Search - The Four Freshmen :: Live in Holland

Still phenomenal--classy conservative daredevils.

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 03/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I can take about ten minutes of barbershop music--max. But the signature sound of The Four Freshmen never wears out--even apart from the insanity of playing proficient instrumental jazz while simultaneously singing harmonies a half step apart, with all four voices tightly synchronized at flame-throwing tempos. They've been doing it for over 60 years now, and though perfection is impossible when attempting this daredevil stunt, the present personnel come as close as any edition, including the 1950s group.



Instrumentally, the star is trumpeter Curtis Calderon, who begs comparison with some of the major jazz players on the scene today. He's so good he pretty much atones for any deficiencies elsewhere in the group, including the absence of any keyboards in this present edition (the guitar accompaniment of Brian Eichenberger is spare but tasteful, and he has the most magnetic voice of the four). The rhythm is at times a bit "choppy," swinging but tending toward a 1940s King Cole Trio/Gene Krupa groove (this may be intentional--it certainly fits with the bassist's Slam Stewart act).



All four have pleasant, versatile voices if not as rich and full as some of their predecessors (no one could match that fat falsetto sound of the original lead tenor, Bob Flanigan). Moreover, the present "non-electric" instrumentation practically insures that they'll stay with standards from the American Songbook--more so than the edition of 20 years ago. But the arrangements are fresh--the opening up-tempo version of "Young and Foolish" convinces you the composer intended it to be sung that way, and give any group that does "Invitation" in today's C&W/rap environment all the credit in the world. In fact, these guys stick to a more substantial and musically valid program (no doo-wop or R&B fluff) than any group of the kind, including Manhattan Transfer and Take 6."

Four Freshmen Live in Holland

Gene Krupa | Lancaster,Pa.USA | 08/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well,their back..!! Still keeping that close harmony The Freshmen did back in the 50's.

Wonder why Bob Flannigan has not caught up with the Stan Kenton Alumni Band headed by Mike Vax,to cut a recording with todays Four Freshmen?

This session would be worth listning to."