World-famous a cappella group Pentatonix harness their vocal gifts to pay homage to Michael Jackson in their video “Evolution of Michael Jackson" (uploaded in 2015). The group performs a medley of some of the pop/soul legend’s biggest hits, covering his early days with the Jackson 5 through the Dangerous era. The talented quintet brings their flawless harmonies and creative vocal arrangements to these ageless classics.
Formed in Arlington, Texas in 2011, Pentatonix are one of the most successful a cappella groups in the world. They have sold more than six million albums in the U.S. alone and have earned three Grammys, as well as several other prestigious awards. And hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe flock to their sold-out concerts. Also, the group has shared the stage with music luminaries such as Stevie Wonder and Dolly Parton.
Additionally, Pentatonix’s videos garner millions of views on YouTube: "Evolution of Michael Jackson” currently has more than 32 million views, and their "Evolution of Music,” video has over 100 million views.
Group members are Scott Hoying (baritone), Mitch Grassi (tenor), Kirstie Maldonado (mezzo-soprano), Avi Kaplan (bass) and Kevin Olusola (beatboxer/ vocal percussions). Kaplan recently announced that he will be leaving Pentatonix after the group wraps up their world tour in September. He explained on a video posted at the group’s Facebook page that their fast-paced schedule had become too draining for him, mentally and physically, as well as prevented him from seeing family members and friends when he needed to.
Funk, jazz and R&B lovers get your ears and groove motors ready for some hot new music by bass wunderkind Mike Zabrin and his talented crew Funktastic. The 25-year-old musician, songwriter and producer is set to release his new album, Something In The Water, on June 6.
The 10-song collection is a worthy successor to Zabrin’s widely acclaimed debut album Funktastic (2014). Like its predecessor, Something In The Water seamlessly fuses funk, jazz, soul and R&B on its tracks, as well as showcases the Chicago-based musician’s tremendous chops and consummate production skills.
The album kicks off with the hugely funky “Here We Go Again,” which features a powerhouse vocal performance from Laura Burke. Zabrin puts an exclamation point on the funk with his stellar bass work. The track also boasts some dirty guitar licks from Dumpstaphunk’s Ian Neville and super-tight horns, including a funkified trumpet solo from Connor Bernhard.
The band mellows things out a bit on the second track, “Blinded by Love,” with guest vocalist Sam Trump serving up some smooth soul. The lush groove is underscored by the impeccable horn work from Jim Schram (saxophone) and Trump (trumpet). And Zabrin’s bass playing here is fluid and funky. The track has a really chill and relaxed vibe going on.
Burke illuminates “What Do We Call This?” with an incandescent vocal performance. The soul-drenched love jam boasts a terrific sax solo from Schram.
The album’s title track is a superb jazz-funk workout that showcases drummer Dana Thompson’s fantastic chops. The track also has an excellent horn arrangement, and Hayden Ashley kills it on keys. Burke adeptly handles the vocals here.
Zabrin delivers another incredible bass performance on the brilliant jazz-fusion instrumental “Slice.” The track also features some more dazzling sonic pyrotechnics from Funktastic’s badass horn section. “Slice” is followed by the gorgeous “Where I Stand,” featuring Burke on vocals.
The second half of the album starts off with the luminous soul ballad “Only,” which features award-winning Chicago vocalist Sarah Marie Young.
Things get funky again with “You Stepped In A Dream,” another potent jazz-fusion instrumental that showcases the band members’ impressive musical abilities. The album closes out with two more amazing fusion instrumentals, “Familiar Faces” and “Count It In Again,” respectively.
Something In The Water is a really strong sophomore effort, displaying Zabrin’s consistency and versatility as a musician, producer and songwriter. For those who love listening to great music performed by extremely talented musicians, this collection is definitely worth checking out.
In addition to those already mentioned, the Funktastic crew also includes Jeff Swanson (guitar), Doug Ferdinand (keyboards), Kiana Mayes (vocals), Ron Jacoby (trombone) and Nathan Mark (drums).
Check out Zabrin's website to preorder Something In The Water,concert dates,and other Funktastic-related info.
Video for "Here We Go Again,"
the first single from the album
