It matters not what anyone would ever say : this vocal is a Masterpiece. RIP, to all from The Freshmen / MT, especially Tim Hauser & Bob Flanigan, & others who may have passed. The music lives, 4-Ever. -------------------WolfSky9, 75 y/o
2:23 - 2:39 That cat was literally the elder of the whole bunch in the studio. 60 years young he was and could still make those high notes. And just a mesmerizing arrangement between these two legendary groups. Thank you for putting this up!
1986------------I have such mixed emotions-----------I turned 40 & was in the best shape & place I had been in my life. Sadly though, on my birthday, 9/24/86, at 0515 hrs, I lost my Brother, to the holocaust of HIV-AIDS. I was with him at the very end . & I held him as he died ------------so, it was a very conflicted time. Still, I remember this album from MT, & this gorgeous song ------------so beautiful. -------------RIP, to Tim Hauser---------Bob Flanigan --------& all other Four Freshmen who have passed. --------------------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o
Wolfsky... to lose a family member is tragic on a good day and I've lost both parents... but not a day goes by without thinking of the two of them. Think of your brother as horribly missed and wonderfully remembered. I saw the Manhattan Transfer twice... WITH Tim Hauser... the music brings back wonderful memories... as hard as it is... when you remember him, put the music and such wonderful thoughts of brother and Manhattan Transfer/Tim Hauser together, you'll tear up with emotion of joy. My thoughts are with you and all the best! R
o my Lord, this is so awesome, MT was wellknown for their blending, even when they actually sang this with FF, they're all blended well... I've been a fan since 1985
How lovely to stumble across this. I didn't even know a video had been made of this. My brother, Mike Beisner, was a member of The Four Freshmen and I was with him in LA when you all recorded this.
To Ms. Whitfield : What a blessing ! You actually got to watch this masterpiece being recorded ?? ---- Can you recall : what # --iteration---of The Freshmen, was this lineup ? I own the CD which has this group together, & I love it still./ -------What a timeless recording! -----------------Wolfsky9, 70 y/o
I don't know about a "number" of the group. It was Bob Flanigan, Audie Goodman, Mike Beisner and Rod....can't remember his last name. I assume the video was made at another time, but I was there with my brother (Mike) when the original track was recorded.
This iteration was # 20 ---& Rod Henley was that 4th member. He produced & primarily arranged their '86 album , " Fresh" , which I own.-----Wolfsky9, 70 y/o
I saw this Freshmen Group in San Jose many years ago. And I saw Mike at the Sac Jazz Fest after he left the group.He was one of my favorites. Vocal, Trumpet and even Piano. Miss him.
it is just not possible to even begin to quantify the brilliance of this particular adaptation . Vocalese is so difficult to begin with---then, add 4 part ---8 part ---harmony. ARE YOU KIDDING ME ??? ------Brilliant doesn't even begin to say it. ----------------------------------Wolfsky9
The legendary Dick Reynolds ---the man directing MT at the start of this video---arranged these vocals. I cannot begin to imagine the task he faced in doing this. -----Wolfsky9
A good point too. I made sure I looked carefully at all the credits to see who was involved with the vocal arrangements as they deserve just as much praise, if not even more, for their massive contributions. I had not hear of Dick Reynolds before. I have a great deal still to learn.
This is a little misleading. This comes from the vhs release titled The Manhattan Transfer in Vocalese which contains videos from the album of the same name. They released a live concert titled Vocalese Live which was filmed in Japan on tour. This video obviously is not from that recording. I would highly recommend both though as the artistry is very impressive. Vocalese was the album that at last gave them the jazz chops that they already had but were not duly praised let alone acknowledged for. Today after 50 years they are still making music and touring. Their recent album The Junction is masterful. R.I.P to the wonderful Tim Hauser. Just like Cheryl did many years back, Tim Curtis adds his own unique talents to the quartet.
It's hard to overstate how much I love Vocalese. I've had 4 different copies over the years (one on cassette and three on cd). I think the album is still the second album with the most Grammy nominations (12 - second to only MJ's Thriller). We also need to recognize a major part of the genius of this album - the great Jon Hendricks.
@@jamesrawlins735 I absolutely agree with you James and your Grammy knowledge is correct. This is why I prefer MT to other vocal groups who do very little vocalese. I emphasise however that all the groups have had strengths and been great artists in their own right. Lambert, Hendricks and Ross were phenomenal. Do you like them as well? Also Bobby McFerrin comes to mind. I did feel that McFerrin in his early phase was more showing off techniques rather than using them to make beautiful music. He later dropped the showmanship and produced some great work. As for Jon Hendricks both as LHR and solo what a mind blowing talent he was. I love the fact that he and the MT were like close friends. No competitiveness but rather a meeting together of the minds among friends with the same love of Vocalese and vocal harmony. It would appear that vocal harmony groups only comprise of singers who appreciate the artistry of all other singers and groups, including the Four Freshman.
@@triplejazzmusicisall1883 I'm a huge vocal jazz fan. Whether it's MT, Singers Unlimited, The Real Group (a very talented Swedish Group), New York Voices, Swingle Singers, I've tried to listen to all of them. I would say MT is probably at the top. Lambert Hendricks and Ross certainly brought vocalese to the forefront, although I think The Swingle Singers are probably the best known. As for Bobby McFerrin, he certainly is a giant. While I don't always appreciate all of his recordings (you're right, sometimes he was more interested in showing off his vocal mastery at the expense of a great song), he's certainly a master of vocal technique. Ironically, his vocal group Voicestra, while skilled, can sometimes leave me cold. I also think you have to consider Take Six, certainly a giant in this field. Even though most of their work is gospel base, they never fail to impress. Btw, did you know that Janis Siegel and Lauren Masse (who was an original member of MT before she left in 1979 after a car accident) joined up with Lauren Kinhan (who is part of New York Voices) to form the vocal trio JaLaLa? They did a wonderful album covering Johnny Mercer.
@@jamesrawlins735 Hi again. I feel really lucky and fortunate to be able to talk to someone who not only loves vocal jazz but has such impressive knowledge. I love The Real Group too and quite enjoy the NY Voices. Take six are top notch in the field I just tire a little from their repertoire not being as diverse as MT. Here comes the embarrassing bit. I haven't heard of The Swingle Sisters but I will soon remedy that. I was hoping I might get an unfamiliar name to look into. I am always checking out for new groups. One we haven't mentioned is Pentatonix. What are your thoughts on them? I have the JALALA Cd and I played it to death. I really like that album. I often hoped that both Cheryl and Janis would release a solo album with a big band and/or orchestra like Alan Paul did. I love their voices but would love to him them sing some solo material with the backing of an awesome band. I suppose for them they get that opportunity regularly through being in MT so they like to keep the solo material more restrained and minimal. Thank you so much for your interest and I will have to restrain myself from bombarding you with other replies seeking information and opinion. I appreciate your sharing of knowledge very much. It has giving me some new leads to look into. Regards Jeremy
@@triplejazzmusicisall1883 I absolutely love Pentatonix! Been a big fan ever since The Sing Off. I think they have some amazing arrangements, and Mitch's voice just astounds (how he hits those high notes I have no idea.) I'm also a huge fan of another acapella group - Rockapella, who are still around but started way back in the 80s. Swingle Singers are one of the greatest pioneers of vocalese (along with The Kings' Singers). They started in France in the 1960s (Christine Legrande, the sister of Michel Legrande was the original main vocalist of the 8 person group) mainly doing acapella versions of Bach (which were huge hits and won them 5 Grammies). A second version of the group began in England in 74 and continues to this day (like The Kings Singers they have had many members over the year). They also branched out to different types of pop music. Here are a few samples: Here is their performance of Bach's Concerto in F Major ruclips.net/video/LpG648SVPrM/видео.html This is their rendition of Soul Bossa Nova (more famously known today as the theme to Austin Powers) ruclips.net/video/WGiH5DN60dE/видео.html And here is their rendition of The Lady is a Tramp ruclips.net/video/4pg9gFtW648/видео.html For something amazing, here is South American Getaway from the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid soundtrack. (Mistakenly attributed to The Swingle Singers, but actually by the Ron Hickland Singers, featuring the guy that did the voice for Tony The Tiger and Your A Mean One Mister Grinch): ruclips.net/video/mxyhrvW7xA8/видео.html
Vocalizing just does not ever-----EVER----get better than this ! And folks, we'll not hear the likes of it ever again. ----------------------------Wolfsky9, 70 y/o Now
I don't understand why this doesn't have more views. To me it's as good as it gets. God Bless them all. Beautiful music.
It matters not what anyone would ever say : this vocal is a Masterpiece. RIP, to all from The Freshmen / MT, especially Tim Hauser & Bob Flanigan, & others who may have passed. The music lives, 4-Ever. -------------------WolfSky9, 75 y/o
well said.
I bought this album 35 years ago and only today learned that this was a double-choir with the 4 Freshmen.
2:23 - 2:39 That cat was literally the elder of the whole bunch in the studio. 60 years young he was and could still make those high notes. And just a mesmerizing arrangement between these two legendary groups. Thank you for putting this up!
1986------------I have such mixed emotions-----------I turned 40 & was in the best shape & place I had been in my life. Sadly though, on my birthday, 9/24/86, at 0515 hrs, I lost my Brother, to the holocaust of HIV-AIDS. I was with him at the very end . & I held him as he died ------------so, it was a very conflicted time. Still, I remember this album from MT, & this gorgeous song ------------so beautiful. -------------RIP, to Tim Hauser---------Bob Flanigan --------& all other Four Freshmen who have passed. --------------------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o
Wolfsky... to lose a family member is tragic on a good day and I've lost both parents... but not a day goes by without thinking of the two of them. Think of your brother as horribly missed and wonderfully remembered. I saw the Manhattan Transfer twice... WITH Tim Hauser... the music brings back wonderful memories... as hard as it is... when you remember him, put the music and such wonderful thoughts of brother and Manhattan Transfer/Tim Hauser together, you'll tear up with emotion of joy. My thoughts are with you and all the best! R
This track takes my breath away. Absolutely gorgeous!!
My dad Autie Goodman is in this video! He was in the Four Freshman. 2nd to the right of Bob Flanigan
Love you Miss you
o my Lord, this is so awesome, MT was wellknown for their blending, even when they actually sang this with FF, they're all blended well... I've been a fan since 1985
So glad you brought this back----------------classic vocals. We'll not hear the likes of this, ever again.
One of my favorites. Two great vocal traditions matching the Basie / Ellington partnership.
How lovely to stumble across this. I didn't even know a video had been made of this. My brother, Mike Beisner, was a member of The Four Freshmen and I was with him in LA when you all recorded this.
To Ms. Whitfield : What a blessing ! You actually got to watch this masterpiece being recorded ?? ---- Can you recall : what # --iteration---of The Freshmen, was this lineup ? I own the CD which has this group together, & I love it still./ -------What a timeless recording! -----------------Wolfsky9, 70 y/o
I don't know about a "number" of the group. It was Bob Flanigan, Audie Goodman, Mike Beisner and Rod....can't remember his last name. I assume the video was made at another time, but I was there with my brother (Mike) when the original track was recorded.
This iteration was # 20 ---& Rod Henley was that 4th member. He produced & primarily arranged their '86 album , " Fresh" , which I own.-----Wolfsky9, 70 y/o
Sheri Whitfield REALLY Sheri...I love this
I saw this Freshmen Group in San Jose many years ago. And I saw Mike at the Sac Jazz Fest after he left the group.He was one of my favorites. Vocal, Trumpet and even Piano. Miss him.
it is just not possible to even begin to quantify the brilliance of this particular adaptation . Vocalese is so difficult to begin with---then, add 4 part ---8 part ---harmony. ARE YOU KIDDING ME ??? ------Brilliant doesn't even begin to say it. ----------------------------------Wolfsky9
Great words and impressive knowledge.
The legendary Dick Reynolds ---the man directing MT at the start of this video---arranged these vocals. I cannot begin to imagine the task he faced in doing this. -----Wolfsky9
A good point too. I made sure I looked carefully at all the credits to see who was involved with the vocal arrangements as they deserve just as much praise, if not even more, for their massive contributions. I had not hear of Dick Reynolds before. I have a great deal still to learn.
WOW! This is great.....
A masterpiece. Vocal harmony at it's finest. ----------------------WolfSky9, 71 y/o N ow
This is a little misleading. This comes from the vhs release titled The Manhattan Transfer in Vocalese which contains videos from the album of the same name. They released a live concert titled Vocalese Live which was filmed in Japan on tour. This video obviously is not from that recording. I would highly recommend both though as the artistry is very impressive. Vocalese was the album that at last gave them the jazz chops that they already had but were not duly praised let alone acknowledged for. Today after 50 years they are still making music and touring. Their recent album The Junction is masterful. R.I.P to the wonderful Tim Hauser. Just like Cheryl did many years back, Tim Curtis adds his own unique talents to the quartet.
It's hard to overstate how much I love Vocalese. I've had 4 different copies over the years (one on cassette and three on cd). I think the album is still the second album with the most Grammy nominations (12 - second to only MJ's Thriller). We also need to recognize a major part of the genius of this album - the great Jon Hendricks.
@@jamesrawlins735 I absolutely agree with you James and your Grammy knowledge is correct. This is why I prefer MT to other vocal groups who do very little vocalese. I emphasise however that all the groups have had strengths and been great artists in their own right.
Lambert, Hendricks and Ross were phenomenal. Do you like them as well? Also Bobby McFerrin comes to mind. I did feel that McFerrin in his early phase was more showing off techniques rather than using them to make beautiful music. He later dropped the showmanship and produced some great work. As for Jon Hendricks both as LHR and solo what a mind blowing talent he was. I love the fact that he and the MT were like close friends. No competitiveness but rather a meeting together of the minds among friends with the same love of Vocalese and vocal harmony. It would appear that vocal harmony groups only comprise of singers who appreciate the artistry of all other singers and groups, including the Four Freshman.
@@triplejazzmusicisall1883 I'm a huge vocal jazz fan. Whether it's MT, Singers Unlimited, The Real Group (a very talented Swedish Group), New York Voices, Swingle Singers, I've tried to listen to all of them. I would say MT is probably at the top. Lambert Hendricks and Ross certainly brought vocalese to the forefront, although I think The Swingle Singers are probably the best known.
As for Bobby McFerrin, he certainly is a giant. While I don't always appreciate all of his recordings (you're right, sometimes he was more interested in showing off his vocal mastery at the expense of a great song), he's certainly a master of vocal technique. Ironically, his vocal group Voicestra, while skilled, can sometimes leave me cold.
I also think you have to consider Take Six, certainly a giant in this field. Even though most of their work is gospel base, they never fail to impress.
Btw, did you know that Janis Siegel and Lauren Masse (who was an original member of MT before she left in 1979 after a car accident) joined up with Lauren Kinhan (who is part of New York Voices) to form the vocal trio JaLaLa? They did a wonderful album covering Johnny Mercer.
@@jamesrawlins735 Hi again. I feel really lucky and fortunate to be able to talk to someone who not only loves vocal jazz but has such impressive knowledge. I love The Real Group too and quite enjoy the NY Voices. Take six are top notch in the field I just tire a little from their repertoire not being as diverse as MT. Here comes the embarrassing bit. I haven't heard of The Swingle Sisters but I will soon remedy that. I was hoping I might get an unfamiliar name to look into. I am always checking out for new groups. One we haven't mentioned is Pentatonix. What are your thoughts on them?
I have the JALALA Cd and I played it to death. I really like that album. I often hoped that both Cheryl and Janis would release a solo album with a big band and/or orchestra like Alan Paul did. I love their voices but would love to him them sing some solo material with the backing of an awesome band. I suppose for them they get that opportunity regularly through being in MT so they like to keep the solo material more restrained and minimal.
Thank you so much for your interest and I will have to restrain myself from bombarding you with other replies seeking information and opinion. I appreciate your sharing of knowledge very much. It has giving me some new leads to look into. Regards Jeremy
@@triplejazzmusicisall1883
I absolutely love Pentatonix! Been a big fan ever since The Sing Off. I think they have some amazing arrangements, and Mitch's voice just astounds (how he hits those high notes I have no idea.) I'm also a huge fan of another acapella group - Rockapella, who are still around but started way back in the 80s.
Swingle Singers are one of the greatest pioneers of vocalese (along with The Kings' Singers). They started in France in the 1960s (Christine Legrande, the sister of Michel Legrande was the original main vocalist of the 8 person group) mainly doing acapella versions of Bach (which were huge hits and won them 5 Grammies). A second version of the group began in England in 74 and continues to this day (like The Kings Singers they have had many members over the year). They also branched out to different types of pop music.
Here are a few samples: Here is their performance of Bach's Concerto in F Major ruclips.net/video/LpG648SVPrM/видео.html
This is their rendition of Soul Bossa Nova (more famously known today as the theme to Austin Powers) ruclips.net/video/WGiH5DN60dE/видео.html
And here is their rendition of The Lady is a Tramp ruclips.net/video/4pg9gFtW648/видео.html
For something amazing, here is South American Getaway from the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid soundtrack. (Mistakenly attributed to The Swingle Singers, but actually by the Ron Hickland Singers, featuring the guy that did the voice for Tony The Tiger and Your A Mean One Mister Grinch): ruclips.net/video/mxyhrvW7xA8/видео.html
Vocalizing just does not ever-----EVER----get better than this ! And folks, we'll not hear the likes of it ever again. ----------------------------Wolfsky9, 70 y/o Now