Say Something by Pentatonix! Music Teacher Reaction and Analysis!

[@auntiethetical]

Thank you for reacting to the beauty of this. As an aside, I have read that they decided the visual for this should be very still. Now Scott, in particular, tends to “sing with his hands,” lots of gestures. To avoid slipping into this, you’ll notice he’s holding on to the back of both chairs for dear life, white-knuckled. 😆👍

[@ShawkaReacts]

That's hilarious but totally understandable! 😂

[@virginiabeaver2823]

They are all excellent vocalists but their greatest talent is their ears.

[@celiachristman104]

Loved your breakdown! I'm impressed with their emotionality in this. Kirstin starts out being kind of depressed as she sings but ends with anger. Perfect!

[@Badger77722]

Kirstie's emotional lead just kills me every time on this one! Definitely one of my top 5 all time PTX videos! Another excellent video with Kevin playing cello is Dancing On My Own. And of course check out Kevin's Fifth, from one of their recent tours.

[@sonjarussell7332]

Yes, Kevin's cello-boxing KZbin video is how they found and recruited him for their group...but years before while he was still a teenager Kevin played at Carnegie Hall, twice. Once on cello and on saxophone. And considering he had just graduated Yale...pre-med...when PTX found him it's pretty safe to say he's probably a certified genius and true Renaissance man!

[@chemchc]

You should definitely check out Kevin Olusola doing his "KOver" of 'Down'. The cello playing is INCREDIBLE

[@mm9374]

Second this. Especially since you like cello and guitar. It’s quite the tour de force.

[@marablemorgan8292]

The raw talent is awesome!

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

They really are perfection aren’t they? It always amazes me how much they can touch me. One of the things I love about them is there seems to be no ego problems, they pick who suits the song best and go with it. They’re not in competition with each other, instead they totally support each other, and beautifully.

[@musicfanatic6558]

Said it before and I'll say it again; this is a masterpiece!

[@beverlykrebs4372]

It has always just amazed me how Kirstin has such an ability to emote & always brings me to tears with this one, even though I've heard it probably hundreds of times now. I have 2 suggestions/requests (basically so I can watch you experience them!😏) Kirstin sings a ballad "It's Different Now" on their latest originals album. (Audio only but SO worth the listen!) The entire album is fire. The other request is from last years Christmas concert. Look up "The Kevin Show Kevin's 5th" and prepare to lose your mind! Talk about amazing writing skills!!! Btw, you HAVE to go see them live! I recommend paying the extra to get VIP seats - you will not regret it! Btw, I just love your reactions because you are so knowledgeable about music!!! I know a little bit, but have forgotten more than I remember! At 63, my singing days are over, but I play the piano, flute, recorder & clarinet.Not really well though. When I play by ear I do a lot better! 😂 My piano teacher used to get so frustrated with me because after I played a new song a couple of times I never looked at my music again! ( I was 8.). Can't wait to see more Ptx!!

[@Gwennedd]

I second both suggestions. I LOVE It's Different Now and Kevin's Fifth is simply amazing.

[@1079walter]

Kevin actually is a concert cellist. PTX is beyond belief, and in a level so high they cannot be matched...by anyone.

[@badwolf72022]

I love pentatonix. This is by far my favorite

[@xheralt]

For Pentaholics who had been around from early on, if not the beginning, this was a watershed moment...the first time we heard Kevin's _singing voice._ Unless one happenned to catch their appearance on Sesame Street in 2014 (the mark of a true Pentaholic). So maybe say "heard him sing in a music video"

[@ShannonColleen]

I love it when music geeks react to Pentatonix. Ya'll really get the genius of these guys. Thanks!

[@pjb3583]

Loved your reaction, thank you so much for teaching me about the nuances I maybe appreciated but could never pinpoint. Kirstie just breaks my heart in this one. And, for a fabulous example of Kevin’s proficiency with the cello, please check out his cover of Down on his channel - Kevin Olusola. There are also numerous concert examples of his Kevin’s Fifth performance on KZbin from their most recent tour. The Hollywood Bowl and the Kentucky clips are my favorite. He’s a treasure, and it’s always a treat when he breaks out the cello for PTX. Have you see their cover of Shallow? He shines in that one too. Peace …

[@ruthwilfong2342]

Great reaction, thank you. Love Kevin’s playing and also … AVI!!! ❤

[@ShinyElfriend]

I loved this reaction! This arrangement is so moving!

[@RubyGB]

For an amazing video of Kevin playing classical music (and cello-boxing) then literally "shredding" a cello, check out "Kevin's 5th" live from the Evergreen Experience. Matt (the bass who joined in late 2017) is on drums. Love the way when they do use instruments - Kevin (cello), Scott (piano), Matt (drums), or guest artist Lindsey Sterling (violin) - the instruments are always up front and clearly visible.

[@edsartistry]

I agree, these five people really fit together so tight and perfectly and I think this is the best group I've EVER seen. Can't think of ANY other group that is or was as tight. They really have a great underlying talent of arranging each piece to perfection for their style and capabilities. They are all true Masters of Musical talent and well rounded in their craft. I don't think they get enough accolades for all the underlying talent that they have, the arranging, the choreography, the production, the backgrounds, the timing, videos, harmonics... there is so much hidden stuff that goes on in producing 1 song and they do it ALL. Yes they do have a great team that works along side them, BUT remember that THEY chose who that team is and THEY are the main core of that team and THEY are the ones making the final decisions. That is a lot of work and high grade talent. I appreciate your comment of Kevin's cello talent and you should check out "Shallow" and "Perfect" , if you haven't allready. Both pieces include the cello. Thank you for your expertise and analysis on this one. I LOVE this group and still miss Avi's presence in the group.

[@rodwestonable]

Incredible performance and my favorite reaction and analysis of the performance. Thank you!

[@ShawkaReacts]

Much love 💕

[@susanb4213]

I love it when a musician breaks down for me the technical reasons why I love an arrangement so much. It's no mystery why their first Grammy was actually for their arranging, not their singing, though of course that is top notch as well.

[@reneepope-munro8115]

Possibly my favourite PTX duet of all time is Avi “playing” bass in perfect concert with Beyoncé, Kev’s cello. Their sync, even when Kev is using his other “voice”, blows my mind.

[@michaelf8702]

Definitely in the top five of my favorite PTX songs

[@janetburrows137]

The feeling and passion in this song is outstanding 👍🙏🇱🇷❤️🇬🇧😢😢

[@lynharkins9670]

Loved your reaction. Listen to Kevin’s Fifth. He performs it live and it’s amazing!!

[@xAnonXoXmysTx]

Did this arrangement in choir in highschool. So fun

[@danielcarter837]

The odds of three people being in the same public high school at the same time, being that good, and then becoming life long friends, sharing the same dream and accomplishing it. Probably will not happen again in my lifetime. The odds of Pentatonix existing at all is so miniscule it is mind boggling. One thing that I noticed about PTX is that they use silence very effectively. They are not afraid to use it. Probably the best at it.

[@ShawkaReacts]

Silence is ESSENTIAL to great music 😁

[@mikemckeller9707]

Great reaction - and I really appreciate the musical sensitivities you bring to your work. Now knowing your affinity for Kevin's cello work, I think you REALLY have to listen and react to his solo cover of Marian Hill's "Down". The guy's talent level is simply off the charts!! I haven't heard him use it on any PTX songs, as it doesn't really fit that well with blended vocals, but he's also a very accomplished saxophonist.Thanks again.

[@ShawkaReacts]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@judithbush939]

Thanks for a great reaction. They always are such perfectionists. Yes. three of them have been dinging together for a long time but even with that they are only in their early thirties. It ALWAYS AMAZIES ME THAT NONE OF THEm HAVE EGOS AND WANT THE BEST FOR THE GROUP. WORKS BEAUTIFULLY EVERY TIME. kEVIN Was first cello at Yale in their orchestra . he also has a beautiful tenor voice.

[@juliehinners9792]

I think you would really like to see "kevin's 5th" it is a youtube video of Kevin and a wonderful concert that he puts on with his cello. I really think you would love this!!!!!

[@edsartistry]

Please check out their version of "Perfect" and "Shallow". Both have Kevin with the cello and are DYNOMITE!! 🤯🤯🧨🧨

[@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever]

Just stunning 🌟

[@ShawkaReacts]

Thank you! 😊

[@elbatejeda5081]

My favorite, chills from beginning to end!! I love PTX❤ Great reaction!

[@DennisKavanaugh-u8t]

One of the best reactions ever to this song!

[@ShawkaReacts]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@pamscarr8696]

On one of Avi's firsst solo EP's he had a son titled Fields and Pier. He and Kevin were close and Avi had spoken to Kevin about Kevin playing cello on a section of the song...knowing Kevin was really going to have to adjust his strings for them to match where Avi's vocals were going to be. They showed up at the studio without Kevin knowing exactly what he was going to do. Avi had scored then entire cello and handed Kevin the written score. They knew and trusted each others musical abilities so completely, and knew it would be perfect. Avi is playing the guitar and Kevin the cello. Here is that video of the song. I think you will enjoy the song Avi wrote the sounds of them playing the strings together. Avi Kaplan Fields and Pier (Kaplan) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpKQeqajp9ysl7M

[@heatherhuard]

Yes Please this and ALL of Avi's music is just WOW!

[@AlishaYouch]

Wow! Thanks for this recommendation! I just listened to it, and that particular section is remarkable!

[@mel3268]

Definitely one of the best breakdowns I’ve heard for this song. Was taken aback when you said no one stood out because Kirsten’s lead was absolutely mesmerizing.

[@marablemorgan8292]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Amazing!!!

[@patriciaheinzer9884]

Love this song...they wanted this to be a very simple, still, video. Scott can not sing with using his hands and arms, he held on to the back of the two chairs to keep himself still.

[@ronaldschweitzer1110]

I've always thought so too.

[@karylmonaco8174]

Kevin played Carnegie Hall twice as a teenager, as a soloist on both cello and sax. Runner up in a Yo Yo Ma competition. Incredibly talented. Also plays piano.

[@maryhampton8686]

Excellent reaction

[@susansisson366]

Here's a fun fact: Keven entered a young musician's contest, when in high school, first with his first instrument, the trombone. He won that contest, and first prize was to appear in a concert at Carnegie Hall. Two or three years later he entered the same contest again, this time on the cello. He came in a very, very close second, with YoYo Ma as the deciding judge. So, once again, before he graduated from high school, he had been featured at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Damn straight, he's good!

[@ricklagasca8196]

React to PTX covering Shallow for even more of Kevin being amazing on cello

[@kayecastleman6353]

Excellent reaction! I love your analysis of their arrangement. For years I wondered how it was that PTX are able to take us on these emotional rides from the heights to the depths and back again, bringing us to tears of joy or sorrow, and leaving us feeling totally wrung out after just three minutes. Eventually I decided it was their expert manipulation of balance and tension in every arrangement. Probably Ben Bram has a lot to do with that, but I believe the classical training that both Kevin and Avi have in their backgrounds also plays a part. The more I follow those elements in their recordings, the more respect I have for the group. Being phenomenally talented singers with superb voice control is a great place to start, but knowing how to use those talents elevates them to a whole new level. Thank you for your insights.

[@margaretpuckett4264]

wow that last part brought me to tears. thank you

[@claytonelledge3724]

I think you would benefit from reacting to “Run to You”, an original piece they did a long time ago. About as gentle, warm and fuzzy it gets in a completely different tone than their covers.

[@maxrhiabelleagilityclass4836]

They are beyond amazing...

[@shirleymoffat3338]

Please consider reacting to Avi's solo work! He is, as you appreciate, an outstanding singer, but he is also a fantastic songwriter. As you do appreciate great singing, you might like to start with 'All is Well ' 7Layers session.

[@cocohol3513]

Yes, Avi's music is fabulous!

[@heatherhuard]

great suggestion!

[@heatherhuard]

@@cocohol3513 Yes it is!!!

[@joosyjulie]

'Kevin's fifth' is Kevin doing his own thing, with his cello in concert. It showcases his ability brilliantly. Another snippet is that Kirtsin had an eye infection, hence the hair draping over her right eye.

[@annmoomau881]

so nice to hear and see a reaction that is both a reflection of how the song makes you feel, and a review of the technical aspects of the song. Nice.

[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

Check out Kevin performing solo a cover of “Down” where he sings, plays cello and beatboxes Great reaction. The song video is like a portrait and still because all the emotion is in their voices. My opinion is that people are often calm/ still on the outside but the inside is busy and overflowing with emotion. ❤

[@SonjaWitbooi-f4t]

Thanks for you for this reaction❤ they truly phenomenal and outstanding!!!❤

[@lilysjoy9265]

Fun fact - on top of all of Kevin’s talents, he speaks fluent Chinese!

[@staciemoisa4884]

Great reaction! Thanks for some explanation of why I love this song so much by PTX.

[@ShawkaReacts]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@markwong7922]

Really nice review of this song. They did do an amazing job conveying the emotion of the song.

[@rllangevin3841]

Great reaction! Love the layering and harmonies in this one.

[@julierogers7358]

For more cello from Kevin try Shallow, Radioactive (with violin), Papaoutai (also with violin), and the always poignant, Dancing on my Own. I'm sure I missed something. Enjoy! Edit: I knew I forgot something. Over the River (also with Lindsey Sterling on violin). And of course, Kevin's solo work. Can't wait to hear morel :)

[@Gwennedd]

Perfect and Thank You also have Kevin playing.

[@julierogers7358]

@@Gwennedd Great adds!

[@tommieev5589]

Glad you got to experience this. It has always been one of my PTX favorites - astoundingly beautiful and perfect arrangement (great Kirstie lead, not to mention a beautiful dose of Avi). It's kind of nice to hear someone react to Kevin's cello who has experience with strings. Might I recommend Kevin's original song, "Renegade" on his channel?

[@loritoigo8020]

Avi always amazes me. So versatile for a bass.

[@LeskeyC001]

Brilliant analysis of one of my favourite songs. I really enjoyed watching that with you.

[@ShawkaReacts]

Thank you kindly!

[@lilysjoy9265]

I have a couple of recommendations if you’d like. For Christmas my favorite is Mary did you know, and for fun check out the Wizard of Haaas . Kirsten’s acting ability shines in this one.

[@maxrhiabelleagilityclass4836]

Goosebumps..

[@kimanderson7525]

If you love cello - react to Kevin’s “down” or Kevin’s 5th

[@mikemc6654]

Kevin's "Down" is incredible. Was not impressed with his "Fifth" tho.

[@anna9072]

Personally, my favorite of Kevin’s solos is “Renegade”, which is his own composition.

[@susanpeterson9947]

My favorite Kevin Olusola songs are All Of Me, Stay With Me, And his Adele medley. He plays cello in those and sings in the first two. Also I love his True Colors, without cello but he sings and there’s an amazing dancer in that one. I would love to see you react to any or all of those. Edit, I failed to say these aren’t PTX songs, they are from his Kevin Olusola channel.

[@mel3268]

One of my favs! Great reaction and breakdown!

[@ShawkaReacts]

Appreciate it!

[@wendischambach6181]

So, the human bass blends well with the cello...Yes he does! The fullness of Pentatonix contrasted with the stripped away sections...you're right. There aren't words!

[@ruthfowler4565]

Love the cello? Kevin's Fifth!!! Just do it!

[@mariroerig2991]

Omggg Avi❤️❤️❤️

[@carolcraig9008]

Love your reactions and descriptions!

[@ShawkaReacts]

Thank you!! 😁

[@larksigsby3697]

And at 6:19 they echo the cello!

[@anna9072]

This is possibly my favorite of their covers, the other that’s competing for first place is their cover of Kiiara’s “Gold”. If you haven’t reacted to it yet, I strongly recommend it, it is a tour de force. Even more simply presented than this one, just the five of them sitting in a semi-circle, but as a presentation of their vocal abilities it is unmatched. And if you’re not familiar with the original, it’s worthwhile checking it out to see what they’re building on.

[@jeanniebrown82]

You would most certainly enjoy Keven's cello 5th.

[@wendymcdowell2341]

If you LIKED the video?!?! I absolutely LOVED the video! I’m pretty astounded with their music, and I LOVE your reaction to this! Please keep them coming! ❤❤❤

[@ShawkaReacts]

You're the best! Thank you!

[@Susan-h7s]

If you haven't already reacted to Shallow, Kevin plays the cello in that as well.

[@kensmithler5965]

Check their cover of Shallow. Kevin plays in that too.

[@ella4peacelove356]

Kevin’s 5th is something I think you would like as well.

[@lhaggerty001]

Thank you for your reaction. John Lennon’s IMAGINE covered by them holds a powerful “written” message for today’s world. It’s so impactful! Please react. :-)

[@GabrielVasquez-rb1wl]

AVIIIIIIII

[@jenniferjohnson824]

I see your Star Wars sign behind you! Have you seen the ptx Star Wars performance from the AMAs???

[@ShawkaReacts]

I haven't! I'll definitely check it out now that you mentioned it!

[@sandrawalkerhaliburton1884]

They don't do anything by accident in the arranging, placement and especially lighting

[@nickerpsg1]

HI SHAWKA, You had the best ever reaction for the best ever rendition of this song. My only surprise is that you took to long to do this reaction. Incidentally, when you made reference to the Cello and then the "guitar"....you should do a reaction to the greatest guitarist (IMO) that has ever been on this planet....Marcin, a 22-year old from Poland. He has a long playlist and highly recognized career...perhaps, you should start with his latest video of "Carmen Habanero" (Opera). WILL TRULY BLOW YOUR MIND !!!!!!

[@ShawkaReacts]

I wish I could get to them faster! Only so much time in the day when teaching full time too. Love the suggestions though and I will definitely check it out!

[@juliayoung537]

Great reaction! Welcome to this wonderful rabbit hole 😊, dare you to find a bad song

[@davebrownlee8506]

You have to watch Kevin’s cover of Down .

[@thechomiji]

In addition to their five talented selves as performers, they have a top notch team behind them for all the technical aspects. If you have not seen the short documentary The Recording of Evergreen, I think you would really appreciate it: it shows them working with arranger Ben Bram, who has been with them since The Sing-Off, and how they themselves enhance the written. arrangements as they work on them. But you should probably react to some of the related song videos first: the official videos for The Prayer and Over the River (feat. Lindsey Stirling), and this live TV performance of I Saw Three Ships: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-Ygmhsnt9ngM0 Something to think about as we get closer to Christmas!

[@marablemorgan8292]

Toddlertonix!

[@ChadPeterson-ib2ee]

I would like to recommend watching Kevin’s Fifth for more Kevin appreciation.

[@Printzez]

PLEASE, WATCH KEVIN DO "DOWN"

[@isinlarsa5996]

You didn't give Kirstie her due. Yes they blend together perfectly; but in this song Kirstie is out front and the others compliment her vocals (with Avi getting his own solo). At the final part, it is Kirstie with the others perfectly being the counterpart to her.

[@ShawkaReacts]

The best musicians are the ones that don't demand the spotlight. And Kirstie exemplifies that here.

[@annmc3878]

Another song that Kevin plays the cello is Dancing On my Own (Robyn cover). It is in that period between Avi and Matt so it is just the 4 of them. Very poignant.

[@dwfarr]

Recommend their new original, Please Santa Please.

[@maytree56]

I believe this was Avi's last song with them. It feels so poignant when he sings " you're the one that I love and I'm saying goodbye"