Kevin Olusola (pronounced Oh-loosh"-oh-luh', primary emphasis on the second syllable, secondary emphasis on the fourth syllable), is a world class cellist, as well as one of the best beatboxers on the planet. Somewhere there may be a better beatboxer than Kevin (anything is possible), but if so I've never encountered him or her. Kevin is generally too busy being the entire percussion section to sing, but when he does sing he has a lovely tenor voice that occasionally dips into the uppermost reaches of baritone, and he's known for the beauty of his falsetto. He's also a pretty good rapper. Kevin has perfect pitch. He began piano lessons at age 4, cello at age 6, and alto saxophone at age 10. As you noticed, he beatboxes while playing the cello, a technique he calls "celloboxing." He performed at Carnegie Hall twice when he was a teenager, once on saxophone and once on cello. He graduated from Yale in 2011 with a pre-med major and had been accepted to Yale Medical School before he decided to become a professional beatboxer instead of a brilliant surgeon. He speaks five languages fluently: English, French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin Chinese. He's one of the kindest people in the world, and when he laughs he makes the whole planet seem like a brighter place. You can find Kevin's personal channel here: youtube.com/@kolusola I recommend Kevin's KOver of Marian Hill's version of "Down": ua-cam.com/video/IGjg193h4Ok/v-deo.html Also, you'll like "The Kevin Show/Kevin's Fifth": ua-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/v-deo.html
They are basically just showing off in this one! I love it! It's hard to do something this impressive while still having it be chill and musical enough to casually listen too instead of too showboaty. They manage to flex of us overtly while still not feeling braggy! Soooooo good! And honestly, whenever a new song by them is released, listening many times is exactly what I do. At least 7. First one for overall effect, then once focusing on each person, then a last overall one with all now noticing all the small things! So complex while still being digestable enough on the surface for a casual listnener.
Kirstie - All right boys...voices and cello up, Mitch - LoOove remains - MiniMitchSlap Scott - Blue Eyed Soul Dragon Drive-by Matt - Renames song 'Falsetto from a Bass' Kevin - "Hold my bow".. "BaaaaBYY!!!!".... Note all of the members except Kevin just might have a greater connection with this song than they know....we would have to ask their parents. This was some serious baby making music in the 90s....
It's Pentatonix all grown up. So comfortable with each other, having such a good time and the energy in that room just kept growing, fueling them all to blast past past the "how could they ever do something better than that last one" to "oh my god, how is that even possible?" I never get tired of watching this performance. It is insane! 😳😱
its true, very comfortable, small things like when they switch tempo for kevin to play his piece. You can see matt pumping him up even if its just his hands. kirstin smiles at kevin when he ramps up for the big note, everything about them is so wonderful. i love ptx :))
Do the Daft Punk Official video and they also dropped this past season a live Vevo of O Holy Night that if you thought the one you just watched was something then hold onto to your chairs and they did a mashup of Willie Wonka’s Pure Imagination and Charlie Brown’s Christmastime is Here that is unbelievable. Prepare for the Mitch-slap in that one. Enjoyed guys, now quickly onto the next PTX❣️
You should see them live...always great performances. If you want to get an idea of them, then check out a video from their "2016 PopSpring" concert, where they sing 4 of their own songs. And, it was sponsored by MTV, so the video and audio are 1st rate...SPECTACULAR !! P.S. their latest video was "O Holy Night" with many praising that as their best ever...go and check that one as well !!
I really like the cello in this. Kirstie is able to really fill in the harmonies with the cello in the foreground. Even her little solo kept her filling in the space to give it a full sound.
Hello beautiful “J”s 🥰 this version rocks, they are awesome, and all this overall energy of the song is great🔥 please PTX Shallow or Mad World (Never tired of listening to you😉)
I've heard it over and over and over and I still get chills. It's an epic performance. The Evolution of videos are great too - Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Beyonce - and the 90's Dance Medley is so much fun.
Oh holy night 2023 version, they also did another live at this vevo recording it's pure imagination/Christmas time is here. I know Christmas is over but those two are musts
Loved this reaction! This blows my mind and I can't even imagine where they can even go from here, it's so good, but I know they always outdo themselves. I can't wait to find out! I think its totally ok to react to something you've seen before, like Daft Punk, since you're a duo. As long as one of you hasn't seen it, it's still a first time reaction. It's also fun when one person knows what to expect so they can point out the cool stuff to the newbie, lol.
6:38 I personally love that, at their core, they’re an a capella band but allow the flexibility to include band members’ other talents-if it serves the song. It’s not about egos for them, it’s about what’s the best version of this are we capable of based on all of our skills and talents. Not every band works that way.
Please catch up on their new "O Holy Night", and "Daft Punk" for an oldie, that won them their 1st grammy. My favorite is Mad World, for 5 point harmonies...You can't go wrong with any of their videos. I also encourage Sound of Silence, La La Latch, Aha (Live in Singapore), and for a Matt slap, How the Grinch Stole Xmas. Matt filled some really big shoes when Avi left for personal reasons. I believe Matt has grown even more into his bass tones, and you can hear it in so many of their covers. Their originals are amazing as well. Check out my favorite "Be My Eyes" and "Anchor",, which was written in 2015 by Mitch. You can't go wrong with any of their discography!!
They do 3 songs with Lindsey Sterling ( violin virtuoso ) the first was Radioactive then Papaoutai , then a Christmas version of Over the River with Kevin on cello. All are AMAZING 🤯
O Holy Night is another recent jaw-dropper, if you can tolerate a Christmas song in January. Personally, it doesn’t bother me if they want to add the odd instrument here and there, particularly when it’s Kevin’s cello. He’s such a talent beast. Peace from Ohio …
Daft Punk! Yes. they have a Private Performance live video and performed it at the Hollywood Bowl 2022 live. Their official video is awesome and should be seen, but some like to check out a live after watching the video as they are not sure they really can do it live. It is a song they usually do at their concerts because it’s a fav and it is really what started their fame and a better record deal. Plus they won their first Grammy for it)
Yup...one of the ones from a recent concert would be good. Although the visuals wouldn't be there, it's still amazing how just five people and their voices can create all the sounds and robotic style music.
You can't go wrong listening to anything Pentatonix has released; it's all gorgeous. But all pentaholics have our own personal favorites that we like to recommend. These are some of my favorites: • "Hallelujah" (the official video, with Avi) • "Hallelujah" ( a recent live performance, with Matt: ua-cam.com/video/FqphhPapkoc/v-deo.htmlsi=tC6Ew07JGeQKQvDL ) • "Imagine" (the official video) • "Sound of Silence" • "Run To You" (an original, written by Avi and Kevin) • "Happy Now" (another original) • "Daft Punk Medley" (their first Grammy winner) • "O Come All Ye Faithful" • "O Holy Night" (they did a totally new recording for their 2023 Christmas album; you can find the official video here: ua-cam.com/video/ReJAU2mXm8w/v-deo.htmlsi=upj2Q3vLqigVEtgm ) • "The Prayer" • "Bohemian Rhapsody" • "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" • "The Lucky Ones" (an original, written by Scott) • "Thank You" (an original, written by Scott and his then fiancé, now husband, Mark Manio Hoying, shortly after the end of COVID lockdown, about how much easier it was to get through that time because they were together) • "The Kevin Show/Kevin's Fifth." This is a live feed from a concert they gave in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kevin's home town: ua-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/v-deo.html Additionally, IF you're familiar with _"The Wizard Of Oz"_ (the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland), I recommend "Todrick Hall - The Wizard of Ahhhs (ft. Pentatonix)": ua-cam.com/video/QkVeKb2igrg/v-deo.html
WOW, fantastic list Margret!!! Thank you so much, we'll add these to our list! We did one of the Hallelujah versions, and Thank you. Please check out when you have time: ua-cam.com/play/PLYrkTp-j9yakDu1U8eN1fsca3HIBXJxIN.html And thanks again!!
Daft punk = great big yes! For more Kevin on cello (that I didn't already see suggested), "Say Something". I'm glad you guys loved this one! I think Ninja would enjoy "Imagine" as well - assuming that you have already seen it.
If you would like to see Kevin and his cello watch a live performance which showcases a section on UA-cam called Kevin's Fifth with Matt on Drums. Amazing!!!
Pentatonix was touring a lot last year, a World Tour with around 80 concerts in Asia, Europe and the US, then a Christmas tour in Nov-Dec. They release a Christmas album every year; in 2023 it was a compilation, with 23 previously-released tracks and 8 new songs including one original. They released audios on UA-cam for all the new songs and official videos for three -- "Please Santa Please" (original), "Christmas Time is Here / Pure Imagination" and "O Holy Night". They did VEVO Live videos for this and "Christmas Time is Here / Pure Imagination". And fans have posted live videos from the Christmas tour and excerpts from the concert pay-per-view.
Kevin calls it "celloboxing", and who else could you imagine coming up with it? They're not human. This is the umpteenth time I've watched this, and the first time I paid attention to the others' anticipation reactions to Kevin's solo.🔥❤ (If you haven't already, check out "Pure Imagination" - a mashup of 2 songs from "Willy Wonka" and "Charlie Brown Christmas".)
This is so awesome! 💖 Also, listen for Kevin's pure, high bell tones in many of their songs. He often adds a few notes if he drops percussion for even just a few beats! And many times his additions are thought to be maybe a sound track they used to make it sound fuller when it's really just Kevin adding a fifth note to their harmonics! (If you achieve the right harmonic mix the audience will hear tones that really aren't being sung & adds a more full sound or choir sound!) Also, he's often mistaken for a double track of Mitch... Like at the end of The Prayer or the end of O Holy Night! 💖
You were KO’d by Kevin! That cello solo and unexpected vocal surprise are something else. Then there’s that Mattamorphosis: when Matt sheds his bass persona and a beautiful, soulful lead vocalist emerges. An all-round PTX virtuoso performance. I love it too. Much love from South Africa!
Amazing! They bring all the music every time! And the cello was perfect! And if Voice Play can add the occasional violin, and Home Free an occasional guitar, I don't have an issue with it. ❤🎶
Here is a thought... Most groups have instruments backing up the vocals. Pentatonix just performed a major section of the song with a capella vocals backing up Kevin's cello solo. Their arrangements are truly amazing.
❤ your reactions there are no words to describe just how awesome they are just like a fine wine gets better with time they had 2 new Christmas songs OH HOLY NIGHT WILL TAKE YOU TO HEAVEN AND Please Santa Please
YAY! You really need to react to a mash up they do. New Rules/Are You That Somebody! They are so talented in mashups and evolutions that it blows the mind. Transitions are flawless. The Michael Jackson Evolutions are fire. Gosh it is great to have you two on board with PTX! Can't wait for more!
Pentatonix started on The SingOff, where they had to be a capella and at first they stuck to the a capella rules. Then they started occasionally using instruments (strings, keyboards, extra vocals), especially on their Christmas recordings, when they wanted a particular sound. On their original songs, they usually work with other songwriters / producers / audio engineers and experiment with instruments (keyboards, synths, vocal processing), though often what sounds like instruments can be their voices with sound processing applied.
I think Thank You is the only time PTX has used a piano in a video - but don't hold me to that! And I believe that Kevin also played the cello in that video. Kevin playing cello is by far the instrument Pentatonix has used most in their videos - and it's an extreme exception, certainly not the rule. I can only think of maybe a half-dozen or so songs out of their catalog where Kevin has played, so it's always a treat to see him cello-boxing! Say Something (I believe this was the first video where Kevin played cello with the group) Dancing On My Own (done with only Kirstie, Mitch, Scott, Kevin and Beyoncé (Kevin's standard cello) - in between Avi and Matt) Shallow Perfect Thank You The three collaborations with Lindsey Stirling - Radioactive, Papaoutai, Over the River Kiss From a Rose (duh!) Kevin has his own solo channel (KO) where he plays cello, beatboxes, sings, loops - essentially composing the piece as he goes along. His KOver of Down is probably the most well-known video, but he's done a number of others, including some original compositions. As for Daft Punk - I'm always up for a reaction to that masterpiece!
in their cover of 'radioactive' kevin plays the cello and they have guest lindsey sterling who dances and plays the violin. i like their recent cover of 'prayers for this world' and i love their original 'happy now' or their mash up 'la la latch'.
A really good song by them is come all ye faithful. I listen to it year round Christmas song or not. There is a live video of Kevin doing a solo performance with cello and his beautiful voice.
My theory is that having Kevin on cello still counts as a capella because, when you watch him play, that instrument is part of him. He has his own channel (KO -- Kevin Olusola), with a variety of musical experiments going back to his college days -- cello, beatboxing, celloboxing, singing, looping, classical and pop covers and some originals, solo and with other musicians. I think the most viewed is his looping solo cover of Marion Hill's "Down", but one of my favorites is his cover of Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" -- ua-cam.com/video/nyYG70aM9Fw/v-deo.html
Kevin plays cello on several tracks. My favorite is in their cover of Say Something. Their position on instruments is it must be played by 1 of the 5 members or a featured guest. Best example of that is their cover of Imagin Dragons Radioactive featuring Lindsay Sterling on Violin and Kevin on Cello. Both of which you should review.
I don’t listen to Pentatonix often, but this one was a little tamer and easier to follow. They also have the tight harmonies, which I love! It’s a great Monday when I get to spend it with you two!! ❤
Great reaction, you two! I've been a fan of the group for years, and I still can't get enough of this piece and I'm in awe of how much they've grown as musicians. Some suggestions on what to do next: Daft Punk...definitely for Jillian to experience! Then...Shallow, Say Something, Mad World, Coffee In Bed, Be My Eyes, Happy Now, Come Along.
If they use an instrument (usually a cello) supplements them when they can't cover all the many parts, since they only have 5 members, minus 1 usually beat-boxing. And the instrumental part is normally used for a part that is minimal and just supports the background - not a lead part.
Daft Punk When you do "Daft Punk" set yourself up for a double. ua-cam.com/video/3MteSlpxCpo/v-deo.html&pp=ygUUZGFmdCBwdW5rIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D You will think that there is post production skipping, so to disprove that you need to catch the "Private Performance" ua-cam.com/video/tw4YCsHXKgI/v-deo.html&pp=ygUUZGFmdCBwdW5rIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D where they stand at the front of a back-stage room and sing with no mic's and captured on a fan mobile device
I like this rendition so much more than their version of Creep. Only two singers doing Creep that I loved was ♥Brian Justin Crumb ua-cam.com/video/M8AlxrwhY30/v-deo.html and ♥Straight No Chaser [acapella] ua-cam.com/video/jKV6MY5H-Jg/v-deo.html. Those two were just stunning and gave chills down my spine and tears to my eyes. Also by ♥Voice Play, [acapella] that was good also ua-cam.com/video/28PreYEgvQM/v-deo.html. Give those a listen also when you get some time. thanks ♥
Another absurdly amazing video is “O Holy Night”, and “Please Santa Please”
O Holy Night that they just released is incredible! Left me speechless.❤❤❤❤❤
Definitely one we can line up for Christmas in July...thank you very much for the suggestion!
Kevin Olusola (pronounced Oh-loosh"-oh-luh', primary emphasis on the second syllable, secondary emphasis on the fourth syllable), is a world class cellist, as well as one of the best beatboxers on the planet. Somewhere there may be a better beatboxer than Kevin (anything is possible), but if so I've never encountered him or her. Kevin is generally too busy being the entire percussion section to sing, but when he does sing he has a lovely tenor voice that occasionally dips into the uppermost reaches of baritone, and he's known for the beauty of his falsetto. He's also a pretty good rapper.
Kevin has perfect pitch. He began piano lessons at age 4, cello at age 6, and alto saxophone at age 10. As you noticed, he beatboxes while playing the cello, a technique he calls "celloboxing." He performed at Carnegie Hall twice when he was a teenager, once on saxophone and once on cello. He graduated from Yale in 2011 with a pre-med major and had been accepted to Yale Medical School before he decided to become a professional beatboxer instead of a brilliant surgeon. He speaks five languages fluently: English, French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin Chinese. He's one of the kindest people in the world, and when he laughs he makes the whole planet seem like a brighter place.
You can find Kevin's personal channel here: youtube.com/@kolusola
I recommend Kevin's KOver of Marian Hill's version of "Down": ua-cam.com/video/IGjg193h4Ok/v-deo.html
Also, you'll like "The Kevin Show/Kevin's Fifth": ua-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/v-deo.html
You give the BEST info and suggestions, thanks again Margret!!
O holy night is a must!!!
KO calls this "cello-boxing". 1st time I saw him do this was in Shallow.
They are basically just showing off in this one! I love it! It's hard to do something this impressive while still having it be chill and musical enough to casually listen too instead of too showboaty. They manage to flex of us overtly while still not feeling braggy! Soooooo good!
And honestly, whenever a new song by them is released, listening many times is exactly what I do. At least 7. First one for overall effect, then once focusing on each person, then a last overall one with all now noticing all the small things! So complex while still being digestable enough on the surface for a casual listnener.
Perfectly said!!!
Kirstie - All right boys...voices and cello up,
Mitch - LoOove remains - MiniMitchSlap
Scott - Blue Eyed Soul Dragon Drive-by
Matt - Renames song 'Falsetto from a Bass'
Kevin - "Hold my bow".. "BaaaaBYY!!!!"....
Note all of the members except Kevin just might have a greater connection with this song than they know....we would have to ask their parents. This was some serious baby making music in the 90s....
It's Pentatonix all grown up. So comfortable with each other, having such a good time and the energy in that room just kept growing, fueling them all to blast past past the "how could they ever do something better than that last one" to "oh my god, how is that even possible?"
I never get tired of watching this performance. It is insane! 😳😱
Great reflection - so true!
its true, very comfortable, small things like when they switch tempo for kevin to play his piece. You can see matt pumping him up even if its just his hands. kirstin smiles at kevin when he ramps up for the big note, everything about them is so wonderful. i love ptx :))
Mitch drowning in his suits always reminds me of the end of Big when Tom Hanks turns back into a kid walking away lol
So true!!!
I will never be able to unsee this. 😂smh
This is an amazing cover by Pentatonix. Every person shined and that Baby at the end by Kevin is indeed awesome. Together they create magic
Completely agree....MAGIC!!! Thanks so much for watching and the comment.
Do the Daft Punk Official video and they also dropped this past season a live Vevo of O Holy Night that if you thought the one you just watched was something then hold onto to your chairs and they did a mashup of Willie Wonka’s Pure Imagination and Charlie Brown’s Christmastime is Here that is unbelievable. Prepare for the Mitch-slap in that one. Enjoyed guys, now quickly onto the next PTX❣️
You should see them live...always great performances. If you want to get an idea of them, then check out a video from their "2016 PopSpring" concert, where they sing 4 of their own songs. And, it was sponsored by MTV, so the video and audio are 1st rate...SPECTACULAR !!
P.S. their latest video was "O Holy Night" with many praising that as their best ever...go and check that one as well !!
I really like the cello in this. Kirstie is able to really fill in the harmonies with the cello in the foreground. Even her little solo kept her filling in the space to give it a full sound.
So---KO'd instead of slapped!😂 "Daft Punk" is always a good choice.
Hello beautiful “J”s 🥰
this version rocks, they are awesome, and all this overall energy of the song is great🔥
please PTX Shallow or Mad World
(Never tired of listening to you😉)
Thanks so much, sweet Eveline!! You bet, we'll get those songs added to the Pentatonix list!! Thanks for the recommendations. ❤️🥷🏻
I've heard it over and over and over and I still get chills. It's an epic performance. The Evolution of videos are great too - Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Beyonce - and the 90's Dance Medley is so much fun.
Oh holy night 2023 version, they also did another live at this vevo recording it's pure imagination/Christmas time is here. I know Christmas is over but those two are musts
Loved this reaction! This blows my mind and I can't even imagine where they can even go from here, it's so good, but I know they always outdo themselves. I can't wait to find out! I think its totally ok to react to something you've seen before, like Daft Punk, since you're a duo. As long as one of you hasn't seen it, it's still a first time reaction. It's also fun when one person knows what to expect so they can point out the cool stuff to the newbie, lol.
Thanks so much for this comment - super helpful to hear your perspective and good to know you don't mind if one of us has seen. So glad you are here!
6:38 I personally love that, at their core, they’re an a capella band but allow the flexibility to include band members’ other talents-if it serves the song. It’s not about egos for them, it’s about what’s the best version of this are we capable of based on all of our skills and talents. Not every band works that way.
Please catch up on their new "O Holy Night", and "Daft Punk" for an oldie, that won them their 1st grammy. My favorite is Mad World, for 5 point harmonies...You can't go wrong with any of their videos. I also encourage Sound of Silence, La La Latch, Aha (Live in Singapore), and for a Matt slap, How the Grinch Stole Xmas. Matt filled some really big shoes when Avi left for personal reasons. I believe Matt has grown even more into his bass tones, and you can hear it in so many of their covers. Their originals are amazing as well. Check out my favorite "Be My Eyes" and "Anchor",, which was written in 2015 by Mitch. You can't go wrong with any of their discography!!
They released a few videos recently. Definitely watch O holy Night. It is amazing
They do 3 songs with Lindsey Sterling ( violin virtuoso ) the first was Radioactive then Papaoutai , then a Christmas version of Over the River with Kevin on cello. All are AMAZING 🤯
O Holy Night is another recent jaw-dropper, if you can tolerate a Christmas song in January. Personally, it doesn’t bother me if they want to add the odd instrument here and there, particularly when it’s Kevin’s cello. He’s such a talent beast. Peace from Ohio …
Daft Punk! Yes. they have a Private Performance live video and performed it at the Hollywood Bowl 2022 live. Their official video is awesome and should be seen, but some like to check out a live after watching the video as they are not sure they really can do it live. It is a song they usually do at their concerts because it’s a fav and it is really what started their fame and a better record deal. Plus they won their first Grammy for it)
Yup...one of the ones from a recent concert would be good. Although the visuals wouldn't be there, it's still amazing how just five people and their voices can create all the sounds and robotic style music.
Beatboxing while playing the cello at the same time = Celloboxing!
You can't go wrong listening to anything Pentatonix has released; it's all gorgeous. But all pentaholics have our own personal favorites that we like to recommend. These are some of my favorites:
• "Hallelujah" (the official video, with Avi)
• "Hallelujah" ( a recent live performance, with Matt: ua-cam.com/video/FqphhPapkoc/v-deo.htmlsi=tC6Ew07JGeQKQvDL )
• "Imagine" (the official video)
• "Sound of Silence"
• "Run To You" (an original, written by Avi and Kevin)
• "Happy Now" (another original)
• "Daft Punk Medley" (their first Grammy winner)
• "O Come All Ye Faithful"
• "O Holy Night" (they did a totally new recording for their 2023 Christmas album; you can find the official video here: ua-cam.com/video/ReJAU2mXm8w/v-deo.htmlsi=upj2Q3vLqigVEtgm )
• "The Prayer"
• "Bohemian Rhapsody"
• "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
• "The Lucky Ones" (an original, written by Scott)
• "Thank You" (an original, written by Scott and his then fiancé, now husband, Mark Manio Hoying, shortly after the end of COVID lockdown, about how much easier it was to get through that time because they were together)
• "The Kevin Show/Kevin's Fifth." This is a live feed from a concert they gave in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kevin's home town: ua-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/v-deo.html
Additionally, IF you're familiar with _"The Wizard Of Oz"_ (the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland), I recommend "Todrick Hall - The Wizard of Ahhhs (ft. Pentatonix)": ua-cam.com/video/QkVeKb2igrg/v-deo.html
WOW, fantastic list Margret!!! Thank you so much, we'll add these to our list! We did one of the Hallelujah versions, and Thank you. Please check out when you have time: ua-cam.com/play/PLYrkTp-j9yakDu1U8eN1fsca3HIBXJxIN.html And thanks again!!
Kevin cello boxing is part of #PTX history, the cello is an honorary member of the group.
Daft punk = great big yes! For more Kevin on cello (that I didn't already see suggested), "Say Something". I'm glad you guys loved this one! I think Ninja would enjoy "Imagine" as well - assuming that you have already seen it.
That was brilliant!!!! Kevin with that Cello!!! just body chills lol! Added: Can you Feel the Love Tonight!! Heavenly choir breaks out warning.
They are magical. Everytime.
Is that an absolutely amazing performance, or WHAT??? Great reaction!!!
If you would like to see Kevin and his cello watch a live performance which showcases a section on UA-cam called Kevin's Fifth with Matt on Drums. Amazing!!!
They also released a cover of pure imagination/Christmas time is here just before Christmas. It is amazing!
The way they found Kevin the beat-boxer was on You Tube doing his Cello Boxing, he actually invented that. He is amazing as are all the rest.
Pentatonix was touring a lot last year, a World Tour with around 80 concerts in Asia, Europe and the US, then a Christmas tour in Nov-Dec. They release a Christmas album every year; in 2023 it was a compilation, with 23 previously-released tracks and 8 new songs including one original. They released audios on UA-cam for all the new songs and official videos for three -- "Please Santa Please" (original), "Christmas Time is Here / Pure Imagination" and "O Holy Night". They did VEVO Live videos for this and "Christmas Time is Here / Pure Imagination". And fans have posted live videos from the Christmas tour and excerpts from the concert pay-per-view.
Kevin calls it "celloboxing", and who else could you imagine coming up with it? They're not human. This is the umpteenth time I've watched this, and the first time I paid attention to the others' anticipation reactions to Kevin's solo.🔥❤ (If you haven't already, check out "Pure Imagination" - a mashup of 2 songs from "Willy Wonka" and "Charlie Brown Christmas".)
This is a signal how well their arranger really understands how to voice this band and their collaborative process. He's on most of their Grammys.
Try it alll, welcome to the huuuuuuuge PTX rabbithole!
This is so awesome! 💖 Also, listen for Kevin's pure, high bell tones in many of their songs. He often adds a few notes if he drops percussion for even just a few beats! And many times his additions are thought to be maybe a sound track they used to make it sound fuller when it's really just Kevin adding a fifth note to their harmonics! (If you achieve the right harmonic mix the audience will hear tones that really aren't being sung & adds a more full sound or choir sound!) Also, he's often mistaken for a double track of Mitch... Like at the end of The Prayer or the end of O Holy Night! 💖
So proud to have lived thru the 90s! The good ole days
. . . and this was LIVE - and check out "O Holy Night" - if this left you speechless, that one will knock you off your chair.
Two older song covers that have both Kevin on cello & Lindsay Sterling on violin are Radioactive & Papaouti. They're both worth a listen.
Daft Punk? Yes, do it! It is crazy!
You were KO’d by Kevin! That cello solo and unexpected vocal surprise are something else. Then there’s that Mattamorphosis: when Matt sheds his bass persona and a beautiful, soulful lead vocalist emerges. An all-round PTX virtuoso performance. I love it too. Much love from South Africa!
LOL- love it, KO'd by Kevin!! So true!! Much love all the way in South Africa - we LOVE hearing this!!! So happy you are here, Leskey!
Amazing! They bring all the music every time! And the cello was perfect! And if Voice Play can add the occasional violin, and Home Free an occasional guitar, I don't have an issue with it. ❤🎶
Here is a thought... Most groups have instruments backing up the vocals. Pentatonix just performed a major section of the song with a capella vocals backing up Kevin's cello solo. Their arrangements are truly amazing.
❤ your reactions there are no words to describe just how awesome they are just like a fine wine gets better with time they had 2 new Christmas songs OH HOLY NIGHT WILL TAKE YOU TO HEAVEN AND Please Santa Please
Their rule is: if there is an instrument, they play it and you will see it. No “behind the scenes” instruments.
I know it's not Christmas anymore but you must check out O Holy Night. The new one. Also if you have not seen Kevins cover of Down its pretty amazing
YAY! You really need to react to a mash up they do. New Rules/Are You That Somebody! They are so talented in mashups and evolutions that it blows the mind. Transitions are flawless. The Michael Jackson Evolutions are fire. Gosh it is great to have you two on board with PTX! Can't wait for more!
Great reaction to this beautiful Pentatonix live performance. Thank you.
Such a great performance, lovely reaction.
Pentatonix started on The SingOff, where they had to be a capella and at first they stuck to the a capella rules. Then they started occasionally using instruments (strings, keyboards, extra vocals), especially on their Christmas recordings, when they wanted a particular sound. On their original songs, they usually work with other songwriters / producers / audio engineers and experiment with instruments (keyboards, synths, vocal processing), though often what sounds like instruments can be their voices with sound processing applied.
I like Havana.
PTX🔥🤘
I think Thank You is the only time PTX has used a piano in a video - but don't hold me to that! And I believe that Kevin also played the cello in that video.
Kevin playing cello is by far the instrument Pentatonix has used most in their videos - and it's an extreme exception, certainly not the rule. I can only think of maybe a half-dozen or so songs out of their catalog where Kevin has played, so it's always a treat to see him cello-boxing!
Say Something (I believe this was the first video where Kevin played cello with the group)
Dancing On My Own (done with only Kirstie, Mitch, Scott, Kevin and Beyoncé (Kevin's standard cello) - in between Avi and Matt)
Shallow
Perfect
Thank You
The three collaborations with Lindsey Stirling - Radioactive, Papaoutai, Over the River
Kiss From a Rose (duh!)
Kevin has his own solo channel (KO) where he plays cello, beatboxes, sings, loops - essentially composing the piece as he goes along. His KOver of Down is probably the most well-known video, but he's done a number of others, including some original compositions.
As for Daft Punk - I'm always up for a reaction to that masterpiece!
in their cover of 'radioactive' kevin plays the cello and they have guest lindsey sterling who dances and plays the violin. i like their recent cover of 'prayers for this world' and i love their original 'happy now' or their mash up 'la la latch'.
Some People are trying to claim this isn’t live but it for sure is! Unreal!
CHECK OUT KEVIN'S FIFTH AND EVEN THOUGH CHRISTMAS IS OVER O HOLY NIGHT...THE VOCALS WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
A really good song by them is come all ye faithful. I listen to it year round Christmas song or not. There is a live video of Kevin doing a solo performance with cello and his beautiful voice.
Kevin coined the term cello-boxing for his simultaneous beat boxing & cello playing
Massive!!!
My theory is that having Kevin on cello still counts as a capella because, when you watch him play, that instrument is part of him. He has his own channel (KO -- Kevin Olusola), with a variety of musical experiments going back to his college days -- cello, beatboxing, celloboxing, singing, looping, classical and pop covers and some originals, solo and with other musicians. I think the most viewed is his looping solo cover of Marion Hill's "Down", but one of my favorites is his cover of Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" -- ua-cam.com/video/nyYG70aM9Fw/v-deo.html
Kevin plays cello on several tracks. My favorite is in their cover of Say Something. Their position on instruments is it must be played by 1 of the 5 members or a featured guest. Best example of that is their cover of Imagin Dragons Radioactive featuring Lindsay Sterling on Violin and Kevin on Cello. Both of which you should review.
You should check out any of their medleys. Evolution of Michael Jackson is my favorite!
Wait for it....
I don’t listen to Pentatonix often, but this one was a little tamer and easier to follow. They also have the tight harmonies, which I love! It’s a great Monday when I get to spend it with you two!! ❤
You are the absolute sweetest...thank you, Cynthia!!! ❤️🥷🏻
O holy night is a must
Oh holy night is epic as well. ❤
Go, Kevin... here he goes!
Great reaction, you two! I've been a fan of the group for years, and I still can't get enough of this piece and I'm in awe of how much they've grown as musicians.
Some suggestions on what to do next:
Daft Punk...definitely for Jillian to experience! Then...Shallow, Say Something, Mad World, Coffee In Bed, Be My Eyes, Happy Now, Come Along.
Thanks for watching and the great comment / suggestions, @Gwennedd!!! We appreciate you.
If they use an instrument (usually a cello) supplements them when they can't cover all the many parts, since they only have 5 members, minus 1 usually beat-boxing. And the instrumental part is normally used for a part that is minimal and just supports the background - not a lead part.
Great video reaction!
Thank you, Roger!!
OMG do Daft Punk! She needs to see it!
Since you mentioned Kevin playing cello and beatboxing (celloboxing), Look up Kevin's fifth
🔥🔥
Daft Punk
When you do "Daft Punk" set yourself up for a double. ua-cam.com/video/3MteSlpxCpo/v-deo.html&pp=ygUUZGFmdCBwdW5rIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D You will think that there is post production skipping, so to disprove that you need to catch the "Private Performance" ua-cam.com/video/tw4YCsHXKgI/v-deo.html&pp=ygUUZGFmdCBwdW5rIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D where they stand at the front of a back-stage room and sing with no mic's and captured on a fan mobile device
Thanks for the great suggestion!
Kevin calls it Celloboxing
❤
⚡⚡🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⚡⚡
😮
Have you heard Their 90's Dance Medley
Not yet, but sounds fun. Thanks for the suggestion, Linda!!
You need to check out the Dan Vasc cover of this song
Here you go: ua-cam.com/video/twkPXVLeMdo/v-deo.htmlsi=bprrcqHWBWa9AqQq
I enjoyed your reaction! Better than the original, PTX are good at that, lol! ❤️🇦🇺
Thank you!! PTX are just SO good!!
Please go ahead and react to the videos that Jillian hasn’t seen. It would be fun.
Recommend their cover of Mad World.
Instruments come in with some frequency. Not in every performance but now and then.
Sure, find a live, recent performance of Daft Punk - so it'll be fresh for many more
I was more Matt Attacked, Scott Smacked snd K.O'd by Kevin !!!!🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
I don’t know if I love it or if it drives me a bit crazy that Mitch always looks like a tween dressing up in his dad’s clothes.
You should see kevin's 5th
I like this rendition so much more than their version of Creep. Only two singers doing Creep that I loved was ♥Brian Justin Crumb ua-cam.com/video/M8AlxrwhY30/v-deo.html and ♥Straight No Chaser [acapella] ua-cam.com/video/jKV6MY5H-Jg/v-deo.html. Those two were just stunning and gave chills down my spine and tears to my eyes. Also by ♥Voice Play, [acapella] that was good also ua-cam.com/video/28PreYEgvQM/v-deo.html. Give those a listen also when you get some time. thanks ♥
Kevin...
Please ck out Kevins 5th
Please be careful reacting to PTX, now that they've signed with Sony, you might get a copyright claim
Thanks so much for looking out for us, Tiffy!!! So happy to see your comments on different vids and glad you are here!!