I've listened to this song and various reactions countless times but just noticed the ending, which I will get to in a moment. This is my favorite rendition of "Mary, Did You Know?" for these reasons: 1) This rendition is more than a song performance, but a telling of the story! Mark does that with his variation in the timing of his words and notes, separating it a bit from the flow of the music. Also, It's his lyrics and his story of a one and only moment in history: God humbling Himself and coming to us though we proved to be so undeserving! 2) The work of Voctave behind and surrounding Mark's singing sounds most angelic (not sure that there could be a few/many angels actually joining in - thus the goosebumps so many feel when listening! 3) The crescendos to the focus of who God is: THE GREAT I AM, done twice in the song! (We exist because HE IS!!) And then the almost unsustainable long hold!!! (24 beats/6 measures if in 4/4 time., if I counted right.) And then finally the ending I just noticed: Mark does not sing with the ending, but let's Voctave finish it out while he just basks in it in the glory of the story(!), and, to me, a moment of humble humility about the song/story that God used Mark to deliver to us. Knowing of Mark, I would say Mark's attitude is: "This is not about me, but about Him - THE GREAT I AM!!!"
If you are interested, Mark Lowery did an interview with Jamey Ray who started Voctave and is the arranger of all of their music. They discuss a lot about how Voctave came to be, and also Mark's impressions of the group when he sang with them. th-cam.com/video/dljXxUKEl9I/w-d-xo.html
Christi, thanks for appreciating my above comment. It came from my heart. Also, I just discovered your work, and since this post have seen a few more of your reviews/reactions. I appreciate the heart-felt comments that you articulate so well. There is a pure, clean spirit that seems to be the foundation of your comments and appreciation. Your heart seems to resonate with "The Reason for the Season!" For the sake of TRUTH I need to edit my previous comment in #3 about the Voctave performance. Follow up edit: "Oops, I misspoke: the crescendo focus to who God is IS done twice, but the FIRST time was ". . . the praises of the Lamb!": and the 2nd time was " . . . the great I Am!" Sorry about that; it was not twice "the great I am." Blessings. Wise men still seek Him!
@Will O Thank you for sharing your insightful analysis! I also just counted 24 beats/6 full measures on Mark's insanely long note while watching another reaction. The lyrics, harmonies, arrangement, dynamic range, resonance, pure emotion and that ringing final chord.... 🤯😇
Her ability to sing that high and that quietly with such pure, glass-like tone is nothing short of breathtaking. What a talent and what a professional.
That note that Mark Lowry held in the middle of the song from 5:07-5:23? Crazy! And to hear that he’s sick with MS while doing that? Insane! His voice is so resonant and powerful and stands above the rest easily as well. And he's clearly not young either. He hasn’t lost much of whatever he had before, that’s for sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t lost a thing!
Please react to Voctave more. I love hearing vocal coaches react to them and point out nuances in their performances. To me, Voctave seems to be operating on a different level of musical perfectionism than any other group I have come across, and I would love to hear your thoughts about how they achieve that. All of their songs are outstanding, and they have many songs with great guest singers, but I especially like the songs where Voctave members are taking the lead. It is amazing that they have been able to collect so many extremely talented singers into one group. (Although 2 of the men changed out this year. The new guys are great, and I wish the Tony and JC the best in their new endeavors.) When ever I hear a new person reacting to Voctave I worry that they will go out and binge watch all the videos without reacting to them.
By the way, if you like long holds, check out their O Come All Ye Faithful and O Holy Night videos, or their new Disney Heroes and Villains medley (from their new album, no video yet but audio is on youtube). They also have Anything You Can Do on an older album that they never did a video for. (That is a fun song, and Tony held a note for 33 sec in it, but I think the other songs are more musically moving.)
@@dougreed7641 Two things: 1) I believe there's actually a video of them performing "Anything You Can Do".... finally tracked it down: vimeo.com/315995434 2) The only other group that I know of that sings on a similar level (though generally quite different in genre) is Voces8. You should give them a listen, too. :)
@@sirtarin I saw that one on TH-cam a while ago, but it was made private for some reason. I like to point people to their album and official youtube channels to support them.(I think the Voctave Topic youtube page is official. If it isn't, someone please let me know.) Hopefully, the more views and album sales they get, the more music they will be able to provide us. So, for everyone else, if you like Voctave, buy their albums or find some other way to support them so they can afford to make more.
I think the problem with reaction videos to Voctave is that although they are great and reactors say they love them, they are not popular so the people don't get as many hits or likes or subs from them. It is very sad that popularity and $$, not usually quality or love of the craft drives what reactions are done on most channels I have seen. Those who understand and appreciate real art and music will just have to keep spreading the word and enjoying them together when the occasional reactor does take the plunge for a video or two.
As John Rutter once said: "A wonderful tune will carry the sense of a text right into the hearts of the listener." The fact that Voctave never gets in the way of the text and the tune is a testament to their sensitivity as artists. Hearing it sung by the songwriter is a gift . Thank you for recognizing the importance of the message that inspired the music.
In case you didn't know, Jamie Ray, the tenor on the far left is Voctave's arranger and , in addition to being a phenomenally talented singer, is an absolute genius as an arranger who really highlights the incredible talent and vocal range of this group. Please react to more Voctave - there are many, many great Voctave videos on TH-cam!
I have been on a Pentatonix high for the past few weeks. Oh they as so good. I just stumbled across this version of "Mary did you know". By Voctave. Unbelievable! This is without a doubt the highlight of my life... WOW. How can anything ever top this. The quality of the voices is immeasurable. The timing is impeccable. I do not believe there can be a masterpiece to ever top this. And your interpretation is very very great. Thank you you this presentation.
This made me cry! Reason one: I love Mark Lowry. I watch his live videos when they come out, and he sings songs for us! He's so talented. Voctave is a great group! Thank you for this!
This is my absolute favorite version to this modern times Christmas classic. Some others tend to contain too much sugar (or saccharine, if you will) to my taste 😅. Voctave is an excellent group of seasoned singers. And the co-author of the song (wonderful Mark Lowry) shows a very long note there 😵💪. Very professional and emotional performance all the ways. I like also the humble black and white style of the video. Great pick for Christmas. Thank you, Christi! ⛄🎅👍
you spoke of the subtle emoting of the song writer's emphasis and phrasing being worth the price of admission. I've seen several itirations of Mark singing this song but I saw something this time which made my heart jump. At 4:48 Mark has his eyes closed which usually means the singer is trying to feel the words. Then Mark's eyes pop open with a look of intense joy and wonder that made me feel like a blind man was seeing for the first time. Huhh! I had to stop it and tell you about and it was hard to type thru my tears.
If you could react to their version of Oh Come all ye Faithful it'd be great. I really enjoy the deconstruction and analysis of their arrangements and hope to see more in the future
I'm a vocalist musician and Worship leader. I dont think I've ever heard such harmonic perfection like this before I'm my 71 years. I would like to have seen them put this project together. I wonder how long it took them to work this song out. Thank you I'm grateful.
The first time I heard this song was for an Easter program that our church did and I fell in love with it. I didn’t realize that Mark wrote until last year. His performance gave me a new and deeper appreciation for the song. This gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. I don,t usually enjoy sopranos as I prefer the alto range for lead and solo, but in this rendition they are perfectly placed. I really appreciate the way that these two voices know when and where to move forward and back into the mix. Angelic. And I agree Mark adds new emotion to the song. A beautifully written and perfectly performed song. Wow wow wow. Thank you for reminding me of this. Merry Christmas.
According to Mark Lowry's explanation in an interview that I listened to, he wrote the lyrics and had been carrying them around in his pocket for a long time. At some point, he and Buddy Greene were riding together on a Gaither bus tour and he asked Buddy to try writing a score for the lyrics. Buddy's insight in putting Mark's words to a simple melody in a minor key gave the song a beautiful contemplative mood that so well suits the question itself.
I love that this song was about asking Mary questions... Mark did an interview recently and he said that he had more questions but they didn't rhyme...lol...Great reaction as always...
It was several years after Mark penned the lyrics for use on his Christmas cards, that Buddy put those lyrics to this beautiful minor key! In this video, Mark was sitting which reduces lung capacity by 50% + or -. The incredible part to me was how long Mark could hold a tonal commitment because he was also stricken with MS at the time! Loved your reaction to Mark, Buddy Greene, and this extraordinary presentation! 💝✔💞💞
I’m a simple man with simple hands I see a voctave reaction I click like. You also did a superb job assessing beyond just the technical and how it speaks to the ways it resonates with people’s emotions 😁👍🏽 I agree with other comments please react to more voctave they have so many good things to react to
Terrific informative reaction to an amazing song sung by an incredible group. They're pretty good... huh? Tis the Holiday Season, and Voctave has a treasure trove of Christmas related songs awaiting your review. I recommend you check out (in no particular order) "O Come All Ye Faithful", "O Come Emanuel/The First Noel/I Wonder as I Wander", "Joy to the World", "Jingle Bells", "The Man With a Bag", and "This is My Wish/Let There Be Peace on Earth". Enjoy!
I really enjoyed your Reaction. I appreciate that you did your homework and knew about Voctave and Mark Lowery. You asked about some of my favorites of Voctave. I love You will be Found - one of their newer songs. I also like the Disney Love Medley. There are so many amazing songs on their latest Album, Broadway and Main Street Vol 2. I liked the song from Coco, Remember Me.. There is a video for that song. I got to hear them live in Pennsylvania last year and it was amazing. I do enjoy their music! :) I hope you will do more reactions to their songs!
I like this lady and her explanations. She does the best job of all the voice teachers I've watched on this song. She seems sincere, not that the others aren't, just very real, kind and polite.
I have listened to dozens of versions of this song, including different ones with Mark Lowery, and this one is by far the best version by far! I love his voice. Even the look on his face as he sings his words. And his breath control, sitting down!! Amazing...
Wow that is absolutely beautiful. Never saw this version before. Was wondering if the way the singers are positioned around Mark is strategically accomplished to get a certain sound.
Thank you much for your reaction to this awesome piece of work. This is just steller. No words. One thing I will add is just how amazing a singer Mark Lowry is in his own right. A little tidbit here: that incredibly long and strong note that only Mark held the entire time Voctave was doing their thing in the background. Starts at 5:03 ( "The praises of the Laaaaaaaaaaaa") ends at 5:23. That was one breath folks. The Voctave folks took breaths, coming in and out. Don't get me wrong, was truly F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C, but Mark wins The Biggest Lungs/Should've Passed Out Award for this particular clip. lol BUT, speaking of breaths and passing out, I again concur with others on here. You MUST check out VOCTAVE--- O Come All Ye Faithful. Another absolutely fantastic performance, particularly the male lead. You will not regret it.
I love your commentary of this arrangement. In other reaction videos, I’ve never heard another person discuss how special it is for the original song writer to sing his song. I think Mark’s interpretation here is how it was meant to be sung. Pair that with the angelic voices of Voctave and you get this rendition that is second to none. Best version of the song and it’s not close.
Thank you very much for this reaction. I've been waiting for it. Please react to Voctave more. I highly recommend you to listen to O Come, All Ye Faithful and The First Noel (the last one is the benefit performance of the soprano singers of the group).
I appreciate your reaction and insight into this performance. I had suggested this to you a week or so ago. You mentioned the gospel greats in a previous video, there are so many amazing southern gospel vocalists in southern gospel, especially in the quartets.
Not only that but he sustained that breath for 21 seconds. The entire line was sung on the breath he took just before he said 'the [praises of the lamb]'.
The high notes in this song are carried by Kate Lotte (the blond standing behind Mark's right shoulder). The arrangement was done by the man on far left. Sorry, l can't remember his name. Would suggest "Joy to the World". The Sopranos do something amazing in that one. Merry Christmas 🎄
You were were talking about Mark being behind David Phelps when he sang "O' Holy Night". Mark actually sang "Mary, Did You Know" on that same recording that was filmed in I think Alabama. You can find it here on TH-cam. It's more raw and emotional and one of his best.
FYI: Mark cannot read music. He wrote the lyrics for the song. Although he is a comedian, he has a very deep spirit and insight to life. The music was written by Buddy Greene. (You just mentioned him as the co-writer.) Mark gave the lyrics to Buddy as a poem and Buddy had to put it to music.
Hi Christi! Great reaction and a great performance as well. My spirit was definitely stirred. Happiest of holidays to you and your family this season!🙏🏾❤
What a perfect union ... matching Mark Lowry with Voctave. I am fighting back the tears here. It doesn't hurt to have such an attractive woman analysing the performance either. They would be dynamite backing David Phelps...
Jamie Ray, the singer and primary arranger of Voctave as well as several of the other singers has a background in Barbershop Chorus and Quartet singing. The "resolution" you mentioned is something that is often used in that genre of music. This group is amazing. Another group for you to check out is VOCES8 (pronounced Vo-ches-8). They are an octet from the UK with impeccable pitch, diction and arrangements. Their version of Lux Aeterna where the music is by Edward Elgar from his Enigma Variations (Nimrod) is superb. But, everything else is also good.
I wish you were my college music aural training teacher - you seem so nice (I was so afraid of my professor)! I guess it didn't help that I was a woodwind player, and I was the only non-vocal major in my cohort.... love your reactions!
figured you get to this one soon :-) I first heard it a year or so ago, it just blew me away. Beauty beyond words...Mark's note-holding reminded me of Johnny Mathis "Pieces of Dreams" which I've told you about...I get a kick out of hearing those few singers who can do that.. among them are Andrea Bocelli and Myles Kennedy and k d lang
I want to say that the accent on His hand was Mark's original interpretation. Just go back and you will see earlier versions from Mark . For the record I like the new way also. But it's all Mark either way. Your videos are wonderful. First time watcher and now new subscriber
HI Christi. I am a fan of voctave as well as Pentatinox and Home Free. If I could draw a car analogy among these groups, Home Free would be a Ford 4 x 4 Range truck, Pentatonix would be a Ferrari , and Voctave would be a Rolls Royce. Voctave does not use any kind of beat boxer as the new age A Capella groups do. The incredible arranging for Voctave is ( from what I have read) done by Jamey Ray ( voctave.net/jamey/ ) . He is in this video on the left end and apparently is famous for many popular shows. Oddly he is from Clearwater , Fl where I live. Not an area known for good musicians. From what I have read about him, he teaches at Rollins College , a small Liberal Arts school in the Orlando , Fl area and I will guess that his base is there a that campus. Jamey Ray, like Scott Hoying of Pentatonix are sort of Prodigy's to me. With Pentatonix , many of the comments are about the voice quality of the singers ? I personally find the arranging to be the real reason they songs are simply put. stunning . A lot of people can sing and some sing very well. Listening to a Pentatonix video,. you will hear background vocals traveling thru 6th's and 7ths and 9ths and suspended chords winding around and resolving in the background of the lead singer. Often the reactor will mention how good the lead singer is and it is really the arrangement that is incredible. lots of people are good singers. My take anyway,.
In re-watching your reaction, Christi, I have to add "heartfelt" to my previous comment. And to your point regarding Mark singing his own song with his own unique perspective and interpretation, I attended a Paul Simon concert a couple years ago, and listened to him sing a number of songs that were popularized with Art Garfunkel singing the lead. Well, Paul made some very interesting interpretive changes that I initially thought... wow, that was different. Then the more I thought about it, I realized that I liked his versions more than the originals. Nothing earthshattering here... just reinforcing your point. Oh yeah, so when are you going to do some more Voctave reactions???
In Systematic Theology class I think we spent a week on the Hypostatic Union - the intersection of God and Man in the Incarnation. Mark Lowry did it in one song!
By the way, did you know that 'Og3ne' sings a Christmas medley with songs from the Andrew Sisters on you tube. They are singing it in 'The beste zangers show 2019 Christmas special.
Their Christmas music is great but they also have some fun medleys like Disney princess medley where each lady gets to highlight a different princess. Since they do not use a beat boxer like some other groups their sound is more pure.
My Sweet Christi. I am so happy you are finally reacting more to VOCTAVE - THE GREATEST Acapella Group on the Planet - I totally agree, there is nothing better than hearing the composer perform his own song with his own interpretation - particularly when backed by a group like Voctave! If I may, allow me to suggest your next Voctave Christmas video to react to be their "O Come all Ye faithful," in which E.J. holds his final 2 notes a full 25 seconds!! - th-cam.com/video/CljN1YIxHiI/w-d-xo.html But trust me, Christi - ANYTHING performed by Voctave is incredible!
Although I do enjoy this, I much prefer the version he did in a Baptist Church with The Martins! It is on TH-cam if you wish to compare. It is very moving and Mark is in fine voice.
As we are coming in to the more reflective end of the year, can you react to VOCE8. VOCES8, is an a cappella octet from the United Kingdom. I discovered them during the begin of the lock down in March this year. Lux Aeterna - Edward Elgar is a must. Or if you like contemporary why not Paul SImon´s Sound of Silence. If you can spare 1 hour and 34 minutes give a listen to Messiah by G. F. Handel where they joined with Apollo5 and the Academy of Ancient Music to perform Handel's masterpiece. It is the more compact version of the Messiah.
I would love to see a reaction to YEBBA and Clark Beckham sing "Gravity"! Such a spectacular performance. You will love it! It has lots of soul and gospel elements!
Not trying to nit-pick but when you said the "Oh Holy Night" video was in 2000 before "Mary, Did You Know" did you mean before this video it Voctave? ...because the song was written in 1984...
Someone who knows Mark as well as I do. I remember him doing some comedy, and he was asking who in the audience was this religion, or that. Then he asked where are the Catholics. He said tell Mary I said hey. We are not allowed to talk to her, him being Baptist, then he said, but tell her thanks for that song. He is as funny as he is a gifted singer.
![O Holy Night [Live] ft. David Phelps | Voice Coach Reacts & Deconstructs | EMOTIONAL](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GQrF7FSv96g/mqdefault.jpg)
![O Holy Night [Live] ft. David Phelps | Voice Coach Reacts & Deconstructs | EMOTIONAL](/img/tr.png)
I've listened to this song and various reactions countless times but just noticed the ending, which I will get to in a moment. This is my favorite rendition of "Mary, Did You Know?" for these reasons: 1) This rendition is more than a song performance, but a telling of the story! Mark does that with his variation in the timing of his words and notes, separating it a bit from the flow of the music. Also, It's his lyrics and his story of a one and only moment in history: God humbling Himself and coming to us though we proved to be so undeserving! 2) The work of Voctave behind and surrounding Mark's singing sounds most angelic (not sure that there could be a few/many angels actually joining in - thus the goosebumps so many feel when listening! 3) The crescendos to the focus of who God is: THE GREAT I AM, done twice in the song! (We exist because HE IS!!) And then the almost unsustainable long hold!!! (24 beats/6 measures if in 4/4 time., if I counted right.) And then finally the ending I just noticed: Mark does not sing with the ending, but let's Voctave finish it out while he just basks in it in the glory of the story(!), and, to me, a moment of humble humility about the song/story that God used Mark to deliver to us. Knowing of Mark, I would say Mark's attitude is: "This is not about me, but about Him - THE GREAT I AM!!!"
If you are interested, Mark Lowery did an interview with Jamey Ray who started Voctave and is the arranger of all of their music. They discuss a lot about how Voctave came to be, and also Mark's impressions of the group when he sang with them. th-cam.com/video/dljXxUKEl9I/w-d-xo.html
Jamey Ray is also one of the Tenors. If you want to see him as lead singer, check out Voctave's recent release of You Will Be Found. It is phenomenal.
Christi, thanks for appreciating my above comment. It came from my heart. Also, I just discovered your work, and since this post have seen a few more of your reviews/reactions. I appreciate the heart-felt comments that you articulate so well. There is a pure, clean spirit that seems to be the foundation of your comments and appreciation. Your heart seems to resonate with "The Reason for the Season!"
For the sake of TRUTH I need to edit my previous comment in #3 about the Voctave performance. Follow up edit: "Oops, I misspoke: the crescendo focus to who God is IS done twice, but the FIRST time was ". . . the praises of the Lamb!": and the 2nd time was " . . . the great I Am!" Sorry about that; it was not twice "the great I am." Blessings. Wise men still seek Him!
Wonderful comment. I couldn’t agree more with what you wrote
@Will O Thank you for sharing your insightful analysis! I also just counted 24 beats/6 full measures on Mark's insanely long note while watching another reaction. The lyrics, harmonies, arrangement, dynamic range, resonance, pure emotion and that ringing final chord.... 🤯😇
Voctave "O Come, All Ye Faithful" will blow you away...
Shoutout to Soprano 1 Kate Lott hitting and holding a G6 at the end of the 'lamb' hold, and the super quiet D6 on top of the ensemble at the end.
Kate Lott is a very rare talent. She’s worth the price of admission!
Her ability to sing that high and that quietly with such pure, glass-like tone is nothing short of breathtaking. What a talent and what a professional.
Music at its finest. I can’t even imagine Voctave without Kate Lott. I’ve never been so moved. Her voice is divine!
I like to call her Kate the Kite as she just lies up in the clouds.
You should react to Voctave more! They are so amazing!!!
Mark Lowry was seated because he has MS. He refuses to let it slow him down!
That note that Mark Lowry held in the middle of the song from 5:07-5:23? Crazy! And to hear that he’s sick with MS while doing that? Insane! His voice is so resonant and powerful and stands above the rest easily as well. And he's clearly not young either. He hasn’t lost much of whatever he had before, that’s for sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t lost a thing!
He's better now and I knew his music in the 90s.
His breathing starts here 5:04
Please react to Voctave more. I love hearing vocal coaches react to them and point out nuances in their performances. To me, Voctave seems to be operating on a different level of musical perfectionism than any other group I have come across, and I would love to hear your thoughts about how they achieve that. All of their songs are outstanding, and they have many songs with great guest singers, but I especially like the songs where Voctave members are taking the lead. It is amazing that they have been able to collect so many extremely talented singers into one group. (Although 2 of the men changed out this year. The new guys are great, and I wish the Tony and JC the best in their new endeavors.)
When ever I hear a new person reacting to Voctave I worry that they will go out and binge watch all the videos without reacting to them.
By the way, if you like long holds, check out their O Come All Ye Faithful and O Holy Night videos, or their new Disney Heroes and Villains medley (from their new album, no video yet but audio is on youtube). They also have Anything You Can Do on an older album that they never did a video for. (That is a fun song, and Tony held a note for 33 sec in it, but I think the other songs are more musically moving.)
@@dougreed7641 Two things: 1) I believe there's actually a video of them performing "Anything You Can Do".... finally tracked it down: vimeo.com/315995434
2) The only other group that I know of that sings on a similar level (though generally quite different in genre) is Voces8. You should give them a listen, too. :)
@@sirtarin I saw that one on TH-cam a while ago, but it was made private for some reason. I like to point people to their album and official youtube channels to support them.(I think the Voctave Topic youtube page is official. If it isn't, someone please let me know.) Hopefully, the more views and album sales they get, the more music they will be able to provide us. So, for everyone else, if you like Voctave, buy their albums or find some other way to support them so they can afford to make more.
Voctave's Disney Princess Medley is a good one to hear multiple solos/leads.
I think the problem with reaction videos to Voctave is that although they are great and reactors say they love them, they are not popular so the people don't get as many hits or likes or subs from them. It is very sad that popularity and $$, not usually quality or love of the craft drives what reactions are done on most channels I have seen. Those who understand and appreciate real art and music will just have to keep spreading the word and enjoying them together when the occasional reactor does take the plunge for a video or two.
As John Rutter once said: "A wonderful tune will carry the sense of a text right into the hearts of the listener." The fact that Voctave never gets in the way of the text and the tune is a testament to their sensitivity as artists. Hearing it sung by the songwriter is a gift .
Thank you for recognizing the importance of the message that inspired the music.
In case you didn't know, Jamie Ray, the tenor on the far left is Voctave's arranger and , in addition to being a phenomenally talented singer, is an absolute genius as an arranger who really highlights the incredible talent and vocal range of this group. Please react to more Voctave - there are many, many great Voctave videos on TH-cam!
pure genius!
I have been on a Pentatonix high for the past few weeks. Oh they as so good. I just stumbled across this version of "Mary did you know". By Voctave. Unbelievable! This is without a doubt the highlight of my life... WOW. How can anything ever top this. The quality of the voices is immeasurable. The timing is impeccable. I do not believe there can be a masterpiece to ever top this. And your interpretation is very very great. Thank you you this presentation.
You wouldn't know that he had such a wonderful voice just by looking at him. This ensemble is angelic..
This made me cry! Reason one: I love Mark Lowry. I watch his live videos when they come out, and he sings songs for us! He's so talented. Voctave is a great group! Thank you for this!
This is my absolute favorite version to this modern times Christmas classic. Some others tend to contain too much sugar (or saccharine, if you will) to my taste 😅. Voctave is an excellent group of seasoned singers. And the co-author of the song (wonderful Mark Lowry) shows a very long note there 😵💪. Very professional and emotional performance all the ways. I like also the humble black and white style of the video. Great pick for Christmas. Thank you, Christi! ⛄🎅👍
you spoke of the subtle emoting of the song writer's emphasis and phrasing being worth the price of admission. I've seen several itirations of Mark singing this song but I saw something this time which made my heart jump. At 4:48 Mark has his eyes closed which usually means the singer is trying to feel the words. Then Mark's eyes pop open with a look of intense joy and wonder that made me feel like a blind man was seeing for the first time. Huhh! I had to stop it and tell you about and it was hard to type thru my tears.
If you could react to their version of Oh Come all ye Faithful it'd be great. I really enjoy the deconstruction and analysis of their arrangements and hope to see more in the future
It truly is the best I’ve ever heard of this song. Jamey Ray (far left singer) is the arranger for this and most of Voctave’s arrangements.
Great educated reaction. More Voctave please. In terms of vocal perfection they are the best I've ever heard.
I'm a vocalist musician and Worship leader. I dont think I've ever heard such harmonic perfection like this before I'm my 71 years.
I would like to have seen them put this project together. I wonder how long it took them to work this song out. Thank you I'm grateful.
The first time I heard this song was for an Easter program that our church did and I fell in love with it. I didn’t realize that Mark wrote until last year. His performance gave me a new and deeper appreciation for the song. This gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. I don,t usually enjoy sopranos as I prefer the alto range for lead and solo, but in this rendition they are perfectly placed. I really appreciate the way that these two voices know when and where to move forward and back into the mix. Angelic. And I agree Mark adds new emotion to the song. A beautifully written and perfectly performed song. Wow wow wow. Thank you for reminding me of this. Merry Christmas.
The best version ever have loved Mark singing for 25 yrs following Bill & Gloria Gaither tv show and also their homecoming videos
What a great performance to choose as the introduction to their group.
According to Mark Lowry's explanation in an interview that I listened to, he wrote the lyrics and had been carrying them around in his pocket for a long time. At some point, he and Buddy Greene were riding together on a Gaither bus tour and he asked Buddy to try writing a score for the lyrics. Buddy's insight in putting Mark's words to a simple melody in a minor key gave the song a beautiful contemplative mood that so well suits the question itself.
My favorite reaction ever to this song, thank you.
I have been blessed to see Mark Lowry live on many occasions!
That high note at the end...WOW!
Voctave ....simply the best!!!
I love that this song was about asking Mary questions... Mark did an interview recently and he said that he had more questions but they didn't rhyme...lol...Great reaction as always...
It was several years after Mark penned the lyrics for use on his Christmas cards, that Buddy put those lyrics to this beautiful minor key! In this video, Mark was sitting which reduces lung capacity by 50% + or -. The incredible part to me was how long Mark could hold a tonal commitment because he was also stricken with MS at the time! Loved your reaction to Mark, Buddy Greene, and this extraordinary presentation! 💝✔💞💞
Loved your reaction! Also love that you actually know more about Mark Lowry!! 💖
I’m a simple man with simple hands I see a voctave reaction I click like. You also did a superb job assessing beyond just the technical and how it speaks to the ways it resonates with people’s emotions 😁👍🏽 I agree with other comments please react to more voctave they have so many good things to react to
Specific reactions id like to see would be the prince of Egypt medley since its new and then wonder as I wander anddd impossible dream
Terrific informative reaction to an amazing song sung by an incredible group. They're pretty good... huh? Tis the Holiday Season, and Voctave has a treasure trove of Christmas related songs awaiting your review. I recommend you check out (in no particular order) "O Come All Ye Faithful", "O Come Emanuel/The First Noel/I Wonder as I Wander", "Joy to the World", "Jingle Bells", "The Man With a Bag", and "This is My Wish/Let There Be Peace on Earth". Enjoy!
So harmonious, they sound like a organ. Amazing.
I really enjoyed your Reaction. I appreciate that you did your homework and knew about Voctave and Mark Lowery. You asked about some of my favorites of Voctave. I love You will be Found - one of their newer songs. I also like the Disney Love Medley. There are so many amazing songs on their latest Album, Broadway and Main Street Vol 2. I liked the song from Coco, Remember Me.. There is a video for that song. I got to hear them live in Pennsylvania last year and it was amazing. I do enjoy their music! :) I hope you will do more reactions to their songs!
Thank you for your amazing comments. Extremely well done.
If you love this you should watch/react to Vocatve's rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful"!!
I love Mark singing and first saw him in the Gaither tv series, Voctave are my favourite Accapella group
Interesting facts. Mark Lowery had two throat surgeries years ago. Larynx and Corotid artery. It's a miracle he can still sing.
I like this lady and her explanations. She does the best job of all the voice teachers I've watched on this song. She seems sincere, not that the others aren't, just very real, kind and polite.
I have listened to dozens of versions of this song, including different ones with Mark Lowery, and this one is by far the best version by far! I love his voice. Even the look on his face as he sings his words. And his breath control, sitting down!! Amazing...
Wow that is absolutely beautiful. Never saw this version before. Was wondering if the way the singers are positioned around Mark is strategically accomplished to get a certain sound.
Voctave with Mark Lowry is the most beautiful version ever done.
Oh yes please deconstruct more voctave for us
Thank you much for your reaction to this awesome piece of work. This is just steller. No words. One thing I will add is just how amazing a singer Mark Lowry is in his own right. A little tidbit here: that incredibly long and strong note that only Mark held the entire time Voctave was doing their thing in the background. Starts at 5:03 ( "The praises of the Laaaaaaaaaaaa") ends at 5:23. That was one breath folks. The Voctave folks took breaths, coming in and out. Don't get me wrong, was truly F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C, but Mark wins The Biggest Lungs/Should've Passed Out Award for this particular clip. lol BUT, speaking of breaths and passing out, I again concur with others on here. You MUST check out VOCTAVE--- O Come All Ye Faithful. Another absolutely fantastic performance, particularly the male lead. You will not regret it.
The best best best arrangement I’ve ever heard.
I love your commentary of this arrangement. In other reaction videos, I’ve never heard another person discuss how special it is for the original song writer to sing his song. I think Mark’s interpretation here is how it was meant to be sung. Pair that with the angelic voices of Voctave and you get this rendition that is second to none. Best version of the song and it’s not close.
Thank you very much for this reaction. I've been waiting for it. Please react to Voctave more. I highly recommend you to listen to O Come, All Ye Faithful and The First Noel (the last one is the benefit performance of the soprano singers of the group).
Hi - Just wanted to say that I really enjoy the commentary, pacing, and editing of your reaction videos. Great content, cheers!
☺️👍... such a warm, tender and heartfelt version!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Yes. What a blessing.
I absolutely love your commentary. Thank you.😊
Buddy Greene wrote the music for Mark Lowry's lyrics in 1991 and Michael English released the song on an album that same year.
Voctave "Great Movie Medley"!! Basically all John Williams greatest hits :)
ALWAYS MAKES ME CRY. This is a leading choice on my Christmas play list…
I appreciate your reaction and insight into this performance. I had suggested this to you a week or so ago. You mentioned the gospel greats in a previous video, there are so many amazing southern gospel vocalists in southern gospel, especially in the quartets.
Mark Lowry held that note for 17 seconds!!
Not only that but he sustained that breath for 21 seconds. The entire line was sung on the breath he took just before he said 'the [praises of the lamb]'.
While this is one of the best versions. The version with guy Penrod, and David Phelps is really good as well
Amen!
The high notes in this song are carried by Kate Lotte (the blond standing behind Mark's right shoulder). The arrangement was done by the man on far left. Sorry, l can't remember his name. Would suggest "Joy to the World". The Sopranos do something amazing in that one. Merry Christmas 🎄
You were were talking about Mark being behind David Phelps when he sang "O' Holy Night". Mark actually sang "Mary, Did You Know" on that same recording that was filmed in I think Alabama. You can find it here on TH-cam. It's more raw and emotional and one of his best.
Not only sitting, which already strained the whole singing apparatus, but at this recording Mark is suffering from multiple sclerosis.✔
Your comments are priceless. I have been enlighten, many thanks.
FYI: Mark cannot read music. He wrote the lyrics for the song. Although he is a comedian, he has a very deep spirit and insight to life. The music was written by Buddy Greene. (You just mentioned him as the co-writer.) Mark gave the lyrics to Buddy as a poem and Buddy had to put it to music.
Hi Christi! Great reaction and a great performance as well. My spirit was definitely stirred. Happiest of holidays to you and your family this season!🙏🏾❤
The Lock & Ring on some of those chords! Anyone familiar with barbershop quartets know what I'm talking about.
Insightful commentary.
Here I am crying again
What a perfect union ... matching Mark Lowry with Voctave. I am fighting back the tears here. It doesn't hurt to have such an attractive woman analysing the performance either. They would be dynamite backing David Phelps...
Jamie Ray, the singer and primary arranger of Voctave as well as several of the other singers has a background in Barbershop Chorus and Quartet singing. The "resolution" you mentioned is something that is often used in that genre of music. This group is amazing.
Another group for you to check out is VOCES8 (pronounced Vo-ches-8). They are an octet from the UK with impeccable pitch, diction and arrangements. Their version of Lux Aeterna where the music is by Edward Elgar from his Enigma Variations (Nimrod) is superb. But, everything else is also good.
I wish you were my college music aural training teacher - you seem so nice (I was so afraid of my professor)! I guess it didn't help that I was a woodwind player, and I was the only non-vocal major in my cohort.... love your reactions!
figured you get to this one soon :-) I first heard it a year or so ago, it just blew me away. Beauty beyond words...Mark's note-holding reminded me of Johnny Mathis "Pieces of Dreams" which I've told you about...I get a kick out of hearing those few singers who can do that.. among them are Andrea Bocelli and Myles Kennedy and k d lang
I want to say that the accent on His hand was Mark's original interpretation. Just go back and you will see earlier versions from Mark . For the record I like the new way also. But it's all Mark either way.
Your videos are wonderful. First time watcher and now new subscriber
Hermosa
HI Christi. I am a fan of voctave as well as Pentatinox and Home Free. If I could draw a car analogy among these groups, Home Free would be a Ford 4 x 4 Range truck, Pentatonix would be a Ferrari , and Voctave would be a Rolls Royce. Voctave does not use any kind of beat boxer as the new age A Capella groups do. The incredible arranging for Voctave is ( from what I have read) done by Jamey Ray ( voctave.net/jamey/ ) . He is in this video on the left end and apparently is famous for many popular shows. Oddly he is from Clearwater , Fl where I live. Not an area known for good musicians. From what I have read about him, he teaches at Rollins College , a small Liberal Arts school in the Orlando , Fl area and I will guess that his base is there a that campus. Jamey Ray, like Scott Hoying of Pentatonix are sort of Prodigy's to me. With Pentatonix , many of the comments are about the voice quality of the singers ? I personally find the arranging to be the real reason they songs are simply put. stunning . A lot of people can sing and some sing very well. Listening to a Pentatonix video,. you will hear background vocals traveling thru 6th's and 7ths and 9ths and suspended chords winding around and resolving in the background of the lead singer. Often the reactor will mention how good the lead singer is and it is really the arrangement that is incredible. lots of people are good singers. My take anyway,.
Can you react to the disney parks medley and disney 90s tv show medley that they did?
You should check out his version with mark and his co writer buddy Greene.
If you haven't heard Voctave do O Holy Night, it is a MUST. Tiffany Coburn will almost break glass with her voice.
In re-watching your reaction, Christi, I have to add "heartfelt" to my previous comment. And to your point regarding Mark singing his own song with his own unique perspective and interpretation, I attended a Paul Simon concert a couple years ago, and listened to him sing a number of songs that were popularized with Art Garfunkel singing the lead. Well, Paul made some very interesting interpretive changes that I initially thought... wow, that was different. Then the more I thought about it, I realized that I liked his versions more than the originals. Nothing earthshattering here... just reinforcing your point.
Oh yeah, so when are you going to do some more Voctave reactions???
In Systematic Theology class I think we spent a week on the Hypostatic Union - the intersection of God and Man in the Incarnation. Mark Lowry did it in one song!
can you react to voctave's "You Will Be Found"?
Don't forget how long Mark held his note from a seated position.
Mark wrote all the lyrics. Buddy Greene wrote the music. What a phenomenal collaboration!
By the way, did you know that 'Og3ne' sings a Christmas medley with songs from the Andrew Sisters on you tube. They are singing it in 'The beste zangers show 2019 Christmas special.
Their Christmas music is great but they also have some fun medleys like Disney princess medley where each lady gets to highlight a different princess. Since they do not use a beat boxer like some other groups their sound is more pure.
It would have been fun on that last note to suddenly all start laughing and then they wish everyone a merry Christmas
My Sweet Christi. I am so happy you are finally reacting more to VOCTAVE - THE GREATEST Acapella Group on the Planet - I totally agree, there is nothing better than hearing the composer perform his own song with his own interpretation - particularly when backed by a group like Voctave!
If I may, allow me to suggest your next Voctave Christmas video to react to be their "O Come all Ye faithful," in which E.J. holds his final 2 notes a full 25 seconds!! - th-cam.com/video/CljN1YIxHiI/w-d-xo.html But trust me, Christi - ANYTHING performed by Voctave is incredible!
Although I do enjoy this, I much prefer the version he did in a Baptist Church with The Martins! It is on TH-cam if you wish to compare. It is very moving and Mark is in fine voice.
As we are coming in to the more reflective end of the year, can you react to VOCE8. VOCES8, is an a cappella octet from the United Kingdom. I discovered them during the begin of the lock down in March this year. Lux Aeterna - Edward Elgar is a must. Or if you like contemporary why not Paul SImon´s Sound of Silence. If you can spare 1 hour and 34 minutes give a listen to Messiah by G. F. Handel where they joined with Apollo5 and the Academy of Ancient Music to perform Handel's masterpiece. It is the more compact version of the Messiah.
I would love to see a reaction to YEBBA and Clark Beckham sing "Gravity"! Such a spectacular performance. You will love it! It has lots of soul and gospel elements!
Not trying to nit-pick but when you said the "Oh Holy Night" video was in 2000 before "Mary, Did You Know" did you mean before this video it Voctave? ...because the song was written in 1984...
Someone who knows Mark as well as I do. I remember him doing some comedy, and he was asking who in the audience was this religion, or that. Then he asked where are the Catholics. He said tell Mary I said hey. We are not allowed to talk to her, him being Baptist, then he said, but tell her thanks for that song. He is as funny as he is a gifted singer.
Mary did you know is celebrating 30 years ‘this year.
Voctave is choral compared to the others … loooove them.
Marks first hold is 19 seconds. The second long hold was nearly same time.
A member of the group ,Jamey Ray arranges all of their music.
18 seconds!
Home Free does and amazing arrangement of this song if you haven't hear it yet.
Mark wrote the lyrics, his friend wrote the music .
Listen to David Phelps do this song.
Voctave. Is. God's. Living. Band. Of. Angels
Mary Did You Know was originally recorded in 1991. You implied that it was after 2000.