Simply Three
The exciting trio, known musically as ‘Simply Three, has been delighting audiences worldwide with their extraordinary performances since 2010. Comprised of Glen McDaniel, Nick Villalobos, and Zack Clark, Simply Three is a bass/cello/violin trio that performs chamber music covers of popular music. Per Sphinx Music, Clark and Villalobos are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Villalobos is a former member of the Orchestra at Temple Square.
Nicholas Villalobos, who plays bass, and Zack Clark, who plays the cello, were childhood friends and have always wanted to form an ensemble together. The group was formed in 2010 when Clark and Villalobos got together with violinist Olivia Lemmelin. All three graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor Degree in Music Performance. The trio can be seen together on their self-titled album, Simply Three. They also recorded the soundtracks to the films Brahmin Bulls and Within.
Alex Weill replaced Lemmelin on violin in 2013. She appears on the cover of Demons and Counting Stars, among others. While in this lineup, Simply Three did a TEDx talk at La Sierra University. In 2014, Glen McDaniel replaced Weill as the violinist.
Per the biography on their official website, Simply Three is acclaimed as “having what it takes” (Boston Philharmonic) and “highly imaginative and well played” (Maine Today). The biography goes on to say:
Simply Three continues to receive praise for their ability to impress listeners with a multitude of genres that span from artists and composers such as Adele, Gershwin, Coldplay, Twenty One Pilots, Ed Sheeran, and Michael Jackson. By reshaping convention through this style of genre-hopping, the trio continues to seek the true essence of classical crossover with original works as well as innovative arrangements that showcase their technical virtuosity and heartfelt musicality.
Sonicbids.com declares, “With old-school training but a new school sound, Simply Three is re-shaping convention with its original works and innovative arrangements that blend classic style with popular songs of today.” There seems to be no end in sight for their online popularity as they continue to create a renewed excitement for instrumental music. Simply Three’s music videos have captured the hearts and attention of millions of YouTube viewers around the world. As of mid-July 2017, their YouTube channel has garnered over 594,000 subscribers and their videos have been viewed more than 73 million times. Furthermore, their works have been recognized by major publications such as The Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, and RyanSeacrest.com, as well as, mainstream artists themselves.
William Goodman, senior editor of The Huffington Post, described Simply Three’s rendition of “The Christmas Song” as “the only ‘Christmas Song’ you’ll ever need to hear,” and their version of “Demons” by Imagine Dragons is considered “the most beautiful version yet.” Chart-topping rockers OneRepublic praised Simply Thre’s version of their hit single “Counting Stars,” stating they “LOVE this ‘Counting Stars’ cover! All strings!!” And, GRAMMY®-nominated R&B sensation, Janelle Monáe, proclaimed the trio’s colorful mash-up video of her hit singles “Cold War” and “Tightrope” to be an “honor” and made it a highlighted feature on her personal website.
Since the release of their debut EP, Two Worlds Collide, Simply Three has had the distinct honor and pleasure of collaborating with some of the world’s most creative musicians, including artists such as guitarist Kellindo Parker (Janelle Monáe), Alyson Stoner, and beatboxer Jeff Smith (M-Pact).
Follow Simply Three
Recent Posts
Peter Breinholt and One Voice Children’s Choir for Operation Underground Railroad
Someone has wisely stated, “People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used.” And so it is in the cold dark world of child sex trafficking. The sweet...
Amber Lynn And Her American Idol Experience
I don’t know about you, but I have always romanticized about the idea of being on American Idol, receiving that golden ticket from world renowned judges, and heading off to Hollywood. Recently a young woman named Amber Lynn Stoppel had the opportunity to do just this....
Alex Boye’s Under The Sea- The Little Mermaid vs. Captain Jack Sparrow
For those of us who were born in the 1990’s, I am sure we remember the fun and adventurous movie “The Little Mermaid” being part of our childhoods. The Little Mermaid came out in 1989… if that doesn’t make you feel old, I don’t know what will!! Ever since I was young,...
Elenyi’s Multilingual Voices – I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Aldous Huxley once said, “After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” And it was Joseph Addison, an English essayist who said, “Music wakes the soul, and lifts it high, and wings it with sublime desires, and fits it to bespeak the...
Looking Back on Brooke White’s American Idol Experience
In 2005 American Idol ran their seventh season. They had no idea who was going to be trying out for this season, and for those of us who have watched American Idol auditions, we know that, to say the least, there are quite a few characters who try out for this...
The Piano Guys – Amazing Grace – This is Your Fight Song
No one ever promised us that life would be a rose garden. No one ever promised us that the road that we would travel would be smooth as glass. Life is full of many lofty mountains and many low and desolate valleys. There may be a “Goliath” which crosses our path from...