Geoff is not only an amazing vocalist (all the backing vocals were his as well), but he is also the one who arranged this piece. He and his wife, Kathy (who is his production manager), along with his longtime friend and collaborator Layne Stein (who co-owns Pattycake Productions, a video production studio) shot the video as well. Layne is also the vocal percussionist/baritone for VoicePlay, the a cappella group where Geoff also sings bass, and his partner at Pattycake is Tony Wakim, who is himself a former VoicePlay baritone. The lighting work in the video was provided by Eli Jacobson, VoicePlay's tenor and an absolute genius of a lighting designer- he also does this for VoicePlay's videos. Geoff, along with VoicePlay as a group, are super interesting because they are independent, which seems to result in more creative takes on cover music. You likely noticed some of the interesting choices Geoff made when choosing his chords, as well as other artistic decisions to change the original. This is a staple of not only Geoff's arrangements, but Layne's as well (not surprising, considering those two have been singing and performing and, I can only assume, writing music together for over 25 years), so if you keep reacting to their music you will *always* find lots of interesting things on which to comment. I definitely hope you'll check out more of Geoff's solo work, but I also hope you'll consider looking into VoicePlay as well- I promise, it's well worth the dive into the rabbithole!
I heard it described really well. The OG was the warning, Disturbed's version was the anger, PTX cover is the pleading and Geoff's version is the sadness and reflection afterwards. Every time I listen to this cover, I cry. It touches my soul, and I feel like I am seeing the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Absolutely amazing cover. Great reaction!!
In Disturb's version, I get the feeling that "Hello, Darkness, my old friend," is said with bitter sarcasm, as if the darkness is an enemy that must be fought. In Geoff's version, I get the feeling it's sincere, as though, for the narrator, the darkness is a place to find rest.
Juliet, All the background vocals were also Geoff. He also did the arrangement. You picked one of the few songs that he did not clone himself in. There is usually 4 to 5 Geoffs layered together. It is claimed that he has about a 5 octane range and that his lowest note is a subharmonic B0. He is also the bass for the acapella group VoicePlay. I would be hard pressed to tell you which song to react to next. They are all very good. If you go down the rabbit hole of Geoff Castellucci, you will not regret it.
He did a solo multitrack cover of Misty Mountains (similar to the Peter Hollens/Tim Foust cover) a few years ago. Recently, he followed up with I See Fire, where he's playing the same characters, same costumes. I think I See Fire is the best showcase of the "prettiness" of his high range. I think the cover of the Mills Brothers song Till Then is the best showcase of the prettiness of his low range. Just a personal opinion. You start doing Geoff stuff and Voiceplay stuff, along with the Home Free and Pentatonix material you're already doing, you'll have enough material to last you for life. Good problem to have. :)
Tim and Geoff are good friends since VoicePlay and Home Free were on Sing Off together. HF won that year but the groups got to know each other. The two groups 'battle' each other in as zombies vs hillbillies in Survivor. Members of HF have been featured in VP videos and both Geoff and Layne Stein, the vocal percussionist have been helping out with arrangements with HF. Enjoy diving more deeply into both VoicePlay and Geoff. Suggest Nothing Else Matters, their Metallica cover and for Groff Ain't No Sunshine.
It is so much fun to see someone react to Geoff for the first time. You did not disapoint. Geoff did not begin doing solo work until Covid shut the world down and his acapella group, Voiceplay, had to stop touring. His funniest windblown hair moment is in Voiceplay's We Don't Talk About Bruno. He was teased about it relentlessly in his solo of Take Me Home Country Roads. You can't go wrong with anything from him, I promise. If you'd like some recommendations (even if you wouldn't): Folsom Prison Blues Man of Constant Sorrow Shenandoah Subscribed in anticipation of more Geoff and then Voiceplay.
I’m also subscribing to watch this journey. But I’m going to add Geoff’s recent cover of “I See Fire”. It’s just gorgeous and covers his awesome range as well. But I also suggest his cover of “Sixteen Tons”.
Welcome to the rabbit hole that is not jus Geoff but voice play too! Geoff does all those BV’s you hear as well. His range is amazing! Elizabeth does an amazing interview with Geoff. Also homefree and Voice play do a “battle” song together you e gotta find it
Geoff usually films him self singing each of the different vocal lines, so that you can actually see four or five "versions" at the same time. He chose not to do that with this video, because the song is about a nightmare of being alone (so being alone on screen makes more sense). In his cover of Elvis's "Way Down" (From June of last year), he gave each version of himself a different name tag: Geoff, Jeff, Jeoph, and Goff, based on how different people have misspelled his name. And it's remained a running joke/Easter Egg ever since.
Geoff and VoicePlay always use such subtle and yet powerful background vocals. Everything they do is insanely intricate even if they're doing comedy like their newly released Drunken Sailor. Geoff has a 5+ octave range (low end is a B0 that he sustains for 15 seconds in Valhalla Calling) that doesn't have a weak spot, but so do all the rest of the members of VoicePlay--they just start a bit higher. They do all their own arranging, background vocals, sets, lighting, costumes and all without a label. So, so talented and so very underrated in the ACA field. These are the Theater Kids of A Cappella or the nerds, PTX is the student council and Home Free are the ones throwing the tailgate party in the parking lot.
Geoff is great he also in Group called VoicePlay he has 5 octaves he can also get high too. A few days ago VoicePlay dropped Drunken Sailor but a few days before that he did a Jonny Cash song on his channel. The done lots different songs on both channels. That are good hope do some more.
I have been wishing for quite a while that Geoff and Tim do a duet. Both have incredible ranges and voices that I think would compliment each other very well. But as well as singing, Geoff also does videos of reading poems, fairy tales, etc that are wonderful to listen to.
The hair-blowing is usually done by his wife, Kathy, with an off-stage fan - fun little detail. I'd love to have you listen to his cover of the old ballad, Shenandoah. It's not his biggest hit, but it's undeniably gorgeous, and you get a big dose of his upper baritone, which - for me - is his most glorious range. The tone is just gorgeous. (Elizabeth at Charismatic Voice has interviewed both Geoff and Layne, separately.)
Tim and Geoff are actually friends. You can see Tim in Voice Play video Just Sing. Both Home free and Voice Play were on the Sing Off the same year. Geoff and Layne from Voice Play also worked on 2 home free arrangements (Elvira and The Butts remix).
Elizabeth at Charismatic Voice has been a friend of Geoff's and VoicePlay for a couple years now. I think she even did some background vocals for one of their songs.
I'm surprised to see that you're new to Geoff, but better late than never! Geoff is not only one of my favorite singers, but also, one of my favorite people who happen to be singers. He seems to be just a very cool, humble guy, who happens to be ridiculously talented (though he's obviously put in a LOT of work to develop that talent). This is not one of my favorite videos from Geoff, not because it isn't great, but because the bar is so high. Just about anything from Geoff or VoicePlay is just crazy good. I hope you stay on this Geoff/VoicePlay train, because you're absolutely in for a treat if you do! I appreciate the shoutout you gave to Elizabeth at The Charismatic Voice too. She's amazing!
Yes better late than never! 😊 Looking forward to reacting to more Geoff and checking out VoicePlay - so many great suggestions here! Yes and Elizabeth rocks! 😎
lolz… You: 😮 So low! Me, knowing full well he’s not pushing himself: 😏Buckle up buttercup. 😁 You did not hear his whole range here. He has lower, he has higher. So glad you noticed and appreciated his different spin. Geoff won’t touch a song unless he can do something new with it. That’s part of why I’m such a fan. I love it when he…or he and VoicePlay (more on them in a second) do a song I know really well because I know they are going to “freshen” it up somehow. Solo work: you need to check out 16 Tons, House of the Rising Sun and Man of Constant Sorrow. But he also works with an amazing a cappella group. They’re all just amazing singers, including a powerhouse of a tenor. That is VoicePlay. If you want a laugh or two, they just did a silly version of Drunken Sailor that’s well worth a watch. If you want some runs that’ll make your jaw hit the ground, find their cover of Tennessee Whiskey. (This is still the only track I’ve ever heard a bass do a run like that) They did a amusing take on a classical piece with “Hall of The Mountain King”. That features a soprano guest who is indescribably good. You likely know enough to be able to really appreciate the insane precision she shows off. My own personal faves include their covers of: In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins Seven Nation Army by White Stripes Nothing Else Matters by Metallica Dream On by Aerosmith And if you really want to hear Geoff get his growl on… Valhalla Calling by Miracle of Sound. You may want to work up to that one. 😄 The B0 he holds for like 15 seconds dropped the jaws of people who are well used to his shenanigans. If it gave me the vapers after following him for four years, it may well knock you out. 😜 I think you’re about to have a lot of fun discoveries. And I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Oh I almost forgot. Fans of this song should enjoy Puddles Pity Party's version, the nearly 7-foot tall singing clown's performance is in the top tier.
You have reacted to and become a fan of my very favorite female vocalist in Lucy Thomas. You now have reacted to my very favorite male vocalist. I am sure that if you react to more of Geoff's videos, you will become a big fan of him also. Then I for see you creating a playlist for him as well.
Geoff has a 5 octave range, as well as sub harmonics that will rattle your windows. All the vocals are his in the song. Where Simon and Garfinkle's OG version is said to be warning, Disturbs version is anger, and Geoff's version is sadness.
While it's always fun to see someone react to Geoff who's never heard him before, it's ESPECIALLY fun to see someone react who has experience with singing/singers, and who knows just how rare a vocal talent like Geoff is. Not only are his low notes amazing, but his range is large enough that he can get into tenor territory and not miss a beat - and so every voice you hear on his videos is Geoff! Geoff arranges all of the music on his solo channel, as well as about 1/2 of the songs for VoicePlay, the a cappella group he sings bass for. Any or all of the songs from either Geoff or VoicePlay are highly recommended! Interestingly, in one of the tutorial videos on his channel, Geoff calls himself "a baritone with a good bass extension". As recently as his interview with Peter Barber (professional opera bass singer and reactor), Geoff wouldn't put himself in the same category as Tim Foust, who he considers a true bass. But Peter has said in multiple video reviews that he considers Geoff a bass, considering how low and resonant his voice can go.
you should absolutely check out more of geoff's covers as well as the group he's apart of called VoicePlay, there version of Valhalla Calling is insane 😁
Geoff and Tim haven't done anything with just the 2 of them, but they do sing together on a couple songs you can find on Voiceplay's (Geoff's a capella group): Just Sing, and Zombies vs Hillbillies.
We all await the day those two do a duet, although VoicePlay said in a comment years ago, should that happen, the universe would implode in a black hole of awesomeness.
Geoff is the bass singer/vocal bass guitar with the a capella group VoicePlay. He actually had a range of five octaves but people love to hear his bass range so he makes these low bass covers. In most of his videos he clones himself into four or five to cover all the voices of the harmonies he creates. In this one he appears alone but is heard in his backing voices. His arrangements are always superb. His voice is beautiful, his arrangemnts are beautiful, and Geoff is a beautiful person. I think it shows. Any music in the backing are also done by Geoff, on a keyboard with plugins. Nice reaction. :) And oh yea, Geoff is great with the hair blowing in the wind. :) People have been wanting Geoff, Tim , and Avi from PTX to get together but the logistics make it difficult. Though you can see Geoff and Tim in one video: Just Sing, that VoicePlay created during lockdown. Anything you choose to react to of Geoffs will be worth it.
I think Ain't No Sunshine might be his best. The Headless Horseman was a lot of fun. Sixteen Tons is also a classic. It's also worth pointing out (as I'm sure other commenters have mentioned) that all of the vocals in Geoff's solo work is Geoff himself. In fact, it's possible those super low bass notes were Geoff as well.
Another new name for me. WOW, what a voice! And you're right: him and Tim Foust together would really be something. Add Avi Kaplan to the mix and I presume no speaker or headphones would survive that experience! I just listened to two other of Geoff's covers on his channel. The first one was "Ghost riders in the sky" (trigger warning: hilariously silly "bearded" video), the second one was "Ain't no sunshine" - and after that one it took me a few minutes to recover from the shock of seeing my clothes suddenly leaving the surface of my skin for a few inches. MAJOR GOOSEBUMPS!!! And a fair amount of envy...💛💛
Normally I listen to Geoff with headphones, but today I had to use my headphones for my phone so I watched this with my computer's speaker. I tend to rest my foot on the subwoofer stashed under my desk, and ooooooh boy, I got quite the foot massage from my subwoofer QUAKING at Geoff's voice. True story: earlier this year while listening to VoicePlay's "Vahalla Calling," my headphones DIED from Geoff hitting a B0. Just broke the bass in my left headphone! I had to buy new ones. Worth it! That note is insane.
If you check the credits, you’ll see that it’s all him most of the time. His wife Kathy is production manager and often the camera person. In this one he needed a steady cam and enlisted bandmate Layne for that and Eli (rhymes with jelly) for the lighting. Originally, (1997) Layne was the baritone but when their beat boxer left he decided he wanted to try that. Eli is their tenor and joined in 2010. Originally he was tenor two but when their high tenor left he has slowly taken over both parts. Originally a five member group, they lost Earl Elkins, their high tenor in 2020 and have been using a number of guest artists to fill out the roster. It does make it really interesting because they can tackle songs that they wouldn’t normally. It gives them the ability to bring in female voices as well. The fourth regular member of the group currently is César de la Rosa who is the baritone. Most of the changes have taken place in the baritone spot. So if you go back through the catalog you will see Tony, J and Cesar filling that spot. As you are reading the credits, you should be reminded that all of the instrumentation was also played by Geoff. In addition to playing the piano, he keys in all the other instruments using plug-ins. I enjoyed your analysis, but this is probably not the most indicative of what he’s capable of. To see his full range many recommend his cover of High and Dry, but it is not one of my favorites. I prefer his cover of Blackbird and of course his more recent cover of I See Fire originally by Ed Sheeran from the second hobbit movie. You have another new subscriber and I look forward to seeing what you think of the rest of their music. Both he and VoicePlay like to push the envelope. (Check out their insane cover of the orchestral piece In the Hall of the Mountain King 😂). Their arrangements are really complex. I am not musically trained and even I can tell that they are incredibly well done.
Elizabeth from the Charismatic Voice is a huge fan of both Geoff and Voiceplay, the acapella group he sings bass with. She has released interviews with both Geoff Castalucci and Layne Styne, Voiceplays vocal percussionist and co-arranger. He and Geoff take turns arranging the songs that Voiceplay releases. Both Geoff and Voiceplay are amazing and you won't find a bad song in the bunch. I agree with all the recommendations below, lol! Can't wait to see more.
I don't know if anyone has pointed out that Geoff's wife is profoundly deaf. They discovered it when they were both singing at Universal Studios. It gives new meaning to the sound of silience.
I spent a while waiting for you to realize that that the 'super low sub-bass sounding' / 'subby synthy bass hits' was Geoff's voice, and so were the backing vocals. But I became convinced that Geoff might have fooled you completely. Love Geoff and his acapella group Voiceplay. You pretty much can't go wrong with these guys.
You should check out Geoff's group, Voiceplay, if you haven't already. "Valhalla Calling" is my personal favorite. I listen to it for hours on repeat. No joke.
Please, please, please try Geoff's cover of Folsom Prison Blues! It is amazing! Geoff has a nearly five octave range, so he does all of the harmonies and blends them seamlessly! Also, Geoff is the bass in the acapella group, Voice Play. Try their cover of Drunken Sailor! Geoff hits some notes that I have never heard!
So, if you love Geoff, I would recommend checking out his acapella group Voiceplay. My personal favorite song that shows off their collective voices is Valhalla Calling, though just about any of their songs are amazing, truthfully.
The lighting was done by Geoff's friend/Voiceplay group member Eli (pronounced Ellie) and Steadicam was done by another friend/group member, Layne. Geoff's wife, Kathy, is the production manager for both Voiceplay and Geoff's solo work. They are all crazy talented. Welcome to the rabbit hole! ✌️❤️🎶
Geoff is someone very special. Listen to : sixteen tons...you will see 4 Geoff singing together this master piece..👍🥰❤️😄 I forgot, he is the leader of the Acapella group called : Voice play. Less known than Pentatonix , but a lot of more creative.
Tim and Geoff have been in a couple of videos together. The most obvious is the Zombies vs Hillbillies thing, but they also had a short bass back-and-forth in the middle of Just Sing. However, both of those were quite a while ago, and Geoff has grown significantly as a singer and an artist since then, so maybe they're overdue for another go-round. Bonus points if they could get Marwan involved as well.
Now you know Geoff you should check out the acapella group he is in. A lot of people will say do Oggie Boggie but I'd say pick a different song for your first because they are also voice acting in Oggie Boggie, it is awesome though
Voiceplay - the acapella band that Geoff does bass for - has often been said to be 'the theater-kids of acapella'; they really... well, they play with their voices. They are fearless in their choices and arrangements. They can do everything from silly to serious, and they always draw you in, because they are having genuine, honest fun with what they do; the joy is infectious. Pretty much everything is good, so if you're interested in diving down this rabbit hole, you can more or less continue from anywhere. I would recommend 'Blackbird', another solo cover by Geoff, of which 'The Sound of Silence' is, I feel, the spiritual sequel. If you want to see him with the rest of Voiceplay, the Moana Medley, the 'Tennessee Whiskey' cover, and the 'I Can't Make You Love Me' cover are all great ways to show off their range and skill, and give you a good taste of what you can expect should you explore further.
The background vocals are also Geoff. He has many clones that he has named. Next, you will have to dive into his group VoicePlay #TheatreKidsOfACapella. Geoff and Tim are together in VoicePlays Just Sing, and VoicePlay and Home Free did a video together. Zombies V Hillbillies.
Geoff does everything well and has a fantastic range with the ability to do the whole range properly. Geoff is also a member of an TOP ACAPELLA group called VOICEPLAY where he ALSO excels. The Voiceplay rendition of Valhalla Calling Me shows more. Geoff also does Sixteen Tons and Ghost Rider.
Love the reaction and analysis. Subbed for more. Lots of other good info and recommendations in the comments already. Just to add my fave cover of his is probably Ain't No Sunshine
Listen to how thick that basso profundo can be! I ADORE him. He is my favorite vocalist and he's a damn good arranger. If you haven't already (and I realize I'm checking out your channel a year after you listened to this) check out Voice Play (they are SO freakin fun! He's a founding member) their videos are mostly quite theatrical, as is much of Geoff's solo stuff. In his solo stuff, he does all his own background vocals. I think this one is brilliantly arranged -the modulation and change of chord structure from the original are fabulous! It nicely shows off his 5-octave range.
The first time I heard him he was covering Tennessee Ernie Ford’s 16 Tons. That has been my favorite so far. I know it’s amazing to hit those sub bass notes but sometimes I think it’s over done.
posted by @devonny on Geoff's channel Simon & Garfunkel - A polite warning. Disturbed - Fury and grief over a warning ignored. Pentatonix - New hope, resistance, a rebellion. Geoff Castellucci - At the wake, after the fight.
Definitely need to go down the Geoff Castellucci and VoicePlay rabbit hole. Avi Kaplan (former bass of PTX and Tim Foust did a collab. in Ring Of Fire (Johnny Cash) Worth checking out It was with Home Free A Geoff, Tim and Avi collaboration would be insane
"Can't even count the parts" 1. Geoff 😄 Welcome to a most enjoyable rabbit hole. I highly recommend reacting to any of Geoff's covers, or those from his other group Voiceplay. Oh, btw, he goes lower. Those pulsing bass tones you commented on... they are probably his voice also.
If you have not watched it yet, check out the Tea Time with Geoff Castellucci on the Charismatic voice's channel! It's a long TH-cam video but so cool!!
There have been several collabs between Geoff and Tim, e.g. in the Voiceplay-Home Free Collab "Survivor", or the Voiceplay cover of "Just Sing". Both very worthwhile to listen to.
Watch Misty Mountains and I see Fire to see alter egos.. well you can see them in almost all his other videos but they truely seem like other people when playing the dwarfs from the Hobbit. I see Fire really sounds and looks like four different people. Voiceplay doing We don't talk about Bruno is his best hair blowing moment but he does it in a few videos... when he isn't proving he is unhuman.. the jury is still out on if he is a Dragon (Dragon born comes) , Demon/Imp (Hall of the Mountain King)or Frost Giant (Valhalla Calling) all voiceplay.
Incidentally, all those background vocals? That's Geoff too.
Oh girl you haven’t even scratched the surface of Geoff and his other group Voiceplay. Be prepared to be amazed.
Totally agree. My favorite is Voiceplay's The Boogyman song from Nightmare Before Christmas. Geoff's top to bottom range is INSANE!!!
Geoff is not only an amazing vocalist (all the backing vocals were his as well), but he is also the one who arranged this piece. He and his wife, Kathy (who is his production manager), along with his longtime friend and collaborator Layne Stein (who co-owns Pattycake Productions, a video production studio) shot the video as well. Layne is also the vocal percussionist/baritone for VoicePlay, the a cappella group where Geoff also sings bass, and his partner at Pattycake is Tony Wakim, who is himself a former VoicePlay baritone. The lighting work in the video was provided by Eli Jacobson, VoicePlay's tenor and an absolute genius of a lighting designer- he also does this for VoicePlay's videos. Geoff, along with VoicePlay as a group, are super interesting because they are independent, which seems to result in more creative takes on cover music. You likely noticed some of the interesting choices Geoff made when choosing his chords, as well as other artistic decisions to change the original. This is a staple of not only Geoff's arrangements, but Layne's as well (not surprising, considering those two have been singing and performing and, I can only assume, writing music together for over 25 years), so if you keep reacting to their music you will *always* find lots of interesting things on which to comment. I definitely hope you'll check out more of Geoff's solo work, but I also hope you'll consider looking into VoicePlay as well- I promise, it's well worth the dive into the rabbithole!
You Saved me a lot of typing. You can't pick a bad song from Geoff or Voice Play.
Welcome to the Geoff Castellucci & Voiceplay rabbit hole. Enjoy the ride.
I heard it described really well. The OG was the warning, Disturbed's version was the anger, PTX cover is the pleading and Geoff's version is the sadness and reflection afterwards. Every time I listen to this cover, I cry. It touches my soul, and I feel like I am seeing the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Absolutely amazing cover. Great reaction!!
What sentiment does Geoff project during his Beyoncé part though? ^^
In Disturb's version, I get the feeling that "Hello, Darkness, my old friend," is said with bitter sarcasm, as if the darkness is an enemy that must be fought. In Geoff's version, I get the feeling it's sincere, as though, for the narrator, the darkness is a place to find rest.
I love that description of the three versions! Still need to check out the PTX version 👍
@@embran8486sounds to me like a glimmer of hope or optimism in the midst of the sorrow.
Juliet, All the background vocals were also Geoff. He also did the arrangement. You picked one of the few songs that he did not clone himself in. There is usually 4 to 5 Geoffs layered together. It is claimed that he has about a 5 octane range and that his lowest note is a subharmonic B0. He is also the bass for the acapella group VoicePlay. I would be hard pressed to tell you which song to react to next. They are all very good. If you go down the rabbit hole of Geoff Castellucci, you will not regret it.
"5 octane range". That's good! 😃
To experience his full range, listen to his cover of “I See Fire”. You’ll be astonished .
I’ve added it to my list! 👍
He did a solo multitrack cover of Misty Mountains (similar to the Peter Hollens/Tim Foust cover) a few years ago. Recently, he followed up with I See Fire, where he's playing the same characters, same costumes. I think I See Fire is the best showcase of the "prettiness" of his high range. I think the cover of the Mills Brothers song Till Then is the best showcase of the prettiness of his low range. Just a personal opinion.
You start doing Geoff stuff and Voiceplay stuff, along with the Home Free and Pentatonix material you're already doing, you'll have enough material to last you for life. Good problem to have. :)
Welcome to the Geoff rabbit hole. 😊
Tim and Geoff are good friends since VoicePlay and Home Free were on Sing Off together. HF won that year but the groups got to know each other. The two groups 'battle' each other in as zombies vs hillbillies in Survivor.
Members of HF have been featured in VP videos and both Geoff and Layne Stein, the vocal percussionist have been helping out with arrangements with HF.
Enjoy diving more deeply into both VoicePlay and Geoff.
Suggest Nothing Else Matters, their Metallica cover and for Groff Ain't No Sunshine.
Tim also appeared within VP Just sing video as well
It’s very short but the look on Geoff face is priceless 😂
It is so much fun to see someone react to Geoff for the first time. You did not disapoint. Geoff did not begin doing solo work until Covid shut the world down and his acapella group, Voiceplay, had to stop touring. His funniest windblown hair moment is in Voiceplay's We Don't Talk About Bruno. He was teased about it relentlessly in his solo of Take Me Home Country Roads.
You can't go wrong with anything from him, I promise. If you'd like some recommendations (even if you wouldn't):
Folsom Prison Blues
Man of Constant Sorrow
Shenandoah
Subscribed in anticipation of more Geoff and then Voiceplay.
I’m also subscribing to watch this journey. But I’m going to add Geoff’s recent cover of “I See Fire”. It’s just gorgeous and covers his awesome range as well. But I also suggest his cover of “Sixteen Tons”.
I’d also highly recommend Ain’t No Sunshine (one of my most favorite of his solo works)
Welcome to the rabbit hole that is not jus Geoff but voice play too! Geoff does all those BV’s you hear as well. His range is amazing!
Elizabeth does an amazing interview with Geoff. Also homefree and Voice play do a “battle” song together you e gotta find it
Yes, amazing range! I’ll have to look for the interview and the Home Free collaboration 👍
I think "I See Fire" would be a good cover of him to watch next. It is one of the videos where he is in full costumes, and it is really good.
Geoff usually films him self singing each of the different vocal lines, so that you can actually see four or five "versions" at the same time. He chose not to do that with this video, because the song is about a nightmare of being alone (so being alone on screen makes more sense). In his cover of Elvis's "Way Down" (From June of last year), he gave each version of himself a different name tag: Geoff, Jeff, Jeoph, and Goff, based on how different people have misspelled his name. And it's remained a running joke/Easter Egg ever since.
Don’t forget about Daryl, his most mischievous clone 😂
But who misspelled Geoff as Daryl?
@@DennisKovacich as far as I know, Geoff came up with Daryl on his own 😆
I’m seeing so much in the comments that indicate he has a great sense of humor - love that!
Jeff, Jeoph et. al are here for this one too. They're just staying off-screen, letting Geoff Prime have the spotlight 😆
I know other people have already said this but those insane bass subharmonics in the the background are all him he never fails to blow my mind
Yes, folks get lost when he gets really high up, not even realizing that some of the harmony lines go almost equally far down lower.
Also see Elizabeth’s “Tea Time” with Geoff.
Geoff and VoicePlay always use such subtle and yet powerful background vocals. Everything they do is insanely intricate even if they're doing comedy like their newly released Drunken Sailor. Geoff has a 5+ octave range (low end is a B0 that he sustains for 15 seconds in Valhalla Calling) that doesn't have a weak spot, but so do all the rest of the members of VoicePlay--they just start a bit higher. They do all their own arranging, background vocals, sets, lighting, costumes and all without a label. So, so talented and so very underrated in the ACA field. These are the Theater Kids of A Cappella or the nerds, PTX is the student council and Home Free are the ones throwing the tailgate party in the parking lot.
Ha ha love the school descriptions of the ACA groups! Helpful too 👍
Geoff is great he also in Group called VoicePlay he has 5 octaves he can also get high too. A few days ago VoicePlay dropped Drunken Sailor but a few days before that he did a Jonny Cash song on his channel. The done lots different songs on both channels. That are good hope do some more.
I have been wishing for quite a while that Geoff and Tim do a duet. Both have incredible ranges and voices that I think would compliment each other very well. But as well as singing, Geoff also does videos of reading poems, fairy tales, etc that are wonderful to listen to.
The hair-blowing is usually done by his wife, Kathy, with an off-stage fan - fun little detail. I'd love to have you listen to his cover of the old ballad, Shenandoah. It's not his biggest hit, but it's undeniably gorgeous, and you get a big dose of his upper baritone, which - for me - is his most glorious range. The tone is just gorgeous. (Elizabeth at Charismatic Voice has interviewed both Geoff and Layne, separately.)
Ha ha that is a fun fact! Thanks for the suggestions!
Tim and Geoff are actually friends. You can see Tim in Voice Play video Just Sing. Both Home free and Voice Play were on the Sing Off the same year. Geoff and Layne from Voice Play also worked on 2 home free arrangements (Elvira and The Butts remix).
Elizabeth at Charismatic Voice has been a friend of Geoff's and VoicePlay for a couple years now. I think she even did some background vocals for one of their songs.
She was the ghost voice in the cover of dingdong/hide and seek
Cool! 👍
I'm surprised to see that you're new to Geoff, but better late than never!
Geoff is not only one of my favorite singers, but also, one of my favorite people who happen to be singers. He seems to be just a very cool, humble guy, who happens to be ridiculously talented (though he's obviously put in a LOT of work to develop that talent).
This is not one of my favorite videos from Geoff, not because it isn't great, but because the bar is so high. Just about anything from Geoff or VoicePlay is just crazy good. I hope you stay on this Geoff/VoicePlay train, because you're absolutely in for a treat if you do!
I appreciate the shoutout you gave to Elizabeth at The Charismatic Voice too. She's amazing!
Yes better late than never! 😊 Looking forward to reacting to more Geoff and checking out VoicePlay - so many great suggestions here! Yes and Elizabeth rocks! 😎
lolz…
You: 😮 So low!
Me, knowing full well he’s not pushing himself: 😏Buckle up buttercup. 😁
You did not hear his whole range here. He has lower, he has higher.
So glad you noticed and appreciated his different spin. Geoff won’t touch a song unless he can do something new with it. That’s part of why I’m such a fan. I love it when he…or he and VoicePlay (more on them in a second) do a song I know really well because I know they are going to “freshen” it up somehow.
Solo work: you need to check out 16 Tons, House of the Rising Sun and Man of Constant Sorrow.
But he also works with an amazing a cappella group. They’re all just amazing singers, including a powerhouse of a tenor. That is VoicePlay.
If you want a laugh or two, they just did a silly version of Drunken Sailor that’s well worth a watch.
If you want some runs that’ll make your jaw hit the ground, find their cover of Tennessee Whiskey. (This is still the only track I’ve ever heard a bass do a run like that)
They did a amusing take on a classical piece with “Hall of The Mountain King”. That features a soprano guest who is indescribably good. You likely know enough to be able to really appreciate the insane precision she shows off.
My own personal faves include their covers of:
In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Seven Nation Army by White Stripes
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
Dream On by Aerosmith
And if you really want to hear Geoff get his growl on… Valhalla Calling by Miracle of Sound. You may want to work up to that one. 😄 The B0 he holds for like 15 seconds dropped the jaws of people who are well used to his shenanigans. If it gave me the vapers after following him for four years, it may well knock you out. 😜
I think you’re about to have a lot of fun discoveries. And I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Thank you for reacting to Geoff! My favorite from him is Shenandoah, but please pick more Geoff and his a cappella group VoicePlay to react to.
I recommend you check out his cover of "I see fire", bass goodies galore!
Sounds good! 👍
Love Geoff. Love Voiceplay. Literally can't get enough. More please!
For sure!!! 👍
Geoff and Voiceplay are absolute vocal tours de force. Tour de forces? They good. Real good!
Oh I almost forgot. Fans of this song should enjoy Puddles Pity Party's version, the nearly 7-foot tall singing clown's performance is in the top tier.
You have reacted to and become a fan of my very favorite female vocalist in Lucy Thomas. You now have reacted to my very favorite male vocalist. I am sure that if you react to more of Geoff's videos, you will become a big fan of him also. Then I for see you creating a playlist for him as well.
I foresee that happening too! ☺️
Geoff's voice is like a nice comfy blanket that just wraps around you.
You have sooo much to learn about Geoff and his acapella band Voiceplay!!
True! 👍
1:20 Her: there's a lot of bass in this.
Me: Um... this is his high range...
Geoff has a 5 octave range, as well as sub harmonics that will rattle your windows. All the vocals are his in the song. Where Simon and Garfinkle's OG version is said to be warning, Disturbs version is anger, and Geoff's version is sadness.
Welcome to the wonderful world of geoff castellucci! Hes truly amazing and i hopeto see some more reactions to his songs! 💜
Yes, yes! More Geoff Castellucci and Voice Play! They are amazing!
I loved this reaction! You definitely need to check out more of his stuff. He just released Folsom Prison Blues and it
s phenomenal!
While it's always fun to see someone react to Geoff who's never heard him before, it's ESPECIALLY fun to see someone react who has experience with singing/singers, and who knows just how rare a vocal talent like Geoff is. Not only are his low notes amazing, but his range is large enough that he can get into tenor territory and not miss a beat - and so every voice you hear on his videos is Geoff!
Geoff arranges all of the music on his solo channel, as well as about 1/2 of the songs for VoicePlay, the a cappella group he sings bass for. Any or all of the songs from either Geoff or VoicePlay are highly recommended!
Interestingly, in one of the tutorial videos on his channel, Geoff calls himself "a baritone with a good bass extension". As recently as his interview with Peter Barber (professional opera bass singer and reactor), Geoff wouldn't put himself in the same category as Tim Foust, who he considers a true bass. But Peter has said in multiple video reviews that he considers Geoff a bass, considering how low and resonant his voice can go.
Sixteen Tons and Riders in the Sky are my two favorite covers by Geoff!
you should absolutely check out more of geoff's covers as well as the group he's apart of called VoicePlay, there version of Valhalla Calling is insane 😁
Geoff and Tim haven't done anything with just the 2 of them, but they do sing together on a couple songs you can find on Voiceplay's (Geoff's a capella group): Just Sing, and Zombies vs Hillbillies.
We all await the day those two do a duet, although VoicePlay said in a comment years ago, should that happen, the universe would implode in a black hole of awesomeness.
It has been joked that Geoff is a disney princess as a breeze always seems to appear just when he needs one!
😹 love it, and the sense of humor!
And yet, he also does the best villain voices too! 😂 Our Geoff is one multitalented guy!
Geoff is the bass singer/vocal bass guitar with the a capella group VoicePlay. He actually had a range of five octaves but people love to hear his bass range so he makes these low bass covers. In most of his videos he clones himself into four or five to cover all the voices of the harmonies he creates. In this one he appears alone but is heard in his backing voices. His arrangements are always superb. His voice is beautiful, his arrangemnts are beautiful, and Geoff is a beautiful person. I think it shows. Any music in the backing are also done by Geoff, on a keyboard with plugins. Nice reaction. :) And oh yea, Geoff is great with the hair blowing in the wind. :) People have been wanting Geoff, Tim , and Avi from PTX to get together but the logistics make it difficult. Though you can see Geoff and Tim in one video: Just Sing, that VoicePlay created during lockdown. Anything you choose to react to of Geoffs will be worth it.
I think Ain't No Sunshine might be his best. The Headless Horseman was a lot of fun. Sixteen Tons is also a classic. It's also worth pointing out (as I'm sure other commenters have mentioned) that all of the vocals in Geoff's solo work is Geoff himself. In fact, it's possible those super low bass notes were Geoff as well.
Another new name for me. WOW, what a voice! And you're right: him and Tim Foust together would really be something. Add Avi Kaplan to the mix and I presume no speaker or headphones would survive that experience!
I just listened to two other of Geoff's covers on his channel. The first one was "Ghost riders in the sky" (trigger warning: hilariously silly "bearded" video), the second one was "Ain't no sunshine" - and after that one it took me a few minutes to recover from the shock of seeing my clothes suddenly leaving the surface of my skin for a few inches. MAJOR GOOSEBUMPS!!! And a fair amount of envy...💛💛
Geoff does all the background vocals, too.
Normally I listen to Geoff with headphones, but today I had to use my headphones for my phone so I watched this with my computer's speaker. I tend to rest my foot on the subwoofer stashed under my desk, and ooooooh boy, I got quite the foot massage from my subwoofer QUAKING at Geoff's voice. True story: earlier this year while listening to VoicePlay's "Vahalla Calling," my headphones DIED from Geoff hitting a B0. Just broke the bass in my left headphone! I had to buy new ones. Worth it! That note is insane.
An amazingly simple, yet powerful performance
Charismatic Voice also interviewed Geoff and Layne if you ever get a chance to watch it. You get insight on how thwy arrange their songs.
If you check the credits, you’ll see that it’s all him most of the time. His wife Kathy is production manager and often the camera person. In this one he needed a steady cam and enlisted bandmate Layne for that and Eli (rhymes with jelly) for the lighting.
Originally, (1997) Layne was the baritone but when their beat boxer left he decided he wanted to try that. Eli is their tenor and joined in 2010. Originally he was tenor two but when their high tenor left he has slowly taken over both parts.
Originally a five member group, they lost Earl Elkins, their high tenor in 2020 and have been using a number of guest artists to fill out the roster. It does make it really interesting because they can tackle songs that they wouldn’t normally. It gives them the ability to bring in female voices as well.
The fourth regular member of the group currently is César de la Rosa who is the baritone. Most of the changes have taken place in the baritone spot. So if you go back through the catalog you will see Tony, J and Cesar filling that spot.
As you are reading the credits, you should be reminded that all of the instrumentation was also played by Geoff. In addition to playing the piano, he keys in all the other instruments using plug-ins.
I enjoyed your analysis, but this is probably not the most indicative of what he’s capable of. To see his full range many recommend his cover of High and Dry, but it is not one of my favorites. I prefer his cover of Blackbird and of course his more recent cover of I See Fire originally by Ed Sheeran from the second hobbit movie.
You have another new subscriber and I look forward to seeing what you think of the rest of their music. Both he and VoicePlay like to push the envelope. (Check out their insane cover of the orchestral piece In the Hall of the Mountain King 😂). Their arrangements are really complex. I am not musically trained and even I can tell that they are incredibly well done.
Thank you for all the background info! 👍
Please react to Geoff’s acapella group Voiceplay as well! ❤
Ify ou like the Beatles, give a listen to Geoff's rendition of Blackbird. You'll cry.
Elizabeth from the Charismatic Voice is a huge fan of both Geoff and Voiceplay, the acapella group he sings bass with. She has released interviews with both Geoff Castalucci and Layne Styne, Voiceplays vocal percussionist and co-arranger. He and Geoff take turns arranging the songs that Voiceplay releases. Both Geoff and Voiceplay are amazing and you won't find a bad song in the bunch. I agree with all the recommendations below, lol! Can't wait to see more.
I'm subscribing you seem so nice haha
I don't know if anyone has pointed out that Geoff's wife is profoundly deaf. They discovered it when they were both singing at Universal Studios. It gives new meaning to the sound of silience.
Yes, lots of shifts and they work! "I Looked At You" on Soundcloud does the same but not in the bass register. This is a great version.
I spent a while waiting for you to realize that that the 'super low sub-bass sounding' / 'subby synthy bass hits' was Geoff's voice, and so were the backing vocals. But I became convinced that Geoff might have fooled you completely. Love Geoff and his acapella group Voiceplay. You pretty much can't go wrong with these guys.
You should check out Geoff's group, Voiceplay, if you haven't already. "Valhalla Calling" is my personal favorite. I listen to it for hours on repeat. No joke.
Thank you for the suggestions! 👍
Please, please, please try Geoff's cover of Folsom Prison Blues! It is amazing! Geoff has a nearly five octave range, so he does all of the harmonies and blends them seamlessly! Also, Geoff is the bass in the acapella group, Voice Play. Try their cover of Drunken Sailor! Geoff hits some notes that I have never heard!
So, if you love Geoff, I would recommend checking out his acapella group Voiceplay. My personal favorite song that shows off their collective voices is Valhalla Calling, though just about any of their songs are amazing, truthfully.
The lighting was done by Geoff's friend/Voiceplay group member Eli (pronounced Ellie) and Steadicam was done by another friend/group member, Layne. Geoff's wife, Kathy, is the production manager for both Voiceplay and Geoff's solo work. They are all crazy talented.
Welcome to the rabbit hole!
✌️❤️🎶
Love it! 👍
Geoff is someone very special. Listen to : sixteen tons...you will see 4 Geoff singing together this master piece..👍🥰❤️😄
I forgot, he is the leader of the Acapella group called : Voice play. Less known than Pentatonix , but a lot of more creative.
Thanks for the suggestion, I’d love to hear more from Geoff and also check out Voice Play! 👍
Tim and Geoff have been in a couple of videos together. The most obvious is the Zombies vs Hillbillies thing, but they also had a short bass back-and-forth in the middle of Just Sing. However, both of those were quite a while ago, and Geoff has grown significantly as a singer and an artist since then, so maybe they're overdue for another go-round. Bonus points if they could get Marwan involved as well.
Now you know Geoff you should check out the acapella group he is in.
A lot of people will say do Oggie Boggie but I'd say pick a different song for your first because they are also voice acting in Oggie Boggie, it is awesome though
You’re not only fun to watch, but you really listen and cover the best teaching points. 👍😊♥️
Voiceplay - the acapella band that Geoff does bass for - has often been said to be 'the theater-kids of acapella'; they really... well, they play with their voices. They are fearless in their choices and arrangements. They can do everything from silly to serious, and they always draw you in, because they are having genuine, honest fun with what they do; the joy is infectious. Pretty much everything is good, so if you're interested in diving down this rabbit hole, you can more or less continue from anywhere. I would recommend 'Blackbird', another solo cover by Geoff, of which 'The Sound of Silence' is, I feel, the spiritual sequel. If you want to see him with the rest of Voiceplay, the Moana Medley, the 'Tennessee Whiskey' cover, and the 'I Can't Make You Love Me' cover are all great ways to show off their range and skill, and give you a good taste of what you can expect should you explore further.
The background vocals are also Geoff. He has many clones that he has named. Next, you will have to dive into his group VoicePlay #TheatreKidsOfACapella. Geoff and Tim are together in VoicePlays Just Sing, and VoicePlay and Home Free did a video together. Zombies V Hillbillies.
I saw you listened to Peter Hollen's feat. Tim Foust - Misty Mountains well Geoff also has done his version of it too
There is a tiny bit of Tim vs Geoff (in a very playful way) in VoicePlay’s “Just Sing”, which features a ton of incredible artists.
Geoff and Voiceplays Oogie Boogie song shows his incredible range he can do and worth a watch, and very different.
Diving into Geoff for the first time, I believe you chose a great song to start with.
Welcome to the very deep rabbit hole that is Geoff and Voiceplay. BTW ALL the background vocals are him.
His Misty Mountains from the Hobbit is pretty cool :)
Geoff castellucci, I see fire ❤
Geoff does everything well and has a fantastic range with the ability to do the whole range properly. Geoff is also a member of an TOP ACAPELLA group called VOICEPLAY where he ALSO excels. The Voiceplay rendition of Valhalla Calling Me shows more. Geoff also does Sixteen Tons and Ghost Rider.
Love the reaction and analysis. Subbed for more. Lots of other good info and recommendations in the comments already. Just to add my fave cover of his is probably Ain't No Sunshine
Listen to how thick that basso profundo can be! I ADORE him. He is my favorite vocalist and he's a damn good arranger. If you haven't already (and I realize I'm checking out your channel a year after you listened to this) check out Voice Play (they are SO freakin fun! He's a founding member) their videos are mostly quite theatrical, as is much of Geoff's solo stuff. In his solo stuff, he does all his own background vocals. I think this one is brilliantly arranged -the modulation and change of chord structure from the original are fabulous! It nicely shows off his 5-octave range.
The first time I heard him he was covering Tennessee Ernie Ford’s 16 Tons. That has been my favorite so far. I know it’s amazing to hit those sub bass notes but sometimes I think it’s over done.
You are in for such a treat. He and VoicePlay are my top five daily play list.
Voiceplay - Valhalla Calling - Geoff drops into subharmonics and its fun to watch people freak out 😂
Geoff subtly puts elements of jazz into his arrangements
lol welcome to the world of Geoff....and Voiceplay.....
He's amazing in so many pieces ❤
Geoff does all the vocals, all of them. Big Rabbit hole to travel. if you can.
posted by @devonny on Geoff's channel
Simon & Garfunkel - A polite warning.
Disturbed - Fury and grief over a warning ignored.
Pentatonix - New hope, resistance, a rebellion.
Geoff Castellucci - At the wake, after the fight.
I suggest watching 16 Tons and Misty Mountain Cold. But all of his videos are worth a listen.❤
Geoff has a 4 octave range and sub harmonics. Lowest was b0 in Halo by Voiceplay, the group he is in.
Geoffs rendition of blackbird is also wonderful.
Definitely need to go down the Geoff Castellucci and VoicePlay rabbit hole.
Avi Kaplan (former bass of PTX and Tim Foust did a collab. in Ring Of Fire (Johnny Cash) Worth checking out
It was with Home Free
A Geoff, Tim and Avi collaboration would be insane
"Can't even count the parts" 1. Geoff 😄 Welcome to a most enjoyable rabbit hole. I highly recommend reacting to any of Geoff's covers, or those from his other group Voiceplay.
Oh, btw, he goes lower. Those pulsing bass tones you commented on... they are probably his voice also.
Also, here's one for the list: " Blackbird | The Beatles | Bass Singer Cover "
Can't get enough of Goeff!
Geoff arranged this and did all the background vocals. If you liked this try Geoff's cover of the Beatles "Blackbird"
If you have not watched it yet, check out the Tea Time with Geoff Castellucci on the Charismatic voice's channel! It's a long TH-cam video but so cool!!
The back ground singers are all Geoff.
Geoff does everything vocally himself just to inform everyone, oh almost forgot he is also the bass singer in Voiceplay
I like that battle of the basses idea - maybe like a vocal equivalent of Battling Banjos
There have been several collabs between Geoff and Tim, e.g. in the Voiceplay-Home Free Collab "Survivor", or the Voiceplay cover of "Just Sing". Both very worthwhile to listen to.
If you love Geoff then watch the Oogie Boogie song by Voiceplay! Or any Voiceplay sting actually
Tim and Geoff DO do a sorta "Battle of the Basses" in Voiceplay's "Just Sing."
His cover of "Sixteen Tons" is definitely worth a listen, as is "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
Taking note of these suggestions, thank you!
Watch Misty Mountains and I see Fire to see alter egos.. well you can see them in almost all his other videos but they truely seem like other people when playing the dwarfs from the Hobbit. I see Fire really sounds and looks like four different people.
Voiceplay doing We don't talk about Bruno is his best hair blowing moment but he does it in a few videos... when he isn't proving he is unhuman.. the jury is still out on if he is a Dragon (Dragon born comes) , Demon/Imp (Hall of the Mountain King)or Frost Giant (Valhalla Calling) all voiceplay.
I think his cover of “Shenandoah” is by far his best and most beautiful
You should really react to his cover of 'Sixteen Tons' if you haven't already, you'll be blown away. And also his cover of 'I See Fire'.