Why Musicians Love Jacob Collier

Get my FREE piano mini-course here! cornell.academy/instant-piano...
Start your piano journey now: get 30% off our beginner-friendly "Intro to Piano" course with code LEARNPIANO30! cornellmusicacademy.com/intro...
MERCH: charlescornell.creator-spring...
LINKS:
Jacob's Channel: / jacobcolliermusic
June Lee's Interviews with Jacob:
PART 1: • Interview: Jacob Colli...
PART 2: • Interview: Jacob Colli...
PART 3: • Interview: Jacob Colli...
Carter McLean's Channel: • BOVID DRUM HEADS DEMO
Follow me on social!!
Instagram: bit.ly/2WoR7W1
Twitter: bit.ly/2I02YAt
Facebook: bit.ly/2K4rHq8
TikTok: bit.ly/2X7pnlN

[@CharlesCornellStudios]

For my fellow musicians: what have you taken from Jacob's music that has helped you in your own??

[@azadehfa]

How about a word from a non-musician? I've taken honesty, earnestness and transparency from his music.

[@Proghead88]

Total creative freedom while looking for grounding and balance with your ideas and emotions, and expanding the empathy in your musical expression and beyond. What surprises me most about Jacob is his emotional intelligence above his abnormally intelligent mind. It has allowed me to relate and understand more forms of expression.

[@Squantle]

He did a great segment for Wired where he explains that for chords, more isn’t always better. Adding #11 and b4 is not always necessary and it’s okay to keep it simple

[@cakecakes31]

I've learned a new inspiration and determination to learn. Basically he taught me how to want to learn rschnical stuff. He also explains very complex things in interviews so... in short a lot

[@leannihi6807]

Honestly he just inspires me to compose. He makes me want to try composing with new instruments, because he taught me that if you do it right, you can voice anything to sound like heaven...

[@ShayLeonia]

Jacob simultaneously makes me want to be better and also quit.

[@cmanwilly]

most relatable comment ive read in a minute

[@sdfjhfjksdh]

Yeah I also started an acapella youtube channel because of him and also wanna quit because of him😶

[@musikavatarethan]

@@sdfjhfjksdh i subscribed :)

[@sdfjhfjksdh]

Musik Avatar Ethan wow thank you!!

[@robertodinovi9528]

same here

[@itisnottaken4444]

He's a prodigy that makes music that isn't pretentious. Also, the way he explained harmony to a 5 year old, That was precious.

[@Javielle]

It's awesome. Being a classical flutist for 15 years, I can for sure tell you that musicians can be the most pretentious people who make the least amount of money 😂

[@albertnortononymous9020]

Isn’t pretentious? Did you not even notice the six individual outlandish-yet-oddly-stylish hairstyles in that first “Isn’t She Lovely” video?

[@rebeccaanderson7580]

@@albertnortononymous9020 he's using the hairstyles to denote who is 'singing' what part, for people watching to be able to mimic his physicality to try and reproduce his sound, as well as the harmonics hes singing. It's simply another tool for people like me to auditorily break down the parts real time, to train my ear to discern different vocal tones.

[@OsvaldoBayerista]

@@albertnortononymous9020 Why is that pretentious?

[@lorrainemigliorini4298]

Love this guy. He, in my opinion, is a genius, who will make it into the history books. I thought my knowledge of harmony was fairly good, but Collier has blown me away with his heightened discoveries. They have taken music to the next level. Bue bye, Schoenberg et al.

[@yalz302]

"There's musicianship and then there's genius and then, way, way, way above all that, out in the stratosphere, is Jacob Collier" -Hans Zimmer

[@PieceofSheet0]

@therainman777 That's what I'd like to know too haha

[@raihanhaidar582]

@@TKSnatch you're the man, thanks for sharing

[@markspencer8790]

Hans Zimmer is an over rated hack but I agree that Jacob has an extraordinary capability to take the vast wealth of musical knowledge and throw it aside in favor of creativity. His genius is not due to his musical knowledge but in the way he uses it to inform his artistry.

[@eduardoleroy3660]

Where does Mozart fit in that scale?

[@nikibronson133]

@@markspencer8790 Yeah I mean for his genre Of Music Jacob is amazing. I would say though that there are many artists that do this and many musicians but not all are known not only in jazz but other genres. We are lucky to know Jacobs talents. Let's also recognize though that not all is transferable. Jazz is his thing. Hip hop/rap or rock maybe not. Who knows but let's remember that no ones talents are omnipotent.

[@coenwatt9458]

Fun fact, Jacob has not only perfect pitch and can recognise both tones and semi tones, but he can also recognise microtones, insane right

[@ThatBish380]

He’s a genenius

[@nikibronson133]

Yeah... that's perfect pitch...

[@rbdel]

@@nikibronson133 not all perfect pitch is absolute absolute jacob perfect pitch

[@nikibronson133]

@@rbdel absolute picth is the scientific name for perfect pitch.....

[@mcdonaldseggandcheesebiscu978]

@@nikibronson133 he has a different type of perfect pitch, somehow it’s better then mine. I also have perfect pitch but hearing some of the notes he makes boggles my brain, bro is making notes that didnt even exist before then

[@butterdee7542]

Becuase of his bear hat.. that’s the only reason

[@frispyyclothing6930]

The One and only answer

[@CharlesCornellStudios]

It's a compelling one

[@cinnabonbon]

The truth finally revealed

[@lukeh6704]

@dylan foley hello fellow ling ling wannabe

[@divisix024]

@dylan foley he is InteReStInG

[@Holly-rose752]

My brother (a musician) heard my video from downstairs and yelled “IS THAT JACOB COLLIER?”

[@revangerang]

😂

[@kozhikkaalan]

I love this XD

[@catilena]

my boyfriend (a singer) did the exact same thing!

[@BTTFan]

if i had a roommate that did that i would have been like FUCK SHIT HIDE IT HIDE IT HIDE IT!!!!!!!!

[@thorr18BEM]

Musicians all crush on Collier like he's Justin Beiber or something, haha

[@ellirambler6160]

part of what i’ve always rather loved about jacob collier is that when he talks about music, he never talks about what he’s doing as if it’s the greatest thing in the world, but he talks about music itself and what it does as if it is. he is a humble breath of fresh air that’s just having fun and helping other people have fun, too

[@dandanthesoundman7607]

Too true:)).

[@Anewevisual]

It just feels like something cold and clinical written by a nerd sitting in a cold basement. Like yeah dude is probably a musical theory genius, but not a creative or soulful, or even tasteful one lol.

[@kiko1935]

I don't think Collier is pretentious, It's more that he's so excited to use all the tools in his toolbox that it comes across as showy or ostentatious, ie "hey look at me and all these off-the-wall chord progressions" even if that is NOT his intention (he seems pretty humble from the videos I've seen). He annoyed me at first I'll admit but anyone who is willing to do live-streams where they reveal their trade secrets simply bc they want to pass on knowledge, for FREE is more than ok in my book.

[@CookieCurls]

That’s true, but his newer stuff is starting to move away from that. As he matures, that show off-y stuff will go away, and he will use all of that incredible technique and knowledge to make something really meaningful. Pretty much all amazingly talented prodigies take that path.

[@MelanieBush1989]

My boyfriend says that too, he said he'd love to see him live (we bought tickets for next year!) but when he listens to his records they're too "busy" for him and he says he's a bit tired afterwards, and that other jazzy stuff he listens to and enjoys more are more simplistic. Personally I understand how one can be a bit exhausted after some of these songs packed with stuff but to me listening multiple times and experiencing and unlocking all of these layers in my mind, focusing on something else each time I listen, is what makes Jacob's music exciting to me. I love when music is more "complicated" because I experience sth else every time I listen. My boyfriend says, like you, that it does come across as show-off and too much for the sake of too much, but I agree with you that he's just excited to use all his tools and add more and more. Maybe the more is not the merrier, and I'm sure I would enjoy a stripped down version or potential path of his just as much, but for now I couldn't be enjoying myself more. I love how complex and busy his songs are, but I can't say "I wouldn't want it any other way". Tbh I'm sure I'll enjoy whatever he makes haha.

[@nikibronson133]

Who said he was pretentious? That's not the vibe I get from him I get a Vibe of like a giddy kid but I have to say his music doesn't really do much for me other than maybe a couple song but it's nothing I'm going back to. But still I appreciate his talent he's doing some really cool things for jazz

[@orionishi6737]

@@nikibronson133 He's getting there, still full of youth and hope and joy. Give it time. Even with all it's depth, his music is a little boring. But yeah the guy is definitely talented

[@SteveJobIess]

His voice is whack. All the instruments, arrangements, and creativity... but as soon as he sings, its laughable.

[@noova02]

You know you're a good artist when everyone can explain your trades and secrets, but still cant even begin to duplicate your magic.

[@roicalvin]

Damn that's such a beautiful way to put it

[@zachknell]

Exactly.

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

Wow, that is so true!

[@stevecarter8810]

Yeah. Sure, you can explain what he did, but not how come he chose to do it

[@TheRock5300]

TRUTH HAS BEEN SPOKEN by the comment above 👏 👏 👏

[@electrocuteanna]

Jacob is, of course, an utter prodigy but I think what really makes him so magnetic is that he is extraordinarily talented while also exuding an immense sincerity and joy. He seems like such a genuine, wholesome dude who has an endless excitement for what he does. You cannot help but be drawn into what he's saying.

[@user-zj8xh4hg3m]

ana barkley THIS

[@workara8257]

Reminds me of Bobby McFerrin

[@Walans]

Dont forget discipline

[@LosantoBeats]

When you speak with much passion, that is a natural reaction.

[@lsjaowhwbkwhwksha5926]

EXACTLYYY

[@dennisrudin6907]

I am just a (re-)commencing composer, but one MAJOR impact Jacob has had on my composing is him explaining that: there are no WRONG notes, it is just a matter of what you play NEXT. This made me start looking more chromatically at voice leading, as the tension created by a stray chord or melody can always be resolved nicely into a diatonic harmony, and it opened the door to shift keys, modes and root over some chords I had never considered before based on the music theory I had studied so far.

[@jayclarke9611]

That no wrong notes … what u play next’ comes from Miles” ask Herbie

[@dennisrudin6907]

@@jayclarke9611 Well I heard it from Jacob. Am quite sure it has been said even before Miles. Doesn’t matter who was first really, does it?

[@Bebtelovimab]

@@dennisrudin6907 I'd sure like to hear what Miles thinks of Jacob. Bet he'd smile.

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

right?? I wonder whether he is familiar with early (medieval and renaissance) polyphony wich have wildly interesting voice progressions....machaut, dufay, gesualdo.......

[@Purplegreen45]

@@dennisrudin6907 western music was so formulaic and bound by rules previously, I wouldn't be surprised if Miles really did say it first. Jazz was so revolutionary and it only happened like 100 years ago.

[@J-Pow]

I won't deny that Jacob's music is super challenging to produce and require a lot of talent. That said, I can't say I'm that much of a fan. My ears kinda glaze over all of the intricacies and complexities put into the songs, and it's not necessarily what I'm looking for in music.

[@AE-hx7wy]

True, i feel the same groups like him and Dirty Loops its taken to the extreme. It's not necessarily ear pleasing, unless being highly autistic perhaps.

[@JediMaestr0]

I think that when he applies his genius to incorporating his complex harmonies and galaxy-brain understanding of music into writing something catchy and accessible, the result is astounding and really enjoyable to listen to. But more recently, starting with his album Djesse and moving forward, he’s leaned more and more towards just experimenting with these crazy ideas and, since he’s already successful, hasn’t really worked as hard to make these ideas accessible to a wider audience. As a result, it’s just harder to enjoy these more recent songs because they’re really more explorations of harmony than they are catchy music. I don’t fault him for that since I’m sure he’s having tons of fun finding his musical voice, and tons of people dig that surreal sound, so he doesn’t have to worry about losing his fanbase, but it’s just too complex and esoteric for me personally, and probably for a lot of people who like his mind-blowing but still grounded earlier works.

[@SeraphsWitness]

I agree, it's actually work to listen to. I love a great steakhouse but usually a burger is just fine.

[@jayclarke9611]

@@SeraphsWitness yeah why play chess when u can play checkers

[@unimaginablyawesome]

I don't think Jacob's music is something that you just casually listen to though. I find it refreshing in the way that if you sit down and really listen and becoming engrossed in it, the depth is mindblowing and it's just so unlike any other artist out there, many of which are focused on selling music with catchy tunes. He is clearly just focussed on his passion instead and this is what makes me smile when I hear his music.

[@stumbling]

Let's face it, Jacob Collier is also just a really good Jazz name.

[@shlapleps3306]

Rather bland

[@deldia]

There's also a Jacob Koller on KZbin who is an epic epic jazz piano player. Have a listen to his La La Land medley.

[@phelleroi1151]

so true

[@florentmillanmusic9283]

Maybe if you have the intials, J.C, you were born to play jazz, like John coltrane and jack costanzo.

[@ruislover4676]

@@florentmillanmusic9283 and Jesus Christ of course

[@MrPabgon]

Listening to those voices with headphones is just so immersive

[@kennethschechter352]

I know right!!! I specifically got high end headphones to do exactly this.

[@davewest2271]

Listening to him high with high quality headphones is even more of an experience

[@MS-pe2vt]

no need for drugs to enjoy him

[@bishopm4401]

Just gonna echo the comments here getting studio headphones changed so much for me lol

[@yungjc2]

Multiple musicians identified here...jk the dude is awesome.

[@thomasski9862]

He talked to our choir via zoom for an hour or two and I loved how much you could tell he loved his music. He made me fall in love with music again.

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

Every time I listen to one of Jacob’s songs, I as a musician, always hear a new legitimately sick musical concept that I’ve never understood. I then go to understand that concept and why it’s so awesome. When I finally get back to that same song to gush about how good it is, I find another amazing concept that I’ve never understood that supersedes the first one. It never stops. Keep in mind that I’m a 13 year multi instrumentalist, with perfect pitch and a good ear, that came from a musical family. Jacob is not that much younger than me (I’m 28). His music engages your musical brain and the emotional side of the music within you from the singing and instrumental sides in harmony. For people like Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Steve Vai, and hundreds of other big name artists that are good friends of Jacob and can gush about him even more than I do, that is no laughing matter. Just listen to Moon River.

[@jayclarke9611]

Perfectly said…I’ve studied at a pretty high level and can somewhat understand Jacobs concepts…kinda pissed he gives away how to do reharms live improvised cause I do that well …he showed it to kids like an open book test, giving away the secrets of it…lol

[@Purplegreen45]

@@jayclarke9611 gatekeeping is pretty lame, you really want more shit uninteresting music out in the world?

[@euanmangan7760]

Jacob Collier is like science in music form to me. It's doing a bunch of cool shit and I know it's got a shit ton of work and depth into it, but I have no idea what is behind any of it

[@ejomon_27]

If that's the analogy you're making then it's my job to be condescending to other people by using jargon nobody understands and answering questions with answers to questions easier than the questions they asked.

[@Ajoi1995]

IKR!!

[@Dracoriax]

@Stephen Docherty Devoid of quality? Objectively, it is of high quality. Now musicality that is more subjective!

[@gammergames3322]

@Stephen Docherty wasn't really relevant to the conversation just seems like hating

[@HotStrange]

Same for the (Swedish maybe?) guy that makes the marble machines. Can’t remember the channel name.

[@helenatoro]

i (a music student) went to jacob's concert in my city last year and when he asked if anyone in the audience was a musician I KID YOU NOT like 90% of us raised our hands. it was wild.

[@bassweapon]

Same

[@blackrockcity]

I was there.

[@CONSCI]

I'm obsessed by Charles Cornell

[@stephenowesney5173]

Ur high

[@twstdreality]

I’m offended, extremely racist comment, report it and move on.

[@BreezyTheBoss12]

With*

[@ems7623]

Charles is a cutie. It's understandable

[@ABc-wf4ry]

jacob is so talented I get angry. And he's such a nice guy that I get angry that I'm angry. holy shit i forgot i even said this 1k likes damn

[@viktorija4485]

😂 And I'm angry that you're angry to JC. how can it be?! Ugh there are some angry issues here 😂

[@ABc-wf4ry]

@@viktorija4485 indeed there are

[@SteveJobIess]

His goofy voice brings him back down to earth.

[@VVVY777]

And what does he do with the talent? Where's the art? It's all wanking.

[@adrenochrome3853]

Underated comment

[@shottiez]

I feel like we all know someone who kinda looks like Jacob Collier

[@koalabandit9166]

Jordi el Nino (if you don't know who that is, don't look it up; I don't want your innocence to be ruined because of me)

[@robertoladrondeguevara3873]

shottiez jordi enp

[@binomial6473]

I thought he was quadeca lol

[@jamesbrasfield2944]

Oh my god :0

[@boingo5608]

What the heck tru

[@sygma_mdn_zdd]

Obligatory “This guy is like, obnoxiously good at music” quote here

[@kianyt5804]

This guy listens to jacob

[@joashchechet1675]

Adam Neely quote

[@benschrock1082]

Hehe it's funny how all music nerd channels have the same fans.

[@MMM-rw6bl]

Ben Schrock yeah it’s actually kinda heartwarming that we have a community here

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

BASS

[@PhilTraynor]

The biggest thing about Jacob that allows him to be so outside and bizarre yet utterly accessible is that he does everything with a palpable and obvious sense of joy. You feel like he KNOWS who he is, and just accepts it utterly, with no arrogance; and you sense that his life's mission is to try to channel and distribute his great gifts to us as easily as possible, always packaged in that warmth and good humor. He is so self-effacing and disarming personally that he could play practically anything and that smile would make it OK. The polyrhythmic approach to groove and microtonal stuff derail me a little until I get used to it, but I'm so awash in love for his harmonic choices that it just doesn't matter.

[@Joseph-tm5vv]

Q: “Why do musicians love Jacob Collier?” A: Because Jacob is the musician’s musician.

[@conradthe2]

Charles really playing the long game: do a bunch of pop stuff to bring in the Normies and hit them with JC lol

[@thesmallcanadianstranger5283]

Gotta reel ‘em in and then when they least expect it... BAM Jacob Collier

[@jessewildman1292]

conradthe2 yessssss

[@CouchEconomyTX]

Lol Harry Styles and stuff lol *5mins later* so Jacob colliers Moon river cover

[@zacharyianbautista1813]

Started with memes...

[@zacharyianbautista1813]

Started with memes...

[@Podcastage]

Jacob breaks my brain.

[@CreativeIsolation]

Love your channel. :)

[@achenarmyst2156]

There‘s a crack in everything, and that is how the light gets in. 🙂

[@LevisSparkz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpmZp5ZqobWeaZo😂😂😂

[@Tkibbs14]

Bandrew!! Wow, cool to see you here

[@nahiankabyo4296]

It is funny because When I heard about him from my friends, I was actually surprised why they are feeling like he is some sort of god or something? Even after listening some of Jacob's music...it didn't impressed me. Because I actually understood the theories...most of it before even hearing about him from my friends.

[@gavinstrangeakajamfactory9746]

What I love about Jacob is he's obviously so insanely talented but he's not snobby about the fundamental joy of creating music. He made me - just an amateur - feel like my expression through music is just as valid as anyone elses. That's a super cool feeling!

[@vitrealisvein]

I think I have a really unsophisticated palate or something because his music doesn't sound that special to me. Some people call him the modern Mozart, but the thing is, I can hear how beautiful Mozart's music is. Why can't I hear it with Jacob Collier's music?

[@jeangodecoster]

Adam Neely: You can’t reharmonize Stevie Wonder Jacob: Hold my strawberry slurpie

[@deikay5414]

Hold my teabag

[@manit9226]

Hold my other croc

[@DupaChunner]

Hold my 600-track Logic project.

[@jazzyboyem7b569]

hold my magic pants

[@haloplaya2009]

Just hold me.

[@benchesworth7750]

Jacob: Does anything Musicians: Write that down, write that down!

[@danielmirandacastro7161]

Ben Chesworth I'm still waiting for a transcription on the hallelujah livestream. Geeeee

[@oceanshmienek5462]

He’s probably an alien music prodigy experiment that got out of hand after gaining self awareness and they just sent him down to earth because they couldn’t control him anymore.

[@nakinaki7991]

Can he do 200 push ups

[@oceanshmienek5462]

naki naki yes

[@jinjeegarrick]

HAHAHAHAH so true!

[@arf101088]

what i love about him is that he makes the complex harmony that he uses seem easy, like i can learn to understand this sort of stuff myself. that sort of influence is inspirational, the sort of thing a future generation of musicians would aspire to

[@henrydyess9863]

Charles: "If you're an alto in a chorus then you may have been plagued with boring parts!" Bases/Baritones: *furious shaking*

[@juststevoo]

Bro bass is LIT sometimes

[@AtaraxianWist]

Barutones get good lines about half the time, honestly.

[@1pepituh]

My experience with JC lots of times is: I listen to one of his songs for the first time and I may not be in love with it right away, some of them may even sound weird... but the more i listen to them, hear the details, the more I "study" that song, the more I fall inlove with it! Jacob is trully amazing! And so are you, Charles!!! cheers! Great video!

[@katharineshade9550]

Pedro Lopes that's a really good way to put it. Part of the brilliance of his music is its depth and complexity, all of which you just can't comprehend and appreciate with superficial listening.

[@midi.mp3]

It's the Gorillaz effect

[@yaoguo3427]

same here!//

[@Max-jf5vu]

Yeah I agree. There are definitely some that I love right away, but listening to it multiple times or even Jacob playing it in a different setting (e.g. live) really does bring your attention to the depth and genius of his music.

[@b.kristof98]

Same! Watching the logic session breakdowns of his songs made me discover so many details that I didn't really hear right away. All of his songs are so amazing:)

[@erichuang5911]

I can appreciate the technical aspect of Collier's music, but I understand why people sometimes call it "Disney music in a weird time signature."

[@RayAndre]

I’ve never heard that

[@jadejaguar69]

Yeah, it's Disney on shrooms

[@santotiago80]

Actually I've found that every non-jazz listener perceives ALL jazz harmony like movie music

[@thepriceofsalt9003]

@@santotiago80 i guess that speaks to the enduring influence of jazz in music

[@_-__-____]

Agree, the kid is so talented but his taste still needs to develop a lot I think. He’s too focused on what he COULD do musically, if often comes out as a jumble- once he walks it back I’m excited to hear the result.

[@ThomasJWest]

The first Jacob video I saw was "The Flintstones" - the second video he uploaded to KZbin. Instantly blown away. His ability to create incredibly complex music and yet make it emotionally accessible to every human is otherworldly. I truly think he is the Mozart of our time. He wears his eccentricity well as well. His albums are like the other great albums in recorded history - every time you take the time to listens critically, you hear something new.

[@brenolasha]

Jacob makes me cry in agony with a big smile in my face with a heart full of joy at the same time.

[@iszybutler3000]

He's helped me realize I'll never be as good as him

[@malanakingh4026]

Just follow your own aesthetic and you're golden.

[@chrystallized8886]

Mood.

[@MaeV808]

Advantage of his is being born and raised in a musical family with hella pros.

[@vickiburns1642]

Iszy Butler What’s most important is that you tell a story, your story in a way that is authentic and effective. Jacob is amazing in his technical ability but other than being sonically rich and affecting, sometimes leaves me emotionally cold.

[@iszybutler3000]

@@vickiburns1642 I can definitely agree to an extent. I've never really felt an emotional connection with his songs. Don't get me wrong, I think Jacob collier is one of the most musically talented people of this generation, but his music has never really touched me emotionally. Thanks for the advice! btw, I looked at you channel and I just want to say, you have an amazing voice!

[@raginbakin1430]

Please review city pop! It's a style of 70s/80s Japanese pop music that's often heavily jazz influenced. In recent years, the genre has had a resurgence on KZbin. Lots of people agree that the "Holy Trinity" of city pop is 1. Plastic Love by Mariya Takeuchi 2. Stay with Me by Miki Matsubara 3. 4 AM by Taeko Ohnuki (which is probably the jazziest out of the three; I would start with this one!)

[@tamvibes]

Thank you for this! I've just found some me some new music to dive into!

[@MagiciteHeart]

City pop is iconic.

[@thejamiebodyssey9496]

I must have listened to Plastic Love 1000 + times when I 1st heard it and I'm glad I randomly stumbled upon your comment because Taeko Ohnuki.... wowowowowow.

[@erichuang5911]

@@tamvibes No problem! (;

[@erichuang5911]

​@@thejamiebodyssey9496 Yeah lol I think most KZbin people started with Plastic Love. Taeko Ohnuki is amazing! Her SUNSHOWER album is an masterpiece IMO

[@benjaminmoore8849]

I watched this 3 years ago when you first posted, and was struck by the post’s self-effacing clarity, insight, and scope. Rewatching it now, is even richer with how prescient it turned out to be for not only Jacob’s work, but the whole of current music production and theory. Thanks as always for your keen perceptions and especially for your sense of joy in discovery!

[@stevebazzano9971]

His chordal structures and rhythmic genius keep his music fresh every time I listen,

[@alixcage9733]

I love how eloquent this guy is when he's explaining and expressing his perspectives. Guy has some charisma man

[@ahuddleofpenguins4842]

You forgot to mention how cute he is. Like look at him he’s like a small can of beans.

[@bellad5968]

THIS

[@Rafa-mv4nn]

Jacob fans are called Jaco beans

[@user-km9bx3gf3z]

YESSSSS

[@sophiaseth2769]

He kinda looks like sid from toystory

[@theharry801]

as a bi man he makes me constantly question if i rly like girls at all

[@tokyo.r6]

So lucky to have worked with Jacob and write music alongside him. Incredible person.

[@matheusazzi]

Your way of presenting the ads hooked me. Gratz dude, not a musician but the humble way you dealead with it moved me and was actually insightfull.

[@minimouse7890]

Why can’t we as the human species look at a person who is more talented than ourselves and just be ecstatic that we live in the same world as they do? Why do we have to hate - them or ourselves? I as so thrilled to know there are people like Jacob in my world in my time. And I get to enjoy him whenever I want because of the miracle of the internet. The majority of people in Mozart’s day never even knew he existed let alone were able to hear and appreciate his genius while he was alive.

[@jinjeegarrick]

Yazzzz!!!! It's an honor to be on the planet at the same time as this kid!

[@alebecher5056]

Because humans have opinions and like to state them

[@mtgsk5180]

Because we are self centered beings

[@Andrew-ri5vs]

I just don’t like his music. It’s sounds like boring trite

[@pedrosilvamusician]

@@alebecher5056 sure, but instead of sharing said opinions people tend to rub in your face their own and how much you are not correct for not having theirs

[@zmusicman39]

"All I Need" has been all I need for the last few weeks.

[@JIsaacMardis]

I’ve only listened to it 85 times

[@Yagirlnyesha]

YES

[@Yagirlnyesha]

J M 100 times for me

[@CouchEconomyTX]

J M despite it being Jacobs simplest song, it’s my least favorite. I really like Jacobs crazy chords and theory

[@williammurray773]

@@CouchEconomyTX I mean its not exactly 'simple' per say, just more poppy. Definitely still microtonal/weird harmony and other bizarre stuff.

[@atherrien95]

That improv at 12:15 is fantastic. I could listen to an entire album of that sort of thing

[@scottmasson3039]

Jacob’s music is definitely not my cup of tea, but I find his talent unbelievable and incredibly inspiring. That’s what’s kinda cool about him: I don’t have to gravitate to or love what he creates, but I’d be a total dumbass to not recognize that he is probably the greatest living musician on the entire planet. I mean…seriously….who the f*** is better at music than he is? Lol.

[@prawtism]

I can only enjoy the arrangements, which truly are better than the originals.

[@cyrowind6877]

Charles: I personally haven’t put in the time to understand harmony that well: Also Charles: We can use these four large hadron chords combined with a double hexahedron tide pod to create some really cool harmonies.

[@paulhb]

Never heard of this kid until now. Well, rabbit hole, here I come.

[@TimminatorPS]

Have fun

[@Astral_Incarnate]

Its an intense ride

[@jenniferv]

A rabbit hole that opens up into a bright sunny resolution

[@jags4all]

Ha.. I am with you!

[@umami.mamisan]

Checking in Paul, how are you doing? Staying hydrated?

[@plankcaller]

a bunch of artists that know a lot of music theory try to put a lot of that stuff mostly to flex, but jacob legit feels like he enjoys the process of doing using these complex techniques and theories and shoving them into stuff like pop and dubstep. he's a nice dude.

[@nicolouc.2984]

He’s out of this world, time alone with you and close to you, what good songs!

[@renthehag]

“This dude’s younger than I am, and I hate myself.” Yup. That right there. That sums it up for me 🙃😂

[@peterragni3350]

For me it went “this dude’s younger than I am, and,” * ad plays for 15 seconds * “...I hate myself”

[@hkat321]

I think I'm actually younger than him, but I still feel this

[@achenarmyst2156]

This is so sad guys. This may even approach psychopathology. The more natural response is to just admire what he is capable of. I feel not in the least devaluated in my musicianship by him. It‘s more that he is an endless inspiration.

[@nuclearbirds]

Achenar Myst I’m not sure whether you have credentials to diagnose psychopathology (or psychopathy) - but I do know that nearly everyone I know has similar feelings when they see successful people who are younger than they are. I think it’s especially common in people who were pushed to be the best at something (academics, music, sports) who see someone effortlessly doing something that they had to work tirelessly and be pushed toward. I think it’s another symptom of “gifted child syndrome” more so than psychopathy.

[@colepeterson9961]

He's a musicians musician, he has a thorough understanding of things that most professional musicians have barely scratched.

[@nikibronson133]

Eh subjective statement

[@colepeterson9961]

@@nikibronson133 I mean the fact that he has a thorough understanding of things most musicians have barely scratched isn't subjective. You could say that him being a musicians musician is subjective, but I personally haven't met anyone who knows who he is that isn't a musician.

[@nikibronson133]

@@colepeterson9961 no that is a subjective statement. There's 7 billion people in the world and all types of musicians out there and over a billion people that have lived and died you. Did you forget about the people who created European music theory in the first place? He's not the only person he's just the most famous one that you know of. So yes it is a subjective statement. Music is endless. He doesn't have omnipotent knowledge of Music nor is he the first person to touch on Harmony. Experimental music exists it's just not that popular. Now this doesn't mean what he's doing isn't unique or it isn't also cutting-edge I'm just saying like he's not the first. Also this is quite subjective because you know music theory is not objective right? Like functioning off of European music theory that's not the only type of music theory out there. Music theory in the way that it's taught in schools in the west is eurocentric that's why now it's been classified as western or eurocentric music theory because different cultures have their own music theories. Its descriptive not prescriptive. Him being a musicians musician or anyone being a musicians musician or singer singer or an artist artist that is quite literally a subjective opinionated statement. Jacob does a very specific type of music. I would argue that sometimes he does things that are in his own genre but I'm sure someone else could compare him to a different musician who is done something similar in the past but for my expansive knowledge I would say sometimes the things I hear from him I would classify that as Jacob's music like Philip Glass at a very specific type of music that they were known for making. He's definitely not a musicians musician if you're in the genre of Rock or if you're in the genre of hip-hop because those are still musicians also. You're not a Musician musician if you are in the genre of afro music or World music. There isn't some sort of overarching Universal Music law and he knows the most about it and that's the only way you can approach that if you were going to say he's a musicians musician. I would definitely say he's a jazz musician the musician. Thats why I still kind of agree with your statement but I want you to recognize that it's subjective. it's an opinion. His focus is jazz with a clear influence of Blues and gospel. At least all of his stuff now. I don't know what his music will sound like 10 years from now we'll just have to wait and see. But a lot of his stuff sounds like Quincy Jones music and a lot of black genres which makes sense because that's where he's getting a lot of his Source material from in the sense and it's also who is guiding him, but I digress. And your last statement about you not meeting anyone that isn't a musician and knows who he is, that's literally subjective statement like that actually means nothing. It's anecdotal at Best But even that still shows that it's subjective like that means nothing to the conversation. I have met people who are not musicians and know who he is mainly because he was nominated for a Grammy and they wanted to see his music. He has a million followers do you think every single follower is a musician? Like just think outside of yourself for a second.

[@colepeterson9961]

@@nikibronson133 he does understand more music theory than most musicians, and so do most people who graduate from a music school, but it's clear that he's continually studying the subject and has more knowledge of theory than even most professors in the field. Also I already said the second part of my statement was subjective.

[@nikibronson133]

@@colepeterson9961 yeah once again this is a completely subjective statement. You've no idea how much music theory he knows nor all of the people who teach music theory in the world. Do you think he genuinely knows more than someone whose little job is to write music theory. People with PhD in music theory and music composition. Yeah once again a subjective statement my guy I'm sorry. There's no doubting that he knows a lot about European music theory but does he no more music theory than any musician in the world? When I just explained to you that music theory is not objective and differs from culture to culture? There's African Music theory that gets very specific, Asian music theory that gets very very specific and delves into differences within cultures themselves. The only people that would have really know that much about it would be Scholars. Jacob no doubt knows quite a bit but it's still limited to European music theory and whatever he wants to express through his artistic creation like the rest of us. Like I said he's not some omnipotent being because no one is. Music is endless and there's always something new to discover. Yeah my Guy there is no way you can prove that and there's no single person that knows that much information because music is in was just always something new to discover. And as knowledgeable as Jacob is I would still doubt he knows more than a professor whose entire life is to study the history of Music Theory music composition and to build upon that knowledge and to teach it professionally. I get that you're a fan but what you're stating are subjective, opinionated and unprovable statements.

[@KiwazaCZ]

Watching it back now, I'm pretty sure this is the video that taught me about voice leading. Thanks Charles!

[@matthewmccaleb9803]

“That guy is like, really obnoxiously good at music” -Adam Neely

[@ben251]

There's always someone

[@aboz8649]

If it’s not a 5 year old Asian kid, it’s JC

[@necroyoli08]

@@aboz8649 Who actually kinda looks like a 5-year-old Asian Lol.

[@shaipatel4960]

repetition legitimises

[@TheFrankDK]

@The Stupid will Inherit the Earth Guess you'll be inheriting the Earth then?

[@missrobinhoodie]

Sometimes when I’m tired of practicing I just let my hands play some random chords and melodies that don’t have anything to do with each other... most of the time it sounds extremely alien... but at least I can pretend to be a jazz pianist for a while.

[@ninjadu75]

😂😂😂

[@MeaganFoy]

Sometimes I just play random keys for the same reason

[@quiqui6424]

I do that too! I just press the sustain pedal until all the notes fade out. It's really comforting

[@theej12354]

That’s jazz babay!

[@anthonysnape]

is there any other way?

[@Oz1Muzyk]

Hi Sir Charles. Thanks so very much for sharing this insightful Video with us. It is refreshing and awe-inspiring to say the least. Continued blessings to you, your Family, Loved Ones and all that concerns you perpetually.

[@RemAtmos]

12:17 holy crap dude, this is amazing! If you made that into a full song, I'd be looping it

[@andygalligan4184]

Every time I listen to him I'm thinking "wow this is impressive, the harmony is so rich, what a talent" but then the songs never actually pop into my head outside of that.

[@grahamkristensen9301]

Jacob is one of those people who's so talented that it makes you angry.

[@odeg4560]

Graham Kristensen Best explanation in my opinion. I feel extremely jealous of his talent and kind of get discouraged when I listen to his music but at the same time it encourages me to get better 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@deathhamster_2213]

...and is such a nice guy you get angry that you're angry.

[@DickEnchilada]

Jacob Collier exists to make even the enviable envious.

[@yamiii]

Everyone in our jazz band can't stand him. He has such an ego, he was in an interview and was talking about "I personally like %63 swing, here's 65 and heres 63" he's honestly a very white jazz musician lmao

[@Gysklar]

@@yamiii So glad I'm not the only one who can't stand him.

[@DanielPlok]

Hey today is the anniversary of me discovering Jacob Collier through your video, so thanks for being entertaining and having me start on a musical journey I could'nt have dreamed of going through

[@HKragh]

I am so impressed with him, while at the same time I often feel very little on an emotional level. It is like whatever emotions he brings forward with his music, they are too abstract or too subjective to actually make anything happen in me. Other than sheer awe of his abilities. Well, I guess that is a feeling :D I have yet to actually finish a song by him. Like, putting it on, and letting it play until the timer reaches the end. But I think I have seen almost everything with him. Seen all videos, but only half of each? Yeah, that is about right. So he initially draws me in during a given song, but then I am off again to a new fix of being drawn in by him. Over and over again. I dunno. Mad respect. But I enjoy him from a pure technical pov, and I will never just listen to him for longer periods of time.

[@reformatted6272]

I must thank YOU if I discovered him, when you talked about the beginning of "Time alone with you" I IMMEDIATELY fell in love😭

[@1pepituh]

If you just found out about Jacob, you're in for a treat, buddy!! :) check his channel, his spotify, absorve everything he does!

[@meg4447]

@@1pepituh yes!! And can i add, his Instagram! His ig lives with other artists are a thing of beauty

[@VanessaNg]

when was this? perhaps i missed it

[@drewajv]

Jacob has the uncanny ability to make me go “huh, I’ve never thought of that” basically every time he talks about music. I was just watching a master class he did and he brought up chord extensions past the 13th and I was genuinely shocked that I’d never heard of that before

[@yamahagenos8089]

He does that? Nuts!

[@elpianogamer1196]

This man is just amazing, he really makes me feel sometimes that I have no chance of geting far in music.

[@milesmossman927]

Fantastic video! Subscribed I think Jacob will help so many musicians discover or rediscover harmony and how freeing an extensive knowledge of it can be

[@louisethomasmusic]

'If a chord sounds good, it probably has a name" -Jacob Collier (i think)

[@evanbanjo]

If it is a chord, it has a name - most multiple names depending on context. Even the ugly sounding ones!

[@equaius893]

b♭sus7#13aug5 is this even a real chord is did I make it up

[@nimamomeni1900]

@@equaius893 brb boutta grow another set of arms to check

[@user77797]

Equaius i’m so terrified of that it’d be bad enough as a b flat sus7 but then for it to be augmented? no thank you.

[@TheBlashMusic]

Even if it doesn’t sound good, it has a name lmao

[@Dr_E_Yekley]

12:17 Don't mind me, just putting this here so I could go back to it

[@luf4rall]

Sounds like JRPG game music

[@kingarthur4088]

god I love this so much

[@lilyliliann13]

Anyone know any similar songs?

[@lilyliliann13]

@Courtney Voltz Thank you very much for your reply. I will sure check out all of it :)

[@lilyliliann13]

@Courtney Voltz Omg! dammn hell, this is amazing, i added bunch of his work to my playlist. thank you for helping me discover such an amazing artist!

[@deikay5414]

Hey Charles, thanks to this video I was introduced to Jacob, and now his music is a big part of my life. Thanks for making this!

[@deikay5414]

8 months later. can confirm, still a big part of my life.

[@facksmasheen]

Not even a musician, I just needed to reassure myself that Jacob is as unique as I thought he was. There's 10-ish minute a jam session with him and Larnell Louis that I recommend everyone watch. It's really something.

[@keeganeich5755]

All musicians everywhere: *heavy breathing in G half sharp*

[@lavatar3562]

Jacob Collier is the first of a new generation of musician combining strong understanding of composition, pitch and groove with positivity, humility and an eagerness to share. The future of music is brilliant!

[@horseyyyyy]

Care to share other musicians you appreciate?

[@lavatar3562]

@@horseyyyyy check out Esperanza Spalding, Lea Bertrucci and Robert Glasper if you haven’t already.

[@nikibronson133]

Maybe the one that you know of like there are other people who have this level of skill just not everybody meets the light of day and there are other people in genres of music that you probably don't like because Jacobs genre is jazz but people in hip-hop or pop or R&B or rock and roll that do the same thing but for their music. Jacob is undeniably impressive But let's not act As if he's some savior of music when No one said there was anything wrong with music Now it's just music you don't like

[@lavatar3562]

@@nikibronson133 I appreciate all music but improvisation is dear to my heart, however let me know who your favourites are and if I haven’t heard of them I will give them a listen with an open mind

[@nikibronson133]

@@lavatar3562 i wouldn't necessarily classify Jacob as an improv jazz artist... and I was mainly referring to popular music of all genres. Just because it may not be your favorite doesn't mean that it's somehow less worth, valuable or intensive as this or that somehow Jacob could make it better is all. On a personal note I like all music so its hard to narrow it down. Right now I'm listing to Parliament-Funkadelic. World class musicians of a different genre

[@saturnine.]

Oh jeez that bit at 12:16 was really great. Instantly could hear the difference between that and playing familiar progressions, and it sounded really pretty.

[@kathleenfagre9488]

Love love your work, passion, and knowledge!!

[@vanillaplanifoliae]

alternative title: charles cornell fanboys for nearly seventeen minutes

[@JazzGuitarScrapbook]

The video makes me think of this Bill Evans quote: "I do not agree that the layman’s opinion is less of a valid judgement of music than that of the professional musician. In fact I would often rely more on the judgement of a sensitive layman than that of a professional since the professional because of his constant involvement with the mechanics of music must fight to preserve the naivety that the layman already possesses.”

[@ClintLock1]

musician doesn't equal artist. most of jc's music reminds me of owl city covering frank zappa.

[@yesok2522]

@@ClintLock1 spot on. Jacob Collier is a genius musician, but a terrible artist.

[@friedrichperez638]

@@yesok2522 i dont get it

[@TheColourCyan]

@@friedrichperez638 essentially his grasp and ability to explore music theory and instruments is excellent but he writes lame songs.

[@jakubhirsch70]

That’s why he’s music isn’t mainstream

[@thehobodriver510]

@12:16 - that was lovely. I can't really explain it, but this made me go off into a memory that was both sad and happy. Remembering a dear friend or a lover who drifted away leaving fond memories behind.

[@LilyPenguin123]

Highkey, I don't really listen to his music much but I love listening to him talk about music and theory and stuff. He's seems super chill

[@adamgillespie3393]

The fact that he can do it by ear and without autotuning is INSANE

[@santotiago80]

Doesn't he has perfect pitch?

[@DavidNormanMusic]

@@santotiago80 Yes, but he (crucially) also has insanely good relative pitch

[@shlomo-hamenaknek]

@@santotiago80 no he doesnt

[@danmullins890]

תומר רוזן yes he does

[@santotiago80]

@@DavidNormanMusic Thank you! That's crazy, I can't even catch up with the Major 7th interval :'c

[@NM-ie4qu]

10:35 "and you can probably think of a lot of songs you've heard it in." *plays hella complex Jazz chords* Yeah uhh... sure of course... definitely

[@MrCocktaiI]

Jazz musicians talking to Jazz musicians, I guess

[@whome.773]

pretty sure i heard it in either toy story or blues clues and a bunch of other songs that i dont remember the name of

[@omarmega4093]

Complex voicings, common progression

[@veltongoodenjr]

10:23 to 10:27 to my layman's untrained ear sounds like something from Bobby Caldwell's - What You Won't Do For Love

[@emmanuelsabado6580]

@@whome.773 yeah me too some chords he played is like you got a friend in me i think

[@mansfieldfamily5389]

I'm obsessed because as far as I know how to explain, he sings according to natural enharmonics instead of equal temperament or whatever we made up b/c we can't figure out how to deal with comma pump (yet). I even played (for awhile) with a program that converted my piano's output to just intonation with automatic corrections to avoid said problem, and it was amazing.

[@pmatz]

thank you for this. really enjoyable, and also - love your playing :)

[@Squantle]

His modulation into G half sharp minor in his “In the Bleak Midwinter” arrangement is legendary

[@user77797]

oh no i did that song in one of my advanced choirs in middle school and i was an alto and the harmonies were wack

[@TheReal4th]

His understanding of harmony is unrivaled. His music stands to prove how little we have explored about harmony, and how much more is left uncharted. It takes a lot of courage and passion to explore beyond the conventional. Jacob Collier is truly a once in a generation genius.

[@williamnjagi2388]

Like tigran's rythym

[@chlorinelori1064]

His remixes sound like too much of everything, like he has al the notes in the world playing at the same time on different instruments. Also Jazz... 😖 for me he ruined perfectly balanced songs, like adding too much of salt to a meal. How he sounds good to others is truly incomprehensible to me.

[@brownie3454]

id argue Cardi B can rival his understanding of harmony

[@TheReal4th]

@@chlorinelori1064 Take a look at the scores of his music. Then you'll understand why musicians are raving about Collier. Maybe it does not suit your taste, but please understand literally the first thing about music. It is entirely subjective.

[@simonbright2975]

@@TheReal4th Hence she stated her opinion, or her dislike of his music. You could be the most genius musician in the world, but that doesn't mean that everyone has to like your music.

[@BruceJC75]

I really enjoy his collaborations with other jazz musicians that kind of reign him in just a little bit.

[@Kenji-ug5bo]

Thank you for spreading the Joy of Jazz

[@tallgrasslanestitches6635]

He’s clearly insanely talented...and he’s added a crazy work ethic to that...and he keeps pushing himself to improve, for the pure joy of discovery (avoiding the trap of complacency due to comparison with others)...and top of all that, he’s interested in sharing his discoveries in a way that communicates with the rest of us.

[@achenarmyst2156]

JC Grammy speech 2020: „Do things on your own term, do things in your own time, do things for yourself, and give everything away“. His sharing is truly unbelievable.

[@josh44026]

His voicing is so good also the chord progression

[@StringsOfRage]

My god! Your example from 12:17 was absolutely perfect! I love ideas like that where it changes so frequently but with elegance. My ear craves stuff like that all the time and so when I hear it it's just bliss! Thank you! :-)

[@seangulling9016]

Let me just say that jazz is a big part of my life in music. Im trying to learn a lot and the song you played was just...YES 👌

[@nateofalltrades1448]

10:39 Charles: You can probably say thousands of songs you heard these chords in Me: Literally can’t even say one...

[@beidouvirus3978]

I thought he was gonna play I V vi IV but I guess not

[@GrumpyStormtrooper]

it kinda sounds like 'ain't misbehavin'

[@mib6002]

Nate of all trades agreed

[@helenatoro]

to me it sounded exactly like that one that goes "you are the sunshine of my life / and i will always be around" (i forget the exact name but it was freakishly similar)

[@OfficiallyChris]

I hear a lil of Charlie Brown in that lol

[@Kobiwan_]

He's just an allround ethereal being. Beaming harmony into our lives

[@thebekgo1624]

I love this description

[@williamnjagi2388]

Hes just human tho 😯

[@brinawengberg2481]

I know I'm super late to this but his harmonies remind me a lot of Eric Whitacre's songwriting. Somewhat complex and very layered harmonies. I got the chance to sing some of his choral arrangements and by god are they GORGEOUS to listen to and be a part of.

[@cdv5514]

Your channel is feeding my rediscovered hunger for music. Thank you

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

I just checked Jacob out because of Charles and he's one gifted artist

[@christianarnold4725]

A) He is B) Nice user pick. Jellal from Fairy Tail, right? At least I think that's his name. It has been a bit.

[@Phawx_]

you're everywhere but Jacob's channel SMH

[@Taco_Burrito39]

Omgomgomg Is the comment god gonna go comment on Jacob's Channel And now I have to fight the comment god I have 200 comments in Jacob's but I think I need more to get a chance with this guy

[@Taco_Burrito39]

Holy frikk

[@conzo4620]

I'm so jealous that you can still hear his stuff for the first time

[@imindi6324]

Okay I'm coming back to this video. I'm in a Berklee 5 week program and Jacob came as a guest to our class and taught us some amazing things. Even made a song in 1 mintues that is better than anything I've made. He also said that piano isn't real, just physics.

[@jayclarke9611]

Jacob s right bout physics , I self taught myself piano using physics and space relations…and close to perfect pitch …I also listened to McCoy Tyner, Bud Powell Larry Young , Chick and Herbie and both Keith’s around the clock and practiced 6 hrs a day. Collier s a friggin genius

[@velvitjonze]

Jacob is a genius. a phenomenon. a wizard. I can't get past the singing voice unfortunately. I LOVE his instrumental work and massively repesct him.

[@aohjii]

@WEEWOO yea hes a genius in relation to music theory, but hes not unique in his own collaboration of unique pieces If hes such a genius why is his music generic sounding

[@sirthursday6159]

@@aohjii because it's too complex for you to understand how his pieces are different lmao

[@aohjii]

@@sirthursday6159 true music is true soul expression, true music is felt through the whole body, whole being. not something to be mentally understood and dissected. hence what i meant by lack of creativity. Is he empty inside? does he have no soul? thats what it sounds like

[@chrispham6599]

@@aohjii shut up with the gatekeeping

[@sibbyeskie]

@@aohjii exactly. As AI comes into play more and more I suspect it will churn out arbitrary degrees of complexity. But if you want to hit on an emotional level, that takes something intangible, to convey suffering or lived experience.

[@DavidBadilloMusic]

Jacob Collier took Take 6's harmonies and ran wild with them! Genius!