@TheAyurvedic]

One must be attuned to one’s energy in order to absorb another’s. This was absolutely beautiful.

[@divedeepinside-JK]

Bobby is a GENIUS , only perfect can come out of his mouth nothing less

[@user-jx9xr6te2u]

Я сижу каифую😂😂😂хотелось бы дома хотябы так петь,Ан нет не получается.Браво👏это как игло терапия😊

[@MR-ki8ud]

Fabulous!! Pure magic! And great trust between them in order to do this!

[@weemanifestin6473]

I think I've watched this video about twenty times in the last week or so. Sometimes I watch it and sometimes I'm just listening while doing other things. I absolutely admire Bobby and now I learned of Joey Blake. Bobby McFerrin's ability to control and immense amount of people or a small audience leaves me aue struck. Bravisimo!

[@luceforma2256]

wow, back to earth, now

[@ireneg.8873]

Truly talented. "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord." Black people's glorious voices are axiomatically and acoustically grounded in Africa. Many nations try to emulate the richness and nuances of the black vocal voice but truly never come close. The imitators sound good in isolation but when compared to the real thing it pales in comparison.

[@oldschooldrumcorps]

That's true....we don't need 'em...we have talent in our bones.....we make our own music....we don't NEED a band....we can jam with with just our voices, hand claps, foot stomps, or what ever we want....damn proud to be naturally talented people

[@Kairigato]

DO NOT stop it, you're so amazing Bobby!!

[@jenjungwoon]

god i can´t stop watching this. its just so great. masters who are so proficient and at a level of mastery they can play and have so much obvious, transparent fun playing with form. its mastery. it´s just so enjoyable to watch and listen to. it never gets old.

[@mountain5623]

I love this stuff. Makes my ❤️ smile, and my soul shine 😎. Nice job guys. Much love from the Mountain 🏔️.

[@funklover24]

I cannot help to start smiling. Bobby always has wonderful ideas and he also can let it flow and listen to his partners. What a greatness and wonderful personality! ❤

[@sang-gye-vajrayana]

Love this, great to sing along adding a third voice in the safety of solitude. Thank you Mr McFerrin and Mr Blake.

[@maggiepatterson7949]

This what you call TALENT, a GIFT! Enjoyed listening, amazing!

[@nii_amart]

Real pure music.....👏🏽

[@jason-ok8wg]

As I type I wish I'd have seen this many yrs ago. BUT... WOW!!! This gave me chills on multiple levels.. - Talent - Creativity - Agility - Focus / Looseness - Universality

[@scarlet.snapdragon]

That was............ AWSOME!!

[@cylonfreakuranus9024]

Still watching this masterpiece in 2022!

[@juaricolas]

this like vocal jazz love it

[@StayColdTim]

They compliment eachother so well!

[@resym7734]

this is just.. its just... music, in its very essence.

[@masterwu7784]

*Sways voice after he hears a dope ass freestyle* YOU WACK SINGERS!!!! This right here is straight raw art!! Just fuckin beautiful

[@l.dougherty7573]

TEARS for the BEAUTY.

[@thusanangsikhosana468]

this just made me happy asf..

[@littlelizard3483]

You are in a small fishing boat with your grandfather, floating through the dark green bayou. You’re grandpa asks if he can sing you a song. You smile and just lay down in the small boat. This is what you hear.

[@richthenative]

Deep true talent surfaces with improv. Bobby is such a fine person. Always fair and understanding.

[@jasonborda4145]

That was incredible!

[@GreatKingOfLipnice]

This is the best think I have heard in years!

[@aybee63]

This is what 'being in sync' is all about!

[@numinous2506]

I'm so glad these guys are made of star stuff like me and it will never ever be gone from the universe.

[@Verbal-Kint]

This needs to be viral

[@newankh9thesoulseer625]

The Eternally Positive & Awesomely Talented & Amazing Bobby McFerrin just showing what his inspiration & love of musical sounds can produce

[@keleluh819]

I loved this as soon as they started 😩😭😍🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@IvanWabo]

They are dangerous!!

[@sokiss7081]

merci à euh 🙏🙌💟😇

[@gummiebear2820]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@jeanpierre4344]

wow wow wo wo wo wo wo wow o w, i'm here for the 10th time and still amazed by this incredible performance. NO words could ever explain how much i like this

[@guitarrimas6020]

WOW!! Thankyou so much!! qué maravilla!! Love you both!! ♥♥

[@walt2604]

This video deserves more views, damn

[@noellaclarke9283]

And that’s the power of music

[@PhilipS.1993]

Absolutely amazing exhibition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Skillet1965]

One of the coolest things I've ever seen and heard