One is the Loneliest Number… but Less Lonely Now

Harry Nilsson’s “One is the Loneliest Number” Arranged and Reimagined by Joe Kaiser (with help from his friends)

Joe Kaiser, a passionate cellist, and beloved MacPhail cello teaching artist began his journey into music video creation five years ago. Initially, he recorded all parts himself for his cello quartet arrangements. In the spring of 2023, a unique idea sparked: to arrange Harry Nilsson’s “One is the Loneliest Number” for a cello quartet, ironically inviting others to join him and break the solitude. With the enthusiastic support of his MacPhail friends, Joe embarked on a collaborative project, creating a memorable recording and video experience.

We asked those involved and it’s unanimous; they all had a blast!

Credits: Joe Kaiser (cello), Producer/Director, Arranging, Editing; Merry Reimler, Videography; Phil Welch (guitar), Sound Engineer, Mixing & Mastering; Erik Schee (drum set), Sound Engineer; Carlynn Savot (cello); Christy Libbus (cello); Andrea Glass (cello); Justin Hartke (bass)

Check out Justin Hartke and Erik Schee’s happy dad’s children’s music group – The Jolly Pops

Joe Kaiser has been teaching at MacPhail since 2002. He teaches cello and chamber music in the Individual Instruction, Group Instruction, Suzuki and School Partnerships programs. In every setting, be it a group class or a one on one lesson, Joe uses a highly engaging, fun, student-centered approach to his teaching. Additionally, he is an active chamber musician and freelance performer whose work has taken him from recording studios, to nightclubs to the many concert venues in the Twin Cities.

Joe received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota.

Contact Joe Kaiser