No green screen here. They were set up by the loading dock at a mall where Pattycake Productions (co-owned by Layne, the beatboxer and Tony Wakim, former baritone with them). It was just them and the camera crew late at night in Florida with heat, humidity and bugs. They had industrial fans going so they could cool off from time to time. The car is owned by Layne's dad. The arrangement is Layne's which means that all of the video artistic choices were made by him, production, editing, everything except the final mix. They are amazing. No label, no management which gives them complete artistic control. They were five voices until 2020 when their high tenor, with them from the beginning (1997) left for undisclosed personal reasons. Tony Wakim left in 2016 to pursue the production side. J None took Tony's place in 2018 and left in 2021 when he was recruited by the US Navy to sing with them. He is now the lead singer for the Navy in the Pacific Northwest. He has been back to do 4 covers with them while on leave. Eli (ellie) Jacobson, the bald tenor joined them in 2010 or 2011 just before they rebranded as Voiceplay. Layne and Geoff are the remaining founding members from 1997. Still down a man, they have a group of artists that they've worked with and are pulling in new people as well. However they do it, they manage to make the featured artist sound like they have always been there. Sorry to go on and on, but these guys are so, so talented!!! Let me suggest their version of Creep and then Drunken Sailor. From the sublime to the ridiculous.
Voiceplay never disappoints they don’t have any record label or external manager they do everything themselves. Geoffs wife is their production manager, Layne Geoff and Eli do the arranging and Eli does the lighting these days. In their BTSs for patreons you can see them shifting scenery occasionally doing their own camera work. They have a couple of people they use for camera on some of their productions and they get in a guy called Rick Underwood to do the makeup when required. Kathy Geoffs wife often sources the costumes and they fil a lot now in Pattycake productions studio which is co-owned by Layne and Tony a former Voiceplay member. ❤🏴
@@nickforell1 Thank you for another great reaction to Voice Play. Would you please do a reaction video to Geoff's solo cover " Shenandoah "? It is so beautiful. Also Geoff's solo cover to " Sounds Of Silence "? Geoff really knows how to reach deep down into your soul. Shenandoah first please ❤️
Yeah, the hardest things for reactors when they first start looking at VoicePlay is the changing lineup they see in the different videos. VoicePlay has traditionally been a five-member, all male group. So, back when VoicePlay appeared on 'The Sing-Off" (the year that it was won by Home Free), the VoicePlay members consisted of: Layne Stein (beatboxer), Geoff Castellucci (bass), Eli Jacobson (tenor, the bald guy with the beard ), Earl Elkins Jr. (high tenor) and Tony Wakim (baritone). Layne, Geoff and Earl had known each other since middle school(!) and Eli attended a nearby school and they became acquainted during chorale competitions, etc. Tony and Geoff met when both worked at the Universal theme park (Tony played Dracula and Geoff played Frankenstein in the 'Bettlejuice Graveyard Review). Tony gradually tired of touring and being in front of the camera and left performing to create PattyCake Productions with Layne. They own their own studio (which is often used by VoicePlay and Geoff for their videos also) and do their own productions, usually Disney-themed. Tony was replaced as baritone by J None, who was the featured performer here, the gentleman that got out of the car and was in the middle of the group here. When Covid hit in 2020, VoicePlay had to stop doing the touring and cruise ship entertaining that they were used to doing and concentrated more on videos, forming their patreon, etc. Earl left very abruptly, for unexplained 'personal reasons and neither side has commented on exactly what happened, but I can only think that something very wrenching happened for guys that had known each other for decades at that point suddenly and abruptly severing their professional relationship. And VoicePlay has never been a complete 5-man group since that time, never finding another permanent 'high tenor'. J None also left a little over two years ago to join the US Navy (recruited for their choir/chorus), but has returned numerous times to guest as a 'featured performer' with VoicePlay since. A little while later, Cesar (to the left of J None in this video) joined as a baritone/tenor (the guy has a phenomenal range, as does Eli), but they have never found a permanent fifth member. The increasing frequency with which J None has returned to join them has made many of the fans/patrons kind of hope that J None will return and become the permanent fifth member. If you want to see/hear Tony, I highly recommend VoicePlay's version of 'Phantom of the Opera', he leads there and is wonderful (oh, and you will think you don't see Geoff at first, but that's because his hair was VERY short back then and he looks very different, LOL). Two of my favorite videos from the Earl and J None era are 'Queen in Five Minutes' and 'Boy Bands in Five Minutes' to hear Earl's super-high tenor.
@@nickforell1 sorry for posting so much Voice Play are known as The Theater Kids of Acapella. You will see in their cover of " Friends On The Other Side ".Also please do a reaction video to Voice Plays newest cover " Creep " . It was Geoff's idea to use the mirror's. It has made many cry. Cesar, the guy at the beginning & end of the song reaches deep down into your soul.
Around 5:03 - that’s one of the biggest reasons I love VoicePlay. I think it was Geoff who said (I’m paraphrasing heavily because I don’t remember the exact quote) they compose arrangements for the group they have, not some assigned ideal. They have this amazing ability to hear and comprehend each person’s unique talents and skills and know how to blend them. It’s masterful. Really enjoy your reactions!
Thousands of us did that drum solo with "air sticks" as Layne did it. So, so good. The section from Cesar's clap until Geoff's super low "oh, Lord" was sheer genius. The whole thing was awesome!
Voiceplay has four steady member, Geoff, Eli, Cesar and Layne. J None is a member on a sort of sabbatical, singing with the Naval Choir, who comes back and does songs with them when he can. Otherwise, they generally have a fifth person as a guest singer, and they rock at figuring out who's perfect for each song!
Geoff did say that in his interview with Elizabeth, but since he's also said that Layne regularly pushes people to do things that they say they can't. And then they do it.
I'm convinced that Voice Play is the best Acapella group out there. This rendition is truly amazing. Is there anything that Voice Play can't do and do better
They took this back to the '80s Miami Vice vibe with J. None dressed as Crochett did in the show. T-shirts and sports coats. That 1972 Pontiac is Laynes' dad's. The group now is L to R Layne, Cesar who joined when J. None joined the Navy in 2021, Eli (Elly) rhymes with jelly, and Geoff. When J is home on leave he gets together with the guys and the magic happens.
It's not by hazard that Voiceplay are known as "The Theatre Kids of a cappella"... And they made that one of their prominent characteristics. When I see that they're boing to release a new video, I'm as curious about the theatrics of it as I'm of the musical part of it. To me, that's what makes them unique. Understand me, this would be nothing weren't they absolute stunning singers as well. But they ARE, so it's a plus worth noticing. 🙂 And I'm also a fan of other a cappella groups, Home Free and The Bass Gang above the others. And I know there are many others I didn't even hear about. They're all extraordinary, and they're all different, which makes pointless to compare them. They're just all good. 🙂 You asked something about their lineup. Currently, Voiceplay are short one member, since Earl left in 2020 for personal reasons and J None was recruited by the Navy in 2021 to sing with them for 5 years. He was a permanent member of VP since 2018. He still records with the old friends as a featured artist, like in this video, when he's on leave, and many wish he will return once his time with the Navy expires. Actually, his baritone role has been taken by Cesar de la Rosa, while Eli, the bald tenor, does much more "high tenor" stuff than he did when Earl was in the group. So the role that's not been permanently covered yet should be Earl's. Voiceplay do their videos featuring the 5th member, and the list of those "featured artists" is long enough. All of them are simply great singers. 🙂 In this video, left to right, you have: - Layne Stein, beatboxer and occasionally baritone - Cesar de La Rosa, baritone - J None, featured baritone - Eli ("Ellie") Jacobson, tenor/Rock God - Geoff ("JEFF") Castellucci, bass (duh!)... You already reacted to Geoff's "Folsom prison blues". Now I'd suggest you take a look at two of his videos that are one the sequel of the other: "Far over the Misty Mountains cold", from "The Hobbit - An unexpected journey", from one or two years ago, and the recent "I see fire", from "The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug". Same characters, all played by Geoff of course, same costumes and makeups, and heck, are they beautiful. 🙂 Really enjoyed your reaction, your expressions told the whole story, and I'm already looking forward to watching the next one. 🙂 See you next time then!
Glad you enjoyed it. Voiceplay is a special a cappella group for sure. I love the edgier songs they choose. Their cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On is one of my favorites. With J None serving his country in the navy they fill his spot with guest singers and I think it’s great that they are always given center billing. They produce, arrange, provide their own costumes,sets and makeup. They always invest themselves back into their business. Thanks Nick!
after a few times visiting your videos you deserve well an "subscribe" from me....i like your way to react and i love the very natural way of doing that..not overacted or yelling or smashing with your fist against the camera ;) love your different face expressions and your very calm and clear speech
They’ve been down a member since J None left in 2021, so they’ve been filling that spot with different guest artists for the last two years. You will see many people as “featured” in their videos. J None does come back when he can leave from the Navy, as seen here.
I appreciate all acapella groups but Voiceplay really is on a different level. It’s kind of hard to even put your finger on but it’s something you feel when you watch any of their videos. I think besides their voices, their brilliant arrangements just keep you guessing, engaged and interested the whole time where I have seen some other groups fall a little flat there. But VP literally pulls you into the theme of each video like you are there with them, a whole experience, such a talent. Nick, I would love to see you react to another acapella group called Voctave. They are different and I think you would be blown away. Keep up the good work! ❤
oh yess! you are right.. pls react to Voctave " Disney princess Medley" even Voctave is an more "classical" a capella group in terms, but there are fabulous and stunning in their own way :) they have an lady singing, that is similar to the known "Mitch slapped" by PTX..but in this case it is a woman ;)
Their core people are Layne, Eli, Geoff and Cesar (basically everyone flanking J None). Songs prior to 2021 had J None as a permanent member instead of Cesar, and also had Earl, who left for personal reasons after 20 years.... Nowadays (since Earl Left, really), They usually have one guest per video. Notable recurring guests: In this, J. None, who is a former member was the feature He left in 2021 to sing in the Navy and comes back when he's on leave. He has guest credits on Friends On the Other Side, Valhala Calling, Nothing Else Matters, as well as this song (In the Air Tonight). Other regular guests include: *: Ashley Diane - I'm not sure what Ashley is doing today, but she is friends with Cesar and seems to fill in when ever a strong soprano voice is needed in recent times. She's featured in If I Were a Rich Man/Girl, We Don't Talk About Bruno, Running Up That Hill, Your Turn to Roll (Short). *: Jose Rosario Jr.: A former member of the group Rockapella who's currently doing a stint on Broadway. He has been a feature in Drunken Sailor (most recent VP release), Hoist the Colours, and My Mother Told Me. *: Anthony Gargiula- of Tik-Tok fame, he's been featured quite a bit recently on Golden Hour, Creep, Seven Nation Army, and Wellerman. *: DJ Young - Currently on tour with Hamilton, he fills in when available. Songs such as Bang, In My Room, Man In the Mirror & You're My Best Friend (last songs with J None as a member, before Cesar joined), Butter and Christmas Don't Be Late all list him as feature. *: Omar Cardona - Not sure what he's doing right now, but he was on the Voice recently... He's featured on Dragonborn Comes (Skyrim), Dream On, Carry On Wayward Son & Superstition (before Cesar, J. None was member Still), and the short These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. *: EJ Cardona (Omar's Brother, permanent member of Voctave) has guest starred on I Can't Make You Love Me, and before Cesar joined he was featured in Go the Distance (J None was still in the group then). I heard that Omar was supposed to be the feature on "I can't make you love me" but his schedule conflicted with the filming of The Voice so EJ covered for his brother. Either way, excellent song! *: Adriana Arellano is a young talent, she's been featured in We're Good, Minis, Frozen 2 Medley, Good 4 U, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch *: Rachel Potter is basically the most featured person with Voiceplay going back to 2017 or later. However, she lives in Texas and has a family, so she hasn't joined VP who are based in Orlando. But she has something like 20 songs featured over the last 7 years that I know of... maybe more. Definitely has a Disney Princess quality when needed, and is an excellent, strong Soprano. She's featured in the Moana Medley, Little Mermaid Medley, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked Medley, I Knew You Were Trouble, Greatest Showman Medley.... and many more. I believe VP even has their own playlist with her. Though she's not in every song, and has slowed down appearances lately, she might as well be an honorary fifth member at this point and is pretty loved in the VP Community.
The current core group is Geoff (bass), Layne (vocal percussion/baritone), Eli (tenor), and Cesar(baritone). They add a 5th member as the song needs. J. None is a former VP member. Let's just take a moment to truly appreciate Layne's handling of Phil Collins' iconic drum beats! AMAZING!! The video's style suggests an old VHS tape, with sound and video drop-off, distortion, and pixilation plus the difference aspect ratio. The set consisted of the loading dock of one of the stores next to PattyCake Production's studio plus a 1972 Pontiac LeMans belonging to Layne's father. Fun Fact: Many people believe the lyric is "Hold On" instead of the actual lyric of "Oh Lord." In homage to this Mandela Effect, there is ONE "Hold On" in the cover, See if you can find that Easter Egg. If you would like to see more VoicePlay and Disney, definitely check out "Oogie Boogie's Song" and "The Little Mermaid Medley"
The gentleman you stopped and rolled back to hear again around 6:50 in your video is Cesar De La Rosa, the group's most recent full member. Thank you for calling attention to his beautiful voice--IMO he too often gets overlooked.
There are a cappella groups that are considered the top groups. VoicePlay, Home Free, and Pentatonix are good friends with each other and have been to work on each others videos, filming and sets. HF's Rob popped in on VP for a medley of hit movie theme songs. Avi Kaplan from Pentatontix joined Tim in the bass department of Home Freedoing Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. That reminds me. A great video to watch is Just Sing. Make sure you have the CC is on.
Love their arrangement of one of my absolute favorites. My husband and I had just started dating when this was huge. Would love to know what Phil Collins think of this.
Please keep on reacting to Voiceplay and Geoffs wonderful and amazing talents. You will not be disappointed! I am now a subscriber to your channel because i loved your reaction to this and i am hopeful that you will do more from them. Thank you.
If you like musical theatre, you should check out their Wicked medley, The Greatest Showman medley, and If I Were a Rich Man/Girl -- all fantastic! Also Geoff's solo channel -- they're all great -- but I See Fire really shows his range.
Kudos to Phil C. for writing that song... BUT I have to admit I like this version a lot better: somehow stripped in places but otherwise added so much atmosphere... sooo good! Do you have explanations why so underrated!?! Loved your reaction... please do more! 🎉😊❤ Go to Geoff's solo channel... you will find lots of GOOD stuff.. 😂
I love good acapella. Voice Play, PTX and Home Free. The voice you said you liked is Eli. Pronounced El ee. He’s awesome. React to a Home Free song. They’re all great.
Let me introduce the boys. From left, Layne, beatboxer, baritone and, occasionally, VioLayne. Next is Cesar, tenor/bari, and our current "Angel of Music". In the middle is J. None. He was a regular member, but the Navy lured him away to songbird for them for awhile. Eli, please pronounce as " belly", our Rock God of a Tenor. He also usually does the light effects, wonderfully if I do say it. Last, (never!) Is Geoff. No real intro needed. Our Dragon voiced bass who also raises us to Heaven's gates with his highs. Other featured singers come and go. They have many friends who they can call on.
This is top 5 for me. VoicePlay is down one member and has been for 2 yrs since J None was recruited into the US Navy for his talents. He said he'd be back but he still has 3 yrs on his contract. In the meantime, he comes from the west coast to Florida to do some of the videos and minis. He done Friends on the Other Side, Nothing Else Matters, Valhalla Calling and this one too. VoicePlay is located in Orlando and because of the myriad of theme parks (where they've all worked on occasion, it's where they picked up the moniker- Theatre Kids of the Acapella World) there is a plethora of really good trained vocalists and they have several that they regularly bring on. It gives them an amazing set of skilled folks to expand their videos. It's worked well but they don't tour anymore but they have families and friends. As we get close to Halloween, look up their huge array of themed music. In the Hall of the Mountain King is superb.
They have the core 4 then have a rotation of people featured. Often more than one like for the Wicked medley. My favorite featured star so far is AleXa on the Enemy video.
Fan-f'ing-tastic! I don't even own panties but I *[OVERSHARING REDACTED]* Amazing take on this classic. When I clicked to watch I had a suggestion of another cover in mind, but nah man. That cover can't hold a candle to this one! TY for the reaction and thanks to Jamie for suggesting~
That drum solo is sick and the whole cover is iconic. Lord the memories of the 80s and Miami Vice came flooding back when this first dropped. What a masterpiece.
For me it wasn't Grease, it was mid seventies Quinn Martin Detective tv show, like Mannix, or Barnaby Jones. There are currently four core members, and the guy in the pink blazer is a rotate in guy who is currently serving in the US Navy active duty, when he isn't jamming with VP. The belter is Eli Jacobson, and he could probably front any rock band out there.
One of Collins’ best. This acapella version is good. If you like the oldies Peace Train by Yusuf/Cat Stevens - Playing for Change is a winner. It is as relevant today as it was back in the 70s. Maybe more so given all that is going on in the world today.
Giving it an 80s feel, and the hint of Miami Vice, was inspired.VoicePlay used to be five people, but Earl - one of the original members - left in 2020 for undisclosed personal reasons. Then J.None left in 2021 to sing with the US Navy music section. Fortunately they found Cesar pretty quickly but that still leaves them with only four full members, so to fill their five part harmonies they have a large group of talented friends to call on, who are chosen specifically to match the song they're doing. Sometime a female voice is more appropriate, sometimes not. J.None, as here, joins whenver he's on leave from his duties with the Navy. He's two years into a five years stint but what he will want to do after that we don't know. Long term fans hope he will rejoin ViocePlay as a fulltime member, but he may have other ideas. They are still looking for a replacement in the meantime and have advertised for someone to come forward. Whoever it is has to be not only a great singer who can fit in vocally, but they also must equal their level of humour. A big ask. :)
Loving your reactions and this chanel. So appreciate real reactions to fun ones like this, as well as some of the tough ones like Tori Amos. Would love to see you react to Pentatonix's Imagine. The song is beautiful, a wall of sound like nothing else and the video speaks volumes.
Eli is a complete powerhouse, and him going off is always a highlight for me. You really need to check out their covers of Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters, White Stripe’s Seven Nation Army, and Aerosmith’s Dream On. And if you want to hear Geoff go off, then find Valhalla Calling or Oogie Boogie Man.
Wish I could afford a higher Patreon tier, but unfortunately my life is a mess at the moment. But if you get around to it, I'd love to see you react to Voiceplay's version of Drunken Sailor. I promise you won't be disappointed!!!! I've been watching the video and reactions to the video and wringing every drop of dopamine out of them that I can!
Hi I would like to recommend “end the dance.” By Chonny Jash it’s from one of his Original albums as he also does covers (however he changes the message, lyrics, and feeling of the songs with those too so if you like his stuff (and if you react to it) i might recommend more)
Also right below this I got recommended one of your Hallelujah reactions and Chonny also has a cover of that song so maybe something you could also check out
No green screen here. They were set up by the loading dock at a mall where Pattycake Productions (co-owned by Layne, the beatboxer and Tony Wakim, former baritone with them). It was just them and the camera crew late at night in Florida with heat, humidity and bugs. They had industrial fans going so they could cool off from time to time. The car is owned by Layne's dad.
The arrangement is Layne's which means that all of the video artistic choices were made by him, production, editing, everything except the final mix. They are amazing. No label, no management which gives them complete artistic control.
They were five voices until 2020 when their high tenor, with them from the beginning (1997) left for undisclosed personal reasons. Tony Wakim left in 2016 to pursue the production side. J None took Tony's place in 2018 and left in 2021 when he was recruited by the US Navy to sing with them. He is now the lead singer for the Navy in the Pacific Northwest. He has been back to do 4 covers with them while on leave. Eli (ellie) Jacobson, the bald tenor joined them in 2010 or 2011 just before they rebranded as Voiceplay. Layne and Geoff are the remaining founding members from 1997. Still down a man, they have a group of artists that they've worked with and are pulling in new people as well. However they do it, they manage to make the featured artist sound like they have always been there.
Sorry to go on and on, but these guys are so, so talented!!!
Let me suggest their version of Creep and then Drunken Sailor. From the sublime to the ridiculous.
Voiceplay never disappoints they don’t have any record label or external manager they do everything themselves. Geoffs wife is their production manager, Layne Geoff and Eli do the arranging and Eli does the lighting these days. In their BTSs for patreons you can see them shifting scenery occasionally doing their own camera work. They have a couple of people they use for camera on some of their productions and they get in a guy called Rick Underwood to do the makeup when required. Kathy Geoffs wife often sources the costumes and they fil a lot now in Pattycake productions studio which is co-owned by Layne and Tony a former Voiceplay member. ❤🏴
I enjoy they're behind the every bit as much as the actual videos 😃
Well said and thank you for that insight on the production side of things!
@@nickforell1 Thank you for another great reaction to Voice Play. Would you please do a reaction video to Geoff's solo cover
" Shenandoah "? It is so beautiful. Also Geoff's solo cover to
" Sounds Of Silence "?
Geoff really knows how to reach deep down into your soul.
Shenandoah first please ❤️
Yeah, the hardest things for reactors when they first start looking at VoicePlay is the changing lineup they see in the different videos. VoicePlay has traditionally been a five-member, all male group. So, back when VoicePlay appeared on 'The Sing-Off" (the year that it was won by Home Free), the VoicePlay members consisted of: Layne Stein (beatboxer), Geoff Castellucci (bass), Eli Jacobson (tenor, the bald guy with the beard ), Earl Elkins Jr. (high tenor) and Tony Wakim (baritone). Layne, Geoff and Earl had known each other since middle school(!) and Eli attended a nearby school and they became acquainted during chorale competitions, etc. Tony and Geoff met when both worked at the Universal theme park (Tony played Dracula and Geoff played Frankenstein in the 'Bettlejuice Graveyard Review). Tony gradually tired of touring and being in front of the camera and left performing to create PattyCake Productions with Layne. They own their own studio (which is often used by VoicePlay and Geoff for their videos also) and do their own productions, usually Disney-themed. Tony was replaced as baritone by J None, who was the featured performer here, the gentleman that got out of the car and was in the middle of the group here. When Covid hit in 2020, VoicePlay had to stop doing the touring and cruise ship entertaining that they were used to doing and concentrated more on videos, forming their patreon, etc. Earl left very abruptly, for unexplained 'personal reasons and neither side has commented on exactly what happened, but I can only think that something very wrenching happened for guys that had known each other for decades at that point suddenly and abruptly severing their professional relationship. And VoicePlay has never been a complete 5-man group since that time, never finding another permanent 'high tenor'. J None also left a little over two years ago to join the US Navy (recruited for their choir/chorus), but has returned numerous times to guest as a 'featured performer' with VoicePlay since. A little while later, Cesar (to the left of J None in this video) joined as a baritone/tenor (the guy has a phenomenal range, as does Eli), but they have never found a permanent fifth member. The increasing frequency with which J None has returned to join them has made many of the fans/patrons kind of hope that J None will return and become the permanent fifth member.
If you want to see/hear Tony, I highly recommend VoicePlay's version of 'Phantom of the Opera', he leads there and is wonderful (oh, and you will think you don't see Geoff at first, but that's because his hair was VERY short back then and he looks very different, LOL). Two of my favorite videos from the Earl and J None era are 'Queen in Five Minutes' and 'Boy Bands in Five Minutes' to hear Earl's super-high tenor.
Who needs a high tenor when you have Rock Eli !
Wow, I just got a history lesson! Much needed and thank you 😊
@@nickforell1 sorry for posting so much Voice Play are known as The Theater Kids of Acapella. You will see in their cover of " Friends On The Other Side ".Also please do a reaction video to Voice Plays newest cover " Creep " . It was Geoff's idea to use the mirror's. It has made many cry. Cesar, the guy at the beginning & end of the song reaches deep down into your soul.
Im really enjoying how you are appreciating them and their multitude of talents. They are so incredible
Around 5:03 - that’s one of the biggest reasons I love VoicePlay. I think it was Geoff who said (I’m paraphrasing heavily because I don’t remember the exact quote) they compose arrangements for the group they have, not some assigned ideal. They have this amazing ability to hear and comprehend each person’s unique talents and skills and know how to blend them. It’s masterful. Really enjoy your reactions!
Thank you RD! I’m a massive fan of Geoff now
Thousands of us did that drum solo with "air sticks" as Layne did it. So, so good. The section from Cesar's clap until Geoff's super low "oh, Lord" was sheer genius. The whole thing was awesome!
So good!
Voiceplay has four steady member, Geoff, Eli, Cesar and Layne. J None is a member on a sort of sabbatical, singing with the Naval Choir, who comes back and does songs with them when he can. Otherwise, they generally have a fifth person as a guest singer, and they rock at figuring out who's perfect for each song!
Geoff did say that in his interview with Elizabeth, but since he's also said that Layne regularly pushes people to do things that they say they can't. And then they do it.
I'm convinced that Voice Play is the best Acapella group out there. This rendition is truly amazing. Is there anything that Voice Play can't do and do better
They took this back to the '80s Miami Vice vibe with J. None dressed as Crochett did in the show. T-shirts and sports coats. That 1972 Pontiac is Laynes' dad's. The group now is L to R Layne, Cesar who joined when J. None joined the Navy in 2021, Eli (Elly) rhymes with jelly, and Geoff. When J is home on leave he gets together with the guys and the magic happens.
Just WOW!
It's not by hazard that Voiceplay are known as "The Theatre Kids of a cappella"... And they made that one of their prominent characteristics. When I see that they're boing to release a new video, I'm as curious about the theatrics of it as I'm of the musical part of it. To me, that's what makes them unique. Understand me, this would be nothing weren't they absolute stunning singers as well. But they ARE, so it's a plus worth noticing. 🙂
And I'm also a fan of other a cappella groups, Home Free and The Bass Gang above the others. And I know there are many others I didn't even hear about. They're all extraordinary, and they're all different, which makes pointless to compare them. They're just all good. 🙂
You asked something about their lineup. Currently, Voiceplay are short one member, since Earl left in 2020 for personal reasons and J None was recruited by the Navy in 2021 to sing with them for 5 years. He was a permanent member of VP since 2018. He still records with the old friends as a featured artist, like in this video, when he's on leave, and many wish he will return once his time with the Navy expires. Actually, his baritone role has been taken by Cesar de la Rosa, while Eli, the bald tenor, does much more "high tenor" stuff than he did when Earl was in the group. So the role that's not been permanently covered yet should be Earl's. Voiceplay do their videos featuring the 5th member, and the list of those "featured artists" is long enough. All of them are simply great singers. 🙂
In this video, left to right, you have:
- Layne Stein, beatboxer and occasionally baritone
- Cesar de La Rosa, baritone
- J None, featured baritone
- Eli ("Ellie") Jacobson, tenor/Rock God
- Geoff ("JEFF") Castellucci, bass (duh!)...
You already reacted to Geoff's "Folsom prison blues". Now I'd suggest you take a look at two of his videos that are one the sequel of the other: "Far over the Misty Mountains cold", from "The Hobbit - An unexpected journey", from one or two years ago, and the recent "I see fire", from "The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug". Same characters, all played by Geoff of course, same costumes and makeups, and heck, are they beautiful. 🙂
Really enjoyed your reaction, your expressions told the whole story, and I'm already looking forward to watching the next one. 🙂
See you next time then!
Glad you enjoyed it. Voiceplay is a special a cappella group for sure. I love the edgier songs they choose. Their cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On is one of my favorites. With J None serving his country in the navy they fill his spot with guest singers and I think it’s great that they are always given center billing. They produce, arrange, provide their own costumes,sets and makeup. They always invest themselves back into their business. Thanks Nick!
I will try to get to an Aerosmith song for you! So so impressive with the quality. In love with their commitment
after a few times visiting your videos you deserve well an "subscribe" from me....i like your way to react and i love the very natural way of doing that..not overacted or yelling or smashing with your fist against the camera ;) love your different face expressions and your very calm and clear speech
Thank you so much Antonio!
They’ve been down a member since J None left in 2021, so they’ve been filling that spot with different guest artists for the last two years. You will see many people as “featured” in their videos. J None does come back when he can leave from the Navy, as seen here.
Having Geoff sing bass for your group is cheating. He is the element of Deep Bass concentrated into human form.
Thanks for your reactions to VoicePlay and Geoff. Subscribed in anticipation of more of your reactions to them!
Welcome! Thank you Toren
I appreciate all acapella groups but Voiceplay really is on a different level. It’s kind of hard to even put your finger on but it’s something you feel when you watch any of their videos. I think besides their voices, their brilliant arrangements just keep you guessing, engaged and interested the whole time where I have seen some other groups fall a little flat there. But VP literally pulls you into the theme of each video like you are there with them, a whole experience, such a talent. Nick, I would love to see you react to another acapella group called Voctave. They are different and I think you would be blown away. Keep up the good work! ❤
oh yess! you are right.. pls react to Voctave " Disney princess Medley" even Voctave is an more "classical" a capella group in terms, but there are fabulous and stunning in their own way :) they have an lady singing, that is similar to the known "Mitch slapped" by PTX..but in this case it is a woman ;)
Oh wonderful suggestion :)
@@nickforell1 I think Disney Love Medley would be a great place to start with them. It features Kirsten from PTX 😁
Nobody does Disney better than Voice Play.
@@marshayoung9387 Have you seen Voctave? They work at Disney lol
The masters strike again.
Their core people are Layne, Eli, Geoff and Cesar (basically everyone flanking J None). Songs prior to 2021 had J None as a permanent member instead of Cesar, and also had Earl, who left for personal reasons after 20 years....
Nowadays (since Earl Left, really), They usually have one guest per video.
Notable recurring guests:
In this, J. None, who is a former member was the feature He left in 2021 to sing in the Navy and comes back when he's on leave. He has guest credits on Friends On the Other Side, Valhala Calling, Nothing Else Matters, as well as this song (In the Air Tonight).
Other regular guests include:
*: Ashley Diane - I'm not sure what Ashley is doing today, but she is friends with Cesar and seems to fill in when ever a strong soprano voice is needed in recent times. She's featured in If I Were a Rich Man/Girl, We Don't Talk About Bruno, Running Up That Hill, Your Turn to Roll (Short).
*: Jose Rosario Jr.: A former member of the group Rockapella who's currently doing a stint on Broadway. He has been a feature in Drunken Sailor (most recent VP release), Hoist the Colours, and My Mother Told Me.
*: Anthony Gargiula- of Tik-Tok fame, he's been featured quite a bit recently on Golden Hour, Creep, Seven Nation Army, and Wellerman.
*: DJ Young - Currently on tour with Hamilton, he fills in when available. Songs such as Bang, In My Room, Man In the Mirror & You're My Best Friend (last songs with J None as a member, before Cesar joined), Butter and Christmas Don't Be Late all list him as feature.
*: Omar Cardona - Not sure what he's doing right now, but he was on the Voice recently... He's featured on Dragonborn Comes (Skyrim), Dream On, Carry On Wayward Son & Superstition (before Cesar, J. None was member Still), and the short These Boots Are Made For Walkin'.
*: EJ Cardona (Omar's Brother, permanent member of Voctave) has guest starred on I Can't Make You Love Me, and before Cesar joined he was featured in Go the Distance (J None was still in the group then). I heard that Omar was supposed to be the feature on "I can't make you love me" but his schedule conflicted with the filming of The Voice so EJ covered for his brother. Either way, excellent song!
*: Adriana Arellano is a young talent, she's been featured in We're Good, Minis, Frozen 2 Medley, Good 4 U, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch
*: Rachel Potter is basically the most featured person with Voiceplay going back to 2017 or later. However, she lives in Texas and has a family, so she hasn't joined VP who are based in Orlando. But she has something like 20 songs featured over the last 7 years that I know of... maybe more. Definitely has a Disney Princess quality when needed, and is an excellent, strong Soprano. She's featured in the Moana Medley, Little Mermaid Medley, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked Medley, I Knew You Were Trouble, Greatest Showman Medley.... and many more. I believe VP even has their own playlist with her. Though she's not in every song, and has slowed down appearances lately, she might as well be an honorary fifth member at this point and is pretty loved in the VP Community.
The current core group is Geoff (bass), Layne (vocal percussion/baritone), Eli (tenor), and Cesar(baritone). They add a 5th member as the song needs. J. None is a former VP member. Let's just take a moment to truly appreciate Layne's handling of Phil Collins' iconic drum beats! AMAZING!! The video's style suggests an old VHS tape, with sound and video drop-off, distortion, and pixilation plus the difference aspect ratio. The set consisted of the loading dock of one of the stores next to PattyCake Production's studio plus a 1972 Pontiac LeMans belonging to Layne's father. Fun Fact: Many people believe the lyric is "Hold On" instead of the actual lyric of "Oh Lord." In homage to this Mandela Effect, there is ONE "Hold On" in the cover, See if you can find that Easter Egg. If you would like to see more VoicePlay and Disney, definitely check out "Oogie Boogie's Song" and "The Little Mermaid Medley"
The gentleman you stopped and rolled back to hear again around 6:50 in your video is Cesar De La Rosa, the group's most recent full member. Thank you for calling attention to his beautiful voice--IMO he too often gets overlooked.
Thanks for that!
Ive met them all (of the current lineup of VoicePlay) and know a couple of them personally and they are all wonderful and kind and humble people
There are a cappella groups that are considered the top groups. VoicePlay, Home Free, and Pentatonix are good friends with each other and have been to work on each others videos, filming and sets. HF's Rob popped in on VP for a medley of hit movie theme songs. Avi Kaplan from Pentatontix joined Tim in the bass department of Home Freedoing Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire.
That reminds me. A great video to watch is Just Sing. Make sure you have the CC is on.
Their version of Valhalla Calling is incredible
Love their arrangement of one of my absolute favorites. My husband and I had just started dating when this was huge. Would love to know what Phil Collins think of this.
The bald guy's name is Eli pronounced Ellie
A lot of the vibe and the setting come from Miami Vice -- Miami Viceplay, if you will.
Please keep on reacting to Voiceplay and Geoffs wonderful and amazing talents. You will not be disappointed! I am now a subscriber to your channel because i loved your reaction to this and i am hopeful that you will do more from them. Thank you.
Thank you! Will do!
If you like musical theatre, you should check out their Wicked medley, The Greatest Showman medley, and If I Were a Rich Man/Girl -- all fantastic! Also Geoff's solo channel -- they're all great -- but I See Fire really shows his range.
Yep, Love the reaction. I like seeing the new reactors when Voiceplay blows their mind. Thank you for the great reaction.
Thank you too!
Kudos to Phil C. for writing that song... BUT I have to admit I like this version a lot better: somehow stripped in places but otherwise added so much atmosphere... sooo good! Do you have explanations why so underrated!?! Loved your reaction... please do more! 🎉😊❤ Go to Geoff's solo channel... you will find lots of GOOD stuff.. 😂
I love good acapella. Voice Play, PTX and Home Free. The voice you said you liked is Eli. Pronounced El ee. He’s awesome. React to a Home Free song. They’re all great.
Let me introduce the boys. From left, Layne, beatboxer, baritone and, occasionally, VioLayne. Next is Cesar, tenor/bari, and our current "Angel of Music". In the middle is J. None. He was a regular member, but the Navy lured him away to songbird for them for awhile. Eli, please pronounce as " belly", our Rock God of a Tenor. He also usually does the light effects, wonderfully if I do say it. Last, (never!) Is Geoff. No real intro needed. Our Dragon voiced bass who also raises us to Heaven's gates with his highs. Other featured singers come and go. They have many friends who they can call on.
This is top 5 for me. VoicePlay is down one member and has been for 2 yrs since J None was recruited into the US Navy for his talents. He said he'd be back but he still has 3 yrs on his contract. In the meantime, he comes from the west coast to Florida to do some of the videos and minis. He done Friends on the Other Side, Nothing Else Matters, Valhalla Calling and this one too. VoicePlay is located in Orlando and because of the myriad of theme parks (where they've all worked on occasion, it's where they picked up the moniker- Theatre Kids of the Acapella World) there is a plethora of really good trained vocalists and they have several that they regularly bring on. It gives them an amazing set of skilled folks to expand their videos. It's worked well but they don't tour anymore but they have families and friends. As we get close to Halloween, look up their huge array of themed music. In the Hall of the Mountain King is superb.
They have the core 4 then have a rotation of people featured. Often more than one like for the Wicked medley. My favorite featured star so far is AleXa on the Enemy video.
They are on a different level no doubt....love the rest but VP is simply the best...Thanks Nick.🥰🥰🥰🥰
No doubt!
Fan-f'ing-tastic!
I don't even own panties but I *[OVERSHARING REDACTED]*
Amazing take on this classic. When I clicked to watch I had a suggestion of another cover in mind, but nah man. That cover can't hold a candle to this one!
TY for the reaction and thanks to Jamie for suggesting~
Right? My brain was literally melting. Definitely going to have to collect whatever brain cells left. Jamie always suggests great music like yourself!
That drum solo is sick and the whole cover is iconic. Lord the memories of the 80s and Miami Vice came flooding back when this first dropped. What a masterpiece.
their cover of Hellfire is amazing, along with a few others they have done!
Another amamazing reaction/analysis from you!
I love Voiceplay. Unique and extremely talented.
NOTHING ELSE MATTERS ,VALHALLA CALLING, SEVEN NATION ARMY ARE SOME OF THEIR COVERS THAT YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT. A FUN FROM GREECE. ❤❤❤😅😅😅
For me it wasn't Grease, it was mid seventies Quinn Martin Detective tv show, like Mannix, or Barnaby Jones. There are currently four core members, and the guy in the pink blazer is a rotate in guy who is currently serving in the US Navy active duty, when he isn't jamming with VP. The belter is Eli Jacobson, and he could probably front any rock band out there.
One of Collins’ best. This acapella version is good.
If you like the oldies Peace Train by Yusuf/Cat Stevens - Playing for Change is a winner. It is as relevant today as it was back in the 70s. Maybe more so given all that is going on in the world today.
Giving it an 80s feel, and the hint of Miami Vice, was inspired.VoicePlay used to be five people, but Earl - one of the original members - left in 2020 for undisclosed personal reasons. Then J.None left in 2021 to sing with the US Navy music section. Fortunately they found Cesar pretty quickly but that still leaves them with only four full members, so to fill their five part harmonies they have a large group of talented friends to call on, who are chosen specifically to match the song they're doing. Sometime a female voice is more appropriate, sometimes not. J.None, as here, joins whenver he's on leave from his duties with the Navy. He's two years into a five years stint but what he will want to do after that we don't know. Long term fans hope he will rejoin ViocePlay as a fulltime member, but he may have other ideas. They are still looking for a replacement in the meantime and have advertised for someone to come forward. Whoever it is has to be not only a great singer who can fit in vocally, but they also must equal their level of humour. A big ask. :)
Loving your reactions and this chanel. So appreciate real reactions to fun ones like this, as well as some of the tough ones like Tori Amos.
Would love to see you react to Pentatonix's Imagine. The song is beautiful, a wall of sound like nothing else and the video speaks volumes.
Thank you Karan!
Thank you for a fun reaction.
No problem 😊
Left to right, Layne the beatboxer, Ceaser, JNone, Eli (pronounced El Ee) and then Geoff you know
Eli is a complete powerhouse, and him going off is always a highlight for me.
You really need to check out their covers of Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters, White Stripe’s Seven Nation Army, and Aerosmith’s Dream On.
And if you want to hear Geoff go off, then find Valhalla Calling or Oogie Boogie Man.
👏👏👏💜🇧🇷
Wish I could afford a higher Patreon tier, but unfortunately my life is a mess at the moment. But if you get around to it, I'd love to see you react to Voiceplay's version of Drunken Sailor. I promise you won't be disappointed!!!! I've been watching the video and reactions to the video and wringing every drop of dopamine out of them that I can!
No worries! I appreciate the support. I’ll try my best!
Hi I would like to recommend “end the dance.” By Chonny Jash it’s from one of his Original albums as he also does covers (however he changes the message, lyrics, and feeling of the songs with those too so if you like his stuff (and if you react to it) i might recommend more)
Also right below this I got recommended one of your Hallelujah reactions and Chonny also has a cover of that song so maybe something you could also check out
or you need voiceplay vikings
I like a lot of VoicePlay's work. This one didn't work for me.