wow arrangement, accompaniment, Harmony, the blowing, rythm sec, everything is perfect, when you are a musician you tend to dissect these things! and gosh damn!! Nailed perfectly
Thanks so much Ben! Much appreciated, especially when the critique comes from someone who understands what it takes to create a production like this! -Jim
@Ben You will never be a real pro by inserting godless profaneness in everything you say. You are being offensive to goodness itself and revealing the moral depths to which you, and your entire generation that tolerates it, has fallen. No one should every be subjected to your expressions above, especially the youth that are growing to love Tori's music and read your degenerate way of expressing yourself. Ancient sages encouraged us to let no unwholesome word proceed out of our mouths. Please listen to the wisdom of the sages and change your way of thought and self-expression. Then you may be allowed grow up to be a man.
I have been in the music business for over 50 years and I never thought anyone could match the incredible vocal talent of Karen Carpenter…until I heard this. I will say this is the without a doubt the best vocal performance of this song I have ever heard. I closed my eyes and swore I was listening to Karen herself. Also I am thrilled to see young people such as yourself showing their appreciation for the great music of my generation. You are truly an extremely gifted young lady and wish you success in all your musical endeavors.
I was gifted Tori by algorithms last October. It’s been a goosebumps ride since. Jim came last month when he added “more Richard” to Tori’s cover of the Bacharach/David Medley. Look for that here. On “I” Tori has her Short video cover of Goodbye To Love that has surpassed 1.2Million views. It’s here too with 4K views. This video is gaining at an unusually good pace. Check out Both libraries for Tori and Jim, lots of great stuff. Lots of goosebumps, too. Tori is much more than just Karen… though that is ❤❤❤.
I have listened to this song at least 25,000 times since it came out and I can assure you nobody has ever done such an amazing job as this version I am in aw congratulations
I’m 64 years old and for the last 55 plus years I’ve maintained that Karen Carpenter had the most beautiful and perfect voice God ever blessed one with. And I said there would never be another with that perfect voice. Tori…I was wrong. God has given us another perfect voice. Another Karen. I never dreamed I would hear another one like Karen. God Bless you Tori. Keep singing. You are truly amazing.
I close my eyes and listen and I was just totally flabbergasted. She sounds exactly like Karen Carpenter and what a story wow she was taking away from us so young this girl is going places.
Tori, you have the same relaxed approach that Karen had. My Dad played bass on virtually every Carpenters record and I've watched Karen in the studio many times. I remember her standing with her hands in her pockets and singing effortlessly, not forcing her voice at all. It's a pleasure to hear you sing Tori, just beautiful.
Great observation. I didn't realize it until I heard Russian band Leonid & Friends' gorgeous recording of the Carpenters' song Superstar. Their lead singer did all the phrasing right, but didn't have that relaxed (sliding) quality that Karen had. Maybe due to professional voice training. Tori has it down pat.
@@rollinolson3562Oh gosh, how painfully true. Like many other artists, she was most at home, most free, most carefree in the studio or on stage. Like Bruce Springsteen wrote about his late, original band member, organist Danny Federici, he was brilliant when making music but when he stepped off the stage, his life was dark and unpredictable. RIP Karen, and thank you for the music.
@@davidwilliams2403 Closer to 16 , but yes. After the change he was recording with Karen and Richard and Richard didn't like the new strings. Dad had the old ones in his case and put them back on for those sessions. When they finished he Took them off and gave them to Richard.
This has such a great feel and the harmonies are so warm it's insane. I feel like I'm at a grocery store with my mom in the 70's and this is playing. Then I hear the line "so much of life ahead" and I'm a puddle on the floor. It's always music that does this to me.
When Karen Carpenter passed away We lost a great voice and a great person. I thought there will never hear Karen again. I am 60 years old and it is so good to hear a beautiful voice again! Thank You Tori!!
What you both said. 60 here, as well. (Growing up my siblings and I listen to the Carpenters so much we could mimic their performances so well that kids our age in that small town asked us if we were the actual people that recorded it. We said yes for a while, i think we came clean after a bit. Anyway that's a side note) - the production of this is greatness there's no auto tuning, there's just exquisite voice and harmonies. Just absolutely beautiful.
@@thoughtstorms_keith what a nice memory of growing up. As We all grow up hearing a song from The Carpenters Our ears perk up, and a smile appears, time goes back . To the wonderful Days spent with siblings or just by yourself singing. Those days cannot be replaced but we still can get in the car and put on a CD of the Carpenters.
At 83 years of age, I claim 'the oldest' to comment on this. I bought all the Carpenters LPs first time around and still have them. Karen was and remains irreplaceable but you are not her, you are Tori Holub and I think you are amazing. On your own merit that is, truly a beautiful and poignant rendering of a superb song. I have a lump in my throat, listening to you. I thought this kind of glorious music was gone forever. There's hope yet. PLEASE keep singing. James' talents are phenomenal too. Just perfection, the two of you.
@@idadhoTori does the best she can, as she cannot have the same pain as Karen, as everyone has their own life experience, but even so, her performance is beautiful and perfect, with the little experience she has. Since you can't get Karen back, this is the closest. In the comments, you can see that the majority like and approve, and so do I!
Add me to the list of teary-eyed people listening to this beautiful song. Tori needs to get in a recording studio w/ Richard Carpenter and see what new gems might be created for the world to enjoy. A new generation deserves to hear a bit of what the world lost when Karen left us too soon.
This is a great idea. I bet if Richard heard this voice it would stir up the old creative juices again. Who knows what they could create together. Bring back real music.
I bet Richard has a few songs in the works. If he heard this voice, he might be motivated to complete them and we would have a new generation of Carpenters songs.
I’m a 61 year old man. I was reading a bunch of the comments from guys my age while listening to you. I agreed with all of them but thought they were getting a little too emotional for my comfort level. Then I realized I was having trouble continuing to read. It was getting all blurry. I guess I’m not immune to a bit of weeping myself. I have to add my name to the list of people who are deeply touched by your talent and I am more than happy to do so. Thank you! Please don’t stop. You have a truly amazing gift.
Tori and the rest of the band, this was incredible can't stop playing. Lost my dear wife 14 months ago after fighting cancer for 9 years, this was our favorite song. Thank you for tears and smiles!
Jordan - Thank you for your kind comment... I am so sorry to hear this sad news of your wife's passing. Many of us here have a similar bittersweet story, myself included. May you find comfort in the loving memories you made together. ❤
For years I’ve been trying to seek out a female voice that is as close to the late Karen Carpenter. Tori has that voice!! Thank you every musician here for emulating the Carpenters recording with the harmonies, instruments and even tempo. I sincerely hope Richard Carpenter hears this recording because he will agree that Tori’s vocals almost exactly match Karen’s.
Had dinner with a pastor friend a colleague this evening. He's in his 70s and a real musicologist, having spent decades as a voice coach and choir director. He worked with KC many years ago. He was moved to tears when I played this for him. And when I played your cover of Georgia On My Mind as well. He said you are the best natural vocal talent he's heard in half a century. Amazing work, Tori. Well done.
I admit I hesitated to click on the video.. Karen Carpenter is kind of sacred to me.. but I have to say that I am not only glad I clicked but that I am amazed at how close you come to her voice and style.
I don't think most people can understand how hard it is to perform at this level. As a musician for over 50 years, I have only one thing to say. Holy Crap!!!!! Everything about this performance is extraordinarily beautiful. Her voice and those harmonies would give Richard Carpenter goose bumps. Magnificent.
I too have been a pro drummer, background vocalist and ASCAP published songwriter for 5 decades, and the only thing that could have possibly made this anymore Karen would be if Tori had played the drums like Karen did, other than that, you close your eyes and you would think this WAS the Carpenters!! AMAZING talent!!
I’m 70 and while in college (‘73) worked as a stage / performance assistant. The Carpenters were appearing in concert. I listened to Karen sing pre concert, in concert, post concert with and without any supporting music or sound support whatsoever. I actually listened to her sing “I wish you merry Christmas” with nothing but an empty beer mug as an improvised microphone in a local sandwich club post concert. (Karen had a wonderful fun loving personality). Tori’s cover is spot on. Perfectly performed. As if Karen lives on within her voice. Karen had an ever so slightly deeper, richer vocal range. Karen told me it came from her diaphragm which, when drumming and singing concurrently required that “deeper” breathing and a more “erect” posture to both drum and sing. Karen was a magical human being and would be so honored with Tori’s cover. Thanks for bringing back these great memories!
Wow, I’m envious. What a treat! Had we known we would lose her we would somehow have tried to capture the moment and even attempt to make her last forever.
1970's thrills all over again. Fell in love with my wife to this music. We celebarate 45 years this year. This music makes us feel like teenagers again! Well done and THANK YOU!
Tori is legitimately Karen Carpenter reincarnated!!! If I wasn't watching the video, there is no way I would have know that it was Tori singing and not Karen. Fantastic job Tori!
I'm 54 and have been a Carpenters a fan for over 40 years now & Karen is my all-time favorite female vocalist. Like seemingly everyone else here in the comments section I am blown away by Tori's vocals and totally stunned and moved by them also. I never thought anyone could come close to Karen's voice but I was wrong (and I've seen MANY try). Bravo Tori!!!
Impressive lead vocal and arrangement! Wow! Gets a fraction slow in the middle, or sounds a fraction slow. No matter. This is The Carpenters reincarnated. Thank you!
Well, if you ever wondered how to get a 60 year-old grown-ass man to sit here weeping like an infant, wonder no longer. That voice... that marvelous voice! I thought it was lost to us forever, but here it is again! Tori, you are a gift! I'd like to imagine Karen smiling upon you as you grace the world again through that hitherto unmatched tone! So looking forward to more! Thank you!
Fella, I'm right there with you. I was suddenly a little kid again. It was like smelling my mom's perfume out of nowhere. It's a little unsettling to think this is all it took to completely disable me for three minutes. Now I'm going to do the experiment on my wife and see how she takes it.
I cried. And I know I wasn't the only one! Tori's vocals brought the song to life in a way no one else has been able to since Karen. And now the lyrics have new meaning a half a century later.. So much of life behind us, but we will always have room to grow. Thank you for reminding me.
Absolutely the best Karen Carpenter voice I have ever heard. I'm 59 at this is by far the best. Nobody can pull that off but you did! Richard Carpenter has got to hear this if he hasn't already... thank you! This brought tears to my eyes! Music so pure is gone..
Karen Carpenter has been my favorite female vocalist of my lifetime and I've never heard anyone sound as pristine as her voice was until this young lady. So awesome ❤
It’s funny. Karen Carpenter’s voice sounds like it would be simple to replicate because it was so pure and unaffected. Ironically enough though that is what makes it almost impossible to do. I am very confident in saying you are the first person in 50+ years to really nail this. You do sound exactly like her and that is the highest compliment possible 😊
So few have tried because it is nearly impossible to duplicate perfection. Most fail horribly. Oh how I wish I could jump back to the early 70's just for a week between thanksgiving and Christmas so I could hear the pop tunes and the Christmas hits. I would even settle listening on and old hifi system. Funny how the old school cool now think their songs are amazing. They don't give you a head banger headache like the trash songs of that era.
Excellent observation. Tori radiates unaffected innocence, which is the key to her success with Karen's music. Edit: Leonid & Friends have a wonderful video of Superstar. Their lead singer Ksenia has a polished and professional voice, and does a great job, but it's not Karen.
I have been a musician (Trumpet) since 1967 and collaborated with many fine artists. This young woman, Tori Holub and the other artists that joined her, have created a gorgeous piece of artistry for all of us to cherish! ~Scott from Texas~
This is nothing short of INCREDIBLE! Tori’s vocals are just stellar and those harmonies! Richard Carpenter needs to see this. The closest thing to the actual Carpenters I’ve ever heard in my life.
This is fantastic! Thought that Karen Carpenter’s voice would be silenced forever with no equal. Tori Holub’s voice is reincarnation of Karen’s voice. I hope that Richard Carpenter will hear her sing and that he will have her sing the music that he had written after her passing to not only honor her memory, but to give Richard the opportunity to showcase what could have been. I am thrilled.
So many covers by so many people over the years, but this cover version knocks it out of the park, Close your eyes and you could mistake this for the original singer, The depth and range of Tori's voice captures the essence and nuance of Karen Carpenter. Kudos to Jim and the contributors to this song. Please make a full cover album of Carpenters Songs.
I’m a 67 year old female baby boomer who listened to the Carpenters endlessly and still do. Your voice pierced me at the first word. Truly incredible and oh so beautiful. It’s awesome to hear Karen’s sound coming through you. The only thing missing is the haunting sadness that permeated Karen’s singing, even happy tunes. That’s ok, you look like you had a happy childhood, good for you.
Jim, thanks for putting this together. A couple of nights ago I ran into this, and as I sat on my couch watching, this, I simultaneously got chills, and started tearing up. I was a little boy when Karen Carpenter died, and I always felt a loss there. And to hear Tori's voice in such modern clarity.... wow. So I had a friend over and he's also the same age as I, and I told him I wanted him to hear something- but face away from the TV. So he listened, and he just shook his head and said "A once in a lifetime voice" and I said "Are you sure about that?" and he made another comment like it. Then, I said "Turn around" and he saw Tori singing. He was just in awe. Not only is her voice just so exactly like Karen's, it's still uniquely hers in the best ways. Every time I watch this, it touches my heart so deeply. Thank you for that.
I remember i was 10 yrs old n crazy in love with Karen ! I first heard her voice n then i saw her n that was my first crush. but to now hear Tori is UNBELIEVABLE ! IDENTICAL !
Absolute Masterpiece!! I’ve been a fan of the Carpenters since I was three years old and that is the BEST cover of “We’ve Only Just Begun” that I’ve EVER heard!! Standing ovation to everyone who had a part in this…..you did Richard & Karen proud!! ❤️🎤🎶
Absolutely magnificent and magical. A real class act. I cannot sing at all, but am a very good lead guitarist. I'm almost 70 and I've never heard such a pure and golden voice like yours, ever in my lifetime. Keep doing what you're doing. When you're really good at something, people will raze about it. I have a feeling that you already know how special you are. My comment validates it. I subscribed to you because I wish to hear more from you. Good luck, you're a super star.
I was halfway through being blown away by this performance the first time I watched it before realizing I had tears streaming down. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! And did I mention, WOW!
WOW!. I have every Carpenters albumthere is and usually covers are okay, but this is so true to Karens voice and great backing I would have easily believed it was them. Thank you for surprising me!
A very challenging undertaking doing a Karen Carpenter song.....and you NAILED IT! She always had the best voice for a female singer every in my opinion......but you are right there with her. Great job!
I am 67 I have loved Karen Carpenters voice since the very first time I heard her sing , she had a way of getting to your heart and soul ,this is without a doubt the best performance I have heard of this song since we lost her all those years ago .Thank you for letting me relive the past Tori and thank you Jim for sharing this with all of us Carpenter fans.
OMG... I've been a musician, audio engineer, producer for over 50 years as well. Kudos! Yes Karen had the best voice ever ... and you nailed it! Wish you the best success!
I will continue to make comments here until every person in the world gets to hear Tori... I've listened to this song 5 billion times and I can't get sick of it
A cherished song from my youth, performed to perfection, both vocally and instrumentally…honoring the original performance, and giving new life to part of the soundtrack of my life. Karen is smiling down from above. Bravo!! 👏
I got goose bumps when I first listened to this song, My only wish is for Tori to record a full album of her work and covers of The Carpenters work, Tori is simply awsome and I will look forward to searching her other work. Thank you Tori and Jim.
This spectacular emulation is sheer magic. What is so amazing about Tori is that her honey contralto seems so effortless and natural. The same is true of Jim, his crew and all involved in this production. This combination of skill and talent the likes of which we have not heard in years permeates throughout. A big community SKOL greeting to all. This was such a masterful endeaver. Thank you - a bright spot in our difficult times. ❤
I was seven years old when The Carpenters released this. I was in love with music, and used to sing along with my pre-puberty high male voice when it came on AM radio, and then over and over when I got the 45 RPM single. This was one of my favorite songs of my pre-teen years, and I love it to this day. What a beautiful tribute to The Carpenters and composers Roger Nichols (music) and Paul Williams (lyrics). I'm delighted to see this song get such loving attention 54 years later. Having listened to the original so many times, it was obvious to me that this wasn't a "fake" duplicate of the original (shame on those claiming so). But it's so well done that if I'd heard only the audio and someone had told me this was a recently-discovered live version, I would have believed it. Bravo! And thank you, Fil of Wings of Pegasus, for helping these artists get more attention, including mine. -Tom
I usually get teary-eyed when I hear an original Carpenter's song, remembering the horrible loss the music world ever endured at Karen's passing. This rendition brought those tears back. I hope Jim and Tori collaborate on more Carpenter's music.
OMG as a 59 yr old man you have made my day Karen reincarnated with tears in my eyes as you sing this beautiful piece of the Carpenters you Tori nailed this so perfect so amazing so beautiful thank you for sharing this amazing video you must love Karen as much as we all do
wow arrangement, accompaniment, Harmony, the blowing, rythm sec, everything is perfect, when you are a musician you tend to dissect these things! and gosh damn!! Nailed perfectly
Thanks so much Ben! Much appreciated, especially when the critique comes from someone who understands what it takes to create a production like this! -Jim
@Ben You will never be a real pro by inserting godless profaneness in everything you say. You are being offensive to goodness itself and revealing the moral depths to which you, and your entire generation that tolerates it, has fallen. No one should every be subjected to your expressions above, especially the youth that are growing to love Tori's music and read your degenerate way of expressing yourself. Ancient sages encouraged us to let no unwholesome word proceed out of our mouths. Please listen to the wisdom of the sages and change your way of thought and self-expression. Then you may be allowed grow up to be a man.
I have been in the music business for over 50 years and I never thought anyone could match the incredible vocal talent of Karen Carpenter…until I heard this. I will say this is the without a doubt the best vocal performance of this song I have ever heard. I closed my eyes and swore I was listening to Karen herself. Also I am thrilled to see young people such as yourself showing their appreciation for the great music of my generation. You are truly an extremely gifted young lady and wish you success in all your musical endeavors.
Well said! When I close my eyes...
How eloquently said.
I am that old too, Awesome both of them. 💐🙏💕
I was gifted Tori by algorithms last October. It’s been a goosebumps ride since. Jim came last month when he added “more Richard” to Tori’s cover of the Bacharach/David Medley. Look for that here. On “I” Tori has her Short video cover of Goodbye To Love that has surpassed 1.2Million views. It’s here too with 4K views. This video is gaining at an unusually good pace. Check out Both libraries for Tori and Jim, lots of great stuff. Lots of goosebumps, too. Tori is much more than just Karen… though that is ❤❤❤.
I have listened to this song at least 25,000 times since it came out and I can assure you nobody has ever done such an amazing job as this version I am in aw congratulations
I’m 64 years old and for the last 55 plus years I’ve maintained that Karen Carpenter had the most beautiful and perfect voice God ever blessed one with. And I said there would never be another with that perfect voice. Tori…I was wrong. God has given us another perfect voice. Another Karen. I never dreamed I would hear another one like Karen. God Bless you Tori. Keep singing. You are truly amazing.
I close my eyes and listen and I was just totally flabbergasted. She sounds exactly like Karen Carpenter and what a story wow she was taking away from us so young this girl is going places.
Absolutely stunning. Such a talent? Keep it coming Tori
you forgot Julie Andrews, Haley Westenra, Maria Callas, and possibly a dozen more
Indeed the female Nat King Cole ❤
she is a really good singer but she is not karen carpenter not even close
Tori, you have the same relaxed approach that Karen had. My Dad played bass on virtually every Carpenters record and I've watched Karen in the studio many times. I remember her standing with her hands in her pockets and singing effortlessly, not forcing her voice at all. It's a pleasure to hear you sing Tori, just beautiful.
Great observation. I didn't realize it until I heard Russian band Leonid & Friends' gorgeous recording of the Carpenters' song Superstar. Their lead singer did all the phrasing right, but didn't have that relaxed (sliding) quality that Karen had. Maybe due to professional voice training. Tori has it down pat.
Ironically, Karen was anything but relaxed in daily life. All the more amazing that she could sing that way.
@@rollinolson3562Oh gosh, how painfully true. Like many other artists, she was most at home, most free, most carefree in the studio or on stage. Like Bruce Springsteen wrote about his late, original band member, organist Danny Federici, he was brilliant when making music but when he stepped off the stage, his life was dark and unpredictable. RIP Karen, and thank you for the music.
Did your Dad really not change his strings for 11, or was it 17 years? Abslolutly best bass player after Macca.
@@davidwilliams2403
Closer to 16 , but yes. After the change he was recording with Karen and Richard and Richard didn't like the new strings. Dad had the old ones in his case and put them back on for those sessions. When they finished he Took them off and gave them to Richard.
This has such a great feel and the harmonies are so warm it's insane. I feel like I'm at a grocery store with my mom in the 70's and this is playing. Then I hear the line "so much of life ahead" and I'm a puddle on the floor. It's always music that does this to me.
Tori is absolutely fantastic !!!!!!!
When Karen Carpenter passed away We lost a great voice and a great person. I thought there will never hear Karen again. I am 60 years old and it is so good to hear a beautiful voice again! Thank You Tori!!
I’m right there with you. 60 as well. Her voice just always lifted my spirits, angelic and so pure. And a reminder of life in those days.
What you both said. 60 here, as well. (Growing up my siblings and I listen to the Carpenters so much we could mimic their performances so well that kids our age in that small town asked us if we were the actual people that recorded it. We said yes for a while, i think we came clean after a bit. Anyway that's a side note) - the production of this is greatness there's no auto tuning, there's just exquisite voice and harmonies. Just absolutely beautiful.
@@thoughtstorms_keith what a nice memory of growing up. As We all grow up hearing a song from The Carpenters Our ears perk up, and a smile appears, time goes back . To the wonderful Days spent with siblings or just by yourself singing. Those days cannot be replaced but we still can get in the car and put on a CD of the Carpenters.
Pure class with singing and music backup.
At 83 years of age, I claim 'the oldest' to comment on this. I bought all the Carpenters LPs first time around and still have them. Karen was and remains irreplaceable but you are not her, you are Tori Holub and I think you are amazing. On your own merit that is, truly a beautiful and poignant rendering of a superb song. I have a lump in my throat, listening to you. I thought this kind of glorious music was gone forever. There's hope yet. PLEASE keep singing. James' talents are phenomenal too. Just perfection, the two of you.
Yes, everything you said is exactly how I feel. Beautiful music has all but disappeared. This was gloriously nostalgic and beautiful.
The Carpenters were my absolute favourites.. you are amazing! Good luck for your future.❤
Tori sings Karen without the hurt that Karen carried. Is this how Karen sounds in Heaven as her hurt is gone?
@@idadhoTori does the best she can, as she cannot have the same pain as Karen, as everyone has their own life experience, but even so, her performance is beautiful and perfect, with the little experience she has. Since you can't get Karen back, this is the closest. In the comments, you can see that the majority like and approve, and so do I!
@@idadhoI think that was the most poignantly-insightful comment I have ever read. Inspired by Tori's heavenly voice?!! Thank you.
Just came from Wings of Pegasus. Listening to Tori's voice gave me chills. Great job by everyone else too.
Exactly what I did myself LOL!
@@edzeljereza8234 🙂
Me too ❤
Yes thanks Phil
Same & I got chills too! 🥰 It’s a if it’s Karen’s voice but unique at the same time.
Tori is as stunningly beautiful as her voice. Wow, just wow! This is an absolute work of art. Thank you for this.
Young lady has a beautiful voice that is right up there with Karen Carpenter. Wow! Just awesome.
You are beautiful. You have made a 66 year-old man weep like a child. What a voice.❤❤❤❤
49, checking in and ready to burst like a balloon...damn you, Tori! 🤣 (Great job, all of you...)
Add me to the list of teary-eyed people listening to this beautiful song. Tori needs to get in a recording studio w/ Richard Carpenter and see what new gems might be created for the world to enjoy. A new generation deserves to hear a bit of what the world lost when Karen left us too soon.
This is a great idea. I bet if Richard heard this voice it would stir up the old creative juices again. Who knows what they could create together. Bring back real music.
Great idea!
I bet Richard has a few songs in the works. If he heard this voice, he might be motivated to complete them and we would have a new generation of Carpenters songs.
What songs did they write and never record? Richard? We would love to hear your music with Tori.
that is an excellent idea
I’m a 61 year old man. I was reading a bunch of the comments from guys my age while listening to you. I agreed with all of them but thought they were getting a little too emotional for my comfort level. Then I realized I was having trouble continuing to read. It was getting all blurry. I guess I’m not immune to a bit of weeping myself. I have to add my name to the list of people who are deeply touched by your talent and I am more than happy to do so. Thank you! Please don’t stop. You have a truly amazing gift.
Tori and the rest of the band, this was incredible can't stop playing. Lost my dear wife 14 months ago after fighting cancer for 9 years, this was our favorite song. Thank you for tears and smiles!
Jordan - Thank you for your kind comment... I am so sorry to hear this sad news of your wife's passing. Many of us here have a similar bittersweet story, myself included. May you find comfort in the loving memories you made together. ❤
So sorry for your loss.
Karen would love you!!❤❤❤ I’m 69 years old and have loved the Carpenters since they started! You do them proud!
Probably the best cover by anyone anywhere anytime. Tori and Jim and Team, magnificent. I’m qvelling. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
For years I’ve been trying to seek out a female voice that is as close to the late Karen Carpenter. Tori has that voice!! Thank you every musician here for emulating the Carpenters recording with the harmonies, instruments and even tempo. I sincerely hope Richard Carpenter hears this recording because he will agree that Tori’s vocals almost exactly match Karen’s.
I just hope you let Richard Carpenter see this, he would love it. He is allegedly still active.
I want to know if Richard and Karen have any songs that they wrote but never recorded together.
Had dinner with a pastor friend a colleague this evening. He's in his 70s and a real musicologist, having spent decades as a voice coach and choir director. He worked with KC many years ago. He was moved to tears when I played this for him. And when I played your cover of Georgia On My Mind as well. He said you are the best natural vocal talent he's heard in half a century. Amazing work, Tori. Well done.
I admit I hesitated to click on the video.. Karen Carpenter is kind of sacred to me.. but I have to say that I am not only glad I clicked but that I am amazed at how close you come to her voice and style.
The BEST cover of this song in the World!!! I am stunned… Bravo!!!
A voice with this pitch and purity, only comes around every 50 years.
I don't think most people can understand how hard it is to perform at this level. As a musician for over 50 years, I have only one thing to say. Holy Crap!!!!! Everything about this performance is extraordinarily beautiful. Her voice and those harmonies would give Richard Carpenter goose bumps. Magnificent.
This is the most beautiful recording in over half a century.
waaaa .. nearly cry .. seriously .. ❤
I remember when this song was a top hit when I was in 7th grade. I’m 65 now and this put tears in my eyes.
Girlfriend, as a longtime session and touring musician, no one has EVER made me cry upon hearing their voice until you came along.
Those first few notes ...
👆👆👆 what Mark said. It's almost unbelievable she could stun this old musician with just 16 bars. (Kudos to the producer and engineer, too)
I too have been a pro drummer, background vocalist and ASCAP published songwriter for 5 decades, and the only thing that could have possibly made this anymore Karen would be if Tori had played the drums like Karen did, other than that, you close your eyes and you would think this WAS the Carpenters!! AMAZING talent!!
Simply astonishing Tori. Beyond that I am at a loss for words. Congrats!
Massive chills head to toes especially at the 2:32 mark. Love it...chills are the best indicator for me of a fantastic performance !!!
I’m 70 and while in college (‘73) worked as a stage / performance assistant. The Carpenters were appearing in concert. I listened to Karen sing pre concert, in concert, post concert with and without any supporting music or sound support whatsoever. I actually listened to her sing “I wish you merry Christmas” with nothing but an empty beer mug as an improvised microphone in a local sandwich club post concert. (Karen had a wonderful fun loving personality). Tori’s cover is spot on. Perfectly performed. As if Karen lives on within her voice. Karen had an ever so slightly deeper, richer vocal range. Karen told me it came from her diaphragm which, when drumming and singing concurrently required that “deeper” breathing and a more “erect”
posture to both drum and sing. Karen was a magical human being and would be so honored with Tori’s cover. Thanks for bringing back these great memories!
Wow, I’m envious. What a treat! Had we known we would lose her we would somehow have tried to capture the moment and even attempt to make her last forever.
Love it! I was just thinking whether drumming affected Karen's voice 😀
Lucky you!
How cool!
They teach that diaphragmatic singing in Korea by having the student lie on the floor with a book on their abdomen.
Have I been zapped back in time to my childhood bedroom 8 years old listening to the Carpenters? Tori I would swear you are Karen re incarnated.
1970's thrills all over again. Fell in love with my wife to this music. We celebarate 45 years this year. This music makes us feel like teenagers again! Well done and THANK YOU!
Wow!!!! I have goosebumps. Karen is smiling 😊
In case you were wondering what perfection in vocals , musicianship and production sound like....Please hit replay.
I love this channel!
It takes brass balls the size of church bells to even think about covering this song. You all nailed it and then some. Brilliant. ❤
My thoughts EXACTLY
Who`ve got big balls? Now we know. 😂 👍🏼
Tori is legitimately Karen Carpenter reincarnated!!! If I wasn't watching the video, there is no way I would have know that it was Tori singing and not Karen. Fantastic job Tori!
I'm 54 and have been a Carpenters a fan for over 40 years now & Karen is my all-time favorite female vocalist. Like seemingly everyone else here in the comments section I am blown away by Tori's vocals and totally stunned and moved by them also. I never thought anyone could come close to Karen's voice but I was wrong (and I've seen MANY try). Bravo Tori!!!
Who else got here from Wings of Pegasus?
Fantastic performance from all involved!
I did
Yip
same!
I flew in on those wings.
Same
Impressive lead vocal and arrangement! Wow! Gets a fraction slow in the middle, or sounds a fraction slow. No matter. This is The Carpenters reincarnated. Thank you!
Well, if you ever wondered how to get a 60 year-old grown-ass man to sit here weeping like an infant, wonder no longer. That voice... that marvelous voice! I thought it was lost to us forever, but here it is again! Tori, you are a gift! I'd like to imagine Karen smiling upon you as you grace the world again through that hitherto unmatched tone! So looking forward to more! Thank you!
Fella, I'm right there with you. I was suddenly a little kid again. It was like smelling my mom's perfume out of nowhere. It's a little unsettling to think this is all it took to completely disable me for three minutes.
Now I'm going to do the experiment on my wife and see how she takes it.
I cried. And I know I wasn't the only one! Tori's vocals brought the song to life in a way no one else has been able to since Karen. And now the lyrics have new meaning a half a century later.. So much of life behind us, but we will always have room to grow. Thank you for reminding me.
Every time...
Guilty lol
Tears every time.
Closing my eyes, I think I'm hearing Karen - so beautiful Tori❤
Wow, what a great start to my day. Well done everyone involved. Top class talent. Beautiful voice Tori and great musicians. Love it.
WOW! Just WOW! I am a songwriter and composer and have worked some great musicians in Nashville and L.A. in my time....this kid has got "IT!"
Absolutely the best Karen Carpenter voice I have ever heard. I'm 59 at this is by far the best. Nobody can pull that off but you did! Richard Carpenter has got to hear this if he hasn't already... thank you! This brought tears to my eyes! Music so pure is gone..
Karen Carpenter has been my favorite female vocalist of my lifetime and I've never heard anyone sound as pristine as her voice was until this young lady. So awesome ❤
Ditto 💓
AMEN!
It’s funny. Karen Carpenter’s voice sounds like it would be simple to replicate because it was so pure and unaffected. Ironically enough though that is what makes it almost impossible to do. I am very confident in saying you are the first person in 50+ years to really nail this. You do sound exactly like her and that is the highest compliment possible 😊
So few have tried because it is nearly impossible to duplicate perfection. Most fail horribly. Oh how I wish I could jump back to the early 70's just for a week between thanksgiving and Christmas so I could hear the pop tunes and the Christmas hits. I would even settle listening on and old hifi system. Funny how the old school cool now think their songs are amazing. They don't give you a head banger headache like the trash songs of that era.
Excellent observation. Tori radiates unaffected innocence, which is the key to her success with Karen's music.
Edit: Leonid & Friends have a wonderful video of Superstar. Their lead singer Ksenia has a polished and professional voice, and does a great job, but it's not Karen.
WOW! wow! WOW! wow! amazing! wonderful! just incredible!
I have been a musician (Trumpet) since 1967 and collaborated with many fine artists. This young woman, Tori Holub and the other artists that joined her, have created a gorgeous piece of artistry for all of us to cherish! ~Scott from Texas~
This is nothing short of INCREDIBLE! Tori’s vocals are just stellar and those harmonies! Richard Carpenter needs to see this. The closest thing to the actual Carpenters I’ve ever heard in my life.
35 seconds into this I got a shiver and the hair stood up on the back of my neck.
And I'm a metal dude.
This is fantastic! Thought that Karen Carpenter’s voice would be silenced forever with no equal. Tori Holub’s voice is reincarnation of Karen’s voice. I hope that Richard Carpenter will hear her sing and that he will have her sing the music that he had written after her passing to not only honor her memory, but to give Richard the opportunity to showcase what could have been. I am thrilled.
Wow wow wow! Her voice is spot on to Karen Carpenter. Excellent as well as the rest of the band
❤❤❤ You sing so beautifully. Unbelievable you bring tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Get this girl a recording contract! She has a gift that needs to be shared.
Yeah, sure. Get her in a recording studio where they'll auto-tune all the life out of her voice.
To auto tune her would be mad. Her singing is perfect
Respect to you. This honors Karen Carpenter.
What a beautiful re-creation of the original. What a beautiful voice and fantastic musicians.
god knew when he needed karen, we would need tori. beautiful job guys
There are covers and then there are covers... easily the greatest cover ever
So many covers by so many people over the years,
but this cover version knocks it out of the park, Close your eyes and you could mistake this for the original singer,
The depth and range of Tori's voice captures the essence and nuance of Karen Carpenter.
Kudos to Jim and the contributors to this song.
Please make a full cover album of Carpenters Songs.
I’m a 67 year old female baby boomer who listened to the Carpenters endlessly and still do. Your voice pierced me at the first word. Truly incredible and oh so beautiful. It’s awesome to hear Karen’s sound coming through you. The only thing missing is the haunting sadness that permeated Karen’s singing, even happy tunes. That’s ok, you look like you had a happy childhood, good for you.
Jim, thanks for putting this together. A couple of nights ago I ran into this, and as I sat on my couch watching, this, I simultaneously got chills, and started tearing up. I was a little boy when Karen Carpenter died, and I always felt a loss there. And to hear Tori's voice in such modern clarity.... wow.
So I had a friend over and he's also the same age as I, and I told him I wanted him to hear something- but face away from the TV. So he listened, and he just shook his head and said "A once in a lifetime voice" and I said "Are you sure about that?" and he made another comment like it. Then, I said "Turn around" and he saw Tori singing. He was just in awe. Not only is her voice just so exactly like Karen's, it's still uniquely hers in the best ways. Every time I watch this, it touches my heart so deeply. Thank you for that.
Absolutely gorgeous in every respect.
I remember i was 10 yrs old n crazy in love with Karen ! I first heard her voice n then i saw her n that was my first crush. but to now hear Tori is UNBELIEVABLE ! IDENTICAL !
Absolute Masterpiece!! I’ve been a fan of the Carpenters since I was three years old and that is the BEST cover of “We’ve Only Just Begun” that I’ve EVER heard!! Standing ovation to everyone who had a part in this…..you did Richard & Karen proud!! ❤️🎤🎶
One word, Brilliant.
I can't stop playing this I love it so much. You guys really took me back❤
Shout out to Jim ,well done fella for pulling this together ....ace.
Absolutely magnificent and magical. A real class act. I cannot sing at all, but am a very good lead guitarist. I'm almost 70 and I've never heard such a pure and golden voice like yours, ever in my lifetime. Keep doing what you're doing. When you're really good at something, people will raze about it. I have a feeling that you already know how special you are. My comment validates it. I subscribed to you because I wish to hear more from you. Good luck, you're a super star.
Goosebumps on my goosebumps.
I was halfway through being blown away by this performance the first time I watched it before realizing I had tears streaming down. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! And did I mention, WOW!
WOW!. I have every Carpenters albumthere is and usually covers are okay, but this is so true to Karens voice and great backing I would have easily believed it was them. Thank you for surprising me!
A star is born.
A very challenging undertaking doing a Karen Carpenter song.....and you NAILED IT! She always had the best voice for a female singer every in my opinion......but you are right there with her. Great job!
I'm not crying...you're crying. Just perfect.
I am 67 I have loved Karen Carpenters voice since the very first time I heard her sing , she had a way of getting to your heart and soul ,this is without a doubt the best performance I have heard of this song since we lost her all those years ago .Thank you for letting me relive the past Tori and thank you Jim for sharing this with all of us Carpenter fans.
I've been following Tori on Tiktok for a few years. So glad she's gotten the attention she deserves!
Pure Astonishment... with just a touch of melancholy - Bravo!
RIP-Karen
What a voice! This is as good of a cover of any song that I've ever heard in nearly 50 years on this earth
OMG... I've been a musician, audio engineer, producer for over 50 years as well. Kudos! Yes Karen had the best voice ever ... and you nailed it! Wish you the best success!
I will continue to make comments here until every person in the world gets to hear Tori... I've listened to this song 5 billion times and I can't get sick of it
I’m at Eleventy Billion and counting, so there! 😜 😂
Joe
Holy sh*t! Tori is amazing. Beautiful voice. Excellent job! I miss Karen so much🥲
One of the best versions out there!
Stunning performance. I have goose bumps.
A cherished song from my youth, performed to perfection, both vocally and instrumentally…honoring the original performance, and giving new life to part of the soundtrack of my life. Karen is smiling down from above. Bravo!! 👏
I got goose bumps when I first listened to this song, My only wish is for Tori to record a full album of her work and covers of The Carpenters work, Tori is simply awsome and I will look forward to searching her other work. Thank you Tori and Jim.
Love her❤!
Awesome singer love her , sounds just like Karen
Omg i thought only Karen's angelic voice could give me Goosebumps
Tori Holub's voice is similar to Karen Carpenter's! 😮 NO autotune has been applied either. Very good sound mixing and video production.
Made me cry. Perfection. WOW!
Real music will live forever ❤. Thanks for another proof. Tori is amazing.
Omg ….. PURE heaven !
This spectacular emulation is sheer magic. What is so amazing about Tori is that her honey contralto seems so effortless and natural. The same is true of Jim, his crew and all involved in this production. This combination of skill and talent the likes of which we have not heard in years permeates throughout. A big community SKOL greeting to all. This was such a masterful endeaver. Thank you - a bright spot in our difficult times. ❤
I was seven years old when The Carpenters released this. I was in love with music, and used to sing along with my pre-puberty high male voice when it came on AM radio, and then over and over when I got the 45 RPM single. This was one of my favorite songs of my pre-teen years, and I love it to this day. What a beautiful tribute to The Carpenters and composers Roger Nichols (music) and Paul Williams (lyrics). I'm delighted to see this song get such loving attention 54 years later. Having listened to the original so many times, it was obvious to me that this wasn't a "fake" duplicate of the original (shame on those claiming so). But it's so well done that if I'd heard only the audio and someone had told me this was a recently-discovered live version, I would have believed it. Bravo! And thank you, Fil of Wings of Pegasus, for helping these artists get more attention, including mine. -Tom
I usually get teary-eyed when I hear an original Carpenter's song, remembering the horrible loss the music world ever endured at Karen's passing. This rendition brought those tears back. I hope Jim and Tori collaborate on more Carpenter's music.
OMG as a 59 yr old man you have made my day Karen reincarnated with tears in my eyes as you sing this beautiful piece of the Carpenters you Tori nailed this so perfect so amazing so beautiful thank you for sharing this amazing video you must love Karen as much as we all do
Tori, you brought a tear to my eye. Thank you❤.