Well…the Swingle Singers (from the MT era - not the modern iteration) are actually quite a bit better and they do more challenging arrangements, if you want to get technical about it. But Manhattan Transfer is also great and more slickly produced for a wider audience.
Well...DAMN! If that doesn't impress you then you need some sort of check up! I've had the pleasure of seeing The Manhattan Transfer many many times. First time was just after the release of Birdland. Tiny club on the waterfront of San Francisco. I was literally less than 25 feet away from the stage sitting at a small cocktail table. Completely unobstructed view of the most incredible energy and talent that I have had the joy of witnessing! I have never heard them out of tune or off-key. Truly amazing vocalists!
Ummmm No. No its not. Is the bass intoxicated? He misses all kinds of notes. This proves the strength of the others to hold their own. Of course they're used to it.
I invite the 14 thumbs downers to pick a part, any part...and attempt to sing it...in tune...on stage...with cameras and live audience. This is an extremely difficult and exposed piece to perform. The Transfer is just spectacularly good.
The thumb downers have a right to choose. If they choose thumbs down, they choose it for whatever reason. Thats why its there - its called choice! Not everyone thinks this is as good as you think it is. The same as you might disagree with something they like. Stop beating yourselves up over thumbs down. Manhattan Transfer dont give a shit!
How beautiful!! I've always loved the Manhattan Transfer, and this song, but unfortunately, I never got to see them perform live until after Tim Hauser passed away, and some other guy was trying to replace him. The songs just didn't sound the same, and neither did the music. RIP, Tim--thanks for putting together one of the greatest groups we've ever had the privilege of listening to!😔💒
I will never forget the first time I heard this masterpiece some 40 years ago. I had it in a tape. I played over and over. This and their Corner Pocket are my favorite. Tim Hauser left us too soon. I am so glad technology will allow this great artists to be appreciated until we extinguish our species with our stupidity.
One of my true musical heroes. The Manhattan Transfer can never be duplicated. Gene Peurling created such a great vocal arrangement here. It is an absolute joy to sing.
Pretty sure I remember watching this when it aired on tv. I was home from college for the holidays and it was a special maybe just before Christmas. I was blown away. Maybe 1980?
Seemed? How can it be a "seem"? They either hit the notes, or they don't. There are 3 who are always on, and one who isn't, I still cannot figure out how the bass became and stayed as MT's bass. He doesn't hold a candle to the other 3 and clearly proved it here. The alto, since she is getting an ear full, is working overtime to keep her own pitch accurate.
This brings me to tears. Folks, you can wait around & hope, but you'll not see or hear the likes, of this, ever again. -------------------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o
THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER - A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square I'd been thinking today of all the wonderful renditions I've come to cherish, of most everyone's favorite English song from WWII - A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. Top of the list: Sinatra's recording on a June night in London (1962) London symphony musicians, arranged by Canadian-born Robert Farnon. Tied for first place in my heart - Nat King Cole's recording from the same year, arranged by Ralph Carmichael, who also orchestrated Nat's multi-platinum, all-time best-selling Christmas LP and who died a year ago. But then there's there's the choral magic of THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER - playing right this minute on Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio: A Grammy-winning arrangement by Gene Puerling (originator of The Hi-Low's, and The Singers Unlimited). If like me, you're a sucker for great choral arrangements, you might have to say this tops them all. It's a lengthy list of other favorite versions in the song's Wikipedia entry, which notes, "A version by The Manhattan Transfer[19] won a Grammy Award in 1981 for its arranger, Gene Puerling." Most viewed version at RUclips? A color TV recording from 40 years ago. Overlook the dated video tape quality and enjoy! ruclips.net/video/vkJ2-TKwCUc/видео.html Wikipedia Eugene Thomas Puerling (March 31, 1929 - March 25, 2008) was a vocal performer and vocal arranger. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Puerling created and led the vocal groups The Hi-Lo's and The Singers Unlimited.[1] He was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices in 1982 for his arrangement of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" as performed by The Manhattan Transfer. A Latin song he arranged for The Singers Unlimited, "One More Time, Chuck Corea" - inspired by Chuck Mangione and Chick Corea -- has been adapted and used by marching bands, drum and bugle corps and jazz ensembles. He died just six days before his 79th birthday, due to complications from diabetes.[2] Puerling's vocal arrangements and chord structures were classic and instantly recognizable. In addition to the Hi-Lo's and The Singers Unlimited he mentored many other singers and groups, including Take 6. John Neal of Harmony Sweepstakes said after his death: "As a craftsman of the art of blending and harmonizing the human voice in song, Gene has no equal."[3][2] Puerling's innovative use of vocal harmony influenced many groups and musicians, including Take 6,[4] The King's Singers, The Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer, Glad (band), The Free Design, and Brian Wilson.[5] ----- Thanks for sharing The Manhattan Transfer. Celebrated elsewhere [search] " Great Melody, Great Lyric, Great Rendition, Songwriting Workshop, Harmony Central "
"New album FIFTY -- Grammy nominated" "50th Anniversary & Final World Tour Riding a wave of nostalgia in the '70s, the Manhattan Transfer resurrected jazz trends from boogie-woogie to bop to vocalese in a slick, slightly commercial setting that balanced the group's close harmonies. Originally launched by Tim Hauser in 1969, they made their recording debut with a self-titled album in 1975 and became known for their amazing harmony and versatility, incorporating pop, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, swing, symphonic and a cappella music. Still, they were easily the most popular jazz vocal group of their era, and the most talented of any since the heyday of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross during the early '60s. Tickets $55-$65
“Chorus” group? This is a quartet. Oxford Dictionary: chorus: “a LARGE organized group of singers, especially one that performs together with an orchestra or opera company.” So how is four singers, one to a part, a “chorus group” in your mind?
We played the studio version of this at the end of my father's funeral. It was his favourite song. As a congregation member told me later, "there wasn't a dry eye in the house"
That certain night The night we met There was magic abroad in the air There were angels dining at the Ritz And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square I may be right I may be wrong But I'm perfectly willing to swear That when you turned and smiled at me A nightingale sang in Berkeley square The moon that lingered over London town Poor puzzled moon he wore a frown How could he know we two were so in love The whole damned world seemed upside down The streets of town were paved with stars It was such a romantic affair And as we kissed and said goodnight A nightingale sang in Berkeley square How strange it was How sweet and strange There was never a dream to compare To those hazy crazy nights we met And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square Ah this heart of mine Loud and fast Like a merry-go-round in a fair We would dance cheek to cheek And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square The dawn came stealing up All gold and blue To interrupt our rendez-vous I still remember how you smiled and said Was that a dream or was it true? Our homeward step was just as light As the tap dancing feet of Astaire And like an echo far away And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square That night in Berkeley square.
bench·mark noun \ˈbench-ˌmärk\ : something that can be used as a way to judge the quality or level of other, similar things A slew of awards, a bushel full albums of diverse style, 40+ years together (35+ with Cheryl) through thick and thin. As close to the center of the target as human voices can achieve. I think nightingales stop singing to listen to them. Many more years of singing and success I pray.
hard to embellish a tune that carries its own caché, but they do a nice job. Still my fave cover on this is by stick modelTwiggy, a knockout considering she got married in sag harbor:)
You so prove how little you know of music. This "bass" misses as many notes as he hits. In fact he completely loses it early because he knows he is not on his notes.He lags, he drags, he sweeps, he misses. I'm thinking he is on something which gives him a level of excuse.The real musicians are those next to him for staying on while he is off.Pentatonix, not to defend PTX, just stating fact, would do this better and with more accuracy than this by a considerable amount.
They can *both* be amazing-which they are. And while they’re both a cappella groups, their styles and tone are definitely different. You’re hearing mature voices here that are a product of their era, and the members of PTX are still rather youthful.
Some of the best minutes I've spent have been listening to these tunes.
That, my friends, is how it's done. Manhattan Transfer is the best 4 part harmony ever.
The best acapella ever ! No one can do it better !
Well…the Swingle Singers (from the MT era - not the modern iteration) are actually quite a bit better and they do more challenging arrangements, if you want to get technical about it. But Manhattan Transfer is also great and more slickly produced for a wider audience.
Forget magic acts in Vegas...this to me is real magic! The fantastic voicings, harmony and dynamics is magical!
Well...DAMN! If that doesn't impress you then you need some sort of check up!
I've had the pleasure of seeing The Manhattan Transfer many many times. First time was just after the release of Birdland. Tiny club on the waterfront of San Francisco. I was literally less than 25 feet away from the stage sitting at a small cocktail table. Completely unobstructed view of the most incredible energy and talent that I have had the joy of witnessing!
I have never heard them out of tune or off-key. Truly amazing vocalists!
Thanks for sharing these memories!
Man you are so lucky!!! Wish I could have been there.
One of my regrets that I never saw them live.
This harmony makes me wanna go back in time.
A Manhattan Transfer masterpiece.
Ummmm No. No its not. Is the bass intoxicated? He misses all kinds of notes. This proves the strength of the others to hold their own. Of course they're used to it.
They are the best vocal group I have ever heard past and present. I love everything they sing. Absolute perfection. ❤
Pure musical artistry at its finest.
Not many people/groups can live up to their studio recordings, Manhattan Transfer always delivers!
Are you actually hearing the bass? lolol
This arrangement has several fiendishly difficult modulations. Must be almost impossible to nail every single one in an a capella live performance.
If any of them were to miss even one note.....there would be no mistaking it. And those key changes.....that's very difficult to do in tune.
The Manhattan Transfer is the best group I ever heard Sing
This is one of my Manhattan Transfer favorites!
Wow what harmony my favorite of them all love love love the transfer annie
A magnificent song getting the perfect performance. It bought tears, but they were happy tears!!!!!!!!!!
Ear candy at its best!!!! Listen to their unison notes!!! JANIS KILLED THAT ALTO!!! I absolutely 💚💗💚💗 singing like this and especially The MT!!!!
I invite the 14 thumbs downers to pick a part, any part...and attempt to sing it...in tune...on stage...with cameras and live audience. This is an extremely difficult and exposed piece to perform. The Transfer is just spectacularly good.
It's beautiful.
The thumb downers have a right to choose. If they choose thumbs down, they choose it for whatever reason. Thats why its there - its called choice!
Not everyone thinks this is as good as you think it is. The same as you might disagree with something they like. Stop beating yourselves up over thumbs down. Manhattan Transfer dont give a shit!
Its a beautiful song but you gotta understand not everyone will like it
Right?!
They have no idea man
How beautiful!! I've always loved the Manhattan Transfer, and this song, but unfortunately, I never got to see them perform live until after Tim Hauser passed away, and some other guy was trying to replace him. The songs just didn't sound the same, and neither did the music. RIP, Tim--thanks for putting together one of the greatest groups we've ever had the privilege of listening to!😔💒
Wow... (sigh) Always love them. RIP Tim Hauser
All I can say is wow true transfer style rip Tim hauser you are loved and will be missed love anne
Ll
Never a better arrangement or performance of this terrific song.
Sounds just like the recording. It doesn't get better than that. I also love there song birdland. The Manhattan transfers deserves respect!
I used to listen to this song years gone by. Thank you for posting.
I will never forget the first time I heard this masterpiece some 40 years ago. I had it in a tape. I played over and over. This and their Corner Pocket are my favorite. Tim Hauser left us too soon. I am so glad technology will allow this great artists to be appreciated until we extinguish our species with our stupidity.
Glorious .. Glorious
Thank you ... with such delight
So very choice..... *eyes welling with tears* ....
Thank you ... for this very moment
IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS...
One of my true musical heroes. The Manhattan Transfer can never be duplicated. Gene Peurling created such a great vocal arrangement here. It is an absolute joy to sing.
Ah thought it was him..!
This quartet harmonizes like no other!! Have always loved them! 💘
Absolutely NAILED IT!
God, they are so good.
Harmony master class!
８０年代の来日公演で、生でこの曲を聴きましたが、極上のハーモニーは強く印象に残ってます。このステージも素晴らしいですね。Perfection!
Goshhhhhhh this piece is so down tp earth
In a SUPER-CELESTIAL way, though! These harmonies are other-worldly, eh?
The best of the best. Heard this on Sunday Night Jazz spun by Calvin back in the 80s
Whenever I hear the term "a cappella", I think of this group and this song.
You need to spread your wings...
Me, too!
A beautiful version of a lovely song
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
그 어떤 음악보다도 순수하고 예술적이다!!
Love the beautiful harmonies in that song
Perfect as usual! My favourite group and song! Can't get enough!!!
Gorgeous Harmony, I love it.
Pretty sure I remember watching this when it aired on tv. I was home from college for the holidays and it was a special maybe just before Christmas. I was blown away. Maybe 1980?
It is simply amazing to watch and hear masters at the top of their craft.
This is my favorite song! Thank you for uploading!
just simply beautiful. thanks for posting this one.
I don't know - they seemed a little 'pitchie' to me ...
Seemed? How can it be a "seem"? They either hit the notes, or they don't. There are 3 who are always on, and one who isn't, I still cannot figure out how the bass became and stayed as MT's bass. He doesn't hold a candle to the other 3 and clearly proved it here. The alto, since she is getting an ear full, is working overtime to keep her own pitch accurate.
I have always loved this Song!!
RIP Gene Puerling - arranger extraordinaire...
Hear hear. Nobody like him before or since. I presume you are familiar with Singers Unlimited?
@@paulsawtell3991 Absolutely! The Hi-Los too. Amazing groups that influenced so many vocal groups - even if they don't know it.
They are so good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this voices are a american treasure..
Man, I miss the Transfer....
Beautiful.
A most amazing accapella!
We had tickets to see them over 10 years ago but the concert was canceled. NUTS! I was really looking forward to seeing them!
A beautiful song sung by great artists.
Absolutely AMAZING!
Totally engaging performance......sophisticated and emotional.....great showmanship and honesty..... technically perfect......!!
OH BOY ! Best of the BEST. WOW...........!
This brings me to tears. Folks, you can wait around & hope, but you'll not see or hear the likes, of this, ever again. -------------------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o
you are honestly probably 9...
WOW!!! This TOOO perfect!
This is perfection. Arghhhh I know this is old but have not found a better one maybe Ella but its different ,D
Just splendidly superb !
Best vocal group ever. Awesome.
THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER - A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
I'd been thinking today of all the wonderful renditions I've come to cherish, of most everyone's favorite English song from WWII - A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
Top of the list: Sinatra's recording on a June night in London (1962) London symphony musicians, arranged by Canadian-born Robert Farnon. Tied for first place in my heart - Nat King Cole's recording from the same year, arranged by Ralph Carmichael, who also orchestrated Nat's multi-platinum, all-time best-selling Christmas LP and who died a year ago.
But then there's there's the choral magic of THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER - playing right this minute on Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio: A Grammy-winning arrangement by Gene Puerling (originator of The Hi-Low's, and The Singers Unlimited). If like me, you're a sucker for great choral arrangements, you might have to say this tops them all.
It's a lengthy list of other favorite versions in the song's Wikipedia entry, which notes,
"A version by The Manhattan Transfer[19] won a Grammy Award in 1981 for its arranger, Gene Puerling."
Most viewed version at RUclips? A color TV recording from 40 years ago. Overlook the dated video tape quality and enjoy!
ruclips.net/video/vkJ2-TKwCUc/видео.html
Wikipedia
Eugene Thomas Puerling (March 31, 1929 - March 25, 2008) was a vocal performer and vocal arranger. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Puerling created and led the vocal groups The Hi-Lo's and The Singers Unlimited.[1] He was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices in 1982 for his arrangement of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" as performed by The Manhattan Transfer.
A Latin song he arranged for The Singers Unlimited, "One More Time, Chuck Corea" - inspired by Chuck Mangione and Chick Corea -- has been adapted and used by marching bands, drum and bugle corps and jazz ensembles. He died just six days before his 79th birthday, due to complications from diabetes.[2]
Puerling's vocal arrangements and chord structures were classic and instantly recognizable. In addition to the Hi-Lo's and The Singers Unlimited he mentored many other singers and groups, including Take 6.
John Neal of Harmony Sweepstakes said after his death: "As a craftsman of the art of blending and harmonizing the human voice in song, Gene has no equal."[3][2]
Puerling's innovative use of vocal harmony influenced many groups and musicians, including Take 6,[4] The King's Singers, The Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer, Glad (band), The Free Design, and Brian Wilson.[5]
-----
Thanks for sharing The Manhattan Transfer. Celebrated elsewhere [search] " Great Melody, Great Lyric, Great Rendition, Songwriting Workshop, Harmony Central "
"New album FIFTY -- Grammy nominated"
"50th Anniversary & Final World Tour
Riding a wave of nostalgia in the '70s, the Manhattan Transfer resurrected jazz trends from boogie-woogie to bop to vocalese in a slick, slightly commercial setting that balanced the group's close harmonies. Originally launched by Tim Hauser in 1969, they made their recording debut with a self-titled album in 1975 and became known for their amazing harmony and versatility, incorporating pop, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, swing, symphonic and a cappella music. Still, they were easily the most popular jazz vocal group of their era, and the most talented of any since the heyday of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross during the early '60s.
Tickets $55-$65
It really doesn't get any better than this. Because it can't.
Oh yes it can and does! Replace the bass with a real one, and listen, you will notice improvements immediately.
Definitely the best chorus group in the world!❤
“Chorus” group?
This is a quartet.
Oxford Dictionary: chorus: “a LARGE organized group of singers, especially one that performs together with an orchestra or opera company.”
So how is four singers, one to a part, a “chorus group” in your mind?
Perfection! :-)
ありがとうございます🙇
Impeccable.
You can even hear Johnny Carson's voice briefly at the end. Even he was blow away.
So beautiful. Vera Lynn standard.
We played the studio version of this at the end of my father's funeral. It was his favourite song.
As a congregation member told me later, "there wasn't a dry eye in the house"
Took them a second to get in sync key-wise. Then, pretty darn amazing.
Who sang this in high school? I did. What an incredible song. I was tenor. They are amazing.
I love the look of joy on Cheryl Bentyne's face :) :)
Mel Torme's version pales in comparison to this...
Sublime all round. 2.54!
perfection
Una meraviglia ❤
The classic Manhattan Transfer lineup.
perfect
No one can touch them.
I think it's likely that at least one of the members had/has perfect pitch. I saw them in '79 or '80, and they were this good.
The way they blend! Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Sounds like 44 people, not 4, eh? 💖💖💙💜❤❤❤❤💚💛
It's Barkley Square a big hit by Bobby Darin!
Has anyone heard the Four Freshmen? The best!
From 'Birdland.' Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. A classic, and always will be. (I won't insert some stupid emoji; it would only cheapen it.)
If this don't give ya chills yer chiller's broke!
@2:50 my heart melted
That certain night
The night we met
There was magic abroad in the air
There were angels dining at the Ritz
And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square
I may be right I may be wrong
But I'm perfectly willing to swear
That when you turned and smiled at me
A nightingale sang in Berkeley square
The moon that lingered over London town
Poor puzzled moon he wore a frown
How could he know we two were so in love
The whole damned world seemed upside down
The streets of town were paved with stars
It was such a romantic affair
And as we kissed and said goodnight
A nightingale sang in Berkeley square
How strange it was
How sweet and strange
There was never a dream to compare
To those hazy crazy nights we met
And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square
Ah this heart of mine
Loud and fast
Like a merry-go-round in a fair
We would dance cheek to cheek
And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square
The dawn came stealing up
All gold and blue
To interrupt our rendez-vous
I still remember how you smiled and said
Was that a dream or was it true?
Our homeward step was just as light
As the tap dancing feet of Astaire
And like an echo far away
And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square
And a nightingale sang in Berkeley square
That night in Berkeley square.
With all the crap going around today pretending to be "good," I have to watch this all over again to remind myself what good music really sounds like.
My MT.This it.
Does anyone know where I can get sheet music for this, preferably in TTBB?
JW Pepper online
💓
bench·mark noun \ˈbench-ˌmärk\
: something that can be used as a way to judge the quality or level of other, similar things
A slew of awards, a bushel full albums of diverse style, 40+ years together (35+ with Cheryl) through thick and thin. As close to the center of the target as human voices can achieve. I think nightingales stop singing to listen to them. Many more years of singing and success I pray.
It almost sounds like they are out of tune, but i know it’s their shifting scales and the tightness of their chords amazing
アニタオデイ以外でこの曲を歌っているのを初めて聴いた！
The piano sheet music to this.......
nice
If I'm not wrong, this is the exact performance that appeared on the album, right?!
I don't think so. It's different in the solos.
It is not the same recording. Based on the same arrangement.
Nice version but listen to Mel Torme's!
hard to embellish a tune that carries its own caché, but they do a nice job. Still my fave cover on this is by stick modelTwiggy, a knockout considering she got married in sag harbor:)
only the americans can perform as good as this
Still nailed it. OMG. Pentatonix has NOTHING on this. So close, yet so far.
You so prove how little you know of music. This "bass" misses as many notes as he hits. In fact he completely loses it early because he knows he is not on his notes.He lags, he drags, he sweeps, he misses. I'm thinking he is on something which gives him a level of excuse.The real musicians are those next to him for staying on while he is off.Pentatonix, not to defend PTX, just stating fact, would do this better and with more accuracy than this by a considerable amount.
^He's actually right. The bass is off his part, as written.
Granted, I didn't do much better myself... solid 4-star difficulty here.
They can *both* be amazing-which they are. And while they’re both a cappella groups, their styles and tone are definitely different. You’re hearing mature voices here that are a product of their era, and the members of PTX are still rather youthful.
Sounds as if it might be a Gene Puerling arrangement...
And it really is.