Voice Teacher Reacts: Jacob Collier - The Christmas Song

[@TomDiMercurio]

This is why Jacob is the musician’s musician. We’re in awe, wonder, both inspired and profoundly humbled.

[@miltonpound763]

Your description of his “connection with the vibration of the universe” is spot on. His music connects on a spiritual/soul level like none I have experienced.

[@MrDoomsdayBomb]

Hey John! Loved the reaction. You should check out this rendition of his: Jacob Collier - Lua (feat. MARO) [live]. I think it will blow you away as well.

[@dianastella]

That one is perfection 👌

[@mus967]

Please!!

[@Magere-Kwark]

I highly recommend this one

[@classicalmockups8814]

Yes please!

[@TotalDESSSS]

There's just no one like Jacob. Ever. We truly are blessed to be able to witness his genius unfold before our very eyes and ears. And it's fantastic to witness you getting the same profound, emotional reaction to his expressivity, mastery and craft.

[@steamedbryce]

I'm always hesitant when people use absolute terms but this. This is really difficult to debunk. Who really holds a candle to Jacob? Alive? In the vast history of music from all cultures? His talent truly is on another level. His mind thinks differently and his abilities far surpass even what most musicians can conceive

[@lazulicdm]

@@steamedbryce He's one of few along the course of music history who provide promise at changing what the era actually means, imo among the likes of Bach and Handel of the baroque era, Beethoven and Mozart of the classical, and more "experimental" composers like Stravinsky with his later cubist works. It's truly remarkable in my opinion to be in early witness with one of these artists who will lay cover in music textbooks years from now

[@wendycrawford1792]

Beautifully expressed. His music is beautiful beyond compare!❤️

[@fairalways]

What a privilege it is to live in a time where Jacob exists, bringing us new delights. He owns a place in musical chapters for ages to come. And thank YOU John, for sharing your connection in the deeply communicative way you are uniquely capable of doing. We are all richer for that.

[@csx42]

Love hearing your takes on Jacob. I always learn something new about him from you.

[@ChristopherMurtagh]

Yup, perfect reaction. I have been a music student all of my 51 years, and yet nothing i have experienced prepared me for the first time I heard this piece. I still get goose bumps every. single. time.

[@SparkyKev]

I love watching your reaction to Jacob almost as much as hearing him. I gotta give you props John for how articulately and accurately you’re able to describe what Jacob is doing vocally. He is a mind melting talent hey?

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Thank you. I feel overwhelmed and tongue-tied when trying to describe what I am hearing.

[@maximusheronimus23980]

Dear mr John, love to see your reaction on Jacob, because a soul gets touched in such way this can't be hold back !

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Thank you.

[@miltonpound763]

He did a recent Logic breakdown of this song. Just amazing to hear him explain how his brain works.

[@michaelfitzurka5659]

I went immediately to this breakdown and have started watching. Absolute Must See!!! Very literally other worldly.

[@joaofarias6473]

Loved how he said that while recording all the parts for the video he changed the tuning a few cents each time so as not to get bored 😂

[@miltonpound763]

A most Jacob of things to do.

[@saleminix622]

You know why you get teary eyed every time John, because it's divine. He "paints" with the whole pallette and he does it with ease, as in a single sweep. And that's divinity shining through him. So you (and myself) get choked up over and over again as we bare witness to it for the intensity of it is mind blowing. I've tried to understand the harmonics, and failed, and I've tried the same with every element of his performance, but I fail every time. All I can absorb is the emotion and the energy, careful not to approach too closely, because it's like being too close to the sun. That's why the tears my friend. You, having the capacity to experience that is the sign of your humanity and that is on the equal level of Jacob, if not the ability to reproduce what he creates.

[@becmueffelmann6269]

This arrangement has been nominated for a Grammy!! It's wonderful to see Jacob get the recognition he deserves. 💜 But far beyond that, you explained the impact of Jacob's music so well, thank you!! I'm gonna send this video at that timestamp to a few people to help explain to them what his music means to me. 😊

[@GriffinPearson]

Your reactions to Jacob makes his music music come even more alive, much appreciated

[@loganseaburg8041]

Jacob Collier is my favorite artist of all time and I love hearing even more in depth why he is such a genius. Also, I would love to hear you break down one of his songs that you have listened to a lot of times and give us an even deeper look. Great videos as always!!!

[@anitap3164]

Another great reaction. I recommend Jacob's song Home Is with VOCES8 from his Djesse Vol. 1 album. It's an incredible example of what he does with voices. Maybe not for a reaction video but just for your own enjoyment.

[@marybethwelchcollins6673]

Music just fills the soul and makes life worth living, doesn’t it? I love watching others experience this as well. Thanks for the reaction.

[@donnapierce-3290]

John, A very Merry Christmas to you, Sir. Wow! Jacob's brilliance brings tears, yet fills my heart with joy simultaneously! I admire your sincerest admiration of Jacob and the way in which you convey same to your students and audience, as we all 'feel' your words. Thank you for this memorable moment in time! ♡!

[@dculp9284]

Love what you are saying about his ability to express "connection to the vibration of the universe" which I think in part is due to JC's use of just intonation when possible with vocal harmony - you can certainly hear an extra level or resonance on those final bassy chords.

[@RoCkbunny769]

I absolutely adore your reactions to Jacob. Warms my heart. Merry Christmas!

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Same to you!

[@hovercar00]

Got to near the end and I thought "Wow, he might actually make it through this one without being brought to tears by this amazing music." I was happily wrong because it meant I wasn't the only one getting misty eyed.

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

I thought I was going to make it through as well.

[@brucebenson5908]

Yes, it is beyond harmony. Thank you for your appreciation of this genius.

[@PierreRegensburger]

Fantastic John , I consistently love the way you are able to describe your emotions & what you are experiencing - I think that your brush stroke analogy is spot on, I feel like sometimes I can only describe Jacob's vocal work in songs like these to be 'multi-dimensional'; harmony is just the first dimension, vowel-shape & placement, larynx placement as you were mentioning, and even formant shifting are just some of the other dimensions that he uses to create a sonic soundscape of this depth. I myself did a vocal cover/recreation of this exact arrangement trying to recreate all of these intricacies, and so watching videos like these really helps me to become more intune to what exactly is going on here and what is capturing the listener, what ultimately _moves_ us and makes us feel things - thank you for this.

[@utha2665]

This is the third reaction I have seen of yours of Jacob Collier and just watching the joy, amazement and wonder on your face is priceless. I too, have only recently discovered Jacob and I am just as amazed, I never knew something so wonderful could be performed. I very recently sat and watched a recording of an 8 hour live stream where he was harmonizing short tunes, maybe 20 seconds long, but it gave a real insight into his thinking and creative process. He was raising money for his band members who were all in lockdown in 2020 with no income, needless to say he far exceeded his expectations. Such a fascinating and likeable fellow too with a quirky sense of humor.

[@bencornish6910]

It’s music as magic and mystery…. Colliers musical creativity is unparalleled . 🤯🤯

[@robote7679]

Beautiful John, just beautiful. The heartfelt honesty of your reactions moves me much as Jacob's profound music moves me. I've suggested this before but I feel I must again, for Jacob with a lighter take-perhaps-a reaction to his version of the "Flintstones." It's one of Jacob's earliest KZbin efforts but still vibrates with that special Jacob magic.

[@janorre7496]

You know, Mr. Henny. -Those last few minutes of sum-up "babbling", is for me all those feelings I my self wouldn't have a chance to pronounce at this stage, but do so profoundly agree in! Thanks mate! You're a true professional! Greetings from Norway!

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Thank you!

[@christianlamalle8758]

Thanck you so much for your honest reaction and your sensibility ! Pure and so beautiful emotions !

[@patopodolyak]

This is absolutely amazing! Jacob leaves us with no words, just pure feelings!

[@MAGG0911]

I know that feeling- ¡every time! With this song you feel the joy and the nostalgia of Christmas… please react to the cover of All Nigh Long- I think for that you’re going to finish your reaction energized for once!

[@petertoal371]

If it helps mate, I find myself tearing up in total admiration of Jacob's amazing talent no matter what he does.

[@machufajita4044]

YESSSSS IVE BEEN WAITING FOR ANOTHER JACOB COLLIER REACTION FROM U, ur reactions are amazing

[@leonrosales3082]

I love how real and human you are. Thanks for your reactions !

[@guyonkeys]

My Mum died 3 weeks ago The last bit when Jacob slowed right down absolutely destroyed me. It jumped out of the shadows and nicked my wallet!!!! I’ll always love music for that.

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Sorry for your loss. Always thankful for music to comfort and help us grieve.

[@guyonkeys]

@@JohnHennyVocalStudio I watched this again for the first time since I posted my comment above. It got me in exactly the same place (and I knew it was coming so was ready!!). Your comment, “Deep level human shit” really made me smile. My Mum would have approved.

[@guyonkeys]

@@JohnHennyVocalStudio On a separate (kind of related) note. I know they chap who sold Jacob his blue Wurly. He had the opportunity to jam with him for a while. He said he was, “on another level”

[@adramateus]

Love it a lot. Would be interesting to see your reactions on one of the latest he did : Little Blue To say the least, it's emotional, like plenty of songs.

[@wendycrawford1792]

Dear friend. I realized that l have simply had this permanent grin throughout this song. I have absolutely delighted in your reaction and totally agree with everything you’ve said about this song and others you have commented on ( Moon River and In The Bleak Midwinter). Your sheer delight and joy makes me happy. His music is beautiful beyond compare. My daughter and her boyfriend had the good fortune of attending one of Jacob’s concerts in Montreal where they live. My daughter who truly knows her mother’s musical tastes, shared Jacob with me and l can’t get enough of this brilliant young man. Thank you for your analysis and joy!

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Thank you.

[@kaykramer9045]

He’s a wizard. On every level… thanks for your reactions 💙

[@henrikjonsson2038]

I watched your video on Jacob Collier’s version of Fix you. If you haven’t seen it, look up a video here on YT where Jacob meets Chris Martin for a live performance over Instagram Live. Chris reaction during the session and his analysis of Jacob is worth seeing. Keep up the good work of getting folks to sing! 👍

[@samdunn_]

Please react to his cover of hallelujah

[@pianomanjc3]

I'm so glad to see someone react in such a human way to the beauty of music. It is the hard of spirituality that something that is so intangible can move us to tears. Its why music is such a gateway to the soul!

[@theom3050]

Thank you sincerely for this, your heart for music and your understanding is astounding. Have a great Christmas

[@stefanhuemer3770]

Love your reactions and analysis! Recently bought your book, excited to explore my singing a little further! :)

[@davewroberts]

It's the Christmas "Moon River!"

[@kevinrusche4547]

Love these reviews. I, too, find these songs 'other worldly' - so amazing! Seeing your reaction and hearing your analysis makes it even more special. Seems grammy worthy to me!! Thanks for your fun and instructive channel!!

[@MrNukedawhales]

just a stupid suggestion: you could invite jacob to your podcast.. he did quite a few of those in the past - as you can see on youtube - and it seems you might have some interesting questions for him.

[@SolarMumuns]

Yes, please! I think you would be the perfect person to interview him 😊

[@maskeditadori3785]

I feel what you feel sir,

[@AssetInvesting]

He gives to us and he takes from us. He gives, he takes. Gives and takes. And we do the same to him. So incredible.

[@THEaxz95]

you have the most genuine reactions to jacob collier iv'e seen and i love hearing you comment about it, please react to Jacob Coliier - You got a friend in me live. To me it's the most amazing live he's done and it would be awesome to have your take on it.

[@paulcharlesworth9114]

Loving the videos John. I'm a late returner to singing and you've reminded me of the joy to be had in using the voice with taste and precision so thank you. I second the recommendation to check out Collier's live Lua sometime. It starts with a string sextet and then, well, golly.

[@stewiegriffin993]

I second the secondation! :D

[@bflores99]

Thank you for your amazing reactions! I'd love to see your reaction to Jacob Collier - All At Sea (Live in Cambridge). it's just Jacob, a piano, and the audience, and it's breathtakingly beautiful.

[@kevelliott]

Among the very many highlights of this piece is the exquisite melodica solo. It gets me every time! - beautiful jazz.

[@smithereens874]

I found your channel yesterday and love how you appreciate the gift of this man who loves exploring the masterpiece of a gift and art. He reaches me as well on such an emotional level. My wish for you would be to spend personal time with Jacob (and have it recorded). Thank you for sharing.

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@franckdebank]

Great sensibility John , thanks for sharing it.

[@ronda.8624]

I recommend a singer called Diana Navarro. With the song "El perdón" she is very versatile and sings different styles of music with incredible melismas. And with a very personal voice.

[@tony22001hk]

I have seen dozens of reaction video and I enjoyed yours so much!! Very professional. I would suggest the following live performance for your next react video, those are all INSANELY GOOD!! 1. Jessie J - My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion) - Singer 2018 2. Joshua Ledet - "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" 3. Never Enough - Loren Allred LIVE with David Foster on PBS “An Intimate Evening with David Foster”

[@denniskillin3090]

Hi thank you for your thoughtful reactions to Jacob colliers music. Have a great christmas

[@Choonzord]

Great reaction! Love from Singapore. Can you react to Peter Collins if you haven't? He does this incredible falsetto thing with his voice and I would live to see a vocal expert break it down. His cover of How Deep is Your Love is absolutely phenomenal.

[@MrSlimfinger]

Oh we want another Jacob reaction from you John!

[@MrSlimfinger]

His live recording of Little Blue is certainly one of those very special ones. Makes me humbled and appreciative of life itself, one of the most beautiful performances I known of. Get some tissues ready this time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4LZq4tmj5h7e5Ysi=83RvU3p-Yv8SnRky

[@mvm3016]

Always the best reaction vids..

[@justinmadden5607]

Thank you for these videos, John. I have the same reaction that you do to Jacob's work and there are never words to do it justice. Some things are just beyond.

[@Jorbertus]

5:31 THAT'S the most accurate reaction to Jacob collier Edit: 9:00 this one too

[@alecacheson1036]

Hi John, I'm from the UK, and have only just discovered the remarkable Talent ,that is ,Jacob Collier. The first song I heard ,was Jacob singing Moon River ,and I have to admit ..it was a religious experience for me, I kept watching it over and over again, crying like a baby, and because I live alone ,I went online, and looked for other people's first reaction ,too Jacobs music, luckily I found your first reaction to Jacob's version of Fix You, and when I saw you, a musician I respect ,having a similar reaction to me...Look John, I can fully understand why you haven't done anymore reaction videos ,after the first four you've done.... hey!!. that was perfect, next !!! .But you have a way of explaining to me ,why his music, is so remarkable. Keep up the good work. May your God be with you...

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Thank you!

[@aldebaran.carrasco.martinez]

Hola John. Gracias por estos videos. Supongo que ya te lo habrán pedido, pero no está de más comentarlo aquí: sería sumamente bello contar con un video tuyo reaccionando a Danny Boy, en concreto a la versión que Jacob grabó para la BBC. Tú sabes que esa melodía es una de las piezas musicales más bellas jamás compuestas, y si a eso sumas la versión de Jacob... pues ya puedes imaginarte el resultado. Saludos y mucho amor desde México.

[@SolarMumuns]

Bien dicho. Estoy totalmente de acuerdo

[@AndrewWilsonStooshie]

Music, and I mean the entirety of music: theory, performance, rhythm, melody, harmony have gone way beyond just being a tool for Jacob. They are so intrinsic to him, so fully integrated into his being that he can take anything he's feeling and express it effortlessly. I'm pretty sure he's not actually consciously thinking things like "An F# in there would be a nice surprise", he's doing it totally instinctively.

[@draculis6721]

Coldplay - A Sky Full of Stars (Radio 1's Big Weekend 2014) React please.

[@classicalmockups8814]

You really need to react to Jacob's rendition of Can't help falling in love

[@kiwiflyer3797]

please can you make more reaction to jacob collier?

[@ManiacTobi]

Well said, beyond beautiful ❤️

[@IsraelSocial]

Hoy jesus! He touch my heart with his voice! Never feel like this before

[@W4LT3Rego]

Merry Christmas!

[@ronda.8624]

I recommed the song " El perdón " by DIANA NAVARRO gretings

[@lancasternational2949]

Hi. You may have seen this already. Here is the link showing how the arrangement was crafted with 161 LOGIC tracks. Runs 1:41:00 and, interestingly has well over 1MM views of the analysis. If the voice doesn't have the sound shape he wants, he re-shapes it to fit the character and dynamic he needs. You'll have noticed that he brings in various elements of a chord at fractionally different instants to create more interest. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eInQopmAndp_qNk He did one for MOON RIVER which also has a separate LOGIC transcription using 150 voices of well known, respected artists you'll know that contributed, programmed and filtered including Quincy Jones, Eric Whitacre, Charlie Puth and many more. Incredibly labor intensive w/ the same kind of brilliant result.

[@donwanek782]

John, if you haven't (though I doubt you haven't) check out Kenny Rankin vocals and of course, Todd Rundgren's a capella productions which to me are forerunners of Jacob. Rankin has (had-RIP) none of the technology that we now have but his vocal accuity is on par with Jacob...worthy of a VTR video in my opinion. Rankin used gut strings on his guitar re:primative technology. And Todd was a pioneer in advanced technological music production, creating masterful, mindblowing opuses. I love, love. love VTR. You have created an incredibly valuable and enlightening experience for us, Thanks so much.

[@sgs138]

Your Jacob collier reactions are epic. You’ve gotta do a reaction to Little Blue (the mahogany version!).

[@tylerhackner9731]

Amazing 😉

[@octo571]

Your viewers must enjoy watching you get stunned. LOL. It's entertaining as heck 😀

[@Bambam-jg4vo]

We are 4 for 4 on the water works with Jacob lol. Another great reaction.

[@yeremiahrain5754]

hola john me gustan mucho tus reacciones, podrías reaccionar a DONT YOU WORRY ABOUT A THING by JACOB COLLIER? pleasse ☺️ it sounds like future music jejej

[@victorsixtythree]

So amazing...This originally came out about a year ago, before Christmas 2020. It's now been submitted and nominated for a Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals. If you're interested in reacting to another Christmas song from Jacob, there's a version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas that he did with Tori Kelly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqS5qmd_osyAZtE Also amazing of course!

[@fe7252]

@ 8:55 ... yeah. many a listener has done just that. LOL

[@sirjoshie]

Very informative reaction! Great

[@tomlawson4713]

I’m sure you get absolutely flooded with requests for particular songs to react to, but one that has always stuck with me is Jacob’s arrangement of All Night Long. It explores territory with the song in such a vastly different way, yet it feels right at home. Jacob is truly a masterful artist of sound.

[@MaryKurosawa]

You are such a fun guy to listen to, im getting your book! ~ please react to Brendon Urie if you can

[@ThePiedra777]

Check out Rocio Dúrcal, “Amor Eterno,” LIVE!

[@toddrobinson3316]

I love your reaction videos. Have you listened to Jacob Colliers take on the Flintstones? I would like to see you react to this one..Thank you!

[@dannosaurusrex1]

You should check out All Night Long - it showcases the complete Jacob package- watching the musicianship in this song shows how talented he really is

[@willieriley6043]

When you have time would you listen to Adam Lambert's Soaked from his first album? What voice is he singing in? Everyone who hears his version of the song (given to him by Muse though they also recorded it as a rock song?) is haunted by it. This song makes Adam cry & concertgoers cry. Adam is the only American Idol contestant to embark on a sold out Worldwide Tour - Glam Nation Tour - a few months after the show ended to 75 cities, 5 or 6 continents. He was also the only contestant whose opening night was turned into a concert film. Thank you! Soaked...check for the vevo video on YT.

[@asdfhun]

(Please get a variable ND filter, set the shutter speed to 1/60th, and control the exposure with the ND filter, i'm only at 0:45 but i cant deal with how unnatural the hand motion looks, it would improve your video quality greatly)

[@IntoTheDeepBreathwork]

Would love to see your reaction to Jacob's new live version of Let it Be (from Columbus) - I feel like he uses a few new 'colors' there. :)

[@peterfedun-sk3jt]

I am overwhelmed.

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Same here.

[@benarmentano3799]

I really wish you'd check out "The Flinestones" or "Don't You Worry About A Thing" to hear what Jacob does with uptempo tunes...

[@gisttyler]

I suspect you know of Clif High. Would be fun to discuss what it means for humanity that this musicality shows up in this “paradigm” we live in, when the world seems to be on the cusp of major change: either for the good or the bad.

[@groutshapers3773]

You should review Juan Gabriel amor eterno. Classic performance

[@Evan1060]

"deep level human shit!" I couldn't have said it better!!!

[@AngelAustin]

I love to sew someone deeply affected by music like I am. Profound beauty. Yes. It's creative essence. Like at its most basic.

[@devinhamilton9982]

Love these Jacob Collier reactions. You’ve got to checkout St Paul and the Broken Bones - Grass Is Greener. I’d love to hear your input on Paul’s voice/technique

[@Christian-DH]

There are two performances I would like you to react to. Angelina Jordan (16 this January) was 13 at the time of this performance. She had, at the age of 7, auditioned for the 2014 season of Norway's Got Talent. She won. Today, Angelina has performed 120 covers, and has 3 originals. The first performance is her black and white studio performance of "I Put a Spell on You" (Screamin' Jay Hawkins, 1956). At 9 years and 2 weeks old, Angelina had arranged the music for the band, her lyrics, and gave a performance that shouldn't be possible for a 9 year old girl. Many have said she has a very old soul when it comes to music. The second piece I would love to get your reaction to is her audition for America's Got Talent the Champions, where she sings her own unique arrangement of "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen, 1975). Not only did she receive a golden buzzer, advancing her to the finals, she got a tweet from Queen for her rendition. Here are the links: "I PUT A SPELL ON YOU" (black and white studio performance) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKipnaJ5hb2tedU AGTC - "BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY" (includes golden buzzer) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnSUmXdtoMSKitk

[@michaelfitzurka5659]

yep every time.

[@bontrom8]

Holy Cow I heard some microtonal basslines! Not surprised I could recognize an outer part, as I play bass lines more often than melodies. What other craziness did he pull in the other parts?

[@spactick]

"Deep level human shit." You took the words right out of my mouth John. THE perfect description of 'The Christmas Song' :)

[@FromPoetryToRap]

John! You HAVE TO react to Jacobs newest drop, Somebody to Love in Lisbon. PLEASE! Do yourself the favor.