Opera Singer Reacts to Mean Mary - Iron Horse

Juilliard trained Opera Singer Maggie Reneé reacts to Mean Mary - Iron Hors
#MeanMary #operasingerreacts #MaggieReneeMusic #reaction
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Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Actress, Influencer, Performer
Birthday: July 12
Education: The Juilliard School
Editing Software: FCP
About: Hi there! I am a singer, songwriter, vocal coach, KZbin, Twitch and TikTok content creator and Honors Graduate in Classical Voice from The Juilliard School. I have an Album of original songs out on iTunes, a black belt in karate, and perform throughout the world with a goal of bringing joy to audiences all over the world through music that touches people's hearts. I hope you enjoy my content and consider following along on all my platforms to follow my journey 💗
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
If you read this far, I love you ❤️😘

[@rickrodgers7805]

Mary is not only the finest banjo player ever, she is also one of the sweetest most down to earth people I have ever had the honor of meeting and spending time with.

[@actiondork]

She was in a bad car accident and injured her vocal chords. They didn't think she was going to be able to sing again. Lucky for us, a couple years later she was singing again.

[@jamesreid8638]

❤️ 🙏🏼 ❤️

[@sirberkeleyfeltwell4347]

I heard Mean Mary for the first time an hour ago and I’ve listened to one song after another…. I am in awe of this talent.

[@johnbrumer4392]

Me too…long live MM…

[@lylecosmopolite]

Mary James may be the finest living banjo player, the best active songwriter under age 50, one of the very few American nonclassical musicians who sings harmony very well. The lyrics to her songs are often good poems.

[@Enfield-1853]

The horse's name is Apache. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 29. She did a youtube tribute to him called "Wild Dreams".

[@mckenziekeith7434]

Probably there is a better picker somewhere. But is there anybody who can pick and sing and write like her? Nope. She is amazing.

[@trixiebella]

She is fabulous! I love her voice & her style. And that playing! Wow. Another great reaction Maggie!

[@davidmalone3317]

No one expects it and BAM! you're just floored.

[@jwenting]

Saw her perform life once. Not in a concert hall but a pub/restaurant. She's as good life as in the studio. And just a great person overall, on stage and off.

[@StanEngland]

I've been fortunate to see her many times, pubs and festivals (even tv once), but not since the covid. Always magnificent and NEVER mean.

[@lprice804]

I've been lucky enough to hear her play probably a dozen times. The castanets symbolize the horses hooves.

[@benbusfield6498]

So want to see her in concert ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mikenolan8044]

"A lot of favorite parts" Yes indeed. I like the banjo playing the way it is, slower and unique sounding (Up strumming?) early on and the full speed ahead closing. 🐎

[@jamesreid8638]

At my advanced age, i thought i had cried all my tears already, but Mean Mary brings me to tears of joy whenever i hear her voice. She could not be beat by a choir of angels.

[@Krispy1011]

Mean Mary has amazing talent is very personable - She is an icon!

[@maryfolkner1970]

Omg I have been trying to get someone to react her or ever. She is AMAZING

[@TheBudMan1000]

Mean Mary is AWESOME!!!! Love ALL her music. The Americana just rings through and through. Can't get enough of her I only wish I had discovered her years ago. And the castanets are representative of the horses' hooves. Give me Mean Mary and Wylie Gustafson and I'm a happy man.

[@gingerjohnson1095]

It's not castenets, it's spoons. And you might like her Cranberry Dress.

[@PeterJDeVault]

Mary is amazing. I'm glad she's getting some love!

[@baddogma]

This song always brings a tear to my eye, beautiful.

[@MediocreHexPeddler]

That plucking pattern you point out at 3:20 perfectly emulates the 4-beat gait of a horse galloping. As for why she waits until the rising accelerando to bring out the fancier picking? I see it as representing the iron horse pulling away and outpacing the flesh-and-blood steed. Most of the song is at a rock-steady 110 bpm, a perfect tempo for a gallop (in this case being the interval of all four hooves landing in sequence, not on each step as we would measure our own tempo for marching). Then, as soon as she finishes "the iron horse's speed increased," the picking starts up again at about 140 bpm and rises until it settles at about 168-169 for the rest of the song, well beyond what any horse could sustain for more than a minute or two.

[@williamkirkland7002]

Perfect description of this very fine song & Video.

[@satori4183]

That picking tho, holy moly 😮

[@ExiledPiasa]

Her voice sounds mournful in that song. Such a talented lady

[@alexflores7652]

This song got me hooked on her and her voice. I love the scenery that is used all throughout the video. The strumming sounds like a galloping horse. I found her because I was looking for a very specific singing of Wayfaring Stranger and just fell in love with her. Just this past year she did a song and video here in the Great Sand Dunes here in Southeast Colorado. The castanets are actually spoons which are very prevalent in Bluegrass music. And anytime I can her play and sing I am all over it.🐎🐎

[@StanEngland]

"Where Were You" got me hooked, four or five seconds into it. And i was searching "Yodel".

[@maryfolkner1970]

If you want a true grap of her folk sing please listen to "Death and the Maiden. It sounds like an old Irish folk song that is perfect for her alto

[@jefff8106]

Death and the Maiden could possibly be the best ballad ever sang. Love it.

[@waltobringer2928]

I always enjoy listening to Mary...

[@sthenzel]

That´s on my player since I discovered it some years back! Two other goodies: "Sweet Jezebel" and "Rose Tattoo" (no connection to the song from the Dropkick Murphys). Another really nice voice plus a banjo: Rhiannon Giddens "Julie"

[@nufumanchu]

Sweet Jezebel is my favorite. Maggie should absolutely do it. So, seconded..

[@maryfolkner1970]

Have all these and I also have Blazing on my play list. I love her Bangor style

[@mutantinfant]

Mean Mary is an American Icon in American Music!!!

[@handlebarslim78]

Wow wow!! What a wonderful video. Thank Ms. Renee. I appreciate you and have nothing but respect for you and your beautiful voice.

[@Where_is_Waldo]

She has a musical family. Her brother often plays and sings with her, you should check out her ad video for her proprietary "Pickin' Balm".

[@richardtaztaylor8706]

She's the real deal so glad you found her.

[@bradleycallahan6169]

I have recently discovered her and I'm going through her music. I also love "Old Banjo".

[@SolIgnisDivine]

Maggie! 😁. Hehe, you were shocked by Mean Mary!, she is one of fastest banjo players out there! 🙂

[@user-fo9xw8lf5m]

If you like story telling you should hear her singing Sweet Jezebel.

[@dangauldin6497]

Jezebel is also one of her best

[@Damoinion]

Normally a metalhead but I do have a soft spot for Mean Mary. Also, castanets or spoons? Spoons would definitely be appropriate for this genre.

[@brianbrekke9500]

Castenets..

[@85Funkadelic]

Same here and I can see why metal heads would like her. Its that picking she freaking shreds that banjo! Metal heads usually appreciate people with chops.

[@dorkyvonmunchmunch9912]

I remember this from the live. Absolutely loved it then. Still love it now. Great selection Gant!

[@Gant209]

Your kindness knows no boundaries my dear friend. Thankyou.

[@Berainish]

She is one of the fastest banjo players I have ever heard, during the course of the song her stumming is about the speed and rhythm of a horse's Gallup when she said the iron horses speed increased that's when her Benjo plucking increased to the speed of a train it's amazing

[@randysavelljr5324]

Wow, all on your own huh? 😂

[@abmbarry]

Mean Mary has the most sensational voice and is a brilliant talent. Good sense of humour too. ...... Meves me to tears!

[@thomasborders7838]

The castanets you hear are called spoons, very common in country music, especially the older stuff.

[@tomm5308]

For a minute, I thought I was listening to Buffy Sainte-Marie. Same vocal range and vibrato. Excellent clawhammer banjo style, as well. Good stuff!

[@StanEngland]

I mentioned Buffy Sainte-Marie to her once. Sher's a fan of hers, too.

[@1imusos]

If castanets worked for you, you would use them too. Mean Mary had her TV debut a 5 years old. Cute as a button! Creative to the point of redefining how the banjo can sound. Oh, and she saved the best for last! I'm so happy you enjoyed her.

[@Fenyxfire]

YES FINALLY MEAN MARY REACTIONS

[@tomsmith2331]

I have been a means Mary fan forever ! My addiction!

[@davekramer4266]

Mean Mary has been singing since she was 5 Years old, Her brothers gave her Moniker "Mean". Mary Plays 11 instruments, Writes 95% of her music, Plays most of the instruments in her songs also all the Vocals with Overdubbing. Mary is a Wonderful Person, in Real life., Most of her music is usually different Styles showing her Quality even with High and Low Notes.. She is also none as the Best Banjo player in the USA, and Represent the Banjo Company that she is Playing in this Video.. Also Mary and Her Mother have Also written 4 Mystery Novels, that have been on NY Time top 10 List!! I have been a Fan for over 10 Years..

[@joycebokman97]

I love Mean Mary!!

[@KevinSchwinkendorf]

Mary is the most talented singer/songwriter/musician in the world today. She also is a writer (she and her mom write mystery novels), and she is a super nice person. We've corresponded a little - I gave one of her novels a positive review a couple years ago on Amazon, and she saw it and emailed me personally to thank me. Super fantastic lady!! ❤

[@ronlackey2689]

Mean Mary!! You're the only reactor I've seen to react to this TALENTED lady! Awesooome!

[@samueladams3746]

Yes dear, she’s that good.

[@avery7001]

Thanks for your Mean Mary review I saw her with my daughter's small Nashville restaurant/pub 12th &porter we sat closeup front at a big table . She wasn't mean. Then again I saw her after she was married in another bongos / spoken word venue. And a smaller place /previously Johnny's eat shop, very nice did selfies with her there Missed another show due to deep snow cancelation Big fan from the beginning 😊❤🎉

[@katepanthera7265]

She's using the castanets to mimic the sounds of horses galloping and then mimic the sound of a train. If you listen to other of her songs, you'll find out she has a higher soprano range too!

[@steby123]

A very complete package of talent eh ?!?

[@jwenting]

yup. Vocal, banjo, guitar, fiddle, and several other instruments. And to think she nearly lost her vocal cords in a serious traffic accident as a teenager. Doctors thought she'd never sing again.

[@capttheo1]

Don't forget, this is set in the southwest next to Mexico, so castanets are apropos.

[@gandaulf2000]

I first saw Mary at a Civil war reenactment back in 1992. She was 13 at the time. Her and her brother Frank were the entertainment. I was absolutely amazed with her banjo and fiddle playing which on some songs she played both. But mostly, HER VOICE, it was beautiful. I videoed her. Haven't seen her since even though She told me where she lived and its just down the road from me a little ways. I hope to go to one of her events someday. I recommend the songs "I Fell Into the Night" and "I Face Somewhere". Actually, I recommend her entire library. She is one of a kind.

[@StanEngland]

Yes, her voice. "Where Were You?" hooked me, long before "Iron Horse."

[@TyStuart-kk6rx]

Mean Mary is the best kept secret in America!

[@tarnishedknight730]

At 2:23, she says that she loves the banjo. Just wait til the last part of the song.

[@rodthomas3050]

Great voice, even better banjo picking.

[@lesliearblaster2711]

Aint she just fantastic?!😊

[@kevinwells4986]

Maggie, I heard Mean Mary quite awhile ago, and had to buy the album that this song was on. I loved it, and still do. I'm a patreon member, at least I believe I still am... and I have a song suggestion for you. It flows really with this song that you reviewed, but another very gifted young lady who has won some prestigious awards. I think you will quite like it. She plays guitar like a dream also. If Mary & Molly ever show up somewhere together I'm buying tickets and going. It could happen in theory anyway! Loved this review. (I just reopened my paypal account, just so I can make a donation - is there a suggested amount?)

[@maggiereneemusic]

YAY! Thanks so much for your comment and I am glad you enjoyed! Feel free to recommend your songs in our discord: discord.gg/ZzyBzdJsDX for free so they may win the monthly vote, or sponsor them yourself here: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-reaction-live and they will be added to the reactions list ASAP and I will definitely react to all winners and sponsored reactions.Thank you for your support! 😊

[@kevinwells4986]

@@maggiereneemusic Your worth a hundred at this point for sure! I've watched and enjoyed a lot of your videos, but I'm on the west coast so I can't make so many of the live shows as I'd like to. I just reopened my low funded Paypal account, it will take a couple of days to fund, then I'll go through the patreon link you sent me and make my request I can't wait to tell you more about this artist as well. I don't believe you have ever reviewed her, and if that did happen (unlikely) you probably won't have reviewed this song. Make sure you have some kleenex tissues around - don't worry, it will be happy tears. addendum... she grew up not far from where I lived for years, but I didn't get to see her until a particular festival. Bye for now!

[@capttheo1]

Her mother is singing harmony with her.

[@Woodsy1101]

No, she does her own harmonies.

[@petermarchi1935]

Maggie is geeking out again, and wishing for duet.

[@garrycreech956]

Spoons🤣😘🥰🤗

[@Damoinion]

I tend to agree, would be appropriate for the genre.

[@billclisham8668]

I saw a video of Mean Mary when she was around 5-6 and she was incredible even then!

[@StanEngland]

"I'm a Long, Tall Texan."

[@strongbear9304]

Why wait until the end for the “Banjo Super cords”? Maybe because you should always leave them wanting more?”

[@Free1776Dom]

I sent Mean Mary a message under the name Mickbray, when I first heard the song Iron Horse because I worked on the Railroad and even road the rails when I was a teenager.

[@Free1776Dom]

I think the castanets were used because she was thinking of a wild Mustang, a horse brought to America by the Spanish Conquistadors. They are the living emblem's of the Old West. Their fast and enduring.

[@KI-zj5tt]

I love listening to Mean Mary. Speaking of spoons search for "Abby the spoon lady"

[@GrimlarLex]

You should have a listen to Blazing, also by Mean Mary with her brother on guitar, it is an instrumental if I recall correctly but still very entertaining. So talented.

[@AllenBarclayAllen]

6:40 listen to her new Song , "Only time to pray " Not since Willie Nelson, " Ill fly away " , 1953 has there been a song like that headded for church himinals.!

[@sannox01]

Nice :-) If I recall, Mean Mary plays all the instruments on this and is helped out by her mother for some filming and I believe Mary put the whole video together too. Bene listening to her for quite a while, as mentioned below, Cranberry Dress is worth a look.

[@rmstacy5295]

that sound wasn't castanets , it was someone playing spoons

[@ken244]

She has been playing and singigg since she was 6

[@ronbirchard5262]

I love Mean Mary's works. found her by chance looking for Banjo stuff. if you like finger pickers try Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Jerry Reed. side note - you might like Mary Spender. shes a KZbinr and talks of guitars, music etc shes also produces her own stuff.

[@yeahtube69]

Brings me back to when I used to work in South Dakota at the KOA campground next to Mt. Rushmore.... I worked the trail rides. One of my all time fav. songs and for some reason always makes me tear up a little bit.

[@selkiemaine]

I think spoons, not castanets - there are some amazing spoon players out there, and Mean Mary has used spoons on other songs.

[@dangauldin6497]

those are defintely castinets. spoons are metallic sounding

[@CarolynOsborne]

She is also a very good old time style fiddler (one of the videos shows that).

[@helenandrichard]

favorite banjo player.

[@alan-thealanyst]

Love her voice, and another artist who has been around forever and I have only just 'discovered'! Gonna have some fun going through her back catalogue! Thank you Maggie!

[@capttheo1]

Don't forget, this is in the southwest, right next to Mexico.

[@brianbrekke9500]

In 2003 she was in a car accident that paralyzed a vocal chord!! For a different sound check out Truball County Tractor Show.

[@abelincoln6785]

Mean Mary fan, love love love this song. There is no one remotely like her. A true modern version of Americana.

[@mbsnyderc]

She also Play's Violin and write books with her mother.very under rated musician.

[@rmiller2179]

a horses gallop is four beats, short pause four beats pause ...very evocative.( For those of you who have never been on a horse at full gallup it is the smoothest gait to ride at , literally no discomfort to the rider, plus its a blast!)..that is what Mary is portraying in her strumming pattern--faster and faster as the horse gallops faster and faster trying to keep up with train....

[@grandpabill5650]

Mary also plays violin and mandolin (I think?). Her brother plays guitar and banjo also and often accompanies Mary. Can you tell I am a fan?

[@P-M-869]

You are the first to react to Mean Mary. The southwest are of the country has close ties with Mexico, hence the Cassinettes. Now you know why we love her

[@jwenting]

She's south east though, Florida originally :) Same thing though, TexMex influence in her genre development.

[@benbusfield6498]

I had stumbled onto this song by accident and this is what intrigue me to her I have about six of her CDs right now I just love listening to her

[@passionflowerentertainment501]

I love her harmonies and lyricism ❤

[@ken244]

there is so much beauty in Mary

[@skipstein744]

Hear that music!

[@skipstein744]

A compliment for you Maggie, even when you are explaining the rendition, it's plain that you want to be singing. A true artist. Onward!

[@strongwork1]

The horse in the video was her horse for many years and has just passed away in the last few years -heartbroken

[@martinwolf803]

Got to be in the top 5 best banjo players of all time

[@NorthWhittingtonCircleFarms]

That was the spoons you heard

[@davidpetersonharvey]

Her mom would at least be in her 60s, so even more impressive.

[@russellrofe4849]

The castanets are the clicking sound of train wheels crossing the welded seems in the tracks. The whole song sounds like a train.

[@jackmccafferty7218]

spoons doing the clicks

[@frankenstein3526]

I think the castinets may have been meant as a subtle hint of the sound of the horse’s hooves in contrast with the banjo’s driving rythms simulating the train …

[@rmiller2179]

me thinx you have it backasserds. the spoons are the sound of the clickety clack the train makes at it goes of the gaps in the rails. they 7should have used an old steam locomotive. the song is about an indian maiden seeing her love taken away on a train..like Geronimo being shipped off to Florida

[@philcool168]

The castanets are to simulate the horses hoofs I think, love Mean Mary James

[@neilbush9873]

I love it that she can turn on speed but she is a musician not a circus performer, that fast stuff was the train on the down hill run ,that was my interpretation.

[@davedavidm4996]

WOW !! This woman has some serious skills Great song with a great voice only to be out done by fabulus banjo play. Maggie you need to look more into this womans skill set.

[@jamesseiler5340]

Mean Mary is not only a great performer but she's also a great person, she's down to earth and she's not above interactions with her fans not even an old reprobate such as myself. LoL I have all of her books including ones cowritten with her mom, I also own all her albums and a DVD.

[@lifelover515]

Congrats and welcome to the force of nature that is the world of Mean Mary James. You're only the second reactor I've come across who's tackled this amazing virtuoso's considerable body of work, all available on her own channel. She performs rousing fiddle breakdowns.too, as well as her world-class banjo, and occasionally collaborates with her brother Frank on guitar. I hope you go on to explore more of her brilliant original repertoire. Another multi-instrumentalist working in a similar idiom of folk/Americana is Rhiannon Giddens, who is actually a trained soprano to boot, but tends to focus on more archaic styles, a true preservationist, but both women can blend traditional and progressive with ease. They're so darn good it simply doesn't matter what you choose they will leave you in awe, so go ahead and explore. Well done and more please.

[@Gant209]

i'm so happy you enjoyed this.

[@rmiller2179]

Mean Mary is fantastic

[@waltobringer2928]

Mary also plays the fiddle.

[@cleanslate2004]

Your a trained classic Opera singer & your take on this still wasn't complex, but simple & to the point. Great job ! I had never heard of mean Mary before about 10 minutes ago & I to was impressed across the board, then the harmony blew my socks off as well. After that I thought what could a crescendo add, then pow, yet another blast of artistry. I don't usually care for songs that are over crammed with skills. but I loved this one.

[@teresaelainerydel5140]

Castanets are Spanish. I think it is a cool detail. It made me think of the clip of the hooves of the horse.