Haha it surprised me, cause he said "Old Man River" hesitantly like he didn't know if it was right or not, then he sang the whole song in English! Haha and I understood him very clearly! Great performance.
People always brag about how low they can go on all of these low bass videos. Who gives a fuck about numbers really? How it sounds is what's important, and this sounds amazing so just enjoy it.
I heard this the year that I started in the Men's choir at my high school. It was sang by a tenor in the Varsity choir. I like this version more. I love his deep velvety voice. Great job!
Although you can't remember me, I am more that honoured and thankful for your teachings when you visited our school in Sri Lanka, as a bass singer you have become my idol!!!
As an American I'm quite impressed. He sang it very well and the accent was practically unnoticeable and a fine example of masculine beauty. What's not to like?
This guy is ausome. Such a powerful voice. Gives me shivers everytime I hear it. Everytime I watch it I try to imitate it rather hard LOL. Great performance. Keep up the great work.
One of my favorite songs being sung be the "deepest" voice in the world. I like the part where it says "Iiinn Jaiiiiillllllllll....Iiiiiiii gets weary"... When I heard older Frank Sinatra sing this part, it gave me chills. Same with this man. Always good to discover talented people doing your favorite music! Thank You Nils.
Hard to believe it’s been so many years, but I return to this beautiful recording every few years and feel inspired by the beauty of Nil’s voice, his stunningly dramatic performance, and the memory of the excitement when the event happened and Nils was sharing the video so proudly. It’s a really special performance.
Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein You might be dead but you'll never be gone your music is timeless Edna Ferba was right - Old Man River would outlast them both (she and Kern). thank you, wherever you are, for your music. you've changed my life So Many years later
As an American I'm quite impressed. His accent was barely unnoticeable, did well with the song and a fine example of masculine beauty. What isn't there to like?
there aren't enough basses out there, makes me all the more happy to be one lol. this guy's awesome, check out his other stuff on his myspace page, hallelujah is amazing!
It's a shame people are going on about his depth - he isn't that low as far as basses go. His voice is incredibly powerful though, and that's what makes it sound so strong. JD Sumner is a good example of a truly low bass.
Contrary to another poster's opinion, I think that the phrasing is outstanding. It may not be the way that Paul Robeson first did it in the late '20s, but it demonstrates great understanding of the song and its themes. Note how the singer literally couldn't stay seated when he went into the most dynamic portion of the song. First-rate.
Le migliori interpretazioni di sempre di questa canzone mi sembrano quelle di Paul Robeson e Tennesee E.Ford, ma comunque anche questo signore nn e' affatto male.Complimenti dall'italia:) The best interpretations of ever of this song i think to be Paul Robeson's and Tennesee E.Ford's but also this singer is very good! Many compliments from italy:)
@tomaspepino Oh yeah, there the masters ^^ some special choir singers... its so amazing...I´m a opera bass and I have a solid bottom D, but they break all rules, I love it!!
you can tell he's classically trained if you listen to the way he accents notes, a blues singer wouldnt be able to sing it like that. not that either is better than the other, they both have a different style
This guy is awsome! He should make an album with other similar songs. Love the joke at the end: "och dette är då sången om varfor gammle men icke hopper höjd (spelling); old man river :)
Fy katta nå griner jeg! Vokst opp med Showboat, Huckleberry Finn, Ole man River.......Det her var sinnsykt bra og jeg har bare ikke ord
9 ปีที่แล้ว +9
Amaazing voice, man!!! I would give my life to be able to sing this song... I have a part of the bass range but I can't sing that clear in that range and it piss me off... :(
Pity to us who speak languages nobody knows xD However it's really fun when traveling with other Scandinavians because we can talk among ourselves in the group and nobody else in the world would have a clue what we're talking about xD
can someone tell me what TV program this is? I saw the exact same format in Denmark once, loved it...two extremely talented teams performing and naming songs...I loved the spontaneous acts...
to OympicSinger001: I believe he's in 'A-flat' and begins on the 'E-flat' below mid'C' as 1st note & probably B-flat above mid 'C' as the highest note in this rendition. He's like a nice enough guy, affable, good looking, just that 'vocal technicians' tend not to reach me much. The song is one of Americas best, and here it's treated as mere vocal exercise. I much prefer singers who 'connect', ( with their audience and their material),esp. considering this is first rate material.
I can't help but point out that the historical context behind this song is missing. Plus, he's struggling/adding drama in some of the harder parts of the song- ahhh well, no one can do it like Robeson.
Hi Nils. This is a beautiful rendition. You have a great sound and awesome range! Were you able to sing this low before you had vocal training? Did you sing any other songs on this tv show? Thank you!
Hi, and thank you so much! Actually, I did, I had a fairly low voice before I got into vocal training, that hasn't changed so much. I did a couple of other songs on the show, but I don't think they are anywhere to be found online:)
Paul Robeson would've loved this version. Personally I prefer Frank Sinatra's version, but this Robeson-like one is outstanding. Obviously you need to have a bass voice to sing it properly, which is more rare than a baritone like Sinatra.
Nice really liked those low/basso notes, singing & having a haircut like that I might have been convinced you had served in the Military or even been in the FFL(French Foreign Legion). Served & worked with many Lads from your part of the world a great "Bunch" both in the FFL & in the Mega Yacht Industry. Great Stuff Nils well done Fella!!
Haha it surprised me, cause he said "Old Man River" hesitantly like he didn't know if it was right or not, then he sang the whole song in English! Haha and I understood him very clearly! Great performance.
People always brag about how low they can go on all of these low bass videos. Who gives a fuck about numbers really? How it sounds is what's important, and this sounds amazing so just enjoy it.
Dear God this is beautiful. He does a wonderful job!
love him!
Ever since I heard since like 10 years ago, this is my favourite version. Glad I rediscovered it just now.
Esagerato!
He’s good but watch Ramsey here on TH-cam! Definitely one if not the best Baritone.
That low D natural is as clear as a bell. Great job with the range!!! This is a goal. Thank you sir for sharing this!
Damn, this still gives me shivers, even 2 months ago I was shaking on the chair xD
He reminds me of Duke Lito of Frank Herbert's "Dune".
This is my favorite version of old man river. This guys voice is amazing!!
ahhh, yes, it's a great song and he does an awesome job with it.
Old Man River, and Old Man River! The most beautiful song, of ALL times.
I heard this the year that I started in the Men's choir at my high school. It was sang by a tenor in the Varsity choir. I like this version more. I love his deep velvety voice. Great job!
I love this performance. Talent and powerfull voice .
The right voice for this song .A Bass makes it be followed the rivers of accurate concordance .
Goosebumps! Thank you
Although you can't remember me, I am more that honoured and thankful for your teachings when you visited our school in Sri Lanka, as a bass singer you have become my idol!!!
Antione Ockersz Thank you so much for your kind words. We had a wonderful time in Sri Lanka, wish we could come back some time soon. Keep singing!
Nils Christian Fossdal Weeping Willow tree is always in our hearts
Thank you, Antione! We are releasing it now! In November! On our new album! Although in Norwegian...
Nils Christian Fossdal I will make sure to get it
His bass voice is sensational and I'm
relieved to hear it. Hope I hear more from h im.
As an American I'm quite impressed. He sang it very well and the accent was practically unnoticeable and a fine example of masculine beauty. What's not to like?
Amazing voice. Congratulations!
Thank you!
This guy is ausome. Such a powerful voice. Gives me shivers everytime I hear it. Everytime I watch it I try to imitate it rather hard LOL. Great performance. Keep up the great work.
One of my favorite songs being sung be the "deepest" voice in the world. I like the part where it says "Iiinn Jaiiiiillllllllll....Iiiiiiii gets weary"... When I heard older Frank Sinatra sing this part, it gave me chills. Same with this man. Always good to discover talented people doing your favorite music!
Thank You Nils.
Rick, thank you for your kind words.
Hard to believe it’s been so many years, but I return to this beautiful recording every few years and feel inspired by the beauty of Nil’s voice, his stunningly dramatic performance, and the memory of the excitement when the event happened and Nils was sharing the video so proudly. It’s a really special performance.
he reaches heaven for a second ;) The song is friggin' amazing.
WOW...he sings perfect English!
absolutely AMAZING english!! Wow. Blew me away.
Nils, you absolute legend. I hope to be able to sing Old Man River like you one day. I'm on the path but not there yet. Gotta keep practicing.
PERFECT!!! The best voice!!!
NO just no
I just love him. So wonderful.. and so handsome.
what a line "I'm tired of living, but scared of dying"
Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein
You might be dead
but you'll never be gone
your music is timeless
Edna Ferba was right - Old Man River would outlast them both (she and Kern). thank you, wherever you are, for your music. you've changed my life So Many years later
As an American I'm quite impressed. His accent was barely unnoticeable, did well with the song and a fine example of masculine beauty. What isn't there to like?
That's just fantastic. Great voice!!
My arts and humanities teacher showed this not too long ago when we were taking notes over bass and tenor.
Ezts Holt omg same just today as well!
While on subject of rivers, this'd be best described as Queen of the Nil.
Such a powerful song
Viele haben’s gesungen. Aber das ist spitze 🤩
What a wonderful surprise! He makes the immortal song come alive with spontaneity.
there aren't enough basses out there, makes me all the more happy to be one lol. this guy's awesome, check out his other stuff on his myspace page, hallelujah is amazing!
A very lively and accomplished performance well done I like it
It's a shame people are going on about his depth - he isn't that low as far as basses go. His voice is incredibly powerful though, and that's what makes it sound so strong. JD Sumner is a good example of a truly low bass.
Respect!!
What a voice!!!!!!!!!!!! Wooww man!!
amazing voice
Amazing! A Norwegian sings one of the best Old Man River's I've heard. This song shouldn't be sung by a tenor or even a baritone...
mezzo tono o 1 tono sopra, gli verrebbe meglio.
It should always be very deep. It's sung by a black slave who is "tired of living," while the indifferent river rolls on forever.
that was beautiful nils
what a great performance!!
Amazing!!! Bravo!
amazing. and wasn't expected at all! it was crazy, i realize there's no accent when singing(usually) but this was a prime example!
what a grand rendition especially from a European!
Absolutely wonderful perofrmance. His English is also more than perfect, seems many Norge people have it a second mother-tongue?
Very good.:O Hit almost every tone. Dived to deep sometimes and didn't manage to rise to the last tone. But the refrain he did amazing!
Contrary to another poster's opinion, I think that the phrasing is outstanding. It may not be the way that Paul Robeson first did it in the late '20s, but it demonstrates great understanding of the song and its themes. Note how the singer literally couldn't stay seated when he went into the most dynamic portion of the song. First-rate.
This speaks to people in different ways and I love his interpretation.
Le migliori interpretazioni di sempre di questa canzone mi sembrano quelle di Paul Robeson e Tennesee E.Ford, ma comunque anche questo signore nn e' affatto male.Complimenti dall'italia:)
The best interpretations of ever of this song i think to be Paul Robeson's and Tennesee E.Ford's but also this singer is very good! Many compliments from italy:)
Wow....I love it.
Wow just wow!
Amazing...thx for sharing....
Nice voice. Very nice.
love this version of old man river , truly great is Paul robesen Judy garland
Excellent!!
Shit, ever since I heard the gentleman sing it on America's got talent, I have been pretty inspired. Definitely a song to sing!
You're a genius Nils!!!!!!!!!!
@tomaspepino
Oh yeah, there the masters ^^ some special choir singers... its so amazing...I´m a opera bass and I have a solid bottom D, but they break all rules, I love it!!
Amazing!
Wow! That's unbelievable!
Haha I love the "ugh!" someone utters at 2:57 :D
Bravo! Beautiful voice!
THIS IS OPEN TV IN NORWAY???
THATS why there the most advanced country on earth! THIS is what people should have on tv.
Tnx for the upload!!!
you can tell he's classically trained if you listen to the way he accents notes, a blues singer wouldnt be able to sing it like that. not that either is better than the other, they both have a different style
amazing....
This guy is awsome! He should make an album with other similar songs. Love the joke at the end: "och dette är då sången om varfor gammle men icke hopper höjd (spelling); old man river :)
He's awesome! So beautiful. My baritone is just nothing with his low notes
Fy katta nå griner jeg! Vokst opp med Showboat, Huckleberry Finn, Ole man River.......Det her var sinnsykt bra og jeg har bare ikke ord
Amaazing voice, man!!! I would give my life to be able to sing this song... I have a part of the bass range but I can't sing that clear in that range and it piss me off... :(
Thanks! Keep singing, and you´ll get there:)
A credible effort, I think.
Love this, since I heard this version when I hear it in any other voice or tempo it just sounds wrong!
Pity to us who speak languages nobody knows xD
However it's really fun when traveling with other Scandinavians because we can talk among ourselves in the group and nobody else in the world would have a clue what we're talking about xD
Sexxxyyyy!!! wohooo! have fun
, man! thx for existing and doing what u do! loved ur singin on the 'happy happy' movie. great !
can someone tell me what TV program this is? I saw the exact same format in Denmark once, loved it...two extremely talented teams performing and naming songs...I loved the spontaneous acts...
to OympicSinger001: I believe he's in 'A-flat' and begins on the 'E-flat' below mid'C' as 1st note & probably B-flat above mid 'C' as the highest note in this rendition.
He's like a nice enough guy, affable, good looking, just that 'vocal technicians' tend not to reach me much. The song is one of Americas best, and here it's treated as mere vocal exercise. I much prefer singers who 'connect', ( with their audience and their material),esp. considering this is first rate material.
💙💙💙
Listen to some of his other stuff. He can hit higher notes just fine, it's just his interpretation of it.
Thats amazing!
Very good voice, I can't quite hit that low! :)
word.
you can go lower but do you sing it or do you just fry it? or do you sound good lower than him
I can't help but point out that the historical context behind this song is missing. Plus, he's struggling/adding drama in some of the harder parts of the song- ahhh well, no one can do it like Robeson.
This is the Norwegian version of the swedish show called "Så ska det låta"... or is it the other way around?
Close-to-death experience... it's what lower tones do ;)
Hi Nils. This is a beautiful rendition. You have a great sound and awesome range! Were you able to sing this low before you had vocal training? Did you sing any other songs on this tv show? Thank you!
Hi, and thank you so much! Actually, I did, I had a fairly low voice before I got into vocal training, that hasn't changed so much. I did a couple of other songs on the show, but I don't think they are anywhere to be found online:)
Dmarc... I agree... there is none of the tragic triumph that should be there. And none of the singing soul.
a very nice one, certainly ;)
Paul Robeson would've loved this version. Personally I prefer Frank Sinatra's version, but this Robeson-like one is outstanding. Obviously you need to have a bass voice to sing it properly, which is more rare than a baritone like Sinatra.
Nice really liked those low/basso notes, singing & having a haircut like that I might have been convinced you had served in the Military or even been in the FFL(French Foreign Legion). Served & worked with many Lads from your part of the world a great "Bunch" both in the FFL & in the Mega Yacht Industry. Great Stuff Nils well done Fella!!
It's the D two octaves below middle C
Ah sounds very soothing. Except for the lower parts he sounds like a Tuba LOL!
very low voice..bass...amazing
i mean going that low in full voice my lowest note in vocal fry is G three octaves below middle C
Exactly.
Haha! You're right! Good ear!
...woah.
@ossapinhosfazemhumah Norway is NOWHERE near "most advanced" country status...