The first line of vocals just overwhelmed my senses, I immediately had goosebumps and tears started to fill my eyes. I truly couldn't believe what my ears were hearing. How could this young women possibly be so close to Karen's voice? The sounds filling my ears pulled me back immediately to my childhood and the wonderful memories of a great era in American Music. I miss the voice of Karen so much. Tori's performance and her vocal precision in the lower ranges will make her a super star. We haven't heard a voice like this in 40 years. Tori must be shared with the world. Absolutely Fantastic. Thank you to all who performed in the video it was excellent.
Thanks Gina for your thoughtful reaction to our recording! We do it for the love of the music. And certainly, Tori's voice is amazingly beautiful! I did most of the music, but incorporated some of my talented friends to help out - Yoann (Canada) on drums, Gary (Australia) on trumpet, Ynping (Australia) on violin, and Clayton (USA) on Bass. Glad you enjoyed our work, and thank you again for your kind words! - Jim Wilkas
Oh my goodness, my pleasure! Thank you for taking the time to watch and to send a message…and thank you for sharing you and Tori’s and your friends amazing talent with all of us
Tori is an amazing talent! The studio musicians really do a great job, too. As you, what blows me away is the layering and editing. WOW! Richard called it "The Wall Of Sound." Yes, one has to have the quality of voice and instruments, but to put it together so masterfully is amazing. I am a long time DJ/ MC, though now 70 and retired. I had a mini studio in my residence. I thought it was cool, lacking the original artist and band, to phase the music, to give it a fuller sound. To explain, for other commenters, phasing is running two copies of a work through a mixing board with one running at just a tic different speed, Creates a very cool result. You can actually walk the sound from left to right - well defined, esp. when listening to the result through headphones. Thanks for talking about the engineering of this mind blowing release from Toni and Jim!
This was such an incredibly enjoyable reaction to watch because the look on your face throughout the entire video and the subsequent description of your impressions so echoed the feelings I had when I first saw it. The real timeless nature of this song, in my opinion, is in the genius of Richard Carpenter's arrangement, coupled with Karen's incredible vocals and both of their harmonies. While many other artists may have subsequently covered the song, I dont believe those versions will ever resonate like the original. That's what makes this version so good, because it literally breaks down the arrangement in a way that allows the viewer to see many of the intricacies that are involved in how the original was created. Add to this amazing visual representation Tori's phenomenal vocal presence and tonality, as you aptly put it, and you are served up an amazing tribute that gives Karen and Richard the ultimate compliment for the contributions they made. And while Tori shares many vocal similarities with Karen, who is in a class all by herself, she has an incredible voice that is distinctly angelic and sublime. Thank you for a genuine, heartfelt and insightful reaction.
I'm 67 now and saw The Carpenters in 1976. I was right up front and we made eye contact a few times. I just love Karen and miss her so much . I must say about Tori, She was Karen Carpenter in her past life. Karen is back in a special way ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I loved The Carpenters! I was so sad when I heard the news that Karen Carpenter passed away. I feel like this is the closest thing to hearing her unique voice again.
Thanks Ginx for reacting to this and posting it so quickly. Your reaction was as expected. What seems to be the norm is shock and awe! Tori has a timeless voice that allows her to sing almost anything. She does carpenters, other artists, and even has an original currently. She also has many short TikTok videos. She is phenomenal and the world needs her now! Tori has a voice that takes me back to the 60s and '70s. I have not heard a tone like that since Karen Carpenter in the '70s. Tori is capable of more and has covered different artists and also has an original. Please support this girl at all cost because this world needs her! Please continue in 2024 to generously and spread the love and kindness that Tori demonstrates. Please provide links in your description, not only to the artist's original video, BUT ALSO to their official channels. Most importantly, encourage viewers to use those links to watch, like, share, and comment, the same as for your channel. Your verbal encouragement will lead viewers to the artist's links as well as your valuable information, since most do not go to your description on their own. You may also include links to the artists' social media and streaming services. Each artist provides us so much joy, and reactors have a platform that can help boost both artist AND reactor analytics on TH-cam. Help enable Tori to attain her goal of spreading love to the world. This should apply to all featured artists on your channel. Thanks in advance for doing your part. Peace and love.
I played the Carpenters doing this for my grandson. I then played this great cover, and he thought it was the same as the first one. Karen has to be grinning ear to ear.
Ginx, When you see Tori's and James' backing vocal boxes (4 each) pop up in the video, I believe they tripled each of those when recording the voices. In other words, Tori's four backing boxes represent 12 distinct recorded tracks. It gives a much fuller sound, approaching the rich fullness that the Carpenters achieved in their recordings. Also to note: during the bridge Tori's lead vocal is doubled, just like Karen did in the original.
You are correct. Jim once told me there are only 4 or in Tori’s case 6 as it was where it still made sense for the video. At peak, it would have to have been 20 and that was too much to try and visualize. The video got the point across without being cluttered.
I never got to hear Karen Carpenter live. Awesome to have Tori keeping The Carpenters music alive. Tori also has a couple original songs and she is just 20 years old. I hope to see her perform.
While the Carpenters didn’t invent the use of “dubbing” (layering sound tracks), they were the ones who made excellent use of the method. Which resulted in the fantastic harmonies heard on their songs. It was probably the only way to get such tight harmonies matching Karen’s voice at the time. Cheers
Ginx! Oh boy, since you're an audio engineer, I can leave a comment without watering it down. What do I mean? Well, Tori's singing is so good that her brilliance, musically and technically, is overshadowed. At her site she's posted a video explaining how the Carpenters overdubbed. She sings individual parts into her TASCAM multitrack deck (explaining that her Pro Tools sequencing software is giving her trouble that day). Then she brings all the faders up to full and plays all the parts back at the same time. She does this all in her anechoic wedge foam-festooned home studio all by herself. A recent song she produced herself was a redo of a song she sang at the recent Carpenters 55th Anniversary Celebration. She sang in a church and the recording didn't capture her gorgeous voice. She was unhappy with the on-site recording, which is why she redid it. On this studio version, she sang all the parts and overdubbed. Well, that's impressive 'technically,' but what's impressive 'musically' is that she determined the notes to present the harmonies she wanted on the recording. The actual song was one that Richard couldn't have Karen sing because she'd passed by that time.
Hey Chris, well get ready to have your wish fulfilled. I was in the livestream that day when Ron sponsored WOJB and I did “Eyes” Studio. Um let’s, say Gina “got it.” I’ll add, wait for it! Joe
As a fellow engineer I thought I would offer my observations of this performance. I had a similar reaction at first hearing. I don't consider this a cover. Often due to the band or singers unique abilities covers are never reproductions and reflect their own spin. This is an exceptional successful recreation of the original song. The opening clarinet is the only part that sounds slightly off to me. Check out her channel for her Olivia Newton John shorts. An unbelievable talent. For a revealing technical comparison analysis with Karen see: th-cam.com/video/-g0jHAyLqvM/w-d-xo.html
Hi Gina! I lived it all over again. I’m used to it now, so I don’t get shell shocked. I just enjoy others discovering Tori for the first time. I can’t wait for “Eyes” that was mine and an emotional roller coaster. Don’t be worried you were not the first and won’t be the last. I’m going to leave a link to her most recent short video. So you and the crew think she sounds like Karen? Eh? It’s about a minute so a quick look see… Joe Sam: th-cam.com/users/shortsWzrpXaZKT7Y?si=uJ8YGkdXagWd3kmq . Edit: Gina I meant to add, Tori is an aspiring audio engineer. For this video she did everything in her studio and sent the files to Jim for mixing and inclusion in the video. On her own productions she does everything. She’s one helluva talent. And on an audio note in the short I linked above. First look at the microphone in her video box in WOJB, it’s a Blue Bottle, I believe. In the short above sweetheart got a new toy. Recognize it? Know the significance of it? These and many questions can be answered. ❤
Whomever stated this video was creepy, hasn't watched enough horror. I recommend the original, "Texas Chain Saw Massacre". After watching that movie at the drive in back in the 70's, I swore off horror. Compare that movie with this video. Any similarities? If yes, electroshock therapy for you! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Why do the original when it was perfect? She should just make it her own instead of copying the original. It's good, but I just keep comparing to Karen and falls short. Sorry.
The musical arrangement by Jim Wilkas and the other musicians was actually done some time ago. He was looking for someone who could carry the lead to fill the place of a vocalist that recorded with them who had passed away. The rendition is a tribute, it's inherently intended to sound "as performed" by the Carpenters. As a huge fan Tori Holub would be the first person to tell you that no one could ever replace Karen Carpenter, but given the gift she possesses and the opportunity to pay tribute to a singer she reveres who died 20 years before she was even born, can you really blame her for lending her talents to an effort like this? She has a lot of shorts of Carpenters songs, yes, but for someone whose voice shares tonal qualities that are indisputably similar to Karen, I think that's a pretty worthwhile bar to reach for. And in that respect she distinguishes herself admirably.
58 year old man here, grew up with the Carpenters. Heard this a bunch of times. Chokes me up every time. 😊
The first line of vocals just overwhelmed my senses, I immediately had goosebumps and tears started to fill my eyes. I truly couldn't believe what my ears were hearing. How could this young women possibly be so close to Karen's voice? The sounds filling my ears pulled me back immediately to my childhood and the wonderful memories of a great era in American Music. I miss the voice of Karen so much. Tori's performance and her vocal precision in the lower ranges will make her a super star. We haven't heard a voice like this in 40 years. Tori must be shared with the world. Absolutely Fantastic. Thank you to all who performed in the video it was excellent.
Listening to Tori takes me back to Aug 4, 1984 (8.4.84) when it was sung at my wedding. Forty + years later, we are still together!
Thanks Gina for your thoughtful reaction to our recording! We do it for the love of the music. And certainly, Tori's voice is amazingly beautiful! I did most of the music, but incorporated some of my talented friends to help out - Yoann (Canada) on drums, Gary (Australia) on trumpet, Ynping (Australia) on violin, and Clayton (USA) on Bass. Glad you enjoyed our work, and thank you again for your kind words! - Jim Wilkas
Oh my goodness, my pleasure! Thank you for taking the time to watch and to send a message…and thank you for sharing you and Tori’s and your friends amazing talent with all of us
We have only just begun to YET AGAIN EXPERIENCE that incredible Lower register female voice of perfection ! Love it.
This makes me weep
E-V-E-R-Y time I see someone react to it. Amazing!!
Tori is an amazing talent! The studio musicians really do a great job, too. As you, what blows me away is the layering and editing. WOW! Richard called it "The Wall Of Sound." Yes, one has to have the quality of voice and instruments, but to put it together so masterfully is amazing. I am a long time DJ/ MC, though now 70 and retired. I had a mini studio in my residence. I thought it was cool, lacking the original artist and band, to phase the music, to give it a fuller sound. To explain, for other commenters, phasing is running two copies of a work through a mixing board with one running at just a tic different speed, Creates a very cool result. You can actually walk the sound from left to right - well defined, esp. when listening to the result through headphones. Thanks for talking about the engineering of this mind blowing release from Toni and Jim!
Always a joy to watch someone respond to perfection.
This was such an incredibly enjoyable reaction to watch because the look on your face throughout the entire video and the subsequent description of your impressions so echoed the feelings I had when I first saw it. The real timeless nature of this song, in my opinion, is in the genius of Richard Carpenter's arrangement, coupled with Karen's incredible vocals and both of their harmonies. While many other artists may have subsequently covered the song, I dont believe those versions will ever resonate like the original. That's what makes this version so good, because it literally breaks down the arrangement in a way that allows the viewer to see many of the intricacies that are involved in how the original was created. Add to this amazing visual representation Tori's phenomenal vocal presence and tonality, as you aptly put it, and you are served up an amazing tribute that gives Karen and Richard the ultimate compliment for the contributions they made. And while Tori shares many vocal similarities with Karen, who is in a class all by herself, she has an incredible voice that is distinctly angelic and sublime. Thank you for a genuine, heartfelt and insightful reaction.
I'm 67 now and saw The Carpenters in 1976. I was right up front and we made eye contact a few times. I just love Karen and miss her so much . I must say about Tori, She was Karen Carpenter in her past life. Karen is back in a special way ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I loved The Carpenters! I was so sad when I heard the news that Karen Carpenter passed away. I feel like this is the closest thing to hearing her unique voice again.
Mind blown!
Tori has covered ONJ as well. True talent.
Thanks Ginx for reacting to this and posting it so quickly. Your reaction was as expected. What seems to be the norm is shock and awe! Tori has a timeless voice that allows her to sing almost anything. She does carpenters, other artists, and even has an original currently. She also has many short TikTok videos. She is phenomenal and the world needs her now!
Tori has a voice that takes me back to the 60s and '70s. I have not heard a tone like that since Karen Carpenter in the '70s. Tori is capable of more and has covered different artists and also has an original. Please support this girl at all cost because this world needs her!
Please continue in 2024 to generously and spread the love and kindness that Tori demonstrates. Please provide links in your description, not only to the artist's original video, BUT ALSO to their official channels. Most importantly, encourage viewers to use those links to watch, like, share, and comment, the same as for your channel. Your verbal encouragement will lead viewers to the artist's links as well as your valuable information, since most do not go to your description on their own. You may also include links to the artists' social media and streaming services. Each artist provides us so much joy, and reactors have a platform that can help boost both artist AND reactor analytics on TH-cam. Help enable Tori to attain her goal of spreading love to the world. This should apply to all featured artists on your channel. Thanks in advance for doing your part. Peace and love.
❤
Just fantastic ❤
Tori is an audio engineer as well.
This song started out as a Crocker Bank commercial.
It may be worth noting that Karen had been dead for more than 20 years before Tori was even born.
I played the Carpenters doing this for my grandson. I then played this great cover, and he thought it was the same as the first one. Karen has to be grinning ear to ear.
Barry Manilow on One Voice overlays 40 of himself.
Ginx, When you see Tori's and James' backing vocal boxes (4 each) pop up in the video, I believe they tripled each of those when recording the voices. In other words, Tori's four backing boxes represent 12 distinct recorded tracks. It gives a much fuller sound, approaching the rich fullness that the Carpenters achieved in their recordings. Also to note: during the bridge Tori's lead vocal is doubled, just like Karen did in the original.
You are correct. Jim once told me there are only 4 or in Tori’s case 6 as it was where it still made sense for the video. At peak, it would have to have been 20 and that was too much to try and visualize. The video got the point across without being cluttered.
Tori's first love is sound engineering.
Fil at Wings of Pegasus did comparisons of both Tori and Karen
I'd love to play Tori and Karen simultaneously. I don't think you'd hear much difference.
I never got to hear Karen Carpenter live. Awesome to have Tori keeping The Carpenters music alive. Tori also has a couple original songs and she is just 20 years old. I hope to see her perform.
Tori needs to do a Carpenters album.
Jim managed to match Richard Carpenter's arrangement.
While the Carpenters didn’t invent the use of “dubbing” (layering sound tracks), they were the ones who made excellent use of the method. Which resulted in the fantastic harmonies heard on their songs. It was probably the only way to get such tight harmonies matching Karen’s voice at the time. Cheers
Ginx! Oh boy, since you're an audio engineer, I can leave a comment without watering it down. What do I mean? Well, Tori's singing is so good that her brilliance, musically and technically, is overshadowed. At her site she's posted a video explaining how the Carpenters overdubbed. She sings individual parts into her TASCAM multitrack deck (explaining that her Pro Tools sequencing software is giving her trouble that day). Then she brings all the faders up to full and plays all the parts back at the same time. She does this all in her anechoic wedge foam-festooned home studio all by herself. A recent song she produced herself was a redo of a song she sang at the recent Carpenters 55th Anniversary Celebration. She sang in a church and the recording didn't capture her gorgeous voice. She was unhappy with the on-site recording, which is why she redid it. On this studio version, she sang all the parts and overdubbed. Well, that's impressive 'technically,' but what's impressive 'musically' is that she determined the notes to present the harmonies she wanted on the recording. The actual song was one that Richard couldn't have Karen sing because she'd passed by that time.
Hey Chris, well get ready to have your wish fulfilled. I was in the livestream that day when Ron sponsored WOJB and I did “Eyes” Studio. Um let’s, say Gina “got it.” I’ll add, wait for it!
Joe
@@jbs256 Not following, but I'm eager to find out what's coming. WOJB?
@@christopheryochum3602We've Only Just Begun and In Your Eyes, I believe 😊
@@SAnnun-hs1io Thanks. Acronyms sometimes elude me.
@@christopheryochum3602 sorry ❤️ I try and get concise among friends 🤣. We that know Tori.
As close to the great Karen Carpenter as there is.
As a fellow engineer I thought I would offer my observations of this performance. I had a similar reaction at first hearing.
I don't consider this a cover. Often due to the band or singers unique abilities covers are never reproductions and reflect their own spin. This is an exceptional successful recreation of the original song. The opening clarinet is the only part that sounds slightly off to me. Check out her channel for her Olivia Newton John shorts. An unbelievable talent.
For a revealing technical comparison analysis with Karen see:
th-cam.com/video/-g0jHAyLqvM/w-d-xo.html
Hi Gina! I lived it all over again. I’m used to it now, so I don’t get shell shocked. I just enjoy others discovering Tori for the first time. I can’t wait for “Eyes” that was mine and an emotional roller coaster. Don’t be worried you were not the first and won’t be the last.
I’m going to leave a link to her most recent short video. So you and the crew think she sounds like Karen? Eh?
It’s about a minute so a quick look see…
Joe
Sam:
th-cam.com/users/shortsWzrpXaZKT7Y?si=uJ8YGkdXagWd3kmq
.
Edit:
Gina I meant to add, Tori is an aspiring audio engineer. For this video she did everything in her studio and sent the files to Jim for mixing and inclusion in the video. On her own productions she does everything. She’s one helluva talent. And on an audio note in the short I linked above. First look at the microphone in her video box in WOJB, it’s a Blue Bottle, I believe. In the short above sweetheart got a new toy. Recognize it? Know the significance of it? These and many questions can be answered. ❤
Awesome song! If you close your eyes you would think Karen Carpenter had come back to life! Terrific reaction!
I know right!? It’s wild!🤯
@@ginxreactsand I just had this put in front of me again. Gina 4K+ is well above average in views. Well done! ❤
Joe
Whomever stated this video was creepy, hasn't watched enough horror. I recommend the original, "Texas Chain Saw Massacre". After watching that movie at the drive in back in the 70's, I swore off horror. Compare that movie with this video. Any similarities? If yes, electroshock therapy for you! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The first time I heard her I thought she was Karen reincarnated.
Why do the original when it was perfect? She should just make it her own instead of copying the original. It's good, but I just keep comparing to Karen and falls short. Sorry.
The musical arrangement by Jim Wilkas and the other musicians was actually done some time ago. He was looking for someone who could carry the lead to fill the place of a vocalist that recorded with them who had passed away. The rendition is a tribute, it's inherently intended to sound "as performed" by the Carpenters. As a huge fan Tori Holub would be the first person to tell you that no one could ever replace Karen Carpenter, but given the gift she possesses and the opportunity to pay tribute to a singer she reveres who died 20 years before she was even born, can you really blame her for lending her talents to an effort like this? She has a lot of shorts of Carpenters songs, yes, but for someone whose voice shares tonal qualities that are indisputably similar to Karen, I think that's a pretty worthwhile bar to reach for. And in that respect she distinguishes herself admirably.
all I hear is the autotune 😂
Are you familiar with Wings of Pegasus? He made 2 videos on Tori in March. Not his analysis.
Wrong. NO auto tune.
You mean pitch correction rather than auto tune -- and you're wrong 😉
Nope, no autotune or pitch correction. Wings of Pegasus did a review on it.