Something's Coming - Isaac Powell of Broadway's 'West Side Story' | Live from Here with Chris Thile

[@charleshudson5330]

Best vocal inflections of this song that I've ever heard. So conversational, street colloquial. Modern-day emphasis on so many syllables. He's singing and talking at the same time.

[@edsmart5443]

He gets every vowel and consonant.

[@pnelson1432]

The pianist is superb, too. Wow to both of them. Thank you, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein for this incredible composition, always full of anticipation and wonder.

[@KRAM5272]

I loved this. A great reminder that Sondheim songs were written to be *acted* - yes, the singing is important, but they need to be performed by actors who can sing, not singers who can barely act.

[@ericaashby7310]

This song was written by Leonard Bernstein, for singers who can act. It was written to be sung classically and when HE chose the cast, it was always opera singers. Sondheim wrote the lyrics so the acting is obviously very important as well. It's just overall great composition!! Beautiful no matter how it is interpreted!

[@patriciacori224]

it was written by LEONARD BERNSTEIN - true genius;

[@thainadaterra]

I love how story orientated this is, yes his vocals are also down right great; but my focus is on how conversational and acted he's being. Like, yes Tony, I can feel something's coming too!! Tell me moreeeeeeeeeee.... He's got the singing-talking perfected

[@brianfraley6528]

I love how he brings some jazz inflections into this and acts the song while making the vocal seem effortless. My favorite interpretstion of the song I have ever seen/heard.

[@gabrielleclennon6589]

Agreed

[@brians9508]

i think Bernstein was the one that brought the jazz inflections into it

[@brianfraley6528]

@@brians9508i wasn't discussing the composition.. I did not mean to accredit the performer with the arrangement or orchestrations. I was solely speaking vocally. In some productions I have seen it has not always evoked the period or the character to me ( Sondheim hates his lyrics in I Feel Pretty for those same reasons, btw) and some actors either sound VERY operatic or purely musical theatre. Nothing against those genres, love them all...but I just prefer choices to be character based. This is just my tastes, my opinion. This fellow, for my tastes and my opinion, strikes a nice balance without sounding Glee-ish. I was merely trying to compliment his vocal style here. But yes. Obviously, just as he did in On the Town, Bernstein incorporated jazz vibes. Im sorry if I wasn't clear and needed to be corrected.

[@aidanscott3895]

the pianist is GROOVING

[@alexandraasmuth1168]

His actig was so natural in this song and so different from other renditions, I loved it

[@miamiracer]

Loved his performance, makes me think I would like to see Tony portrayed as more of a slick guy not so goody-two-shoes, because after all he is an ex-gang member. His singing is perfect and I never heard a better rendition of this song.

[@jazzee75]

Thats funny that you say that because Richard Beymer(actor that played Tony) said he hated his part so much after the movie. He truly was not happy how they portrayed Tony. He thought his character was way too good and should have been a little more gangster. Which I do agree 💯 % with. It would have been more realistic.

[@prestonbussell575]

Hmm the directorial choices of this production were not good. They removed whitness from a story of racism and had the opressed portraying their opressor. Tony is so "good" because he wants to make a new life for himself instead of being a boy playing war.

[@brians9508]

his machine-gun vibrato is a little overbearing. and didnt really seem to convey the excitement of the song.

[@miamiracer]

@@brians9508 I listened to it again. I can see what you say but I still love this rendition. Remember this is not being sung as part of the show. I think Isaac would have made a great Tony in the movie instead of Ansel Elgort.

[@jeffreykare]

@@miamiracer I almost wish Isaac Powell played Tony in Steven Spielberg's film adaptation. Not just because of all the controversies surrounding Ansel Eglort, but mainly because his performance to me came off as emotionally pretty plain.

[@angelavictoria330]

The pianist, Meg, rlly be vibin tho

[@andrewjones9028]

Angela Victoria right after you said this i went and looked and i choked 😂😂😭😭

[@tobiasstudtheol]

No wonder with this marvelous and swinging music.

[@drewrosen8871]

Meg slays

[@Pww642]

bravo to the pianist! she's so wonderful

[@MMK9]

Just saw the production two nights ago. Isaac Powell was exceptional as Tony. In the clip shown here, he may have still been conceptualizing the song; his performance the other night was more polished and in character. Terrific singer and actor. Shereen Pimentel was also a wonderful Maria; the rest of the young cast was excellent, too. We look forward to seeing the production again!

[@ariannaengnell7218]

MMK9 You are so blessed to have seen it! I’m so glad to hear the positive responses to their performances! I long to see this production. It’s a very odd experience for a performer to a sing one of their character’s songs outside of the musical. It’s very easy to get in one’s head about the whole ordeal. Specifically in Isaac’s case, this is REALLY early in the run before he’s really been Tony before many audience members.

[@jerryinbklyn]

Saw the show 2 nights ago. Wondering why they used all the videos during the show. Performers seemed to be distracted from them as I was in the audience. Wondering what the NY critics will say about these. Otherwise a super show with great performances by the leads.

[@jerryinbklyn]

Also wondering why the deleted the song " I feel Pretty" Odd

[@MMK9]

@@jerryinbklyn I was a little distracted by the videos, too. At times it was more like watching a movie than seeing a live show. But I did notice that at least at the critical moments, the actors were situated live on the stage, and at some of the most crucial moments, the videos were not used. Still, I would consider using the videos less if I were there director.

[@MMK9]

@@ariannaengnell7218 He was wonderful: a fully realized Tony, all the more remarkable when I consider I was seeing the show on only its fifth night.

[@MA-iu5hu]

The youthfulness shines through here and it’s great. I can’t imagine how gripping the rest of this production must be

[@briantuma1502]

The most naturally sung version I have ever heard!

[@TigerPrawn_]

His velvety voice really is something else.

[@miasemperteguii]

yall his Maria was RIDICULOUS omg it was soooo amazing!!!!

[@pattiturner6595]

I've never met this young man, but I know his dad and his family. Very proud. Makes you feel like you know him. Go get 'em, Isaac!!

[@Korbin_Arts]

Wesley is definitely in the audience beaming with pride

[@djjnonya2170]

thankfully someone made it about Wesley

[@jeffreymazanowski9656]

True talent is being able to sing a song with just a piano

[@TheHenryshead]

ISAAC POWELL, BEST RENDITION!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@abbeyalonso7030]

I came here because I went to see the show and got to meet Isaac he’s so amazing ❤️

[@actorguy213]

Unreal. Issac is just fantastic.

[@RichardNorman-wz8cc]

This man could sing

[@markmalbone1147]

Possibly the toughest song in musical theater to pull off. Requires an actor singing rather than a singer acting (the whole show requires it).Bernstein used this voice as an instrument in an orchestral fabric. Referring the voice to bassoon, French horn and piano specifically in this case. He was great but had little right to compose for theater. Maybe the finest conductor of your generation and you compose this tricky wonderful thing? Even Sondheim (young, great lyric throughout) was sheepish about taking the job. This particular song Bernstein asks that actor singing (as opposed to a singer acting - hence the drudgery of the truly great Carreras trying to record with Bernstein) be just slightly ahead of the beat, leading the music just a little bit. Not by much. That is acting. He knew what he wanted. This guy does it. Great moment.

[@duranddavis7710]

My favorite song from this show

[@ANightworkerslife]

Damn, this must be the best version I have heard until now. Great voice, great understanding of the lyrics, great control . Super inflections and really made this song woth listening to. New favourite to follow :)

[@davidhinton8654]

awwwwwwwwwwww.... FUCK YEAH.... have done this role a number of times.... totally there for the ease, the embodiment, the live-now....

[@ForgottenCovers]

I saw this on Broadway and he is so good!! Very cool production!!

[@ppcdnce2002]

This is niiiiice! I like his attitude, with a smooth vocal, with jazz inflections, and contemporary movement. All of that in 3min. I must see this show 💜

[@punchbrothers]

Thanks so much for watching clips of Live From Here, if you enjoy this checkout Chris Thile and Punch Brothers new musical variety show, The Energy Curfew Music Hour. Season one is streaming here: bit.ly/ecmh-season1

[@prahslra]

Isaac Powell - you have just made my day!

[@JazzyJ-777]

LYRICS: Could be? Who knows? There's something due any day I will know, right away Soon as it shows It may come cannonballing down through the sky Gleam in its eye Bright as rose Who knows? It's only just out of reach Down the block, on the beach Under a tree I got a feeling there's a miracle due Gonna come true, comin' to me Could it be, yes it could Something's comin', something good If I can wait Something's comin' I don't know what it is But it is gonna be great With a click, with a shock Phone'll jingle, door will knock Open the latch Something's comin' Don't know when But it's soon Catch the moon One handed catch Around the corner Or whistlin' down the river Come on, deliver to me Will it be, yes it will Maybe just by holding still It'll be there Come on, something Come on in Don't be shy Meet a guy Pull up a chair The air is humming And something great is coming Who knows? It's only just out of reach Down the block, on a beach Maybe tonight Maybe tonight Maybe tonight

[@sandie321]

Love this version.

[@BTURNER1961]

Never seen this powell guy, before this video. I have certainly seen this song done plenty of times. He brought out every nuance the lyric has buried. He put some real meat on those bones.

[@angelarivas1641]

Search for his performance as Daniel in Once On This Island. It’s exquisite.

[@djjnonya2170]

@@angelarivas1641 true, I found it after hearing this and wanting to see what else was out there

[@gabrielleclennon6589]

I wanna see this production I heard it’s awesome 👏🏾

[@david15214]

Omg. He is adorable!!

[@arcobalena4950]

Just saw WSS last night (less than a week before opening night). I wasn't sure what to expect. But I loved it! It is filled with raw emotion and darker than the previous productions I've seen. This production gets back to its roots. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.....humanity's ability to divide into groups of "us" and "them" and act inhumane toward the "other", pulling apart (literally at one point) lovers who dare to not conform with the division. If you liked last season's take on Oklahoma, you will like this version of WSS for sure.

[@GIGI_NYC]

Beautiful voice

[@gin4king110]

my favorite version

[@synchronistory]

What a breezy, beautiful, effortless rendition of this song!

[@JCScowling39]

Help!!! I can't stop watching him !!!

[@johnwhiting5747]

Covid prevents us to see him live. Sad. He is a beautiful singer, actor, man!

[@angelinathomas899]

This really makes my day

[@the_whistling_jay]

yasss Meg!

[@adriansilverfang]

Awesome voice

[@matthewdgordon]

this is amazing omg

[@samngregori]

So Sad I didnt get to see him! He sounds great

[@itsjulianharper]

perfection

[@teggie6853]

WOW dude!!!

[@paulaseniors7944]

Beautiful!!!!!

[@brandonfullenkamp4723]

Is nobody going to mention the pianists sparkly, disco ball shoes? Fire.

[@katwil89]

I want them!

[@alexlippard2360]

Why didn't they cast you in the new movie? So good. So, so good.

[@redsummersun47]

I could just watch this over and over. I need something more than just a like button!

[@wickedphant0m]

Okay, but like... this is brilliant.

[@tlw1950]

I hope they at least record I Feel Pretty for the cast album

[@tinagetmetheaxe]

He is superb!

[@markhh]

Beautiful performance. More dreamy and maybe slower than the hot intensity of the original cast. But it’s a great song and there’s no one way to do it. Wish I could see this revival.

[@TwistedThunderKittie]

this is a top broadway singer today?????

[@radic888]

Brilliant. Best version.

[@ZurichSee23]

The pianist is also super. Steady as a rock yet light, flexible, and laid-back . And it's such a tricky, nervous-making piece. For any pianist learning how to play it, listen to her. Much less stressful than listening to the orchestra version which can be too much information!

[@jackl.gansner6102]

I appreciate him taking the falsetto route for the A at the end and I hope it becomes the standard for my sake lol

[@cooperhoffman4421]

Jack L. Gansner Tony’s have always had the choice between belt and falsetto (I think). I only belt “tonight” when I’m *really* feeling warmed up bc I do not want to kill my voice 😂😂

[@marissajoy6332]

Thank you it sounds wrong to me when it’s belted lol

[@gregweaver4341]

Wow

[@remyfacade]

they are reviving this already???

[@dannonolsen3111]

Dear Ansel Smellgort, this is how it’s supposed to sound

[@wonkavite]

Very good!!!! ❤️

[@marketingjones]

This is how that song was meant to be sung.

[@bman342a]

I notice a lot of modern performers do this in D. It was originally written in C.

[@xandercasault6280]

I had such a hard time singing this😭

[@rebeccahaefeli]

Tony is gonna be getting some Tony’s

[@chobblegobblr]

Schizo Tazer It’s still in previews, you have no idea what it is and you definitely don’t know that it’s bland. You’re just another nobody with boring, unfounded opinions who shits on things to feel relevant. Please go away.

[@tengod6458]

Gage Smythe - Wow. You’re really rude.

[@chobblegobblr]

Tengo D only to obnoxious trolls

[@tengod6458]

Gage Smythe - And what does that make you?

[@chobblegobblr]

Tengo D someone who’s okay with being rude to obnoxious trolls.

[@jimshaw899]

Killer! And no Autotune!

[@moonlightraindrops1402]

😍😍

[@yvonnecarter9705]

Myvnephew(Elijah Carter) is in this cast of West Side Story....👋👋👋👋

[@barbarahourigan8462]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Pww642]

Watch the Gavin Creel version. It’s bonkers good.

[@josephbsearch]

Beautiful and Inspiring

[@CaptPoco]

This is the only performance I've heard where you can actually understand what the guy is saying. Otherwise the rhythm and the orchestra are so overpoweringly busy that you have no idea what the performer is really even singing about.

[@Freekoismus]

Yes indeed!!!

[@HugoGabrielRivas]

It was a gang-leader in love with a rival gang leader's sister, it was a Puertorricans and Caucasians, native boys and immigrants in a new homeland. A first contact of different races finding each other, and in this case, falling in love. A modern Romeo y Juliet tragedy that started 50 years ago. The human melting pot in action, NYC-style.

[@cliffperrino3015]

Great analysis!

[@hnc52]

I'm torn regarding whether or not to see this production. Isaac just put another check in the "see it" column.

[@davidpacheco7124]

I liked it. 🎶

[@SilfredoSerrano]

Why is he scratching his chest? Other than that, it's really terrific!

[@aaroncameros7978]

Hes fantastic

[@nikosgr9290]

He was great but i adore the barbra Sreisand live version of the song the most.

[@emmalob1992]

His phrasing is absolutely perfect.

[@joleharding5148]

He has a lush mix…

[@gobbleswells2883]

His character deserved better on AHS NYC

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

I'd like to see and hear him with different accompaniment. I don't mean to be unkind at all.

[@wisjoh1]

Bravo ! 👍💘

[@KIKAALEGRIA]

FRESH !!!!!!

[@aliciaf1214]

Anybody know if the tattoos are just for the show or does he have tattoos?

[@yumyumoryuck8675]

They are just for the show.

[@damienburke288]

I love him he is my new Tony

[@brooklynnm1969]

yessir yessir yessir

[@simonedeacon6881]

AHHHH DID HE GET A TATTOO AND CUT HIS EYEBROW?!?!?!?❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rocketyank]

Talented kid.

[@rosariocolucci4383]

Good Song. Though the listerner should feel a sense of awareness that something bad was going to happen given that there are some sad moments in the musical.

[@evelynu.5838]

Is the neck tattoo new or is it fake??

[@yumyumoryuck8675]

The tattoos are all fake - they are for the show.

[@evelynu.5838]

YumYumOrYuck thanks!! I was so curious hahah

[@mx4690]

Instead we got Ansel Ergot...

[@cooperhoffman4421]

Love ICP’s take on the song. Too bad the rest of the new WSS revival is a garbage fire dressed up as a train wreck

[@hopeemch]

If the new Spielberg movie casts people who can do their own singing it will be a step in the right direction. The fifties and sixties in Hollywood made Marnie Nixon a household name because she did all the singing for the big Hollywood stars who couldn't. Jack Warner wanted roles for his big stars. Didn't care about music. Natalie Wood in dark face for Maria? Please. And preppy looking what's his face as ex gang member Tony? Although I did like Rita Moreno and George Charkaris.

[@djjnonya2170]

The people cast in the original film looked EXACTLY as people like them would have looked at the time as far as appearances. History. It's a wonderful thing. Nobody knew who Marnie Nixon was in the 50's and the 60's because the dubbing wasn't even well known or talked about back then. You also have absolutely no evidence to say that Jack Warner didn't care about the music because that would call for the operation of his brain which you don't possess and if he didn't "care" about the music he wouldn't have bothered having people dubbed or paying a 72 piece orchestra. Essentially you attempt to validate your opinion by making incorrect assumptions about historical accuracy regarding the hairstyles and look of the time. You try to strenghten it by mistakenly referencing these films making Marnie Nixon a household name which she never was but the people who actually became aware of her did so much later on after the onslaught of the internet and availability of information. You make assumptions about the thinking and motives of someone because you read it somewhere which amounts to passing on gossip in spite of the actual facts not supporting that Jack Warner didn't "care" about the musical. They were all excellent and that is why it won 10 Academy Awards. The only exception was Chita Rivera should have played Anita although Rita Moreno was fine in the role. I'm sure Spielberg will put his take on it but I won't be seeing it because of the push to include politics in this one that were not part of the story, were never part of the story, and don't belong in the story. And unlike your opinons based on the information you read elsewhere mine is based on facts that are supported right back to the original source material by shakespeare.

[@hopeemch]

@@djjnonya2170 Please, post some of that documentation.

[@emmaltheriot]

I will not be supporting this revival but this performance is AMAZING!!

[@carlang4793]

why not ? did something happen ?

[@siribaimusic]

@@carlang4793 www.onstageblog.com/editorals/2019/8/28/why-you-should-boo-amar-ramasar-in-west-side-story-revival

[@siribaimusic]

@@carlang4793 they cast a sexual predator in the role of Bernardo, as the major reason to boycott (many other slights to the women in the show as well)

[@djjnonya2170]

@@siribaimusic They cast someone being called a sexual predator by a bunch of people. You people seem to really be on an ego trip thinking you get to just decide the rules for society. Get your facts straight. To be a sexual predator you need a jury and a conviction not a bunch of hysteria driven by politics and self appointed judges and juries. Your welcome to boycott it but there was no sexual perpetrator hired sweetheart and if I were the actor I would actually sue you for libel because without a conviction for any crime your comments amount to just that.

[@siribaimusic]

@@djjnonya2170 love the incel coming up to defend a rapist

[@djbeeluv]

He's a good singer, but it didn't give me goose bumps. I wish the show success!

[@Jane619]

Jennifer Hernandez completely agree. His acting is really good here though

[@carolynjones9911]

Wow, hearing the opening dates, and the title of the song, yikes! One month of broadway before COVID barged in. That sucks man, but man hindsight makes things funny🤭