Tori Amos LIVE at Montreux - Vocal Analysis of the song "Winter"

I'm a big fan of Tori Amos. She's an incredible musician, songwriter, singer, performer, pianist... the list goes on. Today we're watching her perform the song "Winter" live.
Watch the original video uninterrupted: • Tori Amos - Winter (Li...
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[@TheQuietComprehending]

More Tori! More Tori! More Tori PLEASE!!!!

[@piggy310]

yes!!!

[@user-cb3qr9dt2k]

@@piggy310 Love Tori since 91

[@ish474]

Tori Amos was the first Artist that taught me the voice was an instrument that you played not just used as it was.

[@RushAss]

32 years on and I still cannot make it through this song without crying. This song is special in every way. The lyrics, the music, her delivery. All of it. And when she performs this live she owns 100% of the audience's attention and she knows it. Magic.

[@stacyr.8585]

Same. 44 years old, I've seen her live 8 times. Each time is an entirely new, transcendent experience.

[@jimwhitlock2827]

Well said. I couldn't agree more.

[@davestanfordRudedogg]

52 and this song touches my heart on such emotional level that it's hard not to cry. And I'm probably one of the biggest metalheads you could ever know.

[@donovanguerin2124]

48 here, same😢

[@pmastroeni79]

You said it! Such amazing delivery live!!

[@ukecycle298]

I’m a 58 year old dude, and this song, as well as many of her others, nearly always brings me to tears. I’ve loved her music since I first heard her in ‘92. At the time, I thought she was completely unique, but I’ve recently discovered early Kate Bush, and I can definitely hear her influence on Tori. Tori’s still unique though, don’t get me wrong!

[@MM1717mm]

The impact she has had on me continues 30 years later .... u could say she is a big part of me becoming a parent & experiencing a lot of new fantastic things in life as a result ❣️❣️

[@purgedome2386]

Hehe.. her voice stops.. time stops.. her voice sighs.. the listener sighs.. She is the modern 'realization' of a Greek siren of mythology..

[@michaelmaloskyjr]

Damn. I think she inadvertently inspired you to write almost a haiku of a perfect summary.

[@cydrych]

I developed a huge crush on this woman before I ever saw her. I heard the song God and that was it, I was smitten. 30 years later and nothing has changed I still absolutely adore her.

[@spaceoddity8292]

Y muchos la seguimos amando por todo lo que nos ha dado en estos años❤❤❤

[@sarajade5111]

Once in a lifetime artist. ❤️

[@xxmrbrooksxx]

Tori is a perfect example of why the 90's was one of the decades of great music and sadly the last one. Toro is amazing. Unique and gifted. Piano Goddess.

[@KayinAngel]

If you think this, then you stopped listening to music in the 90's.

[@dont_follow5777]

My favorite artist ever. Seen her multiple times since 1996.

[@mitjonen]

I've been on seven of her concerts. The best was also my first (in '98/'99). No seats. I was in the first row just three or four meters away and felt as if she sang just for me. Also she played with her band. Without band she tends to play solely the 'slower' songs and I really prefer her passionate, angry... songs.

[@erikathomas2657]

Tori Amos is a national treasure. Not only is she an incredible artist her repore with her audience is unmatched to anyone that may have fans in this industry. She was also a pleasure to meet.

[@jessicahimmel7867]

Totally agree ❤

[@shep4life]

Her voice is hypnotizing

[@brettferguson2751]

She’s fucking that piano and challenging the audience with every breath in the most playful and confident way. She’s a treasure.

[@drivemenuts3011]

You should watch the 'true story' song that she sings immediately prior to this song to get some context. I reckon that you will conclude that she is not being playful during this performance of 'Winter'. During other live performances of 'Winter', she is playful. Tori Amos - Me and a Gun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYjbi4por89qhrMsi=KTTeJM-KymC_kxRH

[@DrSkeff]

Just a stunning performance, amazing song, unbelievable musicianship and heart breaking dynamics. Love your reaction Bethany.

[@RobinC63]

When Tori Amos came onto the music scene there was no one else like her and she did her own thing. I still believe that she is a totally unique musician. And stunningly beautiful!

[@CelticSaint]

Kate Bush?

[@markworkman6544]

'I've been looking for a savior in these dirty streets Looking for a savior beneath these dirty sheets' could be the best lyric in music history................

[@DonPetrushka]

Absolutely. My fav tune of hers. Just a masterpiece

[@planetcampervan]

I've loved her for so long...Little Earthquakes was one of my most played albums when it came out , she is so playful with her genius...

[@alexthorpe6583]

I may or may not have said this on an earlier reaction, but I was a big fan of Tori in the 90's. But I never saw her live, I don't remember her videos on TV, and Internet video wasn't a thing yet. So I just had her albums, and the occasional photo. Watching her face in videos like this now really is mesmerizing.

[@pietersbart]

The other voice was her dad's: he is talking to her that she needs to love herself and find her own way. In her own voice she is replying to him When she was asked if she felt if she was a singer or pianist first, she said 'composer'. She is an incredible pianist indeed. At age 5 she was admitted to the Peabody Conservatory and somewhere around 11 or 12 she was kicked out for being insubordinate: she didn't want to read sheet music and made her own arrangements on Beethoven and Mozart. She was thrown out for being herself and teenager :-) While singing and playing this intricate price of music, she kept eye contact with the audience. Not a small feat indeed :-) Her breathing is almost part of her performance, adding an extra sense of drama. To me her most moving song is her live a capella performance of 'Me and a gun' from the same concert in Montreux. You'll enjoy that as well I'm sure❤ Thanks!

[@jasonlaurin9589]

Tori performed at Cafe Campus in mtl in the early 90's. Everyone just stood around her piano on the stage. To this day I've never seen a show like that. And she was so raw and blunt about her songs. Quite the experience.

[@julespa3937]

I lost my father to cancer in 93. This song and entire album I played over and over again. Being an angsty teenager it was perfect. I was able to then see her live in 1997. I barely remember the concert itself but I remember how I felt and how I cried through the whole concert.

[@debddit]

Oh man, thanks for the memories! Early 90s was all Tori all the time. Saw her seven times in the 90s and every show was a new adventure. You could do two shows in one night and nothing was the same. Especially in the early days when it was just her and the piano.

[@drivemenuts3011]

This is a very moving performance, however, I think that you and everyone leaving comments here are completely missing the context of this SPECIFIC performance of 'Winter'. The song immediately before 'Winter' is called 'Me and a Gun'. It is sung a cappella, and is about how after a bar gig, a friendly man approached Tori, asking if she could give him a lift home. During the drive home, he ended up pulling a gun on her, and then well...........watch the video to listen to her describing what happened. Not sure if it is suitable for your channel, but definitely watch it, and then immediately watch 'Winter', to learn/sense the context between the two songs. Tori's emotion of 'Me and a Gun' flows into this performance of 'Winter'. There is a lot of reticence, defiance, bitterness, and even resignation in this performance, which you don't sense in other performances. Notice the emphasis, pause, and then whisper of "you say that things ............ change". I think this is a reference to getting emotionally passed the horrific events described in the previous song. Tori Amos is awesome. She is a strong person of great self-determination.

[@Northern.Town.]

I saw this concert live. Tori is an amazing performer, and she is still going. PLEASE see her if you get the chance. ❤

[@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250]

I first discovered the music of Tori Amos in 1995. I have been a huge fan ever since. I am now a reviewer of Audio headphones and her music is among my favorites during the review process. Her voice and music can bring out the very best of high end audio equipment. Listening to Tori through a $6K pair of headphones is like a glimpse of heaven.

[@fearfullnature]

Love her… I can’t think of a raw artist like her today. Favourite song 🎙️ 1000 Oceans 🎙️

[@brossjackson]

One of the things Tori does in her songwriting that gets me every time is when a song is very sparse and emotionally closed off, but then it flowers into lyricism and emotion. Here, the "When you gonna make up your mind" section is that outburst of lyricism, such a powerful emotional payoff, it just goes right to my heart. The "years go by" part of "Silent All These Years" gets to me in a similar way. And both of those moments sort of briefly flower and then fade back into the rest of the song, leaving you with a feeling of yearning to recapture the moment (which I think is honest and accurate to how moments of grace enter our lives).

[@kurtnolker2291]

Tori is a powerhouse. I remember hearing a live performance of "Silent All These Years" and just being entranced by the small pauses she would inject in the song that left you begging for the next word or note. Cannot hear studio cuts now without thinking that something is just a bit off with the recording.

[@gorespree6400]

"Silent All These Years" is maybe the best written song in our era.

[@aarmenar2358]

Mesmerizing for sure. Watching her for the first time I felt like she was saying, "I know something you don't know. I embody wisdom now. Catch the clues." Thank you for introducing me to her.

[@davidkoblentz]

no matter how many times I see this.... it just delights me, she is talking to you directly, like she is performing for just you... I have seen her many times and this is the way it feels live... she just commands everything, the music, the performance and he audience.. she gets the complete package.

[@holyspokes608]

Kate and Tori. Two of my favorite female artists. Both on extremely high pedestals. Musical genius.

[@mistersmeagol259]

FAVORITE. TORI. SONG. EVER!!!

[@kentk2215]

Tori is one of my favorite artists. So unique. Such a talented songwriter. As a father of a grown daughter, this one always hits hard. Glad you decided to ‘dig in’ to her. Love your channel. ❤

[@psifiusc]

I first came across Tori when seeing her performing this song on David Letterman and I was so in awe of what she did to me with this song that I went to the record store the next day and dug into what was available to that point. Fell in love with so many songs that I've loved her music ever since.

[@knytestorme]

Both the 91 and 92 performances here by her are just amazing. I have been able to see her once live a few years back and still as mesmerising with both her performances and personality. I also will say, in regards to your comments about how she changes up the song between live and recorded versions, is that I absolutely agree. She is one of the very few artists (Prince being one other) where I can handle them playing around with a song to make it different to what we expect when we see them live.

[@wakledodd]

It's so beautiful, so connected and telling the story. She draws you in, not just live but also on the albums. She is just so present. I love her!

[@TheWaynos73]

Shes so flawless on stage that you get the sense she could walk into a recording studio, do one or two takes of each song and record a whole album in less than a day and say yeah its done.

[@msgSharke]

Saw her about 7yrs ago and she’s STILL amazing in concert! Unbelievable artist/singer/pianist/writer.

[@paulrosenberg4227]

I always cry at this. The magic is each time live is a unique experience. Check out this same song from another night, and its far more intense.

[@BenjaminPianos]

Thank you for reacting to Winter! I love how you broke down her vocals with so much depth and nuance. Re: 2 characters in the song, her father is speaking to her in the second verse and chorus 1&2: I hear a voice, "you must learn to stand up..." -- "he said ' when you gonna make up your mind?" In the third chorus, she turns it around and asks him the same questions. After "you say that things change, my dear" she sings "never change." -- I interpret this as her reflecting that her Dad is giving her advice that he himself didn't take. After which, she says "never change" to imply she loves him just the way he is, even if he didn't live his life to the standards he's encouraging in her. Two recs: "Me And A Gun" - Live at Monxtreux (a cappella, deeply personal lyrics) , "Caught A Lite Sneeze" Live Sessions 1998 (full band, song about Trent Reznor!)

[@reactionsaccount3955]

For Tori Amos, to me her most interesting vocal performance is Tori Amos - Precious Things (Live Session 1998)

[@TeslaNick2]

The way Tori expresses herself is utter perfection. This performance is absolute perfection, every note, every muscle twitch, every nuance in her playing and singing. It's perfect.

[@PatrickKCompton]

OMG, I first heard Tori while doing sound and lights for a college dance concert. The girls were playing a few tracks from her album Little Earthquakes and I fell in love with it. Immediately ran to the store and grabbed an album. Her works are all brilliant musical poetry. Winter is still one of my favs.

[@spaceoddity8292]

Sigo a Tori desde los 90' . Creci con ella. Cada momento de mi vida se vincula a sus canciones. Ha sido una amiga y ha sido inspiración. Gracias❤❤❤

[@SamSnoekBrown]

I am SO glad you analyzed Tori's work! I'm a huge fan, and she has such a distinctive performance style and voice. I've also heard and attended live performances where she talks about her songs as living beings (referring to the song as "she"), and she describes how the songs grow and evolve over time, almost on their own. So your observation about how she plays with and develops the songs over time was really interesting, from your technical perspective.

[@ratter531]

Tori is a musical genius love her style and songs,

[@hagefelder]

Thank you for the interesting explanations, which are not dissecting in nature, which I really like. Yes, it really is the whole package of this performance that touches so many people deeply. It was many years ago that I heard this recording late at night on the radio and I was immediately completely fascinated, I felt a completely new, deeply emotional way of singing. I hadn't known Tori until then and it was only some time later that I saw the video. You described it beautifully how Tori breathes so much meaning into some words like 'change', letting some syllables trickle down like individual pearls. I think we are so captivated because on the one hand we get the feeling that we are actually present at this intimate conversation with the father, but above all the singer opens up her soul a little here. Human beauty is revealed in this tender vulnerability, but then there is also this incredible emotional power in her voice. Yes, Tori tells us indirectly something about the facets of our human existence on this beautiful planet - in a very unique way. For many years, this performance has moved me to tears, and not just as an old man of almost 70. God bless everyone who does good here. (Sorry, my English is not rhe best.)

[@zuzzau]

thanks for the attention that you accord to the text and the expression of the intimate, the interpretation, that's, finally, more efficient and important to singing, than the sole vocal technique.

[@jasonfrederick3123]

Always love Tori Amos. ♥️ Beautiful and amazing!

[@petahpunk]

She is just an amazing musician. Saw her twice live and it's hypnotic.

[@berkaysen2246]

You’re explaining everything so well. She’s so cool and beautiful too ❤

[@eakinj]

I haven't listen to this song since 1995 when my dad died. this was the first time I have heard it in all that time. did have to go listen to it on her channel to hear it with out commentary first though. my stomach is hurting so much now after listening to this.

[@jakeah1175]

Be keen to hear a vocal coach’s take on the way she changes vowels completely… she’s incredible

[@mikesmith-xv4vt]

I've seen her in concert many times, many times. And once, I was 3 feet from the barrier that kept us from storming the stage and I swear to GOD, she was looking right at me and singing, and I was singing right back at her, and it was fricking amazing. Best day ever!!

[@TheOneTrueJade]

47yo man here. Loved Tori since I was a teen. I remember going to one of her concerts 25 years ago, fourth row by myself, cause I couldn't find a date. Was one of the best musical/spiritual nights of my life. A few months ago I got to see her a small theatre near my home with my wife. Felt like a full circle life story moment, and bless the music for careering me through.

[@BrettWaldemar]

I think she could sing "Happy Birthday" and make it enchanting.

[@franckthibault2521]

Tori was my first favorite solo artist back in 1992 and stayed my favorite singer until 1999, until Jorane became my favorite singer and still is to this day. I’ve seen Tori 13 times, twice solo like this and the rest with a band. I used to buy her CD and all the EP and the live CD and DVD. (Bootlegs too). I have over 30 CDs of her and I stopped buying her CD after Night of Hunters. I still listen especially the first 5 albums plus all the B-Sides from them.

[@kevinmuzerMetalMind64]

That whole album I m is Superb!!!

[@aliciagoetz490]

The absolute one and only, there will never be anyone else like her. That voice, that piano. I’ve been obsessed with her for 30 years and I will continue to be until the day that I die ❤

[@natashiacox3435]

Probably one of my faves from Tori

[@justinspiredfallout]

Check out the live performance of Tori and Maynard (from Tool)!

[@brianthompson9241]

100% YES!

[@katherinewalker8136]

Watching her live is life changing. She’s a phenomenon. Love Tori ❤

[@bobsonian]

Apparently she has Chromesthesia which is seeing sound as colour or light structures, she was also composing her own songs aged 3. I was still sticking my fingers in places they shouldn't be going aged 3

[@BlueSideUp]

Tori was in her absolute prime during the concerts in Montreux. It's still a mystery to me how her voice and the piano can create this kind of experience.

[@sugaanessena3143]

Thank you for reacting to the most beautiful song I know. It has been my favorite song for about 30 years and still my eyes get misty. I would love for you to react to it's only contender (for me); Band-Maid with Sayonakidori acoustic version. I hope you have the time to do that.

[@Veracohr]

ohmygod. I watch a lot of reaction videos including tons of the same songs from different people. But I've never seen someone react to Tori Amos before. Thank you SO MUCH for bringing something different to the reaction scene. I saw her live about 25 years ago and it was just as great as this performance.

[@unfilthy]

Tori is a huge favorite of mine, and I'm always happy to see people react to her music and//or analyze it, but I wish it didn't always have to be Winter. Not because it's bad or anything, and her performance is always spell binding, but because she not only has this enormous catalogue, but even from this period, or even from these Montreux concerts, there is just so much more to see and hear and marvel at. She even has a duet with Robert Plant, (and with Maynard) and she did so many live covers and improv it's insane, and then there's the classics like "Precious Things" & "Caught a Lite Sneeze" which are amazing in concert. In other words, please do more Tori!

[@elishalong4970]

I love love Tori!!! She has been my all time favorite singer for 32 years! Thank you for sharing your reaction!

[@yippeethreeeight]

I never really got into Tori Amos, being a metalhead. But, damn! What a charismatic performer! I'd love to see her live, just because she just DEMANDS your full attention as she performs. I think she should tour with Marillion. They could call it, "The Cry Your Eyes Out Tour".

[@petecunningham47]

That was a great song/performer to analyze! Speaking of eye contact & facial expressions (of the performer), one thing which I love is watching YOUR face as you analyze. 🥰 When you look directly @ the camera/audience, you have a very particular thought to convey, but when you are look in away, it's clear you are formulating how to convey your thoughts, even though you might still be speaking. You have a performance all your own! I love it!

[@willfromyadkinville]

my hometown girl. ( woman ) love her so much! her Little Earthquakes album was straight fire!

[@Yourweakminds]

Such a beautiful thing.

[@pickuptruk4584]

I forget to breathe in when listening to her perform. Incredible!!

[@AngelusNZ]

Tori has always been one of my favourite music artists. She's like a feminine Bob Dylan insomuch that every performance of her songs is never the same as the previous iteration. She's a phenomenal lyracist as well. Her voice is truly unique as I cannot think of any singer/songwriter that sounds quite like her. This is one of my favourite songs of hers also.

[@specialed36ify]

My favorite Tor Amos song. Thanks for reacting!

[@Dahench]

Thanks for this one TV!

[@vidaemvideos883]

Love tori, please more and more... also sinead o´connor. Never see her here ;)

[@arissarox]

I'm 12 years old again every time I hear this song. And frankly, anything from Silent All These Years. It was the first time I heard lyrics that felt like they were from inside my soul. I've been a devotee ever since.

[@chiabacter6386]

Omg tori amos!!!! New fav channel

[@DavidTateVA]

In high school, we knew she was going to be a huge star. We just didn't quite know what kind of huge star. She did her own thing, flawlessly.

[@kimbye1]

Just perfect.

[@T4Talitha]

She is so intentional here, such an amazing performance ❤

[@AndrewDean777]

Bethany thank you

[@Greg_P537]

Hi Bethany, For me you hit the nail on the head when you were talking about Tori's "connection" with the audience. Her ability to grab you is, in my opinion, why she is one of the best performers. If you haven't seen this performance of Winter (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ7OYXSMg7d1f7s), please do! Her connection with the audience is off the charts!

[@cliveklg7739]

Tori Amos - Precious Things (Live Session 1998), great rock song from her with just as much of a vocal experience as this song. If you watch her other live performance of Winter, there are definite different directions she takes in each performance of the sing. Even how she plays the piano is so different in each.

[@DonPetrushka]

I love her early 90s acoustic era. Especially those Montreux concerts. My favorite one is Crucify (Montreux 1991). The way she delivers… it always make me feel about to cry. Absolutely different level of emotions in music. You need to do a reaction to that song. You'll love it

[@nochops1]

At the time it didn't matter. You could be full on grunge listening to AIC and Soundgarden or already lost in Industrial listening to NIN and Ministry or listening to Dre and Tupac. When Litte Earthquakes dropped, we all stopped and listened to Tori.

[@SuperSlatra]

The whole album this song is from is great.

[@jessicahimmel7867]

Tori is such a talent, my all time favorite ❤

[@johnwilson8482]

The Montreux videos are amazing. So powerful. React to them all! Haha.

[@musashimiyamoto586]

Love your takes on fabulous artists like Tori. Also, that you do not hold back your own giddyness at hearing such a masterful performance. Did u get a little flushed there at the end;) Don't blame you. I am a guy and I just want to bawl my eyes out. It seems like she is talking directly to you, with all the nuances in her vocals, facial and body movements, seemingly almost flirting. I have a few favourites in terms of style and musicality, but she is so frigging unique, it is uncanny.

[@shaneomack5018]

Cornflake girl is by far my favorite Tori song. Ms Tori voice is just so haunting and hits my soul

[@sallydana1549]

Bethany, I just discovered this channel last night and I can't stop watching. Your passion for music and the human voice is incredible and your very accurate insight into the vocalist's performance is inspiring. Are you familiar with Nina Hagen, Kate Bush, or Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins)?

[@angietorok8389]

Wow! I miss artists who weren't formulated and music that is authentic. I forgot how much I love Tori.

[@TheTenof12]

CLASS of her own, with or without with cornflakes 💜

[@MrDuneedon]

This song has always hit me squarely in the tear ducts.

[@vsibirsky]

I come to this video but I have spent many years listening to Tori Amos. I remember do long agp. being enchanted. That is Tori! Listen closely ...but too much analysis going here without context of listening to her considerable recording and concert/live performances. I guess Tori's audience gets the special enchantment first and later on realize how much work, as a musician and creator is behind what you are being bewitched by.

[@spishco]

She is such a legend.

[@JimmyRJump]

You should lend your lovely little ears to "We Don't Need Who You Think You Are" by Skunk Anansie. Singer 'Skin' (Deborah Ann Dyer) has some incredible lungs. Skunk Anansie are an alternative metal band, but this song is more balladesque. Thanks for Tori. Her songs should all be titled "Love Affair With a Piano". Cheerio.

[@markworkman6544]

so talented.........even a better person. She played in the bars in Georgetown (D.C.) at 16 !

[@jeremypoolet]

OMG yes. My fav Tori Amos song.... Let's go! ( Should see her duet with Maynard Keenan btw 😁)