Fil, I’m a classic rock fan, having grown up listening to Genesis,Yes, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, etc. In fact, I went to high school at R.A.F. Woodbridge 1974-77, about 90 miles north up the coast from London in Suffolk. This probably accounts for why so many of my favorite rock bands are English. 😁 What I gain from listening to your analysis videos is a greater appreciation for artists who fall outside of my preferred genre of music. As others have pointed out, Bobby’s performance style is not my cup of tea. If I tripped across one of his songs on TH-cam, I’d make a hard pass & a quick swipe to another song. But when I hear your enthusiasm for an authentic, live performance; listen to you explain how & why the artist’s talent is so remarkable; then it draws me in & I begin to listen to the performance with fresh ears. It’s what I love about your channel and why without reservation I always leave a thumbs 👍🏻 to your videos even before I listen to your content. I just know by the time I’ve finished watching (whether I like the artist or not), I will have gained a greater level of music knowledge and appreciation. I’ve also signed your petition for transparency & disclosure on altered performances. I had know idea that this practice dominates the music industry today. Admittedly, I don’t always hear the alteration as you do. But I 100% agree with your cause. Thank you for all the time & effort you put in to your analysis videos, original & cover performances, Fil jams & the live streams. I always look forward to your videos. Cheers from Texas.
Very nicely put - and I agree with everything you said here, one thousand percent! After this analysis video, I became a Bobby McFerrin fan instead of just a very casual listener who loves to hear 'Don't Worry, Be Happy!' every time it comes on the radio. :)
This is definitely the most unique and most impressive vocal I've ever seen you look at. Thank you for the analysis, and thank you to whoever requested it. 😊
Bobby McFerrin is one of a kind. He's a classically-trained musician; his dad was a soloist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, so he comes by it natural. Years ago I heard Bobby with our orchestra: first half was his own material (pieces like this one, pop songs, even had the audience stand & sing along with "Itsy Bitsy Spider" with the hand motions!); second half he conducted Beethoven's 7th Symphony. Amazing musicianship along with his amazing voice!
I might have been at that concert as well. I know I saw him maybe with choir members, or only a friend. It had been years since I did Itsy Bitsy Spider! I think he did Don’t Worry Be Happy too. He did a few songs incorporating the audience; it was a lovely evening for those who like to sing along!
@@lesliepartridge9895 If you were in Cleveland at Severance Hall, then we enjoyed the same show! I suspect that Bobby toured multiple cities with this same format - spreading the joy😀
I only knew him from that one song years ago, Don't Worry, Be Happy. I didn't like it, so I guess I just wrote him off at that point as someone I wasn't interested in hearing more from. And by doing do, it looks like I've really deprived myself. I've watched some of his other performances since watching this video, and he's one of the most talented and unique performers I've ever seen. I've thoroughly enjoyed everything I've watched. I wish I'd given him another chance all those years ago.
OMG, Fil, this is absolutely hypnotic! Bobby's breath control is insane! Those slides up so quickly with vibratto are amazing! Bobby's accuracy is excellent! I loved this analysis of his performance! Your vocal demonstration was great! Fil, why does this feel hypnotic? 💜
Fil, I've loved your analysis videos for years...but this performance...wow...just wow...I'm ashamed to say, I really only know Bobby for "that song" (great that it is). Moreover, as someone with more than a passing interest in jazz, I can't believe I haven't come across his other work...must...try...harder! Thanks, as always, for consistently fascinating and highly engaging content.
This was great, and very appreciated, Fil. Bobby McFerrin hasn't gotten nearly the recognition or level of success that he deserves. He's one of my daily "feeling good" artists. I would very much love to see what Bobby would do were he to collaborate with Dimash Qudaibergen!
I've listened to Bobby off and on for many years. He is an absolutely amazing musician with an astonishing range. His most captivating videos are the ones where he interacts with the audience and gets them singing.
His debut recording has one of the best reworkings of Van Morrison's "Moondance" you could ever imagine. He imitates everything from a langorous weeping wah-guitar lead to a big band soli section to a pitch-perfect trumpet solo.
If you only know Bobby McFerrin for "Don't Worry, Be Happy," it's like only knowing The Beatles for "PS I Love You." If you ever get the opportunity to attend a Bobby McFerrin concert, please do whatever you can to go. It is life changing-- I'm not exaggerating. He is an absolute gift of a human being, and he invites audience members to sing with him in the most joyful, non-competetive, collaborative way. ♥️♥️
Well, this certainly gives whole new meaning to thinking of the voice as an instrument. My favourite singer didn't play an instrument, at least not on stage, as far as I know ... I always liked saying that his instrument was his brilliant (natural) voice. This performance personifies that sentiment!
What a treat Fil! Thanks so much! I still recall buying Spontaneous Inventions in 1986 when I first heard Bobby sing. It was a treat then and is to this day! Once again, your in-depth analysis really enhances my appreciation of this remarkable performer!
Pretty awesome video Fil. Bobby is doing an excellent job showing us why he is a 10-time Grammy award winner and far far more than "don't worry be happy".
Bobby McFerrin - what he can do with his voice is amazing. So impressive. I appreciate your struggle, at points, to even explain how extraordinarily skilled he is on so many levels - the immense control he has. I believe he took only fifteen fast breaths during the entire performance, while never sounding rushed or strained. And his range! He made it all sound effortless.
Bobby is a musical genius! I love him! I was absolutely spellbound the first time I heard him. Great analysis, Fil! I’m going to be walking around the house trying to do this all day! And failing miserably. 😄
We all have room for improving ourselves. I style myself an amateur entertainer, and over the course of my five decades I've entertained literally hundreds of people; unwitting, unprepared, and oftentimes non-consenting randos. including some folk who were/are unable to appreciate my artistic brilliance. And it hurts to realize that maybe just maybe I don't sing as well as Bobby McFerrin. Might have missed the mark by several orders of magnitude I am afraid. I promise not to allow professional jealousy and personal frustration stop me, but if McFerrin started a beef with me, I would have no retort. I would just curl up into a ball and cry because he is just that good! Anyway I salute you, Bobby. Thank you for your skill and hard work. Thank you for entertaining us. And thank you Fil for hosting such a great channel. This is important information you're sharing.
First time I discovered Bobby McFerrin was seeing a documentary on tv on the production process and finally the full performance of Mozart's Requiem which he sang, cuducted and arranged with a full vocal "orchestra" of singers. Never heard or found it anywhere again, but I'll never forget it as long as I live. Forever fan since that day. Its irks me that most ppl only know him for "that song".
Hi Fil, Bobby definitely has a unique sound and vocal technique. Interesting how much breath he takes in and has such great control and stamina. So nice to hear the natural voice, this was a fun performance. Thanks for doing this one! Debbie ☮️
Thank you so much for taking on this analysis of Bobby McFerrin! I have loved and enjoyed his music since forever - while in my art studio, while driving esp. long distances, etc . His voice and music are so unique and I can visualize my own happy place while listening to him. He is a treasure and your analysis gave me more reasons to appreciate his music.
Thank you for reacting and analyzing this music form. Vocalese is rarely covered or covered as a jazz sub genre. This form of music has been around in the world since before I was born (1951) the bands of the 30's and the 40's and renowned singers like the Mills Brothers used this form in their music. This music form is one of my favorites. It's good to that there are people who still listen to human instruments.
I grew up in a rather musical family but I never had the drive or maybe physicality to be able to properly sing. I had decent pitch but poor expression. That was until I practiced the martial art Aikido. Aikido aims to link your motion with your breath and the main tool for this effort it to throw you to the ground like a sack of potatoes and you learn to exhale properly so that the wind does not get knocked out of you. The inhale after such an exhale is also sublime. Doing this over and over becomes incredibly relaxing and meditative. You also develop this natural sense of flow. In and out you breath. Down you fall and up you stand. In and out, up and down. You blood also starts to flow around as your whole being gets kneaded like dough. It was after several years of this when I started to sing naturally for fun. It felt like I had learned how to move and how to breath and that taught me what I was missing to learn how to sing. I bring this up because of your comments about Bobby moving his hand for vibrato in his voice. Aikido also teaches you how your body's bones are strung together through tendon and sinew. So you'll often see these weird balancing movements and resonant movements. A classic example is holding a sword with one hand, which is usually not done. Swords are supposed to be used two handed but if you happen to have lost some control of the weapon. Both arms are usually moved still to act as a counter balance. The movement between the hands is linked but through the body. You can see this often with Olympic fencing as well. The off hand is flapping about almost like a birds wing. I suspect that the movement Bobby was expressing was there as a sympathetic motion and was not simply there as a helpful visualization for Bobby. This also reminds me of the link between calligraphy and swordsmanship. The idea kind of being one line/ one cut. Well I think singing is also like that, so one note. lol
Hey beansnrice321, Very cool realization and connection, thank you for sharing! I was told as a child after a school hearing test that I have nearly perfect pitch, and I love to sing. However I had many obstacles to being able to sing well, including breath issues. My singing greatly improved when I began to heal my childhood emotional/mental trauma and family co-dependent issues. Holding in emotions and having impaired brain-body communication, due to mostly emotional trauma, had negatively affected my breath & other functions related to singing. So my healing journey has completely improved my singing voice - just one more benefit of doing the work. My capability and confidence and joy in singing and exploring my voice (and my new interest in channels like this one - thank you Phil!) has all emerged. Body, mind and emotions are all connected!
Truly a unique performer and thank you for an interesting analysis. I first heard Bobby on a UK TV program where he performed a song called “ Drive” I think, and I was blown away by his infinite sense of rhythm and melody. I have a couple of his cd’s that are really diverse musically but excellent, the last one was called “Vocabularies”, such a talent. If you can find it on you tube, check out “ Thinking about your body” which is just fabulous and funky.
Amazin' solo, based on breath control and accuracy. Seen simulations, steep drops, lifts, and motions from other acapella vocalists but in GROUP performances.
His incredible vocals remind me of what John Cage did with composition. He is masterful and I’m so appreciative of your incredible analysis. Even when the genres may not be those I enjoy, after watching your analyses for a while now, I am listening with “different ears,” and can smile when I pick out techniques you’ve discussed. Thank you, Fil!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful gem with us. OMG that's so very impressive, I'l be watching Bobby's performance on repeat for the next few weeks... Oh and by the way, thank you for also educating us on the fact that he's breathing not just to stay alive 😁 That was such a funny remark between al the serious information. I love that subtle sense of humour. And I've learned a lot from your detailed explanation. You might make a whole series out of this, I'd definitely watch it!
Thanks for doing something I requested ( I'm sure I was not alone in my appreciation of this remarkable artist)... Really superb to get the opp to hear your thoughts and as always the artistry of this remarkable vocalist.
I love his bass line contribution to the song Killer Joe with the Manhattan Transfer on the album Vocalese. It was the first I'd heard of him. A friend of mine studied voice with his father, who sang Porgy in the film Porgy and Bess.
I saw him many years ago in a small club, very intimate setting. It was amazing, I was less than 12 feet from him and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing.
Oh, one more thing, especially if you're new to Bobby: Do a quick YT search "Bobby McFerrin pentatonic scale" - he's speaking on stage at a conference. It's a 3 minute clip, and it'll give you a sense of how wonderful of a human he is. (Ok, I'll stop kvelling now. 🙂)
In the 1980s, Bobby McFerrin got popular here in San Francisco 🌉. The Conservatory hired him as a voice instructor. After a few years, he accepted 👍 an offer to teach in a Minnesota institution. Opinon. The person close to doing those effects is actor Michael Winslow. In recent years, he took singing lessons and competed in America's Got Talent.
I love his work. Listening to this particular song reminds me of Björk’s album Medulla, which is constructed entirely out of human vocals. She is the lead, but there are host of others doing amazing things with their voices. I recommend “Oceania” which has a cool video. Another Björk song, which is a duet is “dull flame of desire” off Volta. I could recommend dozens more of her album or live performances to look at in terms of vocals ..
I saw Bobby McFerrin in concert about 20 or 25 years ago around Christmastime. He did a version of the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria where he asked the audience to sing the main melody while he provided what would normally be the piano accompaniment using his voice alone. It was magical ... astounding!
Great analysis as always Fil. This one brings to mind the musicians who can vocalize along with their instrument like George Benson. Could make another interesting video?
Well, that was insane and immensely impressive and that breath control he had. Man what I wouldn't give to have such control! Such a talent - Agree with others, thank you for presenting this and thank you to who ever requested this review.
Fondly remembering his covers of Round Midnight, both on Herbie Hancock's album and live with Chick Corea (maybe a favorite is his cover of "Chan's Song" (Never Said) ... I did a bit of browsing and came upon a performance that really blew me away ... a jazz vocal improvisation with someone I'd never heard of, Maria Joao. Otherworldly.
If You've never seen this performance, then it's wonderful, and really shows his vocal range and control. Just pop this into search. Sing! Day of song - Bobby McFerrin - Improvisation
Agree with you Fil. Definitely unique and interesting to try to analyze but Don't Worry. Be Happy 😅. Could you try a listen to whistling experts like on " Heartaches" from the 50's and Roger Whittakers " Mexican Whistler. Could be a fun analysis.
Ok, I have to be honest, idk what that was exactly but idt it was my style of music. Sorry Phil, I was open minded enough to give it a listen but idt it was for me. Not the worst thing I’ve ever heard tho 😊❤have a great day!!!
Oliver Anthony music… His voice is amazing. Would love to hear in the analysis of him!! Love to watch all your episodes! Thank you for such great analysis !!
Fil, I’m a classic rock fan, having grown up listening to Genesis,Yes, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, etc. In fact, I went to high school at R.A.F. Woodbridge 1974-77, about 90 miles north up the coast from London in Suffolk. This probably accounts for why so many of my favorite rock bands are English. 😁
What I gain from listening to your analysis videos is a greater appreciation for artists who fall outside of my preferred genre of music. As others have pointed out, Bobby’s performance style is not my cup of tea. If I tripped across one of his songs on TH-cam, I’d make a hard pass & a quick swipe to another song. But when I hear your enthusiasm for an authentic, live performance; listen to you explain how & why the artist’s talent is so remarkable; then it draws me in & I begin to listen to the performance with fresh ears. It’s what I love about your channel and why without reservation I always leave a thumbs 👍🏻 to your videos even before I listen to your content. I just know by the time I’ve finished watching (whether I like the artist or not), I will have gained a greater level of music knowledge and appreciation.
I’ve also signed your petition for transparency & disclosure on altered performances. I had know idea that this practice dominates the music industry today. Admittedly, I don’t always hear the alteration as you do. But I 100% agree with your cause. Thank you for all the time & effort you put in to your analysis videos, original & cover performances, Fil jams & the live streams. I always look forward to your videos.
Cheers from Texas.
Janice, I love your open mind!!
Very nicely put - and I agree with everything you said here, one thousand percent! After this analysis video, I became a Bobby McFerrin fan instead of just a very casual listener who loves to hear 'Don't Worry, Be Happy!' every time it comes on the radio. :)
This is definitely the most unique and most impressive vocal I've ever seen you look at. Thank you for the analysis, and thank you to whoever requested it. 😊
Wasn't this just great! I found it comforting and hypnotic!
Please do his version of the Beatles “Blackbird”.
@@veramilton833 Of course, I was expecting a "song", so this was unexpected, and unlike anything I've ever heard before. I really enjoyed it.
@@Terri_MacKay Yes, I was pleasantly surprised by this ! I also had never heard anything close to this! I loved it , it is amazing!
Bobby McFerrin is one of a kind. He's a classically-trained musician; his dad was a soloist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, so he comes by it natural. Years ago I heard Bobby with our orchestra: first half was his own material (pieces like this one, pop songs, even had the audience stand & sing along with "Itsy Bitsy Spider" with the hand motions!); second half he conducted Beethoven's 7th Symphony. Amazing musicianship along with his amazing voice!
I would have loved to see that concert!!!
I might have been at that concert as well. I know I saw him maybe with choir members, or only a friend. It had been years since I did Itsy Bitsy Spider! I think he did Don’t Worry Be Happy too. He did a few songs incorporating the audience; it was a lovely evening for those who like to sing along!
@@lesliepartridge9895 If you were in Cleveland at Severance Hall, then we enjoyed the same show!
I suspect that Bobby toured multiple cities with this same format - spreading the joy😀
I only knew him from that one song years ago, Don't Worry, Be Happy. I didn't like it, so I guess I just wrote him off at that point as someone I wasn't interested in hearing more from. And by doing do, it looks like I've really deprived myself. I've watched some of his other performances since watching this video, and he's one of the most talented and unique performers I've ever seen. I've thoroughly enjoyed everything I've watched. I wish I'd given him another chance all those years ago.
@@kimlindseyOH it was Columbus…but it sounds like we had very similar, excellent experiences!
Some friends of mine saw Bobby McFerrin live many years ago and said it was the best gig they had ever been to and now I understand why.
As a Minnesotan, we were treated to his talent as the creative director of the St Paul Chamber Orchestra in the 90's
Unique and impressive technique and perforance. Great analysis Fil. I continually learn from you. Thank you.
Yes, I agree ! Fil teaches so well!
I remember when his "Don't Worry, Be Happy" hit the charts. It was so different and so catchy that it caught on immediately.
OMG, Fil, this is absolutely hypnotic! Bobby's breath control is insane! Those slides up so quickly with vibratto are amazing! Bobby's accuracy is excellent! I loved this analysis of his performance! Your vocal demonstration was great! Fil, why does this feel hypnotic? 💜
Fil, I've loved your analysis videos for years...but this performance...wow...just wow...I'm ashamed to say, I really only know Bobby for "that song" (great that it is). Moreover, as someone with more than a passing interest in jazz, I can't believe I haven't come across his other work...must...try...harder!
Thanks, as always, for consistently fascinating and highly engaging content.
My takeaway is that pitch is just one part of a vocal toolbox of a great singer.
Well done analysis Fil.
This was great, and very appreciated, Fil. Bobby McFerrin hasn't gotten nearly the recognition or level of success that he deserves. He's one of my daily "feeling good" artists. I would very much love to see what Bobby would do were he to collaborate with Dimash Qudaibergen!
I've listened to Bobby off and on for many years. He is an absolutely amazing musician with an astonishing range. His most captivating videos are the ones where he interacts with the audience and gets them singing.
His debut recording has one of the best reworkings of Van Morrison's "Moondance" you could ever imagine. He imitates everything from a langorous weeping wah-guitar lead to a big band soli section to a pitch-perfect trumpet solo.
Seeing him live is an incredible experience.
Bobby is legitimately one of the most talented musicians to ever live.
If you only know Bobby McFerrin for "Don't Worry, Be Happy," it's like only knowing The Beatles for "PS I Love You."
If you ever get the opportunity to attend a Bobby McFerrin concert, please do whatever you can to go. It is life changing-- I'm not exaggerating. He is an absolute gift of a human being, and he invites audience members to sing with him in the most joyful, non-competetive, collaborative way. ♥️♥️
It's his only hit Beatles had dozens tbf
Well, this certainly gives whole new meaning to thinking of the voice as an instrument. My favourite singer didn't play an instrument, at least not on stage, as far as I know ... I always liked saying that his instrument was his brilliant (natural) voice. This performance personifies that sentiment!
What a treat Fil! Thanks so much! I still recall buying Spontaneous Inventions in 1986 when I first heard Bobby sing. It was a treat then and is to this day! Once again, your in-depth analysis really enhances my appreciation of this remarkable performer!
Pretty awesome video Fil. Bobby is doing an excellent job showing us why he is a 10-time Grammy award winner and far far more than "don't worry be happy".
Bobby McFerrin - what he can do with his voice is amazing. So impressive. I appreciate your struggle, at points, to even explain how extraordinarily skilled he is on so many levels - the immense control he has. I believe he took only fifteen fast breaths during the entire performance, while never sounding rushed or strained. And his range! He made it all sound effortless.
Bobby is a musical genius! I love him! I was absolutely spellbound the first time I heard him. Great analysis, Fil! I’m going to be walking around the house trying to do this all day! And failing miserably. 😄
I saw Bobby live at Warsaw Jazz Jamboree sometime in the early '90s, the concert still unforgettable.
Fil, I had a second listen to this one! I don't know what or why, but I find Bobby's performance very comforting! It's very hypnotic !! Why?
The analysis portion was great. Worth the watch whether you like the performer or bands or not
Yes, very true. Fil is an excellent tour guide and teacher!
We all have room for improving ourselves. I style myself an amateur entertainer, and over the course of my five decades I've entertained literally hundreds of people; unwitting, unprepared, and oftentimes non-consenting randos. including some folk who were/are unable to appreciate my artistic brilliance. And it hurts to realize that maybe just maybe I don't sing as well as Bobby McFerrin. Might have missed the mark by several orders of magnitude I am afraid. I promise not to allow professional jealousy and personal frustration stop me, but if McFerrin started a beef with me, I would have no retort. I would just curl up into a ball and cry because he is just that good! Anyway I salute you, Bobby. Thank you for your skill and hard work. Thank you for entertaining us. And thank you Fil for hosting such a great channel. This is important information you're sharing.
Amazing! Fun analysis, thanks.
First time I discovered Bobby McFerrin was seeing a documentary on tv on the production process and finally the full performance of Mozart's Requiem which he sang, cuducted and arranged with a full vocal "orchestra" of singers. Never heard or found it anywhere again, but I'll never forget it as long as I live. Forever fan since that day. Its irks me that most ppl only know him for "that song".
He's got great pitch. And I love when he "plays the audience!" He's super talented and has a great range.
Hi Fil,
Bobby definitely has a unique sound and vocal technique. Interesting how much breath he takes in and has such great control and stamina. So nice to hear the natural voice, this was a fun performance. Thanks for doing this one! Debbie ☮️
Thank you so much for taking on this analysis of Bobby McFerrin! I have loved and enjoyed his music since forever - while in my art studio, while driving esp. long distances, etc . His voice and music are so unique and I can visualize my own happy place while listening to him. He is a treasure and your analysis gave me more reasons to appreciate his music.
Thank you for reacting and analyzing this music form. Vocalese is rarely covered or covered as a jazz sub genre. This form of music has been around in the world since before I was born (1951) the bands of the 30's and the 40's and renowned singers like the Mills Brothers used this form in their music. This music form is one of my favorites. It's good to that there are people who still listen to human instruments.
Bobby is a musician that other musicians go to listen to.
Gobsmacked. So effing gorgeous.
McFerrin is a great gift to us. A true genius, and brilliant performer.
Great video! Thank you Fil! I didn't know much about him. Loved it. YOUR voice is really beautiful. I love it when you demonstrate :) Debby D.
His treatment of the tune "Mockingbird" is just as awesome as this.
I grew up in a rather musical family but I never had the drive or maybe physicality to be able to properly sing. I had decent pitch but poor expression.
That was until I practiced the martial art Aikido. Aikido aims to link your motion with your breath and the main tool for this effort it to throw you to the ground like a sack of potatoes and you learn to exhale properly so that the wind does not get knocked out of you.
The inhale after such an exhale is also sublime.
Doing this over and over becomes incredibly relaxing and meditative.
You also develop this natural sense of flow. In and out you breath. Down you fall and up you stand. In and out, up and down.
You blood also starts to flow around as your whole being gets kneaded like dough.
It was after several years of this when I started to sing naturally for fun. It felt like I had learned how to move and how to breath and that taught me what I was missing to learn how to sing.
I bring this up because of your comments about Bobby moving his hand for vibrato in his voice.
Aikido also teaches you how your body's bones are strung together through tendon and sinew. So you'll often see these weird balancing movements and resonant movements. A classic example is holding a sword with one hand, which is usually not done. Swords are supposed to be used two handed but if you happen to have lost some control of the weapon. Both arms are usually moved still to act as a counter balance. The movement between the hands is linked but through the body. You can see this often with Olympic fencing as well. The off hand is flapping about almost like a birds wing.
I suspect that the movement Bobby was expressing was there as a sympathetic motion and was not simply there as a helpful visualization for Bobby.
This also reminds me of the link between calligraphy and swordsmanship. The idea kind of being one line/ one cut. Well I think singing is also like that, so one note. lol
Hey beansnrice321, Very cool realization and connection, thank you for sharing!
I was told as a child after a school hearing test that I have nearly perfect pitch, and I love to sing. However I had many obstacles to being able to sing well, including breath issues. My singing greatly improved when I began to heal my childhood emotional/mental trauma and family co-dependent issues. Holding in emotions and having impaired brain-body communication, due to mostly emotional trauma, had negatively affected my breath & other functions related to singing. So my healing journey has completely improved my singing voice - just one more benefit of doing the work. My capability and confidence and joy in singing and exploring my voice (and my new interest in channels like this one - thank you Phil!) has all emerged. Body, mind and emotions are all connected!
This was such an intriguing analysis. I have never heard anything like it before and enjoyed your demonstrations as well. 😊🎸🎵
My favorite song that Bobby McFerrin has ever done is Blackbird by the Beatles. It's incredible and haunting
Truly a unique performer and thank you for an interesting analysis. I first heard Bobby on a UK TV program where he performed a song called “ Drive” I think, and I was blown away by his infinite sense of rhythm and melody. I have a couple of his cd’s that are really diverse musically but excellent, the last one was called “Vocabularies”, such a talent. If you can find it on you tube, check out “ Thinking about your body” which is just fabulous and funky.
Bobby is definitely such a brilliant talent! Not sure if there will ever be another quite as unique.
Amazin' solo, based on breath control and accuracy. Seen simulations, steep drops, lifts, and motions from other acapella vocalists but in GROUP performances.
Third time listening, Fil this is great! Your analysis is so informative! Bobby is a human musical instrument! Love it!! So mesmerizing, hypnotic!💜
His incredible vocals remind me of what John Cage did with composition. He is masterful and I’m so appreciative of your incredible analysis. Even when the genres may not be those I enjoy, after watching your analyses for a while now, I am listening with “different ears,” and can smile when I pick out techniques you’ve discussed. Thank you, Fil!
He is one of a kind! Amazing! Thank you Fil for your analysis!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful gem with us. OMG that's so very impressive, I'l be watching Bobby's performance on repeat for the next few weeks... Oh and by the way, thank you for also educating us on the fact that he's breathing not just to stay alive 😁 That was such a funny remark between al the serious information. I love that subtle sense of humour. And I've learned a lot from your detailed explanation. You might make a whole series out of this, I'd definitely watch it!
The human being has Infinite possibilities ..!! Thanks Fil👍 for this discovery!!👌
Thanks for doing something I requested ( I'm sure I was not alone in my appreciation of this remarkable artist)... Really superb to get the opp to hear your thoughts and as always the artistry of this remarkable vocalist.
You did honorable service to this performance... I was completely intrigued and thank you most sincerely.
Since finding your channel a year-ish ago, I’ve been eager for you to discuss this very performance. Thank you Fil! ❤ and THANK YOU Mr Mcafarren!
I love his bass line contribution to the song Killer Joe with the Manhattan Transfer on the album Vocalese. It was the first I'd heard of him. A friend of mine studied voice with his father, who sang Porgy in the film Porgy and Bess.
I think it was Night in Tunisia
@@hywong8449 He may also be on Night in Tunisia, but he's specifically credited on Killer Joe. His is the first voice heard on the track.
I saw him many years ago in a small club, very intimate setting. It was amazing, I was less than 12 feet from him and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing.
I saw him around 1988 also a fairly small venue.
@@ValeskaTruax I was at the Chestnut Cafe (RIP) in Philadelphia.
Oh ,Fil, it is so wonderful to watch you get so excited about a true artist. Your delight, delights us as well.
Got to see him at Caneige Hall and also work with him later on and actually consulted on two songs on his first album a true thrill for me.
Oh, one more thing, especially if you're new to Bobby: Do a quick YT search "Bobby McFerrin pentatonic scale" - he's speaking on stage at a conference. It's a 3 minute clip, and it'll give you a sense of how wonderful of a human he is. (Ok, I'll stop kvelling now. 🙂)
The only other person I can remember seeing do something like this is the late great Al Jarreau… Beautiful
This was so much fun to watch! Thank you Fil and whoever suggested this video. Also I tried the quick breaths thing several times and felt buzzed 😂
Amazing and very unique.
Extremely impressive performance!
In the 1980s, Bobby McFerrin got popular here in San Francisco 🌉. The Conservatory hired him as a voice instructor.
After a few years, he accepted 👍 an offer to teach in a Minnesota institution.
Opinon. The person close to doing those effects is actor Michael Winslow. In recent years, he took singing lessons and competed in America's Got Talent.
Thanks for the explanation for singers doing hand movements. I’ve noticed it on many of my favorites.
Great update as always Fil
One of the greats singers musicians ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Extraordinary! Thank you! ❤
It was so peaceful and haunting.
Excellent! Thanks Fil
He does workshops too. I was blown away when my friend’s daughter said she participated in one (in our town!). She said it was so much fun.
Thank you.
I love his work. Listening to this particular song reminds me of Björk’s album Medulla, which is constructed entirely out of human vocals. She is the lead, but there are host of others doing amazing things with their voices. I recommend “Oceania” which has a cool video.
Another Björk song, which is a duet is “dull flame of desire” off Volta.
I could recommend dozens more of her album or live performances to look at in terms of vocals ..
Really worth checking out Bobby McFerrin - Drive (Live from Montreal)!
My first - Bobby and Yo Yo Ma. Blew me away!
LOVE Bobby McFerrin (and his kids too)
The voice IS an instrument and sometimes it is played by a master ❤ Thank you Fil
Fun and amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Very Impressive!
pssst... 🐈bonk, pass it on 😺
Amazing.
I saw Bobby McFerrin in concert about 20 or 25 years ago around Christmastime. He did a version of the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria where he asked the audience to sing the main melody while he provided what would normally be the piano accompaniment using his voice alone. It was magical ... astounding!
Great video
Bobby McFerrin redefines levels!
Great analysis as always Fil. This one brings to mind the musicians who can vocalize along with their instrument like George Benson. Could make another interesting video?
Well, that was insane and immensely impressive and that breath control he had. Man what I wouldn't give to have such control! Such a talent - Agree with others, thank you for presenting this and thank you to who ever requested this review.
Fondly remembering his covers of Round Midnight, both on Herbie Hancock's album and live with Chick Corea (maybe a favorite is his cover of "Chan's Song" (Never Said) ... I did a bit of browsing and came upon a performance that really blew me away ... a jazz vocal improvisation with someone I'd never heard of, Maria Joao. Otherworldly.
If You've never seen this performance, then it's wonderful, and really shows his vocal range and control. Just pop this into search. Sing! Day of song - Bobby McFerrin - Improvisation
This makes you wonder what the purpose of the human voice is and what the hell is music anyway? Amazing, beautiful, and mystical.
I agree, and very hypnotic!!
The human voice is there for communication. Singing is the ultimate in human communication.
@@jjbud3124 I can go with that. Thanks!
Very impressive, I've learned a great deal from Fil. Gets the cobwebs out of my head!! ❤❤
I love Bobby! He is so expressive.
Agree with you Fil. Definitely unique and interesting to try to analyze but Don't Worry. Be Happy 😅. Could you try a listen to whistling experts like on " Heartaches" from the 50's and Roger Whittakers " Mexican Whistler. Could be a fun analysis.
I'm in. Yeah Bobby
Fascinating analysis.
Bobby McFerrin is the best! You can't do wrong with more McFerrin! =D
Lucky to see Bobby touring with Robin Williams long ago...his Wizard of Oz take is , of course , phenomenal...
At times, his voice reminds me of the glass harmonica. (Or armonica, as I guess it's known). Absolutely other-worldly.
Ok, I have to be honest, idk what that was exactly but idt it was my style of music.
Sorry Phil, I was open minded enough to give it a listen but idt it was for me. Not the worst thing I’ve ever heard tho 😊❤have a great day!!!
My kids & I really enjoyed the collaboration with Yoyo Ma.
Absolutely!!!
truly incredible
Pure magic
Bobby McFerrin, wonderful!.
Some of that looks like a weird form of my ancient Pitman shorthand 😆
Loved this guy since forever. Seriously beautiful pitch-pervect voice!
Barty
I lovvvvvveeee Bobby. ❤❤❤❤
He sounds like a theremin. He did an incredible 'Round Midnight performance.
Oliver Anthony music… His voice is amazing. Would love to hear in the analysis of him!!
Love to watch all your episodes! Thank you for such great analysis !!
incredible! 🤩