Maybe you've already seen this video. Over one million people have, but we viewed it for the first time tonight when Mike's boss emailed the link from Kim Komando's website to him. Although I selected a different version (with lyrics) of the video than the one at Komando, I couldn't improve upon the description there:
This fun YouTube video features a 1980s pop classic. The rock band Toto scored their biggest hit with Africa in 1982. The song is instantly recognizable. But it has been reinvented.
Perpetuum Jazzile is an a cappella jazz choir from Slovenia. It’s hard to think of something further from an ‘80s rock band. But their version of Africa may best the original. The group has amazing voices.
But the beginning of this video is really striking. Group members simulate an African thunderstorm with their hands. It’s really something to see and hear.
{I would add to this: they begin the thunderstorm very quietly and it is hardly detectable at first.....they are building up to something very special.}
I've posted a fair number of videos lately -- too many I think -- so this will be the last one for awhile. But with Obama in Ghana this weekend the work of these amazing vocalists seemed fitting for the celebration of his visit.
art: "African Shelter" by Alicia Beachman
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11 comments:
This is wonderful!! Thank you! Thank you! And thanks too for your supportive comments in visiting my blog.
love,
Erika
I hope you don't mind if I try to post this video too. I haven't done this yet but will try.
Myself and the ronald just watched this.. and it blew us away! We're both sat here crying like babies!.. Don't know why!...lol
I post far too many videos too! What I usually do is open the blog in a separate window so that I can listen, read, and comment at the same time! You've introduced me (like today to some great songs:)
I absolutely LOVE this. I was a big fan of Toto's Africa way back when, and I think it's just amazing what this choir does with it. This is a keeper. Thanks for sharing!
This is fabulous! Don't mind the videos at all. One picture is worth...and all that jazz:>)
I saw this on Kim Komando's also and enjoyed it every bit as much this time. Thank you for sharing it.
@Erika- I'm so glad that not everyone who stops here has already viewed the wondrous video. Yes, share it with your readers to spread the joy. YouTube makes it pretty easy to post to blogs; I hope you don't have any difficulty. :)
@the watercats- What a universal appeal this has...we all get its greatness. I certainly understand the tears.
@Marie- Good to hear that you've liked the stuff! I looked in my drafts folder and I cleared out some videos just to discipline myself! (Sounds like you multitask there at your computer :)
@Erin- I sure do too. It was a fantastic way to start out the weekend, most definitely!
@Distracted- Or, in this particular case...and all that Jazzile!
@Darlene- See how ahead of me you are! I guess the Komando website is a favorite among Mike's colleagues, but until last night I was unaware of it. So I was introduced to two goodies at once!
I very rarely open video clips - I am very glad I did this time. Love the simulation of rainfall, brilliant.
I'd never heard of either the ensemble or the song before. Thanks for the introduction.
@Friko- I'm glad you opened it up too. This one surely shouldn't be missed.
With no doubt one of the best suggestions you've made and I have read of course. I am personally a big fan of Toto. This one would one of the most commercial songs but I love it. These people have threaded deep into the lyrics, the beat, the sound, the choirs and all minor details. I have been impressed by the leading voice. He does sound like the original singer. The thunder is fantastic. And the nuances offered mainly by the female voices specially by the end are incredibly good. Thanks Lydia.
@Carlos- These people have threaded deep into the lyrics, the beat, the sound, the choirs and all minor details.
What a great critique of this production! I agree with you that it's great...beyond great actually. They did a wonderful job of the old Toto song (which is the only one I'm aware of, so I should listen to more).
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