"We've Only Just Begun" (Carpenters Cover) by Jim Wilkas featuring Tori Holub, Reaction/Analysis

[@jimmididr]

Hi Jeff - Thanks so much for reacting/reviewing our video! I was so honored that Tori agreed to record this with me and some of my awesome musician friends from around the world. She is an amazing talent, and I can't wait to do more music with her! We have a couple more Carpenters tunes to do, and hope to present a few original songs in the near future! Again, thanks for the kind reaction! -Jim

[@StrateleStudios]

Hi Jim! I look forward to more! 👏👏👏😃🫶

[@gregdavis19]

Jim, you are amazing in itself, hard work and detail oriented. Yes, Tori is an amazing talent! It’s her voice and she’s not trying to impersonate Karen. Very impressive my friend.

[@shanequa555]

Need to get together with Richard Carpenter and some talented people to write the Carpenters Broadway jukebox musical for Tori to star in - (Karen deserves one!)

[@shanequa555]

A rough idea for the show would be a worldwide search for the perfect Karen Carpenter. Sort of like "A Chorus Line" tryouts featuring girls from all around the world - different ethnicities, body sizes, etc. (even a girl acting blind). Like "Chorus Line", each girl goes into a parallel Karen Carpenter-like past struggle that led her to the NYC auditions with a perfectly matched song from the Carpenter repertoire matching that particular girl's issue. Of course it would have to widely vary from the "Chorus Line" plot and feel in order to not seem like a complete cheap rip-off of that musical - perhaps using 21st century technology, social media, current themes, etc. The point being that each girl would reflect a facet of Karen's complex personality and problems - some type of subplot would have to be in the mix too, also the drumming aspect...

[@tomvance8522]

So much talent. Cheers to the sound engineer as well. Wow!

[@vegasatc]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@patrickburke6789]

Every gigging musician (in the USA anyway) of the time has played this song hundreds, if not many thousands, of times (weddings, proms, New Years' parties... for decades) and none of them, IMHO, has ever nailed it so 'spot on perfect' as Tori Holub has done here. Wow. One has to hear it for oneself to believe it possible.

[@richardtodd7295]

Close your eyes, reach for your soda, and transport yourself back in time. I did!

[@peterkoeppl]

Sometimes words are either not needed or they are unable to fully describe an experience like this. Wonderfully awesome.

[@drsebesta]

These covers, whether Jim Wilkes and Tori Holub or Foxes & Fossils or Lexington Lab Band or Leonid and Friends, just become emotional...they are so good! Re-living our youth through these groups has been an amazing ride.

[@jbs256]

Yes! And following Tori has made me use my music services and KZbin to go back and see the original. I didn’t know Ebb Tide or Coyote! Shame on me, I know. But now I do.

[@mgalego4729]

I fell in love for this cover as soon I heard the first chords. And My jaw dropped as soon she started to sing. But the multiple voices effect made me jump from my chair...

[@rlew49ers]

Tori does the Burt Bacharach / Hal David Medley as a challenge; it's absolutely mind blowing!!

[@rwefree9469]

Jaw dropping great! Spot on! Great to see and hear. Thank you

[@southrnlvingsc]

Wow. I have never heard anyone sound so close to Karen Carpenter. What a GIFT.

[@debbicozart7130]

OMG she gave me instant chills. This song makes me shed tears 😭

[@debbicozart7130]

What a fricken great voice. Chills from start to ending.

[@graveseeker]

I hope you've taken the opportunity to listen to The Carpenters and Karen's golden voice. You'll understand the hype better when you do.

[@tedneb3459]

This is the second online review I've seen today of Tori. Both reviewers were speechless in response to her voice in her talent.

[@markweber4854]

She does do more. There are a few videos of her here on YT. You need to hear The Bacharach / David Medley she does with Jim! It is also incredible!

[@Sixwheelin]

So another wonderful talent for Carpenter's covers. Splendid as Lenoid & Friend's Carpenter covers I believe. Thanks!🤠

[@hansel5098]

Your interpretive analysis is priceless

[@StrateleStudios]

@@hansel5098 ah man thank you so much! 🫶

[@andrewh.8403]

This is my 6th reaction video of Tori and they all share the same reaction. Mind - blown-. Wings of Pegasus after "internet armchair experts" claimed she was faking it, actually did electronic diagnostics on screen. The results were absolutely on par with what we were hearing. Tori's very much the real deal. She can carry a note so effortlessly. She's a fan of the 70's singing and of course The Carpenters. In an interview with her by Lee Richley, she says that Richard Carpenter is aware of her existence and was very very cagey about something she would neither confirm nor deny in regards to Richard. At 60 y.o., I'm already very much a boy fan and I honestly can't sit still when I think what it might be. Tori's made other videos, mostly shorts, that are covers of Olivia Newton John as well as The Carpenters and again, she's spot on, but her Karen Carpenter will be her touchstone in my opinion. She covers the Bacharach/David medley without batting an eyelid. She's only just begun.

[@jbs256]

Very on point! She has A LOT OF REACTIONS out there. Don’t ask how I know 🤷🏻‍♂️ Joe

[@graveseeker]

Fil is a gem. I so admire his knowledge and his work.

[@waltervelasquezgwt]

She is amazing. Beautiful voice.

[@fieldstar3777]

It’s hard to express this feeling in words. I remember those days when I was full of dreams. 76 years old Japanese man

[@lindabergman3127]

Same here❤ I was 14

[@RoutierNordAmericain]

Hard to believe that this was recorded in 2024. It sounded like it was recorded 54 years ago!

[@debbiemclaughlin3460]

Everytime,and i mean EVERYTIME, i hear her sing this, I cry. Takes me back to a time I so miss . I adored the Carpenters. Their music is timeless. And Tori is a gift. What a beautiful voice.

[@weldog71]

Im crying this is so perfect and i bet Karen is happy

[@maryannarep]

It's yesterday once more!!

[@solotron7390]

It's pure joy watching a person witnessing perfection.

[@fredselbman3319]

Brilliant ! 👏 this music takes me back to a simpler time and era ! Well done 👍🏻

[@SAnnun-hs1io]

Apparently Tori has quite a few followers on TikTok and some of the other platforms, but not being a social media person I only started seeing her shorts here just a few months ago. What I will say is that seeing those like yourself react to her for the first time is absolute gold. If nothing else, it's like revisiting the surprise and enjoyment of seeing someone so young share such a beautiful gift and an interest in music that generationally precedes her with such class. She does have some songs of her own, however another personal favorite that she has put out is the Bacharach/David medley that the Carpenters also did back in the 70's. There are actually two but the one where she has Jim Wilkas accompany her on the harmonies is particularly fun. Jim is also an outstanding musician and producer.

[@johnsimon2988]

The big news? A 20 year old is a Carpenters fan. Did you see all the Carpenters posters? That she enjoys singing music of the 70's is stunning. I gave up on the possibility of hearing another voice like KC's a decade or so ago. Yay KZbin? I wish this young woman the best, Wilkas and Co as well. I've listened to her single, "Something To Believe In", and loved it. Give it a try.

[@jbs256]

I spotted 3 Easter Eggs in the video. All in Tori’s video box. 1) Her good ole’ Tascam 24 to her left. 2) the blue drum set to her right. 3) “Richard” looking over her shoulder, keeping an eye on her. My video of her live at the church had the real picture of Richard meeting Tori in Downey. Link through my user ID to the video. Joe

[@johnsimon2988]

@@jbs256 Good eye!

[@brucemorrow5271]

I've known Tori for a few years now and she is only getting better...

[@DugrozReports]

Would you say that .... she's only just begun?

[@brucemorrow5271]

@@DugrozReports Absolutely 😁

[@donnakano3697]

When I first heard her sing, I was totally blown away, but I’m not a professional musician. I’ve since heard her videos of songs by various artists and I hope she develops her own style so she can become a successful artist in her own right, not just doing covers.

[@pedromancenithe3rd]

Great reaction to this masterpiece. As you can imagine, Tori is a fan of the Carpenter's but she does do her own music too. But there is a really impressive video of her covering the Bacharach MEDLEY which the Carpenter's did originally. She is an exception singer and could benifit hugely with the exposure that KZbin brings with reactors such as yourself. I think you'll be impressed with this video as well.

[@jimc.7121]

Your best compliment was the fact that you were speechless and in awe until halfway through the song. She has such beautiful vibrato and such a beautiful voice. Wow is right!

[@dalewier9735]

I am 64 this month, i was speechless also... Wow...just wow.

[@firstsgtrichard]

Had a pool party when I was very young, maybe 11 or 12, in East Haven Ct, and I find out my friends babysitter was none other than Karen Carpenter. Did not realize the importance of this until many years later. Miss her talent soooo much. God bless Tori for keeping the music alive and fresh! Sir, keep doing your typical great job with these reviews! Thanks!

[@StrateleStudios]

Wow!!!

[@av40229]

She has Her own music I'm sure you know by now. She can also do Oliva Newton-John, Bread anything really. Her vocals are amazing and yes, We need Her to have longevity.

[@andrewwinter4399]

Tori is an angel, nothing else matters

[@keezeeroots5997]

I would definitely pay to see this cover band. It's as close to the real Carpenters as we will ever get. Wonder what Richard would think about this rendition. RIP Karen. You are sorely missed.

[@jbs256]

He certainly knows about it. He met with Tori at the 55th.

[@andrewwinter4399]

Incredible, just incredible... didn't think there was ever a chance that someone could do justice to Karen but Tori has done it... simple as that.

[@dankendall1205]

Wow

[@shamrock1961]

She sings Olivia Newton-John’s Magic. Carole King, Beatles and a host of others She also writes original compositions as well.

[@rayanderson7074]

The Closest you will ever get to Karen!!! Phenomenal!!!

[@davidlevine1697]

beautiful, uplifting. there are so many instruments in the world, but for me, the human voice is the one that always makes me smile.

[@lindabergman3127]

Yes😂🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@obrewsky]

This song was written by Paul Williams as a bank commercial for Denver,CO Bank. Paul Williams even recorded himself.

[@markwilkins4616]

Absolutely incredible...wow... everything was phenomenal.

[@chicken-bone]

I’ve been listen to Tori for awhile and her voice gives me chills every time 🥰

[@shanty4590]

Couldn’t believe my Ears when first heard this Girl sing KC song. Think if Karen was with us she would have been amazed by this Girl, but Richard would be the one to give us a final judgement on this. 👏🏻👏🏻❤

[@jbs256]

They did officially meet at the 55th. If you look at all the details of Georgia On My Mind you may get other thoughts.

[@andrewwinter4399]

Tori is the 2nd coming, listening to an angel

[@ipc1962]

Cuando escucho solo puedo emocionarme. Gracias

[@frankdamiano8523]

Wow,…that gives me chills just like the original.

[@royboyll]

Your in shock...I'm in tears....wonderful

[@GraciesMom]

She does sing other songs-I’ve only heard covers so far (just discovered her today) but I imagine she’ll start to sing a few originals. Her voice carries over to the other tunes…meaning she really does have that KC smooth voice, but it translates. She makes things her own. I’m very impressed by her talent. She’s only 22, just started singing a few years ago and plays the piano and guitar very well. I hope she goes far!!!!

[@jbs256]

Check out Jeff’s analysis of Something To Believe In, an original given to Tori and Christmas Again, an original given to Tori, on her channel. Check who wrote CA and Steve’s history.

[@GraciesMom]

@@jbs256 I will-thank you!

[@photomanwilliams4147]

I found Tori today (04/23/24) I can't stop viewing her scores of videos, I am so blown away, and she is so young. I saw her interviewed, and she only got serious about singing two years ago. Stunned, is what I was hearing her the first time........ Stunned has been the couple of people who do reaction/analysis I've viewed. It won't be long before some music producer signs her for a Karen Carpenter tribute tour.

[@barrytipton1249]

I had heard or read somewhere that she was/is a sound engineer and does music production. What a talent and I hope she continues because she has a special talent.

[@lindabergman3127]

Beautiful voice

[@jbs256]

That she is! ❤ Her latest is a “Studio” cover of Something In Your Eyes and she self produced it with Drew’s piano track.

[@health6785]

The difference between Karen & Tori is the feeling of & facial expression & emotion. Somehow Karen had that ability of getting it across with her voice & putting it on records. When you see her on TV it was magnified in those emotions like she had experienced it herself. This is noway of taking Tori voice & putting it on the back burner she is a fine singer.

[@rf937dave7]

I'm crying right now. So spot on & tori you are so gifted with that silky smooth voice ohh wow just beautiful ❤😊

[@chaspullen3544]

Excellent, excellent job. Bravo Tori!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@marksummers1700]

1st of all, Tori's cover of Karen Carpenter's voice is just FLAWLESS...!!!!! 2nd, i love how showing all the vocal overdubs being performed, and backing instrumental tracks, gives you a sense of Richard's production of the song...!!!!

[@MikkiYoMikki]

I mean... This song has such a significance in my life that I know every nook and cranny of this song and this cover has totally nailed it... I've NEVER heard a cover so exactly like the original... It's absolutely amazing...

[@arg9980]

ESTO ES EXTRAORDINARIO ! LA VOZ DE KAREN CON UNA NUEVA VIDA ! ♥ QUIEN ES ESTA CHICA ???????????? NUNCA HABÍA ESCUCHADO A ALGUIEN QUE PUEDA ACERCARSE A LA PERFECCIÓN DE KAREN.... NUNCA !

[@gregdcross]

Jim, like you I grew up with the Carpenters and like you, shocks and awe. Choking back tears it took me back, being with my dad and sitting there with listening to a Carpenter album. I don't think Karen's voice was transplanted. I think God bless Tori the same way He did with Karen. Phrasing can be taught, but tamber in your voice is just what you were born with. Tori's other videos are just as good. I'm sure you'll agree that voices like her are extremely rare and all we can do is keep Tori encouraged to not be manipulated by the music industry.

[@seekinghim1272]

Amazing!!!! Must record music. Your voice is a gift from God!!!

[@fieldstar3777]

I love Karen, so I cry when I see this ! from Japan

[@markkuhns3623]

Just brings me to tears. So so sad. A beautiful life cut so short.😢😢😢😢❤

[@URnickel_MY2cents]

This is truely _amazing !!!!!_

[@edsummers6869]

Bravo!

[@jallen669]

I'm a Boomer from SoCal. This gave me goosebumps and flasbacks

[@davidweimer8880]

I was almost crying.

[@31.01]

Tori Holub was born in 2003, which makes her 22 years younger than the Carpenters, who recorded their 10th and final album in 1981. Interestingly, February 4, 2023, marked 40 years since Karen Carpenter’s passing at the age of 321. Tori Holub is a talented vocalist and aspiring audio engineer, known for her unique music covers and recording technique content. She has nearly 400,000 followers across social media platforms and millions of views on her videos

[@jimcook5711]

I've seen this several times but just got how they shoed photos of who was doing what, and when. So cool.

[@scottyahney8565]

you look amazed Jeff !!!!!

[@StrateleStudios]

I am extremely amazed!

[@vegaswillie]

Girl did her homework.

[@felixnorman9562]

The vocals are scary epic!

[@AmirFazadh]

Tori is amazing. Her voice is close to Karen's, not exact, but close enough that someone who didn't know Karen's voice wouldn't know the difference. The arrangement of the backing vocals is spot on. Complex multi-voice vocal tracks can be tricky, but they nailed it. Strings and brass were right there, too, as was the clarinet opening. SO well-done. Nothing was overplayed, the mix was very close to the original, but with today's technology, much clearer. Tori's voice sits right where Karen's did in the original, amazing. Takes me back to my childhood, hearing this on the AM radio in my mom's 73 Camaro in the back seat, on the way to the pool...🥰 This track is a time machine!!!

[@briany7658]

I've never heard anyone sound so close to Karen Carpenter's voice. Just amazing!!!

[@Wurlyscope]

Tori Holub did another cover with Dan Wesley. It’s Suddenly from the film Xanadu sung by Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard. She’s fantastic!

[@richardgonzalez5290]

Just simply AWESOME !

[@79Budrow]

I love Tori ❤. She’s incredible!!!

[@mikesch0000]

That was just wow!

[@andyschnell58]

Thanks for your reaction Jeff. Tori has a few original songs to go with her covers. I never got to hear Karen Carpenter live but hope to hear Tori in the near future. She is from Minnesota.

[@JohnEades]

Great reaction, you have to listen to more of her shorts, she does some excellent ONJ covers as well... one thing you get immediately when hearing Tori is a smile... she deserves to be a star IMHO... outstanding voice.

[@dotlund1096]

Very nice! She has a beautiful voice. 🥰

[@delightschwartz2155]

She has a very slightly different tone color, but it's spot on otherwise. Her diction is incredible. The Carpenters' drummer Danny Woodhams went to the same high school I did, a few yrs earlier than me, but their songs were extremely popular there. Beautiful.

[@rlew49ers]

BTW, there is an audio only cover of Merry Christmas, Darling - my all time favorite X-Mas song. Oh, she also covers short versions of Olivia Newton-John, Anne Murray, ABBA and many more short covers.

[@davidfyola9916]

Tori’s voice is breathtaking. Yes she phrases the vocals like Karen but Tori’s voice is just so beautiful. She also sings Heart and sounds just as amazing. Truly an amazing singer.

[@markmetzler9108]

Tori has done a number of covers, including some from Heart. She is quite the talent. Karen's death was truely a loss, but her influence will carry on for a very long time.

[@danjenkins9180]

Incredible! 😲👍

[@ricksmith1486]

Well they say that when one person passes away in time they will come back in a different life well I think that ,that beautiful voice of carin carpenter has came back to us in touri..

[@gaetanodetorrice5555]

She sings that song it reminds me of Karen. And it brings tears to my eyes❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.

[@Cr4z33_YT]

It's amazing how tight this song is. Even the drums have a VERY 70's sound (especially the snare) lol!

[@CSltz]

Wouldn't it be nice to have a film comparison between the Carpenter's recording and this. Just for how it was done. The difference in equipment alone is exciting. She sure has mastered the. Art of lipsyncing.🥰 At a live performance. I can't imagine that there is a “dry eye” in the house.

[@jbs256]

There wasn’t. Look for her performance, live at the 55th.

[@davidreed4661]

This young lady gets it! She has nailed the vocal style of Karen Carpenter, and the production was masterful! The harmonies really transported me back in time to when I played this song on the air for the first time! She and those around her are truly gifted! ❤

[@jeffkooistra264]

It's uncanny, isn't it? She isn't imitating Karen, but actually sounds like her, almost perfectly.

[@rickderby8438]

Jeff, my 1st celebrity crush. Indeed, so loved by so many. Yes, Tori does honor KC.

[@richeswebcraft]

Hi Jeff. Great reaction. I was similarly stunned by her her voice when I first heard it. The production and video was also excellent!

[@GaryScharf-c3t]

I heard Tori do a Patsy Cline song that is very good but, her natural voice is more like Karen Carpenter! I too was amazed at the similarity to Karens voice. Great reaction!

[@fabricioalves928]

Mto parecida com a voz da Karen. Parabéns!

[@lisadannaker8063]

Wow! That was spot on! Never heard of this group. Thank you!

[@frommatorav1]

This isn't a group. It was a collaboration between musician Jim Wilkas and singer Tori Holub. They both have KZbin channels.

[@lisadannaker8063]

@@frommatorav1 Thanks

[@FredTonelli]

It’s a little bit unbelievable, what she’s done! I would say she has a good ear! Wow is right!

[@markwest9119]

The joy on your face said it all. Loved seeing you experience this wonderful production like I and many others did!

[@richardhooser5096]

That was simply amazing! As beautiful as the original which I thought was impossible. Incredible.

[@squatch545]

This was the most popular wedding song of the 1970s. My best friend was in a band and played this at so many weddings, he eventually just got sick of it.

[@Ozzcaddy]

The video is amazing that Tori and Jim have put together with fellow musicians. I was fortunate enough to have seen The Carpenters when they came to Australia in 1972, in Sydney at the Chevron Hilton Hotel. It was in a cabaret setting, and where I was sitting was no more than 15 feet from the small, raised stage or platform. Whenever I watch videos or hear The Carpenters I immediately feel back at that concert.