They are fantastic! I was actually sitting on stage for this performance and was blown away. You can see me on the left sitting in the chair behind Emanuel, I put my hand over my face at the end in disbelief! These guys are unreal and I loved being there live to see this!
Kipp, you and the rest of Gas House Gang paved the way for quartets like Ringmasters and Vocal Spectrum. So fitting that you were there to witness this phenomenal performance.
This performance was done in an AIC Show which means that each quartet there are all past champions. Ringmasters had already won the Internationals back in 2012 and if you're curious enough to see their competition performances from that year, the Barbershop Harmony Society channel just recently uploaded them!
@@xenos7323 you may search the keywords "Ringmasters" and "Barbershop" on RUclips. You'll find for example this one: ruclips.net/video/rFWhnOP_UVk/видео.html
And they’re Swedish...just a brilliant group, Collegiate champs in 2008 and International champs in 2012, this is a stellar performance and has gone down in barbershop history.
Straight tones: It's next-to-impossible to get maximum harmony match with oscillating voices so we preach no-vibrato UNLESS... Ken, you caught the vibrato at the end of words/phrases. This is a vocal signal (by whomever is singing melody) that it's time to move onto the next word/note/phrase. The craft is sung worldwide. What amazes me is the American diction from non-English-speaking Barbershoppers. Even the Brits sing in 'American'.
Where I think it comes from is that an american dialect spoken by an american has a natural downward turn at the end of a phrase. We're surrounded by it and also trained to do it when speaking to give a sense of confidence/authority. So when singing it causes pitch to turn down unless actively fighting against it. Most other speakers (especially the swedes) have a natural uplift at the ends of phrases. Mix that with Barbershop doctrine and you get crazy ring crazy consistently.
As a lifelong barbershopper, singer, and music-lover, it is a JOY to watch your face as Ringmasters blow you away! This is how it feels to be transported by great singing! Thanks.
This is one of the all-time great barbershop performances EVER!! Ringmasters were the first international quartet (they're from Sweden) to win the international quartet championship of the Barbershop Harmony Society. It's amazing how they've perfected an very American musical art form. BTW...I heard they say that because of the difficulty of the arrangement, it took them a little over a year to learn this medley. In fact, they weren't sure they were ready to perform it when they did. Silly them...they NAILED it!!
This was the AIC show, which is a show of past champs. I was in the front row for this performance, and it was even more impressive live. These guys hit the barbershop world in 2007 or so, and have been a favorite ever since, winning the International Championship in 2012. They were the first quartet from an affiliate organization to win.
OK, here's a quick introduction, from left to right: Emanuel Roll - Baritone (bari for short) Martin Wahlgren - Bass (and one of the best at that) Jakob Stenberg - Lead and Tenor (sang lead here, but was the group tenor when they won) Rasmus Krigström - Tenor and Lead (switched places with Jakob) Jakob Stenberg is also known by many as 'Postmaster General' As others have said, they won in 2012 and this was the 'Association of International Champions' show.
A common standing order for the singers is, from left to right: baritone, bass, lead, tenor. These guys are using that order. It's not any competition regulation that they stand that way (notably, Newfangled Four is different), but it's very common. As other folks have said, these guys are past winners performing at a special show for past winners, and so the medals they're wearing are from 2012, the year they won. It's very common for winning quartets to wear their medals at future shows for the rest of their singing careers. It becomes part of their costume. They work hard for it, and they're really proud of the achievement.
How I love Barbershop singing!!!! It is so important to sing accurately, hold the pitch and complete every phrase, with solid breath support! It is a great ART. These four are wonderful!
This was the AIC show meaning the Association of International Champions. Back in like 2016. All of the the international quartet champions sing in a show. I was there in Nashville for this performance. Absolutely mind blowing, some of the best live barbershop I’ve ever heard.
Thanks so much for your reaction video! I love watching coaches react to barbershop performances. Ringmasters are the 2012 Barbershop Harmony Society gold medalist champions from Stockholm, Sweden. They were the first quartet outside of the United States to win the International quartet contest which is held every single year in a different location around North America. The performance you watched was at the 2016 AIC Show in Nashville, TN. Every International, the Association of International Champions (AIC) puts on a show that allows past champions to perform in front of an all-barbershopper audience in the thousands. Once your quartet wins the contest, you are no longer allowed to compete and must retire from competition, so the AIC show is the chance for the champions to perform in front of a barbershop audience that large, once again happening every year at the BHS International convention. Notre Dame Medley, arr. Aaron Dale, has quickly become one of the most acclaimed arrangements and performances of all time in the barbershop sphere and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. All four of them are incredibly talented individuals. Their lead Jakob (middle-right singer) has gone on record posting (the barbershop term for holding a note on a tag) for up to 52 seconds without breaking a sweat. The man has insane breath support so I doubt this performance was much of a struggle haha. Thanks so much for reacting to Ringmasters, if you're ever inclined to watch more barbershop, I highly recommend Westminster Chorus' From Now On/Come Alive from the 2019 International. It just broke the record for highest scoring barbershop performance of all time. Thanks again for the video, was a lot of fun to watch!
To clarify for those reading (I know you know) - the quartet has to retire, not the singers. The singers can form new quartets and return to competition. So a lot of guys will sing both in the competition with their current groups and in the AIC exhibition with their previous championship winning quartet.
I have been singing barbershop for 25 years and I still come back to this performance. A master class. I loved watching you be mesmerized as a listener and your appreciation as a singer who knows what it would take to achieve this. And I could almost sense you want to be a part of it singing along. There are so many incredible performances by champ quartets but this one reigns in my book. As others have said, they were not competing here (technically), they were already champs, (as were all of the gentlemen sitting behind them) but each year when the champs put on this show, you just know they each want to be the one to "win" that performance. Ringmasters most definitely did that. And you can see the huge respect from the men behind them. There is another video of this that was taken from the side by a champ waiting to go on and you see one member take off his medal and joke that he is going to give it to them. Amazing all around.
They're the best of the best. The medals mean they won the international competition in the past. Once a quartet wins, they join the Association of International Champions (AIC) and no longer compete, in order to foster fresh competition each year and prevent dynasty effects. Ringmasters won in 2012. Each year at the convention, the AIC puts on a show featuring a bunch of Gold Medalists from years past. This is one of those shows, and you can see all the other Gold Medalists in the chorus behind them :)
I've been listening to barbershop music since I was a child but I had never heard anything like this before. I shared this performance with dozens of people and we all love it. I'm glad you got a chance to hear them but even happier that you're being exposed to barbershop harmony. It's a wonderful style that has brought me so much joy over the years. I'm a third-generation barbershopper and I cannot imagine my life without this music in my life.
@@mattparksmusic Mr strinka he was the best part of highschool. I was sad to hear that choir isn’t available at my old school anymore. Not enough people signed up
Thanks, Ken. I've not seen another reactor do a barbershop group. You have the chops to understand and hear a lot of the technical things in barbershop singing.
This performance is actually from the Association of Champions (AIC). This clip is the quarter final set from the International Convention 2012. (When they won the gold.) They performed "The Swedish National Anthem" (which is gorgeous) at the beginning, but I started the clip at "Lazy Bones" followed by "Love Being Here With You," which was there actual set. ruclips.net/video/tQ4ZJG4VpmM/видео.html "Lazybones" will blow your socks off, too. j/s They also did “California Girls” with Vocal Spectrum -another barbershop quartet. (They literally sound like instruments.) Martin (the bass) is no longer with the quartet - breaks my heart. Martin’s replacement, Didier, has a gorgeous voice, but his tonality just doesn’t work for Ringmasters. “California Girls” ruclips.net/video/ZWGcAQdQZpY/видео.html
As a viola player I was always fascinated by the barbershop harmony but didn't really go out and find it, way before YT. I just happened upon this group and was just floored by the intonation. I heard the same whatever it is when I tune my viola in perfect 5ths. I call it beat but it could be called ring. I am glad to know at least I knew it was the best group at first hearing. Check out the video where Jacob the tenor holds notes for 17,18,19 seconds, high Gs and higher for a long time. The harmonies are incredible, always a fake cadence and chromatic modulations in the middle of nowhere, just fascinating. My only singing was in my teens in a choir as bass and me and another bass would sing the alto parts falsetto and laugh especially when the conductor said 'altos too loud', haha those were the days.
I’d love to see your reaction to Westminster Chorus singing from now on. Their performance of that was on par in my mind with ringmasters singing this. Thank you if you do!
These guys were amazing! I don’t listen to this kind of music myself but they were fantastic that they got my attention! Thanks for a wonderful video and reaction
This performance is actually from the Association of Champions (AIC). This clip is the quarter final set from the International Convention 2012. (When they won the gold.) ruclips.net/video/tQ4ZJG4VpmM/видео.html They performed "The Swedish National Anthem" (which is gorgeous) at the beginning, but I started the clip at "Lazy Bones" followed by "Love Being Here With You," which was there actual set. "Lazybones" will absolutely blow your socks off, too. j/s They also did “California Girls” with Vocal Spectrum -another barbershop quartet. (They literally sound like instruments because they seamlessly pass off parts so that it's continuous. Mindblowing to say the least.) Martin (the bass) is no longer with the quartet - breaks my heart. Martin’s replacement, Didier, has a gorgeous voice, but his tonality just doesn’t work for Ringmasters. “California Girls” ruclips.net/video/ZWGcAQdQZpY/видео.html
A comment I’m stealing from the original video: around the 4:16 mark as they hold that sustained note, the outer members freeze in place like the gargoyles atop Notre Dame, signaling a place and character about the leading voice introduced. I love this video lol
yeah so ringmasters are an AIC quartet which means they already won the main competition and they come back every year to sing for fun. They won back in 2012 and so those gold medals are their 2012 medals. In barbershop, its once a champion always champion you basically get put in the pro league and can show off your gold medal every time you sing but you are no longer allowed to compete in the main competition once you win. Unfortunately, ringmasters had to part ways with their bass singer due to his career and so they found a replacement for him. It always makes me sad when a replacement happens or when a quartet disbands.
Woow, super reaction, thanks for your comment, Ken😍 I allways loved choral music, ah, this harmony, this poliphony is the best. I didn't know this ansamble, they are overhelming ❤️
The reason that they have gold medals is because they competed and won in 2012 that particular video is from the AIC show in 2016 which is a special show that is reserved for past championship that have won
If you want holding a note and breath control you need to watch some of Tim Waurick. He holds notes easily from 20 to over 30 seconds without breaking a sweat
Barbershop groups are traditionally grouped with the baritone and tenor on the outside. (these positions can be switched. Some groups put the Tenor on the left (facing the group) other (like this one) put the tenor on the right (as you face them. and the bass next to the baritone, and then the lead next to the tenor. Both of these are traditionally in the middle of the group. Vocal Spectrum is an amazing example if you you want a group comprehendible to these guys (IMO).
Ken, please do more reactions to Diana Ankudinova. You have not seen anything yet, my friend! She did that live performance of “Wicked Game” when she was 14 years old. The next one should be “Rechenka.” After that one, try her cover of “Human.” Then “It’s a Man’s World.” This girl is not just a singer. She is a performer! Thank you Sir.
I love how you spent 20 seconds coming up with a great explanation for how the harmonies of barbershop resulted in them naming themselves the "Ringmasters" when in reality they just flipped through an English dictionary and picked a word they all liked. 😂😂😂
Great video man! Subscribed! If you're looking to react to more Barbershop may I suggest, 'Instant Classic - Spend My Life With You (International 2015). They too are Barbershop champions and all four are versatile and have insane vocals.
I agree with the commenter below regarding getting more barbershop out there, and with Crossroads "Lucky Old Sun", which is a difficult and beautifully done version, as well as Masterpiece's "Dance with My Father". Also, I am a Vocal Spectrum mark, so truly anything by them will be awesome as well, especially if you like posted notes on tags.
Actually "Dance With My Father" was recently done by Signature, not Masterpiece. For a Masterpiece performance, I'd suggest "Oh Susanna", "Where've You Been" and my personal favorite "Tennessee Waltz"
Ringmasters WITH Vocal Spectrum on, "California Girls" will blow your mind. They sound like instruments. They seamlessly swap so it's completely continuous. ruclips.net/video/ZWGcAQdQZpY/видео.html
To kick off the 2020 Christmas Season, how about reacting to Voctave’s “Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame” - ruclips.net/video/dYtlzWE1YUU/видео.html Or how about a little Barbershop Christmas, like The Vocal Majority singing White Christmas - ruclips.net/video/34ijCMh8I8E/видео.html or a lesser known song by The Vocal Majority - The Secret of Christmas - ruclips.net/video/U1KdJht1-g0/видео.html
Have you ever checked out the Riff Off Battles from the BBC show "Pitch Battle?" They're on RUclips and might be something fun for you to react to. I really like your breakdown reactions.to groups/songs. Keep up the fantastic work!
I’m a classically educated performer and teacher (HBMus), as well as a bbshopper! Fun fact: I trained as a dramatic soprano, but I’m a baritone in bbshop. My loud, heavy, rich high notes make for awful bbshop, cuz I don’t blend well lol
Could you do one older song, from 2007. It won Eurovision that year. Singer - Marija Serifovic, song name - Molitva. I’m really interested in a professional opinion of her vocal abilities. Great channel, btw.
Love your commentary, you make me recognize things I didn't notice! I would highly recommend you react to Faouzia - Tears of Gold (Stripped). She is moroccan, now living in canada, speaks 3 languages and plays multiple instruments. She is up and coming and truly amazing, this is only one of many songs I would recommend of hers. Would love to hear your input!
First time viewer of the channel. I do have some constructive criticism, if that's okay. I feel like you didn't really... react to the video. There was very little commentary during the video, and so naturally I assumed afterwards you would talk a bit more about it, but that never really happened. I think the appeal of react channels is that we as viewers get to see someone else's first reactions to things we already enjoy, so coming into this I really wanted to see you talk / react more to their diction, blend & balance, their visual and musical expressiveness, technique, vowel production, etc. I think that could go a long way to not only entertain viewers, but to educate them as well. If you want to listen to more barbershop on the channel, the following are my recommendations, in order of my favorites: Love Me or Leave Me - Instant Classic (2015) (Immaculately tight performance) How Could I Ever Know - Instant Classic (2015) (The blend in this one is so good its disgusting) Lucky Old Sun - Crossroads (2009) (Technically a very difficult performance, executed beautifully) Dance With My Father - Signature (2019) (Very emotional performance. You actually might cry lol)
“Their diction is impeccable”. You should point out here they’re Swedish singing in a second language. Let’s try to think of an American group that can sing in Swedish at all, let alone impeccably.
It must be...well, irritating isn't the right word, but a little frustrating as a coach to be given videos to react to that don't show the usual techniques singers are hiring you to help them develop. The straight tone aspect especially: that's the only way to ensure enough precision to allow the overtones to sound as the harmony locks into place, but it's neither in vogue nor recommended for "legit" singing. But your commentary is helpful in that it helps delineate why this is different from what your average singer is looking for. (Not to mention the fact your average singer might find it unsettling to try singing along since the tuning will feel different compared with the note placements they cultivated for singing with most Western instrumental accompaniment.)
![Twenty One Pilots - The Line (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XCz7WUotXs8/mqdefault.jpg)
They are fantastic! I was actually sitting on stage for this performance and was blown away. You can see me on the left sitting in the chair behind Emanuel, I put my hand over my face at the end in disbelief! These guys are unreal and I loved being there live to see this!
Your reaction is one of the best things about this performance
Kipp, you and the rest of Gas House Gang paved the way for quartets like Ringmasters and Vocal Spectrum. So fitting that you were there to witness this phenomenal performance.
I’ve watched a lot of barbershop but this, to me, is the pinnacle of the art. You just cannot beat this performance.
As a fellow Barbershopper, I completely and wholly agree
Idk man lucky old sun is kinda good
Absolutely the finest piece of music I've ever heard. - pure listening pleasure.
Dude this is literally the best barbershop quartet ever!!!
@@masonhomer8584 So far, it's crazy the amount of fidelity in a champion quartet can flux over the years.
This performance was done in an AIC Show which means that each quartet there are all past champions. Ringmasters had already won the Internationals back in 2012 and if you're curious enough to see their competition performances from that year, the Barbershop Harmony Society channel just recently uploaded them!
What did they sing? I'm scrolling the their channel, but can't seem to find it between all of the uploads.
@@xenos7323 you may search the keywords "Ringmasters" and "Barbershop" on RUclips. You'll find for example this one: ruclips.net/video/rFWhnOP_UVk/видео.html
One of best displays of barbershop singing by the one of the best quartets in the world !!!
@@xenos7323 This is my favourite from their gold medal year Love Me And The World Is Mine ruclips.net/video/r02Ind3cw7E/видео.html
They have just released this on RUclips.
ruclips.net/video/ODnEb8xCm90/видео.html
Absolutely mind-blowing.
From the little I know, this is considered one the greatest quartets and quartet arrangements to exist, and yes the were the champion that year.
And they’re Swedish...just a brilliant group, Collegiate champs in 2008 and International champs in 2012, this is a stellar performance and has gone down in barbershop history.
Straight tones: It's next-to-impossible to get maximum harmony match with oscillating voices so we preach no-vibrato UNLESS... Ken, you caught the vibrato at the end of words/phrases. This is a vocal signal (by whomever is singing melody) that it's time to move onto the next word/note/phrase.
The craft is sung worldwide. What amazes me is the American diction from non-English-speaking Barbershoppers. Even the Brits sing in 'American'.
Where I think it comes from is that an american dialect spoken by an american has a natural downward turn at the end of a phrase.
We're surrounded by it and also trained to do it when speaking to give a sense of confidence/authority.
So when singing it causes pitch to turn down unless actively fighting against it.
Most other speakers (especially the swedes) have a natural uplift at the ends of phrases.
Mix that with Barbershop doctrine and you get crazy ring crazy consistently.
@@ryanmajka885 What interesting insights. Thanks for an important lesson.
@@ryanmajka885 As a Swede I say _especially_ the Norse!
It’s commonly known as “Singlish”.
It's so fascinating that some accents have advantages in singing.
As a lifelong barbershopper, singer, and music-lover, it is a JOY to watch your face as Ringmasters blow you away! This is how it feels to be transported by great singing! Thanks.
This is one of the all-time great barbershop performances EVER!! Ringmasters were the first international quartet (they're from Sweden) to win the international quartet championship of the Barbershop Harmony Society. It's amazing how they've perfected an very American musical art form. BTW...I heard they say that because of the difficulty of the arrangement, it took them a little over a year to learn this medley. In fact, they weren't sure they were ready to perform it when they did. Silly them...they NAILED it!!
This was the AIC show, which is a show of past champs. I was in the front row for this performance, and it was even more impressive live. These guys hit the barbershop world in 2007 or so, and have been a favorite ever since, winning the International Championship in 2012. They were the first quartet from an affiliate organization to win.
OK, here's a quick introduction, from left to right:
Emanuel Roll - Baritone (bari for short)
Martin Wahlgren - Bass (and one of the best at that)
Jakob Stenberg - Lead and Tenor (sang lead here, but was the group tenor when they won)
Rasmus Krigström - Tenor and Lead (switched places with Jakob)
Jakob Stenberg is also known by many as 'Postmaster General'
As others have said, they won in 2012 and this was the 'Association of International Champions' show.
I had no idea that the tenor and lead swapped. That's utterly insane
@rogerdotlee It's crazy that a 22 second post isn't even half of Jakob's longest recorded post (52 seconds!!!)
@@Disembow1280 I know it's totally wild.
I saw you comment this exact thing on another reaction
@@ianbecket3202 Yeah, that pretty much sums up ringmasters.
Ken...I would enjoy watching your unedited response to this.
6:12 : "Chills. Amazing guys" Oh just wait....... ;)
My favorite part of the whole Medley is it looks as if they can't help but smile. You can really tell they love the craft
A common standing order for the singers is, from left to right: baritone, bass, lead, tenor. These guys are using that order. It's not any competition regulation that they stand that way (notably, Newfangled Four is different), but it's very common. As other folks have said, these guys are past winners performing at a special show for past winners, and so the medals they're wearing are from 2012, the year they won. It's very common for winning quartets to wear their medals at future shows for the rest of their singing careers. It becomes part of their costume. They work hard for it, and they're really proud of the achievement.
First note always gives me full body chills. Immaculate.
How I love Barbershop singing!!!! It is so important to sing accurately, hold the pitch and complete every phrase, with solid breath support! It is a great ART. These four are wonderful!
Holy Leather Lungs.....Classic! This is why Barbershop has blessed my life for almost 25 years!!!
This was the AIC show meaning the Association of International Champions. Back in like 2016. All of the the international quartet champions sing in a show. I was there in Nashville for this performance. Absolutely mind blowing, some of the best live barbershop I’ve ever heard.
Thanks so much for your reaction video! I love watching coaches react to barbershop performances. Ringmasters are the 2012 Barbershop Harmony Society gold medalist champions from Stockholm, Sweden. They were the first quartet outside of the United States to win the International quartet contest which is held every single year in a different location around North America.
The performance you watched was at the 2016 AIC Show in Nashville, TN. Every International, the Association of International Champions (AIC) puts on a show that allows past champions to perform in front of an all-barbershopper audience in the thousands. Once your quartet wins the contest, you are no longer allowed to compete and must retire from competition, so the AIC show is the chance for the champions to perform in front of a barbershop audience that large, once again happening every year at the BHS International convention.
Notre Dame Medley, arr. Aaron Dale, has quickly become one of the most acclaimed arrangements and performances of all time in the barbershop sphere and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. All four of them are incredibly talented individuals. Their lead Jakob (middle-right singer) has gone on record posting (the barbershop term for holding a note on a tag) for up to 52 seconds without breaking a sweat. The man has insane breath support so I doubt this performance was much of a struggle haha. Thanks so much for reacting to Ringmasters, if you're ever inclined to watch more barbershop, I highly recommend Westminster Chorus' From Now On/Come Alive from the 2019 International. It just broke the record for highest scoring barbershop performance of all time. Thanks again for the video, was a lot of fun to watch!
To clarify for those reading (I know you know) - the quartet has to retire, not the singers. The singers can form new quartets and return to competition. So a lot of guys will sing both in the competition with their current groups and in the AIC exhibition with their previous championship winning quartet.
I have been singing barbershop for 25 years and I still come back to this performance. A master class. I loved watching you be mesmerized as a listener and your appreciation as a singer who knows what it would take to achieve this. And I could almost sense you want to be a part of it singing along. There are so many incredible performances by champ quartets but this one reigns in my book. As others have said, they were not competing here (technically), they were already champs, (as were all of the gentlemen sitting behind them) but each year when the champs put on this show, you just know they each want to be the one to "win" that performance. Ringmasters most definitely did that. And you can see the huge respect from the men behind them. There is another video of this that was taken from the side by a champ waiting to go on and you see one member take off his medal and joke that he is going to give it to them. Amazing all around.
They're the best of the best. The medals mean they won the international competition in the past. Once a quartet wins, they join the Association of International Champions (AIC) and no longer compete, in order to foster fresh competition each year and prevent dynasty effects. Ringmasters won in 2012. Each year at the convention, the AIC puts on a show featuring a bunch of Gold Medalists from years past. This is one of those shows, and you can see all the other Gold Medalists in the chorus behind them :)
I've been listening to barbershop music since I was a child but I had never heard anything like this before. I shared this performance with dozens of people and we all love it. I'm glad you got a chance to hear them but even happier that you're being exposed to barbershop harmony. It's a wonderful style that has brought me so much joy over the years. I'm a third-generation barbershopper and I cannot imagine my life without this music in my life.
My choir director back in high school showed us this. Still love it
Your choir director is a good person!
@@mattparksmusic Mr strinka he was the best part of highschool. I was sad to hear that choir isn’t available at my old school anymore. Not enough people signed up
Barbershop at the Ringmasters level: it'll get you every time! 🎶💯👏👏👏
I have had this performance bookmarked for a number of years and listen to it often. Simply amazing!
Thanks, Ken. I've not seen another reactor do a barbershop group. You have the chops to understand and hear a lot of the technical things in barbershop singing.
Ken Murray there are at least three other people who have reacted to this same performance online
@@MoominJude That's great, Judy. I've not seen any, but hopefully it will raise awareness of what modern barbershop actually is.
This performance is actually from the Association of Champions (AIC).
This clip is the quarter final set from the International Convention 2012. (When they won the gold.)
They performed "The Swedish National Anthem" (which is gorgeous) at the beginning, but I started the clip at "Lazy Bones" followed by "Love Being Here With You," which was there actual set.
ruclips.net/video/tQ4ZJG4VpmM/видео.html
"Lazybones" will blow your socks off, too. j/s
They also did “California Girls” with Vocal Spectrum -another barbershop quartet. (They literally sound like instruments.)
Martin (the bass) is no longer with the quartet - breaks my heart. Martin’s replacement, Didier, has a gorgeous voice, but his tonality just doesn’t work for Ringmasters.
“California Girls” ruclips.net/video/ZWGcAQdQZpY/видео.html
in this day and age when music is very simple, I'm so glad music like this exists, the slide notes are amazing!!! And the harmony oh my!!!!!!!
As a viola player I was always fascinated by the barbershop harmony but didn't really go out and find it, way before YT. I just happened upon this group and was just floored by the intonation. I heard the same whatever it is when I tune my viola in perfect 5ths. I call it beat but it could be called ring. I am glad to know at least I knew it was the best group at first hearing. Check out the video where Jacob the tenor holds notes for 17,18,19 seconds, high Gs and higher for a long time. The harmonies are incredible, always a fake cadence and chromatic modulations in the middle of nowhere, just fascinating. My only singing was in my teens in a choir as bass and me and another bass would sing the alto parts falsetto and laugh especially when the conductor said 'altos too loud', haha those were the days.
Gives me chills!
Thrilling!
If you want to do more barbershop you should definitely watch Crossroads sing Lucky Old Sun. It is an absolutely incredible performance.
ROOOOOOOLLLLLLIIIIIING ROUND HEAVEN ALLL DAAAAYYYYY
I’d love to see your reaction to Westminster Chorus singing from now on. Their performance of that was on par in my mind with ringmasters singing this. Thank you if you do!
One of the best barbershop performances out there.
I would LOVE to see your reaction to Vocal Spectrum’s rendition of The Aladdin Medley from the animated Disney’s Aladdin. It’s AMAZING!!
Even better. "California Girls" by Ringmasters featuring Vocal Spectrum. Unreal. They sound like instruments.
ruclips.net/video/ZWGcAQdQZpY/видео.html
These guys were amazing! I don’t listen to this kind of music myself but they were fantastic that they got my attention! Thanks for a wonderful video and reaction
Amazing harmonies. Thanks for reacting.
The last 2 Bars of the song (last 2 chords) are chilling. Too good.
This performance is actually from the Association of Champions (AIC).
This clip is the quarter final set from the International Convention 2012. (When they won the gold.)
ruclips.net/video/tQ4ZJG4VpmM/видео.html
They performed "The Swedish National Anthem" (which is gorgeous) at the beginning, but I started the clip at "Lazy Bones" followed by "Love Being Here With You," which was there actual set.
"Lazybones" will absolutely blow your socks off, too. j/s
They also did “California Girls” with Vocal Spectrum -another barbershop quartet. (They literally sound like instruments because they seamlessly pass off parts so that it's continuous. Mindblowing to say the least.)
Martin (the bass) is no longer with the quartet - breaks my heart. Martin’s replacement, Didier, has a gorgeous voice, but his tonality just doesn’t work for Ringmasters.
“California Girls” ruclips.net/video/ZWGcAQdQZpY/видео.html
A comment I’m stealing from the original video: around the 4:16 mark as they hold that sustained note, the outer members freeze in place like the gargoyles atop Notre Dame, signaling a place and character about the leading voice introduced. I love this video lol
It is well with my soul is sung amazingly by these guys
I've cried a few times listening to this. Really incredible.
I envy you - I wish I could watch this for the first time, again. It is a near-spiritual experience on that first listen.
You must see Crossroads quartet 2009 lucky ole sun... Even more perfect . Championship performance
yeah so ringmasters are an AIC quartet which means they already won the main competition and they come back every year to sing for fun. They won back in 2012 and so those gold medals are their 2012 medals. In barbershop, its once a champion always champion you basically get put in the pro league and can show off your gold medal every time you sing but you are no longer allowed to compete in the main competition once you win. Unfortunately, ringmasters had to part ways with their bass singer due to his career and so they found a replacement for him. It always makes me sad when a replacement happens or when a quartet disbands.
Woow, super reaction, thanks for your comment, Ken😍 I allways loved choral music, ah, this harmony, this poliphony is the best. I didn't know this ansamble, they are overhelming ❤️
One of my favorites. Thank you so much for the video!
They are great. Got to watch them perform in Hershey, Pa.
Yes they won gold. I know Emanuel and they are such nice guys! Björn Sweden
This was a show that featured past winners of the International Barbershop Quartet competition. Ringmasters won in 2012, hence the medallions.
The reason that they have gold medals is because they competed and won in 2012 that particular video is from the AIC show in 2016 which is a special show that is reserved for past championship that have won
If you want holding a note and breath control you need to watch some of Tim Waurick. He holds notes easily from 20 to over 30 seconds without breaking a sweat
danielrowling I believe there was a challenge and Jakob Stenberg posted for 52 seconds
Yeah Jakob and Tim were gonna duel but Jakob went first and Tim conceded lol
Barbershop groups are traditionally grouped with the baritone and tenor on the outside. (these positions can be switched. Some groups put the Tenor on the left (facing the group) other (like this one) put the tenor on the right (as you face them. and the bass next to the baritone, and then the lead next to the tenor. Both of these are traditionally in the middle of the group. Vocal Spectrum is an amazing example if you you want a group comprehendible to these guys (IMO).
You should react to vocal spectrums cruella de vil. It is famous in the barbershop community for its insane post by its tenor
And go the distance too.
Ken, please do more reactions to Diana Ankudinova. You have not seen anything yet, my friend! She did that live performance of “Wicked Game” when she was 14 years old. The next one should be “Rechenka.” After that one, try her cover of “Human.” Then “It’s a Man’s World.” This girl is not just a singer. She is a performer! Thank you Sir.
Rechenka Next please
I love how you spent 20 seconds coming up with a great explanation for how the harmonies of barbershop resulted in them naming themselves the "Ringmasters" when in reality they just flipped through an English dictionary and picked a word they all liked. 😂😂😂
Really? I would have bet the house on his explanation.
This was the Show of Champions after the Contest of 2016!
Great video man! Subscribed! If you're looking to react to more Barbershop may I suggest, 'Instant Classic - Spend My Life With You (International 2015). They too are Barbershop champions and all four are versatile and have insane vocals.
A Swedish BHS International Quartet! This was recorded at a show!
I agree with the commenter below regarding getting more barbershop out there, and with Crossroads "Lucky Old Sun", which is a difficult and beautifully done version, as well as Masterpiece's "Dance with My Father". Also, I am a Vocal Spectrum mark, so truly anything by them will be awesome as well, especially if you like posted notes on tags.
Actually "Dance With My Father" was recently done by Signature, not Masterpiece. For a Masterpiece performance, I'd suggest "Oh Susanna", "Where've You Been" and my personal favorite "Tennessee Waltz"
add Vocal Spectrum "Bye Bye Blues"... insanely tight.
Ringmasters WITH Vocal Spectrum on, "California Girls" will blow your mind. They sound like instruments. They seamlessly swap so it's completely continuous.
ruclips.net/video/ZWGcAQdQZpY/видео.html
You should do a reaction as well on the Barbershop Quartet "Old School"!
To kick off the 2020 Christmas Season, how about reacting to Voctave’s “Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame” - ruclips.net/video/dYtlzWE1YUU/видео.html Or how about a little Barbershop Christmas, like The Vocal Majority singing White Christmas - ruclips.net/video/34ijCMh8I8E/видео.html or a lesser known song by The Vocal Majority - The Secret of Christmas - ruclips.net/video/U1KdJht1-g0/видео.html
I've no idea how I got here. But I'm here now. May as well subscribe 😁
They are impressive.... For this genre, you should really check out Vocal Spectrum
Have you ever checked out the Riff Off Battles from the BBC show "Pitch Battle?" They're on RUclips and might be something fun for you to react to. I really like your breakdown reactions.to groups/songs. Keep up the fantastic work!
I was there LIVE ❤️
I’m a classically educated performer and teacher (HBMus), as well as a bbshopper!
Fun fact: I trained as a dramatic soprano, but I’m a baritone in bbshop. My loud, heavy, rich high notes make for awful bbshop, cuz I don’t blend well lol
Since you like Ringmasters, please check the Stockholm-baserad male choir Zero8 singing Amazing Grace.
Awesome reaction!
Thank you!! 😁
The Ring Masters are the 2012 International Barbershop Society Quartet Champions!
Could you do one older song, from 2007. It won Eurovision that year. Singer - Marija Serifovic, song name - Molitva. I’m really interested in a professional opinion of her vocal abilities. Great channel, btw.
Love your commentary, you make me recognize things I didn't notice! I would highly recommend you react to Faouzia - Tears of Gold (Stripped). She is moroccan, now living in canada, speaks 3 languages and plays multiple instruments. She is up and coming and truly amazing, this is only one of many songs I would recommend of hers. Would love to hear your input!
They won!
It was the bass and the lead who was posting the note and then bass descends to an A2 on the final chord.
PLEASE react to Chris Cornells Black Hole Sun cover by Norah Jones
Tony DaRosa with Voctave is a champ too, I believe.
Please react to Yebba, “My Mind” and another Morisette.
Yebba's runs are absolutely phenomenal. "My Mind" would be a great song to react to.
First time viewer of the channel. I do have some constructive criticism, if that's okay.
I feel like you didn't really... react to the video. There was very little commentary during the video, and so naturally I assumed afterwards you would talk a bit more about it, but that never really happened. I think the appeal of react channels is that we as viewers get to see someone else's first reactions to things we already enjoy, so coming into this I really wanted to see you talk / react more to their diction, blend & balance, their visual and musical expressiveness, technique, vowel production, etc. I think that could go a long way to not only entertain viewers, but to educate them as well.
If you want to listen to more barbershop on the channel, the following are my recommendations, in order of my favorites:
Love Me or Leave Me - Instant Classic (2015) (Immaculately tight performance)
How Could I Ever Know - Instant Classic (2015) (The blend in this one is so good its disgusting)
Lucky Old Sun - Crossroads (2009) (Technically a very difficult performance, executed beautifully)
Dance With My Father - Signature (2019) (Very emotional performance. You actually might cry lol)
This was perfection...not much to say.
I like your reactions! Please react to Jungkook "Still With You" 👍🏻👍🏻😊😊
Please react to "creep" live
And English is their second language
Lock & Ring
He’s so into it he doesn’t have much to say!
He's not a baritone he's a bass
“Their diction is impeccable”. You should point out here they’re Swedish singing in a second language. Let’s try to think of an American group that can sing in Swedish at all, let alone impeccably.
One of these guys doesn't speak English. but learns the songs in English because Barbershop is American/English language.
They all speak English
They all know English, pretty much every Swede does.
It must be...well, irritating isn't the right word, but a little frustrating as a coach to be given videos to react to that don't show the usual techniques singers are hiring you to help them develop. The straight tone aspect especially: that's the only way to ensure enough precision to allow the overtones to sound as the harmony locks into place, but it's neither in vogue nor recommended for "legit" singing. But your commentary is helpful in that it helps delineate why this is different from what your average singer is looking for. (Not to mention the fact your average singer might find it unsettling to try singing along since the tuning will feel different compared with the note placements they cultivated for singing with most Western instrumental accompaniment.)