Looking back now, this was probably their best performance. This arrangement is genius. I guess because is was a competition the none of the judges had time actually get what they wee trying to do. They probably had to listen to it twice. I hope they make a full version later on.
Ahhhhh... Glorious~! They did a wonderful job! I was sooooo miffed when they got bumped off right before the voting. They are an amazing group of musicians. I LOVE YOU AFRO BLUE~! We all know that you would have won!!
I really feel like Ben simply didn't want to like them. But oh well. At least they're all in college. They'll be successful whether in the arts or otherwise.
The note Troy hits at 0:30... Doesn't matter who's singing it, that note gets me every time. Unbelievable song, and they did a great job.
Agree with everything said about the self-contradicting judges wanting them to dumb it down and then criticizing their "slump" when they do and praising their "comeback" when they go back to their roots but still calling them inconsistent. Meanwhile, no one on Urban Method can sing and they've consistently stunk.
I dnt think this arrangement was too "over the head" at ALL. This was very '50's..they gave it a Ray Charles/Raelettes/jazz spin..totally appropriate. I think the judges will look back at this performance, perhaps they have already, and see how good it really was.
Ben complained about this song being over his head because he couldn't keep up with it. He has no soul. Afro-blue slightly changed the groove in this rendition about 4 times!!! And they did that all in 1 minute and 30 seconds!!! Ben was probably confused because he has no rhythm. He probably didn't know when to bop his head, snap his fingers, or to bounce his shoulders, or to even tap his feet... It wasn't a simple beat for him. He just didn't know how to groove with it...that's all...Lol....
People need to buy this song on itunes... just hearing their voices clearly makes this song sound 10 times better!!! Their version of this song is sick!!!!
@IvoryTongue26 It wasn't like he really dissed them. He said that they were an amazing group. He's not a bad judge. he just has his own opinions...Like all judges. That's why they are there...to not always agree with.
This was not over thought it went from original then groove switch (song remix) then modulation of the remix. if an audience is too stupid to recognize that they should not listen to music, it is not like they are flipping it to fusion jazz
All of these people saying that they are more "advanced" ler us not forget these,are undergrad students. Mere babies to be performing this well. When jabber wackies were on that dance show every one just admitted they were the best period, why are people making excuses dor their greatness?
Unreal. Im just catching up but this video has convinced me that this ben folds character doesnt know what hes talking about. "over our heads" wtf? Thank god ol boy is a judge. That break down at 4:03 could win the show alone
This was on point, I think the modulation works well, people like what they are hearing..even if they don't know what is going on. I mean over people's heads??? come on, that is what music is supposed to do. Their arrangements are the best on here.
I love R&B and Jazz, but I can't get behind Afro-Blue. IMO they seem to be all over the place. I can't focus on the song they're singing, but all the craziness surrounding it. Don't lash out at me, it's just a personal opinion.
@vtisbest I think The Dartmouth Aires are about to see their time end... they're too similar to Vocal Point, who I'm sure you would agree are just better at the all male style. I think Pentatonix is top 2 for sure.
I think its interesting that Ben Folds complimented vocal point for changing the tempo so many times in their arrangement and then criticized Afro Blue for doing it once.
I like the way that the beat boxer gets minimal any love like an after thought. His percussion and Reggie's bass give the group a foundation for the rest of the groups voices to thrive. He adds some tasty stuff that doesn't get in the way of the vocalist and works perfectly with the Bass.
@savagevic i know, i noticed that too. shaun always praises reggie first and basically leaves out the whole group like he's the only one who did a good performance.
I've been going through and watching all the performances, and I have to say Afro-Blue is my absolute favorite. I've loved all of their songs. They all just flow and are so composed and together. When watching some of the other groups, I kind of feel it feels more like a bunch of separate people up there kind of doing their own thing sometimes. But this group, it's just like you feel there is a connection between them all and... IDK how to describe it really XD Watching them makes me happy :)
After watching this a second time it shows how good they really are and how much control they have. Delilah should have went home that week and the week after that. Afro-Blue is definitely going to be in the top three, possibly even winning the competition.
Afro-Blue SHUTS IT DOWN! The judges just needed something to say... just let greatness BE! Of course they changed the groove Ben??? WTH? Just let these musicians be great! #clearwinners
These guys are the best this season by far. How the hell do they get these arrangements. Any critique of them is just asinine. Now one is better. I can't believe Pentatonix was rated above Afro Blue. These judges just lost some cred with me. Is it because they are pros, the judges weigh that in? If so, that is crap. They are the best, and the scoring should reflect that. Vocal Point is good too, but Afro Blue is just in a higher class than the others.
@thique1 I don't necessarily disagree, however, because their skill is so much more advanced, I think it is good that the judges critique them a little harsher. The more skill you have, the more you need to be challenged to do better, and I think that's what the judges are going for. Besides, they are still in the running. If the judges give a little bit of harsher critique in the beginning it's because they want them to be the best that they can be.
@honeypie898 yeah but following their advice resulted in their worst performance(still good though). They actually got told that they are too musical. Wtf.
@honeypie898 I hope that's right, but if the judges are looking for the best, then that's clearly Afro Blue, and they know it. If they are judging them poorly because they didn't do as good as they can, then that's BS. That's like telling Michael Jordan he's not as good as a high schooler, just because he scored 60 points, and he could've scored 90.
@thique1 hahaha interesting comparison, but I see your point. We'll just have to wait and see what happens! What is good about this whole process is that the other groups can learn from afro-blue's expertise, but afro-blue can also learn from the other groups who might have more experience in different things too. It's a great learning process, and may the best group take all they can and grow and keep getting better. This world needs more artists that keep trying to learn to outdo themselves.
Judges were reaching for critique. This group been damn near flawless all season. This was their weakest performance and still was like better than everybody except for Northshore who was in their realm with the 60's theme. Afro-Blue obviously the best. Ben Folds talkin "over our heads". Somebody should've called him out on that. LOL!
To be kind of honest, it kind of pissed me off that Afro Blue got chided for essentially being too musical. I hate the idea that musicians should have to dumb their music down to suit mainstream audiences. I thought that this arrangement was amazing, with the breakdown and beatboxing effectively bringing this rather rhythmically simple piece into the twenty-first century. I can't wait to see what else they have in store.
I agree, they clearly have bias towards Afro-blue. I mean look at that group Pentatonix butcher the hell out of Piece of My Heart and get away with it. There are other groups out there that are just doing waaay too much but Afro is doing just right.
I agree with you completely..to be honest I was a part of a reality musical show.. Most folks dont know or arent always aware that their is so much that goes on behind the scene.. it would blow you away... I believe these judges purposely told them to dumb down their vocal ability... and then they turned around and said..
"oh I am sorry.. we think we confused you.... you seem to have lost that afro blue flavor...well the judges i think..did this on purpose.. probably with the encouragement from the producers of the show... see... they can not have another african american jazz type (vocal style) group to win...being that committed won last year...it is just not good for their ratings... so this was all a part of the producers plan.. I could say so much more but I will end here
@mrduckbear11 - what do you mean that they need to show more "range?" Its obvious they're capable of a lot of extended techniques from their previous two performances. This song is the least excellent of their performances, but is still a serviceable performance. Their other two performances are far and away better than any other performance on the show.
she looked awkward in your eyes because that is how you see things black and white! got something to say about her voice? Oh that is right...your looking at skin color only...my bad
@aminelambarqui its not their skin color, its how she grooves compared to the rest of them. shes alot stiffer. but sure, take it the wrong way. MY bad.
I do wish they had more than 2 minutes...that way they could have more time between modulations and transitions...greatness like that shouldn't have to be rushed
Why are they acting un-educated? They're supposed to be the musicians. America doesn't get enough of this good, beautiful music. If we stop entertaining simple, and low-quality music, then maybe this wouldn't go "over our heads."
Unfortunately the average person doesn't have the ear to fully appreciate this kind of arrangement so it would hamper their commercial success. Not to act like I'm above most people but if you aren't someone who listens to jazz extensively (and it doesn't hurt to have a basic knowledge of music theory) then it does get lost in translation.
I think the judges know how much more sophisticated this group is. But they have their eye on public reaction. The general public is doesn't hear much of any harmony --- much less sophicated harmonies, counterpoint, and modulations. But they want to crown the FAVORITE. So, keep listening, send it to your friends. Although this isn't a voting show like American Idol - you need to build popularity. I listen to all versions every day. Keep pushing the like button.
I"m really disappointed in the judges LACK of education when it came to what AFRO BLUE did on this arrangements. Did you NOT recognize touches of Singers Unlimited... 60s and touches and Lambert Hendricks Ross and AND then the girls singing together. I"m REALLY NOW disillusioned concerning the judges. I TRULY think that that was one of the most amazing things. Can you NOT see the sophistication in this group?????????????
I loved the fact that this group put their own spin on this classic song and made it their own. I loved the tempo changes and the contemporary feel to it as well. I'm a huge jazz fan and can really appreciate this group. This was just simply sweet.
and as for your critique i think they can manage with the pace they are working with, if they speed it up too much it loses the jazzy feel, which is why i love them so much, because they take songs that may not even be jazz and they successfully convert it into jazz.
I like the outfits
Mishie715 3 days ago
What are the judges complaining about? This was amazing!
Paint 1 week ago
the chorus was sick! pentatonix-ish
sumitvids 3 weeks ago
The pose Danielle struck at the very end was just priceless.
wbrazzkin01 2 months ago
Looking back now, this was probably their best performance. This arrangement is genius. I guess because is was a competition the none of the judges had time actually get what they wee trying to do. They probably had to listen to it twice. I hope they make a full version later on.
abelg08 2 months ago
@AllTHeBaconAndEggs
Trent is singing lead. Troy is a singer from (Ironically enough, considering the end of your comment) Urban Method.
drama4Him4ever 3 months ago
Ahhhhh... Glorious~! They did a wonderful job! I was sooooo miffed when they got bumped off right before the voting. They are an amazing group of musicians. I LOVE YOU AFRO BLUE~! We all know that you would have won!!
Inuyashasamaskoi122 3 months ago 2
I really feel like Ben simply didn't want to like them. But oh well. At least they're all in college. They'll be successful whether in the arts or otherwise.
CelebrityTheMusical 3 months ago
The note Troy hits at 0:30... Doesn't matter who's singing it, that note gets me every time. Unbelievable song, and they did a great job.
Agree with everything said about the self-contradicting judges wanting them to dumb it down and then criticizing their "slump" when they do and praising their "comeback" when they go back to their roots but still calling them inconsistent. Meanwhile, no one on Urban Method can sing and they've consistently stunk.
Morons.
AllTheBaconAndEggs 3 months ago 4
WHY DO THEY WANT THEM TO KEEP IT DUMBED DOWN?? JAZZ IS COMPLEX FOR A REASON..IF IT WASN'T IT WOULD BE R&B
brainybrownchic 3 months ago 7
These guys rock all the time!!!!
LyricalChocolate 3 months ago 4
I think it was a set up someone wanted them off so they could sign them.
deathisnighfools 3 months ago
I dnt think this arrangement was too "over the head" at ALL. This was very '50's..they gave it a Ray Charles/Raelettes/jazz spin..totally appropriate. I think the judges will look back at this performance, perhaps they have already, and see how good it really was.
FaceThaMusiq 3 months ago in playlist Sing-Off
Ben complained about this song being over his head because he couldn't keep up with it. He has no soul. Afro-blue slightly changed the groove in this rendition about 4 times!!! And they did that all in 1 minute and 30 seconds!!! Ben was probably confused because he has no rhythm. He probably didn't know when to bop his head, snap his fingers, or to bounce his shoulders, or to even tap his feet... It wasn't a simple beat for him. He just didn't know how to groove with it...that's all...Lol....
88tinyteena 3 months ago 7
People need to buy this song on itunes... just hearing their voices clearly makes this song sound 10 times better!!! Their version of this song is sick!!!!
88tinyteena 3 months ago
Comment removed
88tinyteena 3 months ago
Goosebumps forever. They are flawless
112smileysarah 3 months ago
BEN FOLDS. STFU! HOW THE HELL ARE YOU A JUDGE ON THIS SHOW?!?! I'M A 17 YEAR OLD AND THIS DIDN'T EVEN GO OVER MY HEAD!
IvoryTongue26 3 months ago
@IvoryTongue26 It wasn't like he really dissed them. He said that they were an amazing group. He's not a bad judge. he just has his own opinions...Like all judges. That's why they are there...to not always agree with.
MrKain1000 3 months ago
This was not over thought it went from original then groove switch (song remix) then modulation of the remix. if an audience is too stupid to recognize that they should not listen to music, it is not like they are flipping it to fusion jazz
forte667 3 months ago
*for- droid
amandamoe86 3 months ago
All of these people saying that they are more "advanced" ler us not forget these,are undergrad students. Mere babies to be performing this well. When jabber wackies were on that dance show every one just admitted they were the best period, why are people making excuses dor their greatness?
amandamoe86 3 months ago
Outstanding -- they made it their own while staying true to the original. Marvin would love it.
doublejake1 3 months ago
@sylvurgrl i do think that vocal point is better and i do like pentatonix alot.
vtisbest 3 months ago
Unreal. Im just catching up but this video has convinced me that this ben folds character doesnt know what hes talking about. "over our heads" wtf? Thank god ol boy is a judge. That break down at 4:03 could win the show alone
amandamoe86 3 months ago
if Afro Blue doesn't win this competition, it's a sham. They are miles ahead of the other groups in every aspect.
jrobinso 3 months ago 3
This was on point, I think the modulation works well, people like what they are hearing..even if they don't know what is going on. I mean over people's heads??? come on, that is what music is supposed to do. Their arrangements are the best on here.
Rawksmith0 3 months ago 2
I love R&B and Jazz, but I can't get behind Afro-Blue. IMO they seem to be all over the place. I can't focus on the song they're singing, but all the craziness surrounding it. Don't lash out at me, it's just a personal opinion.
abhap13 4 months ago
In my opinion the top 3 so far is:
1. Afro blue
2. Vocal Point (personal favorite)
3. Dartmouth aires
I also think that pentatonix would close out the top 4
vtisbest 4 months ago
@vtisbest I think The Dartmouth Aires are about to see their time end... they're too similar to Vocal Point, who I'm sure you would agree are just better at the all male style. I think Pentatonix is top 2 for sure.
sylvurgrl 3 months ago
I love them!
BlackBellyDanceCandy 4 months ago
I think its interesting that Ben Folds complimented vocal point for changing the tempo so many times in their arrangement and then criticized Afro Blue for doing it once.
Skyhawk02 4 months ago 29
@Skyhawk02 agreed. at last night ben folds told them their performance was flawless and then picked dartmouth aires over them...hmmm
lilyisnow 3 months ago
I like the way that the beat boxer gets minimal any love like an after thought. His percussion and Reggie's bass give the group a foundation for the rest of the groups voices to thrive. He adds some tasty stuff that doesn't get in the way of the vocalist and works perfectly with the Bass.
savagevic 4 months ago 2
@savagevic i know, i noticed that too. shaun always praises reggie first and basically leaves out the whole group like he's the only one who did a good performance.
missDnyc 4 months ago
@savagevic Nobody ever appreciates the bass even though they are the backbone of most hip-hop and r&b songs. So true
DrBraids 4 months ago 2
@DrBraids I don't know what you talking about, I LOVE me some bass!
MissJori411 3 months ago
Comment removed
savagevic 4 months ago
I've been going through and watching all the performances, and I have to say Afro-Blue is my absolute favorite. I've loved all of their songs. They all just flow and are so composed and together. When watching some of the other groups, I kind of feel it feels more like a bunch of separate people up there kind of doing their own thing sometimes. But this group, it's just like you feel there is a connection between them all and... IDK how to describe it really XD Watching them makes me happy :)
123cnicky 4 months ago
After watching this a second time it shows how good they really are and how much control they have. Delilah should have went home that week and the week after that. Afro-Blue is definitely going to be in the top three, possibly even winning the competition.
Darkitsunequeen23 4 months ago
@Darkitsunequeen23 nope :(((
lilyisnow 3 months ago
R&B and Jazz... People just don't understand -__-
musicluver21088 4 months ago
Afro-Blue SHUTS IT DOWN! The judges just needed something to say... just let greatness BE! Of course they changed the groove Ben??? WTH? Just let these musicians be great! #clearwinners
aclarkewise 4 months ago
This bass is completely insane!
krthriller 4 months ago
Gah! Their harmonies are so tight! These are all amazing singers. No doubt. They deserve to win.
SarahBASHful 4 months ago
Boring arrangement. I guess it was good though?
Karie83cp 4 months ago
@Karie83cp just means you don't understand music. the arrangement is TOO good, and you just don't get what they were doing.
ashire12 4 months ago
@Karie83cp so was it boring when Marvin sang it?
redkiss82 4 months ago
Comment removed
Karie83cp 4 months ago
These guys are the best this season by far. How the hell do they get these arrangements. Any critique of them is just asinine. Now one is better. I can't believe Pentatonix was rated above Afro Blue. These judges just lost some cred with me. Is it because they are pros, the judges weigh that in? If so, that is crap. They are the best, and the scoring should reflect that. Vocal Point is good too, but Afro Blue is just in a higher class than the others.
thique1 4 months ago 5
@thique1 I don't necessarily disagree, however, because their skill is so much more advanced, I think it is good that the judges critique them a little harsher. The more skill you have, the more you need to be challenged to do better, and I think that's what the judges are going for. Besides, they are still in the running. If the judges give a little bit of harsher critique in the beginning it's because they want them to be the best that they can be.
honeypie898 4 months ago
@honeypie898 yeah but following their advice resulted in their worst performance(still good though). They actually got told that they are too musical. Wtf.
superultramegamighty 4 months ago 2
@superultramegamighty Which are you saying is their worst performance exactly?
honeypie898 4 months ago
@honeypie898 I hope that's right, but if the judges are looking for the best, then that's clearly Afro Blue, and they know it. If they are judging them poorly because they didn't do as good as they can, then that's BS. That's like telling Michael Jordan he's not as good as a high schooler, just because he scored 60 points, and he could've scored 90.
thique1 4 months ago
@thique1 hahaha interesting comparison, but I see your point. We'll just have to wait and see what happens! What is good about this whole process is that the other groups can learn from afro-blue's expertise, but afro-blue can also learn from the other groups who might have more experience in different things too. It's a great learning process, and may the best group take all they can and grow and keep getting better. This world needs more artists that keep trying to learn to outdo themselves.
honeypie898 4 months ago
LOVE!!!!
TashaG16 4 months ago
A++++++
princessbrandan 4 months ago
These guys are superb!!!
Heavenlydancer10 4 months ago
STFU Ben Folds!
trepid23 4 months ago
Judges were reaching for critique. This group been damn near flawless all season. This was their weakest performance and still was like better than everybody except for Northshore who was in their realm with the 60's theme. Afro-Blue obviously the best. Ben Folds talkin "over our heads". Somebody should've called him out on that. LOL!
raymondjackso25 4 months ago 6
Heres the problem with this performance........THEY HAD TO END IT EARLY!!!!!
GritsnBeans 4 months ago 6
To be kind of honest, it kind of pissed me off that Afro Blue got chided for essentially being too musical. I hate the idea that musicians should have to dumb their music down to suit mainstream audiences. I thought that this arrangement was amazing, with the breakdown and beatboxing effectively bringing this rather rhythmically simple piece into the twenty-first century. I can't wait to see what else they have in store.
mrstudent191 4 months ago 76
@mrstudent191
I agree, they clearly have bias towards Afro-blue. I mean look at that group Pentatonix butcher the hell out of Piece of My Heart and get away with it. There are other groups out there that are just doing waaay too much but Afro is doing just right.
trepid23 4 months ago 3
@mrstudent191 @mrstudent191
I agree with you completely..to be honest I was a part of a reality musical show.. Most folks dont know or arent always aware that their is so much that goes on behind the scene.. it would blow you away... I believe these judges purposely told them to dumb down their vocal ability... and then they turned around and said..
patraven 3 months ago
"oh I am sorry.. we think we confused you.... you seem to have lost that afro blue flavor...well the judges i think..did this on purpose.. probably with the encouragement from the producers of the show... see... they can not have another african american jazz type (vocal style) group to win...being that committed won last year...it is just not good for their ratings... so this was all a part of the producers plan.. I could say so much more but I will end here
patraven 3 months ago 13
@mrduckbear11 - what do you mean that they need to show more "range?" Its obvious they're capable of a lot of extended techniques from their previous two performances. This song is the least excellent of their performances, but is still a serviceable performance. Their other two performances are far and away better than any other performance on the show.
JeromeBaritone 4 months ago
Di these guys get eliminated from the sing off??
gright2009 4 months ago
@gright2009 Nope! They are still on the show, and hopefully for a long time.
westmambo 4 months ago
I wanna hear them do "Smooth Operator" by Sade :)
uso4life707 4 months ago 2
I don't care what they say, that modulation was sexy.
mrstudent191 4 months ago 2
not to be racist, but the white girl looks so awkward :P
robertlplee 4 months ago
she looked awkward in your eyes because that is how you see things black and white! got something to say about her voice? Oh that is right...your looking at skin color only...my bad
aminelambarqui 4 months ago
@aminelambarqui its not their skin color, its how she grooves compared to the rest of them. shes alot stiffer. but sure, take it the wrong way. MY bad.
robertlplee 4 months ago
@aminelambarqui sorry i speak my mind and i'm not 100% politically correct. my bad again
robertlplee 4 months ago
wow the first video i watched with over 100 views and no dislikes and they are super amazing so i see why
joname 4 months ago
I do wish they had more than 2 minutes...that way they could have more time between modulations and transitions...greatness like that shouldn't have to be rushed
bob89797 4 months ago
This group is AWESOME!!!!
ehelwagen 4 months ago
Why are they acting un-educated? They're supposed to be the musicians. America doesn't get enough of this good, beautiful music. If we stop entertaining simple, and low-quality music, then maybe this wouldn't go "over our heads."
EllingtonChic 4 months ago 3
Unfortunately the average person doesn't have the ear to fully appreciate this kind of arrangement so it would hamper their commercial success. Not to act like I'm above most people but if you aren't someone who listens to jazz extensively (and it doesn't hurt to have a basic knowledge of music theory) then it does get lost in translation.
bob89797 4 months ago 4
That "everybody was talkin about you" part, did it for me
bigjoy 4 months ago 7
For reals. Afro-Blue is freakin amazing. If they don't win I'm going to be pretty pissed.
Chrome9292 4 months ago
i feel this arrangement could be on the radio
whoa0692 4 months ago
I think the judges know how much more sophisticated this group is. But they have their eye on public reaction. The general public is doesn't hear much of any harmony --- much less sophicated harmonies, counterpoint, and modulations. But they want to crown the FAVORITE. So, keep listening, send it to your friends. Although this isn't a voting show like American Idol - you need to build popularity. I listen to all versions every day. Keep pushing the like button.
musicteachjw 4 months ago
I"m really disappointed in the judges LACK of education when it came to what AFRO BLUE did on this arrangements. Did you NOT recognize touches of Singers Unlimited... 60s and touches and Lambert Hendricks Ross and AND then the girls singing together. I"m REALLY NOW disillusioned concerning the judges. I TRULY think that that was one of the most amazing things. Can you NOT see the sophistication in this group?????????????
aprilperkinson1 4 months ago 4
I loved the fact that this group put their own spin on this classic song and made it their own. I loved the tempo changes and the contemporary feel to it as well. I'm a huge jazz fan and can really appreciate this group. This was just simply sweet.
86rouge 4 months ago 2
Love the end! :)
TeeneeJS 5 months ago
and as for your critique i think they can manage with the pace they are working with, if they speed it up too much it loses the jazzy feel, which is why i love them so much, because they take songs that may not even be jazz and they successfully convert it into jazz.
lweedify 5 months ago
when i die and go to heaven i expect them to be there singing for me...
lweedify 5 months ago 75
@lweedify lol really tho!
musicninja2 4 months ago
These guys are amazing. I got goosebumps. Please win!
bronzekitty26 5 months ago in playlist More videos from mrduckbear11 35