And thus the Sir Hairless 2024 Christmas season begins! If you're in a festive spirit, please check out my other Christmas videos here 🎄th-cam.com/play/PL-tAjLxAAkA-3XoLPOL3xPv9WdOZIIXl9.html
Yay! It's a fun time of the year. Especially when you ask your great-grandchildren what they want to *give* to their friends and family rather than ask them what they want to *get* from friends and family. Have fun and thanks for the reactions.
Hello Sir H, I grew up around a mother who could sing the notes that Kate sings, and like Kate sung them with 'softened edges' is what I call them. Neither Kate or my mom ever sounded, 'screechy'. You got the full effect of the note without your ear drums bleeding. My mom was a short little woman just over 5' tall, but like Morissette, who is 5'1" tall she was gifted genetically and worked hard to maintain her voice. I'm rambling now sorry, never could shake that ADHD. I too get overwhelmed by the beauty of this song. I have heard Jordan Smith sing this 'LIVE' with Tommie Profitt. th-cam.com/video/TXdyiVP4_o0/w-d-xo.html Tommee Profitt and Featuring Jordan Smith 'Mary Did You Know?'
For those who aren't enthused by Kate's upper range, think of her as Voctave's piccolo in this vocal Orchestra. She has a very important place in it, along with everyone else, and Jamey Ray arranges for them perfectly to showcase them all at the right moments.
Mark is sitting down in this performance because he has multiple sclerosis. There are times when he just seems so pleased with his accompaniments. It's my favorite rendition of this song. I think it might be the only time I've seen you go through a song without any pauses.
As the song’s lyricist, Mark’s interpretation really lets us see how he conceived of this piece. He has MS (multiple sclerosis), thus the need for him to be seated while performing, and making his two very long notes even more impressive. Voctave’s beautiful choral accompaniment gives a powerful backing when called for, while also pulling back and allowing Mark to shine. Looking forward to the rest of your holiday videos, Sir Hairless!
Aww I’m so glad you did this one😊. Shortly after Mark wrote this song back in the mid-80s, he had a concert with the Bill Gaither Vocal Band in my hometown. The children’s choir I was in performed this song with him. He did everything possible to make us children less nervous and more comfortable by telling us jokes😊. It was a great memory and honor to sing with him❤
No one will ever come close to the sheer power, meaning & beauty of this version. Breathtaking, actually. I am a big Home Free fan & their version is more simple & homey. Pentatonix's version is more showy but very good. But this version with Lowry & Voctave--head & shoulders above ANY other version I have ever heard--acapella or otherwise.
This piece hits me hard every time I hear it, no matter who performs it. Mark Lowry is a popular (in the US) Christian comedian as well as a singer; this song will be a big part of his legacy.
I think the way Mark timed the questions was how he might in an intimate conversation...like, "did you really know, Mary?".... Mary...did you know? Such a beautiful, touching song.
Such an emotional version. Mark's interpretation is so engaging. I remember noticing you didn't pause half way and then forgot again as I was drawn into the song.
I've always loved this song. I've sang it many times in church choirs over the years, but can we talk about Mark holding a note for about a week there? I was like you just staring at the video as my entire body experienced the song. I love how the song feels like it is staying still but moving on all at the same time. This was beautiful!
By the time Mark Lowry had sung "sons and daughters" I was crying. I have sons and a daughter. I loved his little pause between "Mary" and the rest of the phrase. It felt as if he was sitting quietly by mother and baby in the manger, talking with her and asking her gentle questions. Really affecting in the creation of scene and emotion. Voctave is always tight in their delivery and they have a way of delighting me. Thank you Sir H for taking this suggestion. It was wonderful to hear Mark Lowry for the first time. You held it together better than I did this time though your face did look a bit like that:)
Great song. Great arrangement. Mark's voice is just so warm and rich (like hot chocolate). Super funny guy too. His on stage antics have been some of the funniest stuff I have seen.
I must say I have seen only 1 other CC just let this song/version go because of how special it is. I mean even if you dont know Mark Lowery or voctave you automatically get the vibe that there is something different about this particular version. Seeing as Mark wrote the song he performs as he wrote it. He simply is having a conversation with Mary (if he could). Its a song of questions, excitement. hindsight & explanation as he has his conversation. Nothing against others who cover this song but none will ever come close to this version.
How could anyone dislike the masterful soprano 1 performances from Kate? Easily among the best sopranos I’ve ever heard in an a capella group. She has such a mastery of her entire range.
I have heard Mark Lowry sing this song a handful of times, but this is, by far, the best. Combining the beautiful harmonies of Voctave with Mark's talented vocal rendition equals perfection.
Mark is also A comedian. I have heard him talk about this song and the fact that he asked I wonder if she knew who her son was and if she knew what he would do. The impact he would have on the world. Beautiful song.
So glad to see you react to this finally! Loved it! I could tell you were lost in the music for sure! Such a powerful arrangement and performance!!! Love their use of dissonance! It fits with the heaviness of the questions being asked in the song.
I really enjoyed your reaction and remarks to this performance. Mark Lowry truly sings this from his heart accompanied by the excellent choir Voctave! It just seems complete and amazing! How can you not be drawn in and captured, enjoying every moment of this beautiful piece? Thank you!
Can't believe I missed this one. So glad it came across my feed. I've seen thus video at least 1000 times and I still react to it the same way I did the first time. ❤
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Mark wrote incredibly TRUE lyrics to this wonderful song! You wouldn’t think a funny comedian would write such an EPIC QUESTION? Every time I hear it, I cry, and have major goosebumps! THIS is WHY we CELEBRATE Christmas! CHRIST is the IMPORTANCE of this season. Your body language was priceless, AND you are a handsome Christmas pudding. ☺️🎄
Seeing Mark sing the lyrics he wrote is so moving!! The harmonies crescendos and decrescendos are so effective! As a Christian this version moves me beyond all others!
That’s what I call a felt and engaging performance. Mr Lowry has a spectacular breath control and mesmerizing storytelling capacity. I understand why you did not stop midway. Of course Voctave is well… voctave. Thank you SH. 🤗
I hadn't heard Mark Lowry singing this song before. It had me crying right in the first few lines. Very powerful. It will definitely accompany me through this time of advent! ❤ I am one of the people who commented on the very high notes in Somewhere from West Side Story. In that song I found it jarring, and felt it didn't match the song and its context. In this case it was angelic; very small and subtle, but very significant. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts once again! ❤
Mark said he got the idea for the song when wondering what he would ask Mary if they were sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. Buddy Greene's music is just beautiful, too.❤
Yes! I am soooo glad that you have finally heard and reacted to this wonderful performance! For years Pentatonix version of this, my favorite Christmas song, was my favorite. Then I heard this one. First, it's just an amazing performance. Voctave is amazing as a backing choir and Mark's performance is amazing - especially that long long held note. Also, I have an emotional connection to Mark because I have enjoyed his singing and comedy for many years - you have seen his comedy, haven't you? If you haven't, you have a treat waiting for you! Loved your reaction to this.
Mark Lowry's lyrics, along with songwriter Buddy Greene's music, create a beautiful, haunting song, from the viewpoint of angels at Jesus's birth, asking his mother Mary, if she knows how important her son will be to the world, and all the wonders he will perform. Truly beautiful.
I love Kate Lott's voice. I'm a soprano but could never get her clarity and high notes. I've seen Mark Lowrey live a few times with the Gaither singers. It makes me so happy that he wrote such a fabulous song. He is so funny too! Thank you for featuring it.
Lovely and gracious performance that can easily touch anyone’s hearts, irrespective of their religious beliefs. A very good choice to put on your Christmas pudding hat and start December festivities on the channel; thank you, Sir!🎄 :) 🎄
I absolutely love this version!! Real glad that you enjoyed this!! Kate is a force to reckon with!! Such great control of her voice and the final pianissimo sustained high note… I don’t get chills easily and that is one of the rare moments. Glad to hear your reaction and analysis!!
Again, this piece is a great showcase of Jamey's prowess as an arranger. HE is an absolute master at crafting an emotional experience for the listener, leveraging each of his singers' undeniable talents to their greatest impact. Voctave as a group of singers is certainly world-class, but Jamey's arrangements put him at the top of the universal pantheon of musical genius. I am always awestruck by what he and his singers create.
Your reaction and analysis appreciated and what a great choice to start your Christmas reviews. Mark Lowry sings this so beautifully. First saw him sing with David Phelps and some of the other members of The Gaithers, a wonderful performer and stand up comic as well.
Fantastic analysis! I learn something every time I watch you. Mark Lowry was a part of the quartet The Gaither Vocal Band which also included David Phelps (whom you've also reacted to - O Holy Night). Thanks again, for what you do!
Wow! Excellent choice to start off the Christmas season! I wasn't expecting to enjoy this more than the PTX version, yet I did. It was quite a treat to see Mark singing with them. I feel this may end up being my favorite song of the season. Thank you so much for an amazing song and r/a 🎄🥰
What a fantastic start to the Christmas season! Such a powerful performance. Thank you for starting us off so powerfully; as always, your R & A was stellar. This performance is simply breathtaking. I don't have words... I love the PTX version, but this one is special -- even more deeply moving.
This version is just outstanding: the huge wall of sound, yummy dissonances, Kate (of course), and Mark Lowrys storytelling and beautiful voice. So powerful. Thank you for a great analysis. You manage to explain WHY the goosebumps and tears of emotion appear when they do. Thank you for teaching me new things about music.
Excellent reaction! Voctave's Christmas repertoire is exceptional and I'd like to see you react to more during this holiday season. Their version of "Where Are You Christmas?" from the movie "The Grinch" features Ashley Espinoza and her son, Gael; and it's guaranteed to hit you hard in the feels (make sure you have some tissue handy).
YEEESSS!!! This song makes me ugly cry EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! It's far and away my favorite version. It's transcendent and stunning. Really, in a word, perfection, and I'm thinking this is truly a small glimpse of what Heaven must sound like.
Wow great reaction and analysis. Kate does have a unique ability and I love hearing her soaring high notes. Much like an exceptional quarterback who couldn't do what he does without the offensive line, running backs and receivers, it's easy to focus on such a powerful and unique voice. But the end result of this team effort is absolutely fabulous.
So glad you got around to this Mark/Voctave version… as it’s one of my favs… Great start to the Christmas reactions. Wishing you and everyone a joyous holiday season filled with love and peace! ❤🎄
I have seen this video a lot of times and still I had the same reaction like you while watching it again here. One of Voctave's most incredible pieces in my opinion. The other one that makes me feel like this is their cover of O Come All Ye Faithful. Fingers crossed we might get your reaction to that one too this December. But either way i'm super excited what videos and reactions are awaiting us this next month. I absolutely can't wait. 🎶🎄
I KNEW you would be captivated by this rendition. One thing that has always impressed me about Voctave is their ability to hear, truly hear, one another. They are able to sing with a full voice without overwhelming any of the others. So very glad you chose to do this one. Thank you!
Love your hat! Astounding. Wonderful to hear the lyricist singing this. Both Penatonix and Home Free have glorious arrangements of this. I still am moved by Kathy Matea’s recording. Her version of the Hebredean Christ Child’s Lullaby is so beautiful.
This is the most magnificent version with the Voctave 11 and Mark Lowry. Nearly 2 yrs ago, the Florida State University (does Opening Nights with every kind of artist for one night over the Sept - Apr) and in January Voctave was the Opening Night and it was spectacular. I had taken a friend with me (we normally did plays) but she said this was the most incredible thing she had ever heard. Opening Nights covers singers of all types, films, plays, dance, speakers like Ira Glass, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jay Leno, instrumentalists, buildings lighted for the night, and more with artists from around the world. I used to work at FSU with the grad students. I want to lobby to get VoicePlay to have a slot!
Oooh I hope one of those Christmas songs will be Rend Collective's 'Today is the Saviour's Day.' I heard it on the radio yesterday and immediately got into the spirit of Christmas.
Love this! The next best thing to listening to/watching Voctave is watching people react to them. This was no exception! Another one I think you'll love is O Holy Night. The arrangement is juicy, and the vocals are out of this world
My favorite Voctave Christmas song is “Where Are You Christmas?” Very moving. Have tissues! The third version of “Mary Did You Know?” that I love besides this one and Pentatonix, is Home Free’s. All three are fantastic!
Well, I decided to check out Where Are You Christmas and did fine without tissues, until the end. They did a beautiful version of that song. Thank you for pointing it out 🎄🥰
Another beautiful performance of this song is Tommee Profitt ft. Jordan Smith. If you don't know, Jordan won "The Voice" season 9. He has a beautiful upper tenor range with the power of a diva! Tommee is a music producer and he's the one playing the piano. The full orchestra gives this performance a power that will blow your socks off!
@@tammykiernan1839 I do so agree with you. The Tommed Profitt/Jordan Smith version is fabulous too. Now I don’t know which I prefer. There is something so pure in Jordan Smith’s voice.
@@VivienTanswell Yes his voice is just on another level. I think I would give my left kidney to hear Jordan and Mitch Grassi do a duet!! of anything....phone book, shopping list, a car manual. Anything ! LOL
Again, I love your education of music theory and ear for so many details. Your appreciation of Voctave and their vocal abilities has rubbed off on me. I suggest listening to several of their other Christmas songs like; O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Where are you Christmas... They are amazing and thank you for bringing them to us.
Loved your reaction and analysis, as always! The look of awe and joy as you listened enraptured with the lyrics and musicality speaks volumes about the power of music. Mark’s ability to draw us into the scene as he questions Mary, and the layering, harmonies and dynamics are masterful and IMHO perfection or as close as we’ll get to it this side of Heaven! Please more #Voctave any time, but I especially hope you’ll do a deep dive on their Christmas music; there’s lots to choose from and all are phenomenal. O Come, All Ye Faithful All Is Well The Christmas Song and Where Are You Christmas to name just a few.
I have to figure out how to sign up for you on Patreon, because I will buy just about anything if you so “Oh come a ye faithful” by Voctave ASAP. I love hearing your perspective.
Other then mariah Carey, her voice up that high is just a joy to hear. I can def relate to what you were saying in the vid about it being overbearing, but she just is perfection when you go that high. Just a great reaction. I too got lost in listening, and really glad you just played it out. 🥰🥰
Voctave is always breathtaking for me. It is so interesting to see/hear a composter/lyrist join in their song; that performance seems to have something special to it, something that you can feel in your soul.
Yaaay, December is here and Sir Hairless has his Christmas hat on!! 🎄 Hooray! 👏👏 What a great performance to start the season with - yes, big massive sound, moving and entrancing!!🥺🎶 Fabulously emotional reaction and super analysis! Enjoyed and learned a lot! Thank you Sir H!! ❤👏
I don't care for this song, but the arrangement Jamey crafted is incredible! I just can't get over how good your ear is when hearing something just once. As many times as I have heard this, your analysis made it even better! Thank you for a great reaction!
Mark has such an amazing voice, especially in contrast to his very Southern speaking voice-- quite endearing. He wrote this song 40 years ago and it never fails to stir the listener. Coincidentally, given Mark's connection to The Gaither Vocal Band, there's a classic Christmas song that they did with featured vocalist David Phelps singing O Holy Night. It's pretty epic. I highly recommend adding it to your Charismas song list.
Thanks for doing this one. I think this the most reverent of performances of M,DYK...maybe tying with Mark's rendition with Buddy Greene. The rubato you mentioned is Mark singing the punctuation. Mary, comma, did you know? Others performers slide right past the commas. That tiny pause conveys his politely reverent curiosity. He calls her gently (comma), and then asks his questions. It's an apostrophe (Mer-Web: apostrophe: the addressing of a usually absent person or a usually personified thing rhetorically). His questions are rhetorical. We don't know and probably don't expect the answers, but they're on his mind.
Hi Sir Hairless, Great reaction, I’m subscribed because I wanted to introduce an artist to you. This reaction popped up because a different friend recently added his cover (that he did years ago) to this song on his channel. He’s in the UK also. (I’m in California) He actually sang two other songs with the singer I’m buying you some cocoa for. BTW he also linked me to another video featuring Mark where he not only sang but was funnier than poop. 😊 While I’d have preferred one of her bigger songs, there’s no denying this Christmas song will give you a great example of her voice. She even has more Christmas songs, in total 3 audio and one very short (but not a Short) video. The video released November 1. The song I sent is from last year. The other two are from 2022, one an original the other a classic cover. 😃 This reaction was good to see, you like to analyze the vocal(s). You’re gonna have fun! Merry Christmas! Joe
And thus the Sir Hairless 2024 Christmas season begins! If you're in a festive spirit, please check out my other Christmas videos here 🎄th-cam.com/play/PL-tAjLxAAkA-3XoLPOL3xPv9WdOZIIXl9.html
Yay! It's a fun time of the year. Especially when you ask your great-grandchildren what they want to *give* to their friends and family rather than ask them what they want to *get* from friends and family. Have fun and thanks for the reactions.
Can I suggest one for this season? The 11 year old Amira Willighagen singing Ave Maria Gomez th-cam.com/video/n66udAMmCDM/w-d-xo.html
Hello Sir H, I grew up around a mother who could sing the notes that Kate sings, and like Kate sung them with 'softened edges' is what I call them. Neither Kate or my mom ever sounded, 'screechy'. You got the full effect of the note without your ear drums bleeding. My mom was a short little woman just over 5' tall, but like Morissette, who is 5'1" tall she was gifted genetically and worked hard to maintain her voice.
I'm rambling now sorry, never could shake that ADHD. I too get overwhelmed by the beauty of this song. I have heard Jordan Smith sing this 'LIVE' with Tommie Profitt.
th-cam.com/video/TXdyiVP4_o0/w-d-xo.html Tommee Profitt and Featuring Jordan Smith 'Mary Did You Know?'
@@davidcochran6291 Yes, Jordan Smith does an incredible version of this as well!
Something magical happens when the songwriter sings his own song.
For those who aren't enthused by Kate's upper range, think of her as Voctave's piccolo in this vocal Orchestra. She has a very important place in it, along with everyone else, and Jamey Ray arranges for them perfectly to showcase them all at the right moments.
Plus in this one Kate ends with a soft extended high note (rather difficult to do). My dad dislikes her usually, but in this it got to him!
Absolutely! Thank you for this comment. While taken in by the whole piece, the upper range stunned me. Beautiful and powerful.
Mark is sitting down in this performance because he has multiple sclerosis. There are times when he just seems so pleased with his accompaniments. It's my favorite rendition of this song. I think it might be the only time I've seen you go through a song without any pauses.
As the song’s lyricist, Mark’s interpretation really lets us see how he conceived of this piece. He has MS (multiple sclerosis), thus the need for him to be seated while performing, and making his two very long notes even more impressive. Voctave’s beautiful choral accompaniment gives a powerful backing when called for, while also pulling back and allowing Mark to shine. Looking forward to the rest of your holiday videos, Sir Hairless!
Bless him for gifting us all with such powerful lyrics sung so marvelously.
oh, didn't know he has MS :(
Thanks for sharing, I didn't know this
Mark: Inhuman voice control.
Also Mark: Forgive me, I'm not as good as I used to be.
Aww I’m so glad you did this one😊. Shortly after Mark wrote this song back in the mid-80s, he had a concert with the Bill Gaither Vocal Band in my hometown. The children’s choir I was in performed this song with him. He did everything possible to make us children less nervous and more comfortable by telling us jokes😊. It was a great memory and honor to sing with him❤
Wonderful, thanks for sharing 🙏
No one will ever come close to the sheer power, meaning & beauty of this version. Breathtaking, actually. I am a big Home Free fan & their version is more simple & homey. Pentatonix's version is more showy but very good. But this version with Lowry & Voctave--head & shoulders above ANY other version I have ever heard--acapella or otherwise.
I agree. I like all three groups and love this song, but no one can sing/interpret it like the author and Mark is just fantastic .
Best arrangement of the song hands down. Mark sings the song how it’s intended to be. Beautiful.
Mark Lowry makes this performance exquisitely powerful - it reaches into the depths of your being & shakes your soul. Thank you.
This piece hits me hard every time I hear it, no matter who performs it. Mark Lowry is a popular (in the US) Christian comedian as well as a singer; this song will be a big part of his legacy.
He sings this song at the end of his live shows. He jokes that it’s his one hit song
I am in Australia and have watched the Gaithers, including Mark for decades. My late wife travelled 500 miles to hear them at the Sydney Opera House.
I think the way Mark timed the questions was how he might in an intimate conversation...like, "did you really know, Mary?".... Mary...did you know? Such a beautiful, touching song.
Such an emotional version. Mark's interpretation is so engaging. I remember noticing you didn't pause half way and then forgot again as I was drawn into the song.
I've always loved this song. I've sang it many times in church choirs over the years, but can we talk about Mark holding a note for about a week there? I was like you just staring at the video as my entire body experienced the song. I love how the song feels like it is staying still but moving on all at the same time. This was beautiful!
When Mark sings this song, the meaning always comes thru. This is my favorite of the song. Thank you for ever expanding my musical appreciation.
By the time Mark Lowry had sung "sons and daughters" I was crying. I have sons and a daughter. I loved his little pause between "Mary" and the rest of the phrase. It felt as if he was sitting quietly by mother and baby in the manger, talking with her and asking her gentle questions. Really affecting in the creation of scene and emotion. Voctave is always tight in their delivery and they have a way of delighting me. Thank you Sir H for taking this suggestion. It was wonderful to hear Mark Lowry for the first time. You held it together better than I did this time though your face did look a bit like that:)
Very moving indeed Wonderful arrangement and performance
Great song. Great arrangement. Mark's voice is just so warm and rich (like hot chocolate). Super funny guy too. His on stage antics have been some of the funniest stuff I have seen.
This song is one of those that moves me greatly. This VERSION had me burst into tears. Bravo!
I must say I have seen only 1 other CC just let this song/version go because of how special it is. I mean even if you dont know Mark Lowery or voctave you automatically get the vibe that there is something different about this particular version. Seeing as Mark wrote the song he performs as he wrote it. He simply is having a conversation with Mary (if he could). Its a song of questions, excitement. hindsight & explanation as he has his conversation. Nothing against others who cover this song but none will ever come close to this version.
Great reaction! Your tears said it all, Bless you.
How could anyone dislike the masterful soprano 1 performances from Kate? Easily among the best sopranos I’ve ever heard in an a capella group. She has such a mastery of her entire range.
I have heard Mark Lowry sing this song a handful of times, but this is, by far, the best. Combining the beautiful harmonies of Voctave with Mark's talented vocal rendition equals perfection.
Mark sings as if he is singing to Mary. He gets her attention first by saying her name then asking the question. Beautiful.
Mark Lowry is also a performer; he sang for years with the 'Gaither Vocal Band' a Gospel group by the Bill and Gloria Gaither group.
Mark has a beautiful voice! They do a great job on this adding nothing but the necessary voices.
Mark is also A comedian. I have heard him talk about this song and the fact that he asked I wonder if she knew who her son was and if she knew what he would do. The impact he would have on the world. Beautiful song.
So glad to see you react to this finally! Loved it! I could tell you were lost in the music for sure! Such a powerful arrangement and performance!!!
Love their use of dissonance! It fits with the heaviness of the questions being asked in the song.
I really enjoyed your reaction and remarks to this performance. Mark Lowry truly sings this from his heart accompanied by the excellent choir Voctave! It just seems complete and amazing! How can you not be drawn in and captured, enjoying every moment of this beautiful piece? Thank you!
Can't believe I missed this one. So glad it came across my feed. I've seen thus video at least 1000 times and I still react to it the same way I did the first time. ❤
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Mark wrote incredibly TRUE lyrics to this wonderful song! You wouldn’t think a funny comedian would write such an EPIC QUESTION? Every time I hear it, I cry, and have major goosebumps! THIS is WHY we CELEBRATE Christmas! CHRIST is the IMPORTANCE of this season. Your body language was priceless, AND you are a handsome Christmas pudding. ☺️🎄
Seeing Mark sing the lyrics he wrote is so moving!! The harmonies crescendos and decrescendos are so effective! As a Christian this version moves me beyond all others!
Agreed. Amen!
That’s what I call a felt and engaging performance. Mr Lowry has a spectacular breath control and mesmerizing storytelling capacity. I understand why you did not stop midway. Of course Voctave is well… voctave. Thank you SH. 🤗
I hadn't heard Mark Lowry singing this song before. It had me crying right in the first few lines. Very powerful. It will definitely accompany me through this time of advent! ❤
I am one of the people who commented on the very high notes in Somewhere from West Side Story. In that song I found it jarring, and felt it didn't match the song and its context. In this case it was angelic; very small and subtle, but very significant. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts once again! ❤
Mark said he got the idea for the song when wondering what he would ask Mary if they were sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. Buddy Greene's music is just beautiful, too.❤
This is exceptional; even for Voctave, it's exceptional.
Yup! Put their version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" in that category too. EJ's a monster in that one.
Yes! I am soooo glad that you have finally heard and reacted to this wonderful performance! For years Pentatonix version of this, my favorite Christmas song, was my favorite. Then I heard this one. First, it's just an amazing performance. Voctave is amazing as a backing choir and Mark's performance is amazing - especially that long long held note. Also, I have an emotional connection to Mark because I have enjoyed his singing and comedy for many years - you have seen his comedy, haven't you? If you haven't, you have a treat waiting for you!
Loved your reaction to this.
Absolutely enthralled with the controlled extra high notes and the dissodence...riviting. We are stunned. Joy joy
Mark Lowry's lyrics, along with songwriter Buddy Greene's music, create a beautiful, haunting song, from the viewpoint of angels at Jesus's birth, asking his mother Mary, if she knows how important her son will be to the world, and all the wonders he will perform. Truly beautiful.
I got to hear Mark sing this live about 15 years ago. It’s powerful. I love your initial reaction being so truthful and real and deep.
I've heard this hundreds of times, and I'm still a puddle of tears. This is Christmas, all in one beautiful song. Thank you for reacting to this.
That high note at the end is gorgeous
Eb6. Not too many Sops can hit it, let alone make it sound musical. Kate is a phenom. I've met her, she's a wonderful person too.
I love Kate Lott's voice. I'm a soprano but could never get her clarity and high notes. I've seen Mark Lowrey live a few times with the Gaither singers. It makes me so happy that he wrote such a fabulous song. He is so funny too! Thank you for featuring it.
Lovely and gracious performance that can easily touch anyone’s hearts, irrespective of their religious beliefs. A very good choice to put on your Christmas pudding hat and start December festivities on the channel; thank you, Sir!🎄 :) 🎄
I absolutely love this version!! Real glad that you enjoyed this!! Kate is a force to reckon with!! Such great control of her voice and the final pianissimo sustained high note… I don’t get chills easily and that is one of the rare moments. Glad to hear your reaction and analysis!!
Again, this piece is a great showcase of Jamey's prowess as an arranger. HE is an absolute master at crafting an emotional experience for the listener, leveraging each of his singers' undeniable talents to their greatest impact. Voctave as a group of singers is certainly world-class, but Jamey's arrangements put him at the top of the universal pantheon of musical genius. I am always awestruck by what he and his singers create.
Your reaction and analysis appreciated and what a great choice to start your Christmas reviews. Mark Lowry sings this so beautifully. First saw him sing with David Phelps and some of the other members of The Gaithers, a wonderful performer and stand up comic as well.
My favorite version of this iconic song which never fails to affect me on a deep level.
Fantastic analysis! I learn something every time I watch you.
Mark Lowry was a part of the quartet The Gaither Vocal Band which also included David Phelps (whom you've also reacted to - O Holy Night). Thanks again, for what you do!
Wow! Excellent choice to start off the Christmas season! I wasn't expecting to enjoy this more than the PTX version, yet I did. It was quite a treat to see Mark singing with them. I feel this may end up being my favorite song of the season. Thank you so much for an amazing song and r/a 🎄🥰
This was my first time listening to Voctave, and I loved it! It was so peaceful and beautiful!!
What a fantastic start to the Christmas season! Such a powerful performance. Thank you for starting us off so powerfully; as always, your R & A was stellar. This performance is simply breathtaking. I don't have words... I love the PTX version, but this one is special -- even more deeply moving.
This version is just outstanding: the huge wall of sound, yummy dissonances, Kate (of course), and Mark Lowrys storytelling and beautiful voice. So powerful. Thank you for a great analysis. You manage to explain WHY the goosebumps and tears of emotion appear when they do. Thank you for teaching me new things about music.
Breathtaking. Absolutely love it
Excellent reaction! Voctave's Christmas repertoire is exceptional and I'd like to see you react to more during this holiday season. Their version of "Where Are You Christmas?" from the movie "The Grinch" features Ashley Espinoza and her son, Gael; and it's guaranteed to hit you hard in the feels (make sure you have some tissue handy).
YEEESSS!!! This song makes me ugly cry EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! It's far and away my favorite version. It's transcendent and stunning. Really, in a word, perfection, and I'm thinking this is truly a small glimpse of what Heaven must sound like.
Yes, amen!
Wow great reaction and analysis. Kate does have a unique ability and I love hearing her soaring high notes. Much like an exceptional quarterback who couldn't do what he does without the offensive line, running backs and receivers, it's easy to focus on such a powerful and unique voice. But the end result of this team effort is absolutely fabulous.
No matter how many times I hear this song, I always have a full body response. It's so powerful.
Yes, he actually surprised me on this one the first time I heard it.
So glad you got around to this Mark/Voctave version… as it’s one of my favs… Great start to the Christmas reactions. Wishing you and everyone a joyous holiday season filled with love and peace! ❤🎄
I love the faces you make when engrossed in amazing music. If you have the ear you understand the faces!
Beyond beautiful!
I love this group - and I love this version. Just beautiful! Great reaction/analysis! ❤
Thank you Betsy!
I have seen this video a lot of times and still I had the same reaction like you while watching it again here. One of Voctave's most incredible pieces in my opinion. The other one that makes me feel like this is their cover of O Come All Ye Faithful. Fingers crossed we might get your reaction to that one too this December. But either way i'm super excited what videos and reactions are awaiting us this next month. I absolutely can't wait. 🎶🎄
I KNEW you would be captivated by this rendition. One thing that has always impressed me about Voctave is their ability to hear, truly hear, one another. They are able to sing with a full voice without overwhelming any of the others. So very glad you chose to do this one. Thank you!
My very favorite! Thank you for your review!
Love your hat! Astounding. Wonderful to hear the lyricist singing this. Both Penatonix and Home Free have glorious arrangements of this. I still am moved by Kathy Matea’s recording. Her version of the Hebredean Christ Child’s Lullaby is so beautiful.
This is the most magnificent version with the Voctave 11 and Mark Lowry. Nearly 2 yrs ago, the Florida State University (does Opening Nights with every kind of artist for one night over the Sept - Apr) and in January Voctave was the Opening Night and it was spectacular. I had taken a friend with me (we normally did plays) but she said this was the most incredible thing she had ever heard. Opening Nights covers singers of all types, films, plays, dance, speakers like Ira Glass, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jay Leno, instrumentalists, buildings lighted for the night, and more with artists from around the world. I used to work at FSU with the grad students. I want to lobby to get VoicePlay to have a slot!
This probably would be absolutely otherworldly if heard in a church. I hadn’t heard this version bevor. Absolutely amazing and so voctave.
Oooh I hope one of those Christmas songs will be Rend Collective's 'Today is the Saviour's Day.' I heard it on the radio yesterday and immediately got into the spirit of Christmas.
Just amazing!
Love this! The next best thing to listening to/watching Voctave is watching people react to them. This was no exception!
Another one I think you'll love is O Holy Night. The arrangement is juicy, and the vocals are out of this world
As always, great reaction!
Kate's voice....I mean. Just....Wow.
Listen to David Phelps sing this from O Holy Night A Live Holiday Celebration. It's beautiful
So good!!!❤
Kate Lott hits the highest note that I've heard her hit in any song in this video, the G6 at the climax.
My favorite Voctave Christmas song is “Where Are You Christmas?” Very moving. Have tissues!
The third version of “Mary Did You Know?” that I love besides this one and Pentatonix, is Home Free’s. All three are fantastic!
Well, I decided to check out Where Are You Christmas and did fine without tissues, until the end. They did a beautiful version of that song. Thank you for pointing it out 🎄🥰
Another beautiful performance of this song is Tommee Profitt ft. Jordan Smith. If you don't know, Jordan won "The Voice" season 9. He has a beautiful upper tenor range with the power of a diva! Tommee is a music producer and he's the one playing the piano. The full orchestra gives this performance a power that will blow your socks off!
@@tammykiernan1839 I do so agree with you. The Tommed Profitt/Jordan Smith version is fabulous too. Now I don’t know which I prefer. There is something so pure in Jordan Smith’s voice.
@@VivienTanswell Yes his voice is just on another level. I think I would give my left kidney to hear Jordan and Mitch Grassi do a duet!! of anything....phone book, shopping list, a car manual. Anything ! LOL
@@smallmoments957can’t wait to see your reaction and analysis!
Again, I love your education of music theory and ear for so many details. Your appreciation of Voctave and their vocal abilities has rubbed off on me. I suggest listening to several of their other Christmas songs like; O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Where are you Christmas... They are amazing and thank you for bringing them to us.
Loved your reaction and analysis, as always! The look of awe and joy as you listened enraptured with the lyrics and musicality speaks volumes about the power of music. Mark’s ability to draw us into the scene as he questions Mary, and the layering, harmonies and dynamics are masterful and IMHO perfection or as close as we’ll get to it this side of Heaven!
Please more #Voctave any time, but I especially hope you’ll do a deep dive on their Christmas music; there’s lots to choose from and all are phenomenal.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
All Is Well
The Christmas Song and
Where Are You Christmas to name just a few.
Simply amazing. Voctave and Mark..OMG! Kate is so angelic with her sopranoness. But good lord! A tear in my eye every time I hear this.
I have to figure out how to sign up for you on Patreon, because I will buy just about anything if you so “Oh come a ye faithful” by Voctave ASAP. I love hearing your perspective.
Stay tuned this Christmas!
Other then mariah Carey, her voice up that high is just a joy to hear. I can def relate to what you were saying in the vid about it being overbearing, but she just is perfection when you go that high. Just a great reaction. I too got lost in listening, and really glad you just played it out. 🥰🥰
Voctave is always breathtaking for me. It is so interesting to see/hear a composter/lyrist join in their song; that performance seems to have something special to it, something that you can feel in your soul.
Mark wrote this and as part of the Gaither Vocal Band, he and David Phelps are great friends
Beautiful
Thank you!
Magnificent!
Kate Lott is amazing, I love when people suddenly realise what she can do!
Yaaay, December is here and Sir Hairless has his Christmas hat on!! 🎄 Hooray! 👏👏 What a great performance to start the season with - yes, big massive sound, moving and entrancing!!🥺🎶 Fabulously emotional reaction and super analysis! Enjoyed and learned a lot! Thank you Sir H!! ❤👏
🎄🎄🎄
I don't care for this song, but the arrangement Jamey crafted is incredible! I just can't get over how good your ear is when hearing something just once. As many times as I have heard this, your analysis made it even better! Thank you for a great reaction!
Mark has such an amazing voice, especially in contrast to his very Southern speaking voice-- quite endearing. He wrote this song 40 years ago and it never fails to stir the listener. Coincidentally, given Mark's connection to The Gaither Vocal Band, there's a classic Christmas song that they did with featured vocalist David Phelps singing O Holy Night. It's pretty epic. I highly recommend adding it to your Charismas song list.
It is so powerful because Mark knows the great IAM, and he is speaking to the mother of Jesus. You feel how he wrote the song
Thanks for doing this one. I think this the most reverent of performances of M,DYK...maybe tying with Mark's rendition with Buddy Greene. The rubato you mentioned is Mark singing the punctuation. Mary, comma, did you know? Others performers slide right past the commas. That tiny pause conveys his politely reverent curiosity. He calls her gently (comma), and then asks his questions. It's an apostrophe (Mer-Web: apostrophe: the addressing of a usually absent person or a usually personified thing rhetorically). His questions are rhetorical. We don't know and probably don't expect the answers, but they're on his mind.
Thank you for reacting to God's ultimate beauty. No version is better. And the creator of this song, Mark singing it, is poetic
This song is one of my Christmas’s favorite songs along with Sohyang’s O Holy Night (i am a singer 2012 OG performance) 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Красиво открываете сезон Рождества! 😇Мы с Вами! 🙏
Thank you! You too 🙏
Thank you!!! ❤🙏🏻
❤
I don’t listen to Voctave enough but I really enjoyed that and Mark made that come across so beautifully. ❤️
Happy to hear it 🙌🏽
OMG. love the hat!!!! ❤
Hi Sir Hairless,
Great reaction, I’m subscribed because I wanted to introduce an artist to you. This reaction popped up because a different friend recently added his cover (that he did years ago) to this song on his channel. He’s in the UK also. (I’m in California) He actually sang two other songs with the singer I’m buying you some cocoa for. BTW he also linked me to another video featuring Mark where he not only sang but was funnier than poop. 😊 While I’d have preferred one of her bigger songs, there’s no denying this Christmas song will give you a great example of her voice. She even has more Christmas songs, in total 3 audio and one very short (but not a Short) video. The video released November 1. The song I sent is from last year. The other two are from 2022, one an original the other a classic cover. 😃
This reaction was good to see, you like to analyze the vocal(s). You’re gonna have fun!
Merry Christmas!
Joe
Thank you, sir ❤