Hi everyone. I just came across on YouTube a very interesting and informative type of Reaction video that buy all means is on steroids. This far surpasses anything I have seen before.

A British guitarist by the name of Phil (wearing an AC/DC T shirt no less) presents a 25 minute critique of Jim's song 'I Love You Because". He uses the Oslo 1964 version where he isolates Jim's voice to explain every octave range Jim used in this song. He also gets into instrumentation in minute detail.

The title of the presentation is "Country Music Hit An All Time Low In 1964 ....In A Good Way." Well, I guess I would say I took in about half the technical jargon and will have to revisit again because it's that well presented.

Give it a listen on You Tube using the presentation title I mentioned. Would really like to hear other comments . After a look around , I saw Phil had other artists presented including Hank Williams and Elvis of course.

Hope many of you will check this guy out. You will not be disappointed. The best 25 minutes you will have this week. Thank you

I checked this video out per your request.

You are right. It is fascinating and VERY comprehensive. Perhaps TOO comprehensive.

Some of it was beyond me but some things I learned and recognised.

First, Jim's voice is recognised as Top Shelf or first class which we all agree with.

Second Dean Manuel's piano playing is also recognized for excellence.

The thing I liked most was identifying the "vibrato" in Jim's singing. I was unaware of the nomenclature.

Two things that amaze me is the enunciation with Jim's speech, for example hearing the "L" when Jim said "Talk" or "Walk" among other words.

The other thing is the "vibrato" or warbling when Jim held a note. I find in particularly noticeable in the song "Where Do I Go to Throw a Picture Away", which I have been stuck on recently.

All in all, this video is accurate and a learning experience even if not completely comprehended.

The Reaction Video we are discussing went deep into the weeds relative to the quality of Jim's voice.

I forgot to mention in my previous post a theory I have had that when Jim signed with RCA they sent him to a vocal coach or singing teacher.

The tremendous difference from the high pitched novelty songs Jim started out with bears no resemblance to the melodious voice we all love.

Just a thought. Perhaps someone knows for sure.

Bob, I know what you mean. I did understand most of what Phil was saying in the video, but not all of it. Did not know that Jim had voice lessons after signing with RCA. However, Jim did say that that he studied pronunciation and enunciation in college. He says this on the "Yours Sincerely" LP. His singing voice did differ very much between the high pitched novelty songs in his early days compared to his smooth baritone in his later recordings. I find it especially interesting to listen to his early recording of "Waltzing On Top Of The World" on his first RCA LP "Singing Down The Lane" and his later version on the "Gentleman Jim" LP. The version on this album was my older brother Gary's favorite recording by Jim. An excellent choice. We lost Gary in 2023. Everytime I listen to this song, I will forever think of him...

I am sorry for your loss.

I will check out the two versions of "Waltzing on top of the World", you mentioned.

There are some of Jim's songs that remind me of people I grew up with also, some of whom have passed.

Just to clarify, I don't know that Jim got singing lessons after being signed by RCA. It is just a theory of mine. The timing seems right.

I fear there are just a few of us frequenting this forum right now.

I am trying to get Jim's music recognised in media and political realms. No luck so far.

Keep a good thought!

Bob

Thank you so much, Bob. You and Gary Bryson and my good friend Roy Zinck and I are just about the only ones who post here anymore.if I am forgetting anyone else that belongs in this category, my sincere apologies. Roy and I are are always saying that we have to keep this forum and Jim's memory alive. As you know, Jim sang the song "AM I That Easy To Forget". Jim, the answer to that is yoi are certainly not. In fact, it is impossible. A man and singer of his quality should NEVER be forgotten. Thank you, Bob, for your contributions to this forum. We must all strive to keep Jim's name and music alive...

Thank you Bob and Mike for your interest and responses to a very unique video explanation of Jim's treatment of the live version of "I Love You Because".

I have now watched it twice, and surprisingly, the second viewing I discovered so much more of what Phil is telling us. Just trying to remember it all is the challenge.

Bob, I totally agree of your assessment of how Jim applied vibrato in the song "Where Do I Go....."another song I never can get enough of. And for me, and I know I said this before, Jim's treatment of the song C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S and his vibrato on the last word in the song "Day" gets me every time. His holding the note for just the right length and the slight change in pitch, and sincerity in his voice, is a work of art only something Jim could do to perfection.

Well, I know those who post here are keeping the memory alive and if I can post anything of interest to that end, then I have done my job.

Thank you to everyone who posts here.

Frankly, I never paid too much attention to these recordings and was unaware, or did not notice, the different versions.

What a tremendous observation by you and a perfect example of Jim's singing before and after his transformation while at RCA.

The current media discussions of the importance President Trump places upon music, and the notoriety of his "Playlists", for public consumption, and the construction of a White House grand ballroom to play songs, gives us great opportunity to get Jim's music into the mainstream.

It appears the President is partial to Opera, which like Jazz, I am not a fan of. We need to promote expanded horizons there.

The calming effect of Jim's songs and voice would be beneficial in the traumatic times we live in.

This is NOT political, just belief in an opportunity expand Jim's music to the world.

Recent South African issues are also an opportunity to promote Jim and his music, because of his popularity there.

I would encourage all who post here to take any and all opportunities, however diverse, to get Jim's music in to the public domain. The time seems right. Proven by the AI explosion of Jim Reeves generated songs.

Sorry for the rant.

Bob

Nothing to be sorry about, Bob. I was happy to read what you said and you're absolutely correct. Even with the fan base Jim still has around the world today, he still deserves MORE. He should be a household name like Elvis and Sinatra and so many others. And there are many more who don't even come close to having the talent and voice that Jim had. And Roy, I know exactly what you mean by certain moments in songs by Jim that get you everytime.I completely agree with the ones you mention. And for some reason, the ending of "This Is It" where Jim slows down the tempo on the last line sends a chill down my back. I am also mesmerized by his narration on the song "An Old Christmas Card" and the complete joy I feel in his voice when he sings "The Merry Christmas Polka". This has always been one of the happiest songs I ever heard and conveys the Christmas spirit at its' best. I could go on and on. Jim has given us so many songs that give us feelings like no one else. His memory will live forever...

One of my favourite parts of any JR song is on the South African version of 'Tahiti' from 1.14 to 1.38
(Youtube with the 'Welcome to My World' Box set cover). Not even in his native language!
Peter

Well folks, I just listened to another review segment featuring Jim Reeves. The title is "Zakk listens To Gentleman Jim 1963."

A guy named Zakk comments on every song in the Gentleman Jim album. He freely admits he was totally unfamiliar with Jim and his music. As the songs progress, he has some very nice things to say about the quality and clarity in Jim's voice and delivery.

This was posted about two months ago with 1200 views. At a length of 40 minutes and with lyrics to most songs on display it is a well presented feature.

I noted in the comments, that our friend and follow contributor Gary Bryson left two comments. Agree completely with what you said Gary. Very nice to see.

Again, check it out, hopefully the best 40 minutes you will spend this week-end.

Roy, I am very familiar with Zack's videos and I've seen this one.I like Zack's reaction videos more than any others I've seen. He really gets into the music and I love watching his reactions. He is open minded and fair. He also listens to a song all the way thru before he comments. Other people that do these videos are constantly pausing the songs to make comments and I find it very annoying...

Mike..You are certainly right that Zakk is open minder and fair. The real treat is to see the visual. He expresses every feeling thru facial expressions. Every phrase Jim sings brings Zakk's reaction and always in a positive if not surprised thumbs up kind of way.

One review he made that totally surprised Zakk in a most positive way was his review of "When You Are Gone". He mentions the high soprano (Winifred Brest I believe)intro ..how well it fit the song and sounding like a "ghostly wail". Well I think that fits.

And his waiting until the end of each song to talk , as Mike mentioned, does give a better flow and interest to every song.

I don't think Jim Reeves had any singing lessons. He was encouraged by another to change his style. The reason for the change is documented in Larry Jordan's book.