Notes on his original video: Geoff & his wife filmed this in their home while their 3 year old son was sleeping and Geoff was trying to sing "softly" so he wouldn't wake him up. Then he heard "Daddy, is that Blackbird?" and Geoff's like Yup, go back to sleep. I'm glad he included that. I didn't know the background. Venus 501 had the skinny on it as well. "During a concert in the US , before performing this song, Paul McCartney spoke on stage about the meaning of the song. After the show, during an interview, the meaning was further discussed: I had been doing poetry readings. I had been doing some in the last year or so because I’ve got a poetry book out called Blackbird Singing, and when I would read “Blackbird”, I would always try and think of some explanation to tell the people, ’cause there’s not a lot you can do except just read the poem, you know, you read 10 poems that takes about 10 minutes, almost. It’s like, you’ve got to, just, do a bit more than that. So, I was doing explanations, and I actually just remembered why I’d written “Blackbird”, you know, that I’d been, I was in Scotland playing on my guitar, and I remembered this whole idea of “you were only waiting for this moment to arise” was about, you know, the black people’s struggle in the southern states, and I was using the symbolism of a blackbird. It’s not really about a blackbird whose wings are broken, you know, it’s a bit more symbolic. Paul McCartney, Interview with KCRW’s Chris Douridas, 25 May 2002 So, basically, Blackbird was inspired by the racial tensions that exploded in the US on spring 1968 as a symbolic way to support the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement. McCartney underlined also that “bird” is a British slang often used for “girl”, which would make “blackbird” become “black girl”. This lexical escamotage combined with the events back in 1960s seem to refer to Rosa Parks, a black woman who, while on a bus, refused to give up her seat in the colored section to a white passenger, after the white section was filled; she later become “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement”. Anyway, this song is so deep and at the same time so metaphoric that it can be used as a song of freedom in any circumstances. It sings that even if your not free, if you live in darkness, if your wings are broken and your eyes sunken, you should always try to arise, fly and follow the light that even in the darkest night shines. Notably, Blackbird is one of the top ten most recorded covers of all time. I would like to present to you one of the best, in my opinion: the cover from Crosby, Still and Nash performed at Woodstock."
The way Geoff maintains his resonance and beautiful tonal quality throughout his ranges, both upper and lower, is what- to my mind- sets him apart from other bass singers. His voice always affects me deeply; it's incomparable. I've only ever reacted to one other piece of art the way I respond to his voice (and that piece of art was, oddly enough, a Rodin bronze). It's like it takes up all the gravity in the room. Simply amazing.
I have never listened to anyone that can pull a visceral response no matter what they sing. Geoff's songs aren't heard they are experienced in you head and in your heart! I'm just glad to see that others have the same experience! I love your reactions and the way that you show us your true response as well, a lot of people would edit those "visceral" responses out, thank you for being true! Have a fantabulous day!
I treasure these earlier Geoff songs where it’s just about Geoff and his voice. The productions are great but just his voice is so nice. I love “High and Dry” as well (and Geoff said it was a favorite of his). Thanks for your reaction
I was in a mixed show choir in high school (late 90’s) and we did this piece acapella. I always loved the song but after hearing the almost mournful yet gorgeous sound of Geoff’s rendition has just made me love it even more. Love the reaction! Might I recommend VoicePlay’s ShBoom? The vocals are stellar in it and it has a playful sound to it. I think you would really enjoy it. 😊
Geoff is really good at the layered vocals. I am pretty sure Peter Hollens started that. He did a great one with Avi Kaplan "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair" and "Misty Mountains" with Tim Foust. Have you done Geoff's "Country Roads" yet?
Voiceplay and Geoff put out their Halloween videos a few weeks ago. Voiceplay... In The Hall of The Mountain King. Hide and Seek (Ding Dong). Geoff... Ghost Riders In The Sky.
I love Geoff's smooth harmonies and range as well. I have run across another singer for you! For a pure bass singer who holds the Guinness World Record for the lowest recorded frequency, 0.189hz and an official 10 octave vocal range which he can unoffically add two more octaves too, I'd like to see your reaction to Tim Storms, your choice of his songs or interviews! Heres a good link; ua-cam.com/video/xtAltg0ZIrY/v-deo.html
I personally would like this version a lot more if it started on the second verse. His deep first verse is not my favorite. I much more enjoy his baritone range than his too deep range being the focus.
That low note he hits at the end is an E1 (same note as the open, low E on a bass guitar); close to an octave lower than most bass singers can reach.
Notes on his original video: Geoff & his wife filmed this in their home while their 3 year old son was sleeping and Geoff was trying to sing "softly" so he wouldn't wake him up. Then he heard "Daddy, is that Blackbird?" and Geoff's like Yup, go back to sleep. I'm glad he included that.
I didn't know the background. Venus 501 had the skinny on it as well.
"During a concert in the US , before performing this song, Paul McCartney spoke on stage about the meaning of the song. After the show, during an interview, the meaning was further discussed:
I had been doing poetry readings. I had been doing some in the last year or so because I’ve got a poetry book out called Blackbird Singing, and when I would read “Blackbird”, I would always try and think of some explanation to tell the people, ’cause there’s not a lot you can do except just read the poem, you know, you read 10 poems that takes about 10 minutes, almost. It’s like, you’ve got to, just, do a bit more than that. So, I was doing explanations, and I actually just remembered why I’d written “Blackbird”, you know, that I’d been, I was in Scotland playing on my guitar, and I remembered this whole idea of “you were only waiting for this moment to arise” was about, you know, the black people’s struggle in the southern states, and I was using the symbolism of a blackbird. It’s not really about a blackbird whose wings are broken, you know, it’s a bit more symbolic.
Paul McCartney, Interview with KCRW’s Chris Douridas, 25 May 2002
So, basically, Blackbird was inspired by the racial tensions that exploded in the US on spring 1968 as a symbolic way to support the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement.
McCartney underlined also that “bird” is a British slang often used for “girl”, which would make “blackbird” become “black girl”. This lexical escamotage combined with the events back in 1960s seem to refer to Rosa Parks, a black woman who, while on a bus, refused to give up her seat in the colored section to a white passenger, after the white section was filled; she later become “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement”.
Anyway, this song is so deep and at the same time so metaphoric that it can be used as a song of freedom in any circumstances. It sings that even if your not free, if you live in darkness, if your wings are broken and your eyes sunken, you should always try to arise, fly and follow the light that even in the darkest night shines.
Notably, Blackbird is one of the top ten most recorded covers of all time. I would like to present to you one of the best, in my opinion: the cover from Crosby, Still and Nash performed at Woodstock."
his cover of High and Dry is also amazing
I'll second this! It's a bit different in style from some of his others, but I love it! Easily one of my favorite covers he's done.
That is so good and sadly underrated
The way Geoff maintains his resonance and beautiful tonal quality throughout his ranges, both upper and lower, is what- to my mind- sets him apart from other bass singers. His voice always affects me deeply; it's incomparable. I've only ever reacted to one other piece of art the way I respond to his voice (and that piece of art was, oddly enough, a Rodin bronze). It's like it takes up all the gravity in the room. Simply amazing.
I have never listened to anyone that can pull a visceral response no matter what they sing. Geoff's songs aren't heard they are experienced in you head and in your heart! I'm just glad to see that others have the same experience! I love your reactions and the way that you show us your true response as well, a lot of people would edit those "visceral" responses out, thank you for being true! Have a fantabulous day!
his cover of High and Dry is fantastic, too
That last low note was an E1.
E1 at the end! Can't relate more to the "I don't even want to pause this, it's too good"
I believe that note is GEOFF 1
I treasure these earlier Geoff songs where it’s just about Geoff and his voice. The productions are great but just his voice is so nice. I love “High and Dry” as well (and Geoff said it was a favorite of his). Thanks for your reaction
Check out his cover of Radio Head’s @ High and Dry”!
I was in a mixed show choir in high school (late 90’s) and we did this piece acapella. I always loved the song but after hearing the almost mournful yet gorgeous sound of Geoff’s rendition has just made me love it even more. Love the reaction! Might I recommend VoicePlay’s ShBoom? The vocals are stellar in it and it has a playful sound to it. I think you would really enjoy it. 😊
E1. Same as the lowest note in Oogie Boogie.
My favorite of his solo work, absolutely beautiful
What a range!! Great reaction 👍🏻💜
My favorite Geoff solo cover. Beautiful.
I love all of Goeff's solo stuff, but this is absolutely my favorite. I was waiting for your first of multiple goosebumps. 😁
Last note is a subharmonic E1
Fabulous. There's one he does with just Eli of VoicePlay. a Justin Bieber song called Love Yourself, which is pretty good :)
Geoff is really good at the layered vocals. I am pretty sure Peter Hollens started that. He did a great one with Avi Kaplan "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair" and "Misty Mountains" with Tim Foust.
Have you done Geoff's "Country Roads" yet?
He has such beautiful tone, so smooth. Avi is still my number one though. Love both of them.❤️
Again- spot on reaction! Thank you, I very much enjoy your reactions. Keep doing the good work.
Thank you! I love checking out new music 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Beautiful tone on his piano.
That'd be an E1 in chest 😳 good Sir.
For another good bass have you ever checked out Tomi P? He has a 6 octave range the he showcases in Hellfire.
I absolutely love and adore Geoff's voice and talent! Hope you will soon react to Voiceplay's newest song!
Voiceplay and Geoff put out their Halloween videos a few weeks ago.
Voiceplay...
In The Hall of The Mountain King.
Hide and Seek (Ding Dong).
Geoff...
Ghost Riders In The Sky.
Hope to see you check out his newest video. I think youll really enjoy it as well!
You gotta check out Geoff's newest song Ain't No Sunshine! I know you'll love it
#HereForThePremier 🤘
Welcome home, dude 😂🔥🔥
Thank you again. I love your reactions. You would love love his version of Shenandoah. Please please play this.
That was different but very nice .
How can you lose with 5 Geoffs?
I love Geoff's smooth harmonies and range as well. I have run across another singer for you! For a pure bass singer who holds the Guinness World Record for the lowest recorded frequency, 0.189hz and an official 10 octave vocal range which he can unoffically add two more octaves too, I'd like to see your reaction to Tim Storms, your choice of his songs or interviews!
Heres a good link; ua-cam.com/video/xtAltg0ZIrY/v-deo.html
It’s an E1…
I hope you come back to listen to Voiceplay’s most recent cover of nothing else matters.
Dude I thought u did this one already..lol
If I did, I’m truly losing my mind 😆 I’m 99.9% I didn’t do this one until today lol.
I personally would like this version a lot more if it started on the second verse. His deep first verse is not my favorite. I much more enjoy his baritone range than his too deep range being the focus.
E1
So insane! What an amazing voice 🤩🤩