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
Beyond the Music – James Dunne’s Masterpiece “Words of the Prophets”
Behind every song, there is often an amazing untold story. Sometimes the "amazing" part is about the lyrics, the setting, the circumstances, or the music, and sometimes it's about all four. Sometimes more than just a small band or orchestra is needed to tell the story...
Several LDS Music Artists to Join Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra in Honoring President Nelson on 95th Birthday
On Monday, 9 September 2019, beloved President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often mistakenly referred to as “the Mormon Church”), President Russell M. Nelson, will celebrate his 95th birthday. Latter-day Saint musicians like Donny...
Alex Boyé Delivers Message of Hope and Understanding During Concert in Springdale, Utah
On Monday, 24 June 2019, YouTube star and well-known Latter-day Saint music artist, Alex Boyé, held a concert at the Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah. The concert was part of a national campaign for mental health awareness. According to a press release by JJ...
Jordan James Pinkston’s Desire to Help Others Through His Music
Jordan James Pinkston (his stage name is Jordan James) is an 18-year-old Acoustic, Soul-Pop singer-songwriter, and pianist from Draper, Utah, who counts John Legend and Sam Smith as influencers of his music. To say that Jordan James has quite a few irons in the fire...
18-Year-Old Latter-day Saint Beatboxer, Adam Bell, Appears on “The Big Stage”
Adam Bell, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often mistakenly referred to as “the Mormon Church”), is a talented 18-year-old beatboxer from San Clemente, California. Coming from a family of classically trained musicians, much of Adam’s...
James Dunne – Bringing the Book of Mormon to Life Through Music
“Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words... they are the heirs of the kingdom of...