Never Gonna Let You Go - Band Geek

This our cover of "Never Gonna Let You Go" by Sergio Mendes, written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.
We've always been fascinated by the amount of times this song changes keys, so for your convenience we added a handy Key Change counter to help you keep track of all the modulations.
This is from Band Geek Episode 133. Subscribe to the audio podcast at riotcast.com
Richie Castellano - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboard
Andy Ascolese - Drums, Keyboards
Ann Marie Nacchio - Vocals
Mixed and Edited by Richie Castellano

[@nateshei]

i wanted to play this song with my band... when I told them there was 22 key changes they all said hell no...except the drummer. He was all like.... i got this lol

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Haha dude 🤣

[@FlightData101]

Check out Rick Beato’s recent breakdown of the chord transitions in this song on KZbin.

[@piteusx8440]

It's a good tune, but what the hell was the point? Were they trying to give the guitar and bass player aneurysms?

[@ischmidt]

@@piteusx8440 The original record is primarily driven by producer/arranger/keyboardist Robbie Buchanan's electric piano, and from a what-you-do-with-your-fingers perspective the chord changes make a lot more sense on piano than they do on guitar. On piano it's definitely still a "I know jazz chords!" flex, but much less of one than Rick Beato's guitar translation shows.

[@danielgarza9645]

Great job guys , i couldnt hold a note to save my life.

[@OnAir21]

Rick Beato did a good job today uncovering this song to more people, while also stressing it’s complexities in his usual dramatic form. But I love how Band Geek just fucking did it: No drama, no fuss, all owned.

[@XMguy]

I was like damn man. You trying to give me an Aneurysm

[@randomelvis3359]

Ahh Kris, yeah love Rick but agree with you these guys “frickin did it!”

[@conanichigawa]

I'm here from Rick Beato too.

[@markcowpairlucky]

Awesome job Band Geek! And im here from Rick Beato too!

[@micwalt]

Totally!!!

[@Frodojack]

22 modulations and 55 chords. I have a new appreciation of "the most complex pop song ever" thanks to you and Rick Beato.

[@stephenbrogdon7125]

Me Four!… brilliantly covered and counted. Loved Barry’s head exploding at the end. Lol.

[@skylermichael641]

I can’t believe how perfect this cover is. Amazing job. Insane really.

[@DeathBringer769]

I think it's even better than the original.

[@journeymultimediainc]

Incredibly tight, the best cover I've heard yet.

[@jbutler2386]

Truly excellent. On the mark professionally.

[@jber9569]

Who are the 18 tone deaf fools who gave this a thumbs down? Ritchie and Ann Marie harmonize beautifully. Gorgeous version.

[@DeathBringer769]

"Never gonna pick a key. I'm gonna modulate the song forever..."

[@RoyMaya]

LOL

[@ppakolo]

Why im singing..

[@mf85704]

nice. cheers.

[@bitterboyblue]

you stole that comment from the rick beato video. how lame of you

[@puppetsnob]

@@bitterboyblue Thank you.

[@MattTheMusiciann]

I was as wrong as I could be That one modulation was fine with me I'll regret that thing For as long as I'm singin' But now that I know that I just might All I want to do is make things right So just say a chord And don't stop the wheel from spinning You and me we're gonna sing Higher than we sang before I loved it then but I intend To change the key and modulate it more This time you can be sure.. "I'll never gonna pick a key I'm gonna modulate the song forever" Gonna try and make it every time it hits you so Gonna change the notes all the time From this day on the keys won't match together I swear this time I'll never gonna let it go

[@Avacado721]

@MattTheMusician 😹😹😹🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🏆🏆🏆

[@BoomerBends]

Your work here in the comment section deserves more than the 25 skyward thumbs you've currently garnered. Bravo!

[@cenergen]

This is by far the coolest songtext mod. 😅😅😅👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@andthebeatgoeson69]

U deserve every upvote

[@frankpeck1448]

Beautiful rendition of the Original. Keep up the Great Work. Greetings from N.Kentucky USA Y'All 🇺🇸 🎵🎹🎶🎸⚘️❤️

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Rick Beato send me. More than one of the most beautiful ballad I experienced a bunch of incredibly talented musicians. 👍🏾

[@scotabot7826]

Joe Pizzulo, one of the best singers of his era. Never understood why he wasn't bigger!! You guys blew this beautiful song out of the park!! Please take me back to the 1980's, Please!!!

[@serdip]

(Parody of "Never Gonna Let You Go" by Sergio Mendez) It won't take long to change the key First chord's an F, then you play B Did you catch that move? Second chord was B7 But now it's the time to play the V Then the I-chord 'cause it sounds so right You have to invert The next three chords sound like heaven F to G Not gonna be the same chords we played before Changed keys again but I can’t say when I’ll modulate a half step up or more No one here knows the score I'm never gonna let you know I'm gonna change keys in every measure Gonna try and see just how many times In a row Gonna play C over D one time Then B-flat sus-2 and F9 over A together Please don't swear this time I'm never gonna let you know © 2021

[@punkrock75]

Hilarious!

[@serdip]

@@punkrock75 Thank you!🙂

[@bullcrapptv]

That is fantastic. I want to cover the song with these lyrics... just for fun.

[@serdip]

@@bullcrapptv Thank you. That would be so awesome! Wish I were a musician myself. LOL

[@rafaelpradosbarbosa9991]

this NEED more likes and coments NOW!

[@randomelvis3359]

Rick Beato sent my on the breadcrumb trail of this song…. Loved this cover! Great stuff…Subbed!

[@reezlaw]

Yeah that's where I came from too, I NEED to know more about it

[@zoso73]

Rick Beato, lighting up the view-count!

[@XMguy]

Indeed

[@scottwallace1]

You got it :)

[@pauljuvin]

Haha as true as they couldn't give a shit about keys in this song. Great interpretation though guys.

[@lutecladista]

This is one my favorite songs ever... you, guys are simply amazing!!!!! Congrats from Brazil!!!!

[@gwheat63]

If there was an album of Ann Marie singing I would by it In a heartbeat! Her voice is just amazing! Just a crystal clear amazing tone!

[@bearsum9520]

Oh, I agree completely. She is totally amazing.

[@tinadalton4729]

Where are they from. She is amazing

[@ZoeyPaigeLunaPhD]

Her sister is also badass. A little more rasp

[@adriannorris1486]

She’s working on a solo album as we speak I believe.

[@adriannorris1486]

@@tinadalton4729 New York I believe

[@TR-vr5pz]

This may be your best vocals.....just perfect. This was a former "our song", so thanks for bringing some tears to an old man...

[@joeymyopic]

How about that vocal chop around 1:35 wow

[@brianbaca1380]

Richie is the best. Can sing and play anything! An unbelievable talent!

[@paulft272]

The 80's just knew how to do love Ballads!

[@MarkUrbanski]

As a vocalist myself... This is PERFECT!!! Those changes are NOT an easy feat.

[@assessoroffice7212]

The magic of this piece is that if you are just a vocalist, you will never realized that the keys are changing unless you are a guitarist pianist or basses.

[@think2086]

I mean, not quite. But yes. Kind of. It is amazing isn't? You know there are key changes as a vocalist, but definitely not 22 of them. Also, it seems easy and natural. But it's insane for the band haha.@@assessoroffice7212

[@SleepThatBurns]

Not only was it very humorous (with the keychange counter, candle background, Richie's fan driven mop during lead, and Barry's exploding head at the end), it was executed perfectly. If this were an Olympic sport, they would get the gold: 10.0 on key change execution, 10.0 on style, and 10.0 on musicianship. Another fantastic Castellano et. al. production.

[@braddmartins]

Ann Marie voice is perfect, masterful!

[@reezlaw]

For real, jaw dropping

[@fendi-bull8167]

RIP Cynthia Weil, thank you for making this difficult song

[@jclvmanagement7848]

Yup, I'm watching this vid because of Rick B's analysis of the song. Had I known you guys did this song I would have watched it a long time ago. Rick is 100% correct. Insanely complex song for any top top musician and vocalist to tackle and you guys did a fabulous job. Really enjoyed watching. Tons of credit for having the guts to take it on. It really should have far far more views. Hopefully Rick's vid will push it, start the engine back up and put it back out there on the main highway (back into the KZbin algorithms) in internet land. Well done guys.

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

This song's changes are super intelligent. What a great cover of a complicated tune - great job! Joe Pizzulo never got name recognition but he's an AMAZING vocalist. Tough act to follow and you killed it.

[@ppakolo]

in 30 years of my life, never thought that this song is incredible hard

[@alesandrobail1060]

The guitar hero in the end was amazing. Good work!

[@troyhammond3494]

I swear - Ann Marie could sing the phone book and make it sound incredible..... ** Swoon **

[@stevenfreitas8775]

Sergio Mendes at his best on this song.....I remember learning this song years ago on bass and the key changes killed me....you guys just killed it again....awesomeness in vocals as usual....take care!

[@rubencarrera2225]

Good job babe geek!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@4GuitarTrance]

I played this song in a Pop/Rock cover road band for awhile. What an intense of a song, change/modulation-wise. We were playing this one night after not having played it for months -- we had a request for it -- and the keyboardist lost her way, then the vocalist lost his way, the the fem vocalist lost her way... and our male vocalist stopped everything in mid-song and said, "Screw this song ( I actually cleaned his language up a bit) ... we forgot it, and we're never playing this song again! We never played the song again! This song gave me a huge increase in respect for "Yacht Rock, Jazz/Pop, Fusion, etc." artists of this calibre. I've was always into heavier Rock/Pop, but I recognized superior talent, solid musical ability and writing no matter the genre. Playing in that Pop/Rock cover band educated me in the extreme... it forced me to dabble in jazz and learn theory after having been an "Ear Player" for my formative years. It helped me during my brief time as a session player. If it were not for this song I never would have had the "chops" to become a working session and live professional player. Great "Player" song. BRAVO guys, Excellent... Flawless!

[@antmusic]

I wish Joe Pizzulo had like 30 albums I could buy and love. His voice made me love music on this classic album and Sergio Mendes' CONFETTI.

[@brianbaca1380]

Richie is one of the best multi talented musician and vocalist I’ve heard in a while

[@WCGOLD27NZ]

How has this not blown up before Rick Beato’s video. This is freakin awesome!!!

[@brettshawver2983]

Now I gotta be honest - I'm a metal dude. Just hard rock & metal through & through. That said, you blew me away again!! Love watching you guys! The ending with the lead guitar outro - LMAO!! Keep doing the good stuff!🤘😁🤘

[@koyomo2910]

thank you for the key change counter. great video

[@arhalimi5883]

Wow!! I know nothing about keys or modulations, but .. that rendition to my humble self is the best cover version ever .. I love the Mrs

[@oldglamrocker]

Wow, this hit all the right spots. Duets, candles, 22 key changes, and that moment at 4:22.

[@davidsquire1098]

I really never paid much attention to the song when it came out; my bad! This video opened my eyes of what a great song it really is however sappy some may say it is. Rick Beatto's video led me here and I have subscribed to this channel...the singers are awesome!

[@Wizardofgosz]

The best Beato vids are his rants about the music industry today. He often rants about how pop songs AREN'T complex anymore, and he's right. Pop music certainly doesn't have to be as complex as this, but songs with more than 3 chords ARE allowed.

[@tyraeldamien]

I love how you counted every key change! Brilliant cover. Best cover in my opinion.

[@maka1510]

These voices are absolutely stunning and the instrumentalists as well.

[@Maxylvania]

I can't believe I just found this version! Awesome as usual

[@lesiapersimmon7547]

Awesome❤ 22 key changes is like magic to the ears🎶

[@garysmith2419]

My first time to hear WOW Gary from Somerset Kentucky loves it

[@zelda1]

That was great. An old classic done to perfection by the Band Geeks! You guys are the best.

[@rjjarvis6506]

I loved it! I can't believe anyone could cover that song so beautifully.

[@fabianswebworld]

Apart from being just perfect regarding to the chords, modulations etc., this cover has SO much attention to detail in really covering the original. As always at Band Geek. Just wonderful, I love that attitude and passion for detail (take, e.g., those bass figures in the chorus; or the headless tambourine sounding only once per measure on beat 2, the dropped note in the bass at the beginning of the second chorus (2:58) etc. etc.) - just so adorable. Thank you so much for that!

[@justinrockmore327]

This woman and man sing very beautifully, in my opinion.

[@DaveRucci]

Ahhh you guys beat Rick Beato to it! Always loved this tune! Excellent job guys! 🤘🏻 (Are you telling me the entire solo had ZERO key changes? No way…)

[@danieldm5705]

Great version! Loved vocals and of course the guitar solo! 😎

[@wendyoswalt]

The best guy cover I've heard so far

[@leadsolo2751]

U guys discovered this 3 years before Rick Beato did a video on it - This is Just Brilliant !!! :)

[@tathox4216]

Fantastic!

[@davidso3838]

Excellent voice. This song made me so many memories.

[@1bassman9]

This is one of the most extraordinary covers I have ever heard ! Bravo !

[@skjult1407]

Wow. Instant subscribe. Thank you for tackling this great song from my childhood.

[@wanderingyoutube]

Criminally low views. What a great performance..

[@saxnova]

Much respect to all of you. I’m humbled by the breadth of what you all do.

[@bertchiu9265]

All I can is just … WOWWWWWW!!! BRAVISSIMO!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@Jowee713]

Oh, best cover so far! The woman is like reincarnation of Leeza 👏👏👏

[@frandelo]

Amazing, amazing, amazing... Congrats!!! Both of you did the best... What a cover!!!

[@hotman718]

I would have an aneurism if I tried playing this live. Rick Beato is a mad man lol

[@RumTumJPM]

Just realized that this song was written by the iconic songwriting duo, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil! I guess only a duo THAT GOOD could pull off a song like this!

[@sirborges]

It was actually written by Sérgio Mendez. Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil are co-writers.

[@billcollins2525]

This is incredible! Ann Marie and Richie are gold!

[@daiu48]

Yet another wonder cover! Brilliant!

[@enriqueramirez7667]

What a great musicians richie and the guys

[@jeromeapuan7126]

Killing it with that weird wig at the end!! Keep rockin!!

[@elcioavila2542]

Wonderful job... isnt easy to do this music. Congratulations

[@pacscorner]

Outstanding! Bravo!👏

[@tomwyant9532]

The fireplace/candles make this one of the best videos you've ever posted. I mean, yeah, you guys sound great and 22 keys, woo, but, the fireplace and candles really set this apart.

[@bennythepooh4905]

Love the chest hair at the end! You made Jamie Farr proud.

[@greekjd]

Great Job 👍 22 modulations wow 🤩

[@papsmear666]

Epic ending! Well done sir!

[@Vanadisphoto]

*EPIC!!! Amazing voices both of you!* 😍🥰

[@ynnadssom]

How does this song sound so compelling and coherent despite not having a tonal center!?

[@sean9522]

Oh it does have a tonal center all right…that keeps shifting every two or three chords!!!

[@kaspafischer]

the old "Tristan and Isolde" trick I guess... delayed harmonic resolutions... blame it on Wagner... LOL

[@scottwallace1]

@@kaspafischerBrilliant observation. Wagner just builds and builds until you’re fucking begging for it to all resolve into perfection. I’ve come to call the climactic crescendo at the end of the Prelude to Parsifal “the God chord”. It’s so insanely complex and perfect and satisfying….it’s just beyond.

[@ebrandiltrindade7619]

INCREÍBLE........ GRACIAS !!!

[@EdwardCox2016]

Ann Marie and Richie that was, despite 22 key changes, absolutely beautiful. Thank

[@BrianChappie]

One of my favorite songs. You all did such a great job!

[@mattstraub8628]

As far as soft rock goes. This has to be my personal favorite. Once again, you killed it. An amazing cover!

[@vinniebozzuto3534]

Amazing!! I spent 30 years on the radio, mostly in the Tri State...CT, NY..I've heard it all..but this is absolutely amazing...someone needs to pick you guys up...

[@lizard944]

Already done. Richie is the guitarist for Blue Oyster Cult!

[@DeathBringer769]

"the Tri State" can be different things depending on where you live. Where I live, "Tri State" means PA, NJ and NY. Just so you know, there's multiple "Tri State" areas ;)

[@ereceeme]

the female singer is great.

[@AxelShelleyMusic]

Holy crap this is Amazing

[@NelsonStJames]

You guys knocked this out of the park !

[@dixiejules]

Richie, y'all are some of the most talented folks on the planet!!

[@MansuDC2]

Love how you guys cover these songs, love em all.

[@jefcabrera]

Im so happy to have found this channel. Such an awesome version. Love this

[@Sirynx77]

Most of the world knows this song because of the recording by Sergio Mendes in 1983. However, the song was originally offered to Earth Wind and Fire by songwriters Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. The band rejected the song. But two other singers recorded it in 1982 before the Sergio Mendes version. One is Stevie Woods. The other is by Dionne Warwick on her 1982 "Friends in Love" album.

[@azandy77]

An amazing cover of this great song!

[@SotiriosBouzaras]

Perfecto!

[@AmickTube]

Perfect on every level. Flawless vocals.

[@mikeli20002000]

Who's still listening March 2020 😁👍

[@user-zr1hd1ub6c]

May 2020👍

[@Edyth_Hedd]

June, 2020. I just discovered Band Geek with the Quarantine version of Roundabout, and it's taken me down the KZbin rabbit hole. They're just amazing.

[@dcgarci]

July 2020 👍🏽

[@mikeli20002000]

One more time today 😁

[@110380michael]

Please, Jan. 2021. ☺

[@relvis42]

You guy's are the best I could watch you all day long great job !

[@officialWWM]

relvis42 I just did :/

[@pauladeoliveira9766]

I came here through R beato. And this is one nice version of the most complex pop song of all time, by the Brazilian Sergio Mendes.

[@JohnHoulgate]

Beautifully Done, Geeks!

[@IrocinZ]

Love that song and a very well done cover! Key change counter was hilarious....

[@jasontroy3911]

🤘that performance was awesome!

[@ramirocastrocabanillas2196]

wooooooow!!!!! love it thanks for sharing your talent

[@U2WB]

FANTASTIC - This gave me goose bumps

[@LittleZrinko]

Bravo Richie! Beautiful!!!!

[@bielarts_ff9573]

QUE MARAVILHA!!!!

[@richmars]

Perfectly Done!!! Great voices!