When the legendary Stan Kenton fortuitously heard The Four Freshmen performing in the obscure Esquire Lounge in Dayton, Ohio back in 1950, even that forward-thinking individual probably couldn't foresee their effect as pioneers of a new group vocal style. They would not only influence future groups like the Hi-Los and the Lettermen, but also pop legends like The Beach Boys and The Four Tops. Emphatically instructing Capitol Records, the label for which he recorded, to “sign them" immediately, the Four Freshmen entered a relationship with the label that would solidify their popularity for more than half a century.
The Complete Capitol Four Freshmen Fifties Sessions contains the Four Freshmen's entire '50s output for the label, covering 17 albums, 210 selections, 24 previous unissued performances, five singles-only issues, two rarities and 9 tracks with Kenton. Produced for this release by Michael Cuscuna with Mosaic's trademark premier quality audio and penchant for precise details, the 9 CD set is limited to 3500 copies.
The beautifully produced booklet contains the group's history as told by founding member Ross Barbour, along with many photographs of the group during their recording and performing prime. A detailed discography with complete personnel is also included.
Formed in 1948 at the Arthur Jordan Conservatory in Indianapolis by brothers Ross and Don Barbour, their cousin Bob Flanigan and their fellow freshman, Hal Kratzsch, the group not only revolutionized the melodic and harmonic approach to ensemble vocalizing with their tight-knit intricate arrangements, but also provided a unique take on self-accompaniment. Flanigan was top voice and also played trombone and bass. Don and Ross, the middle voices, played guitar and drums, respectively; and Kratzsch handled the lower vocal parts while doubling on trumpet, mellophone and occasionally bass.
Kratzsch was succeeded in 1953 by Ken Errair and then Ken Albers in 1956. All of the Capitol albums spanning April 1950 to July 1960 are included in the Mosaic set, including their groundbreaking series of concept albums blending their vocal harmonies with matching instrumental ensembles - “And Five Trombones," “And Five Trumpets," “And Five Saxes," “And Five Guitars."
Prior to these concept albums which began in 1955 (among them “Voices in Latin," “Voices in Love" and “Voices in Brass"), they recorded three tunes with Kenton. The balance of the earlier material presented them just as they performed live, backing themselves instrumentally. But beginning with “Four Freshmen and Five Trombones," with arrangements by the excellent Pete Rugolo, a steady succession of fine arrangers - Nelson Riddle, Dennis Farnon, Bob Enevoldsen and primarily Dick Reynolds - offered their exceptional support skills.
The material is a compendium of numerous popular tunes by a vast array of major songwriters, including Ellington, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Rodgers and Hart, and many excellent lesser-known writers. The ensemble accompaniment is provided by top session men from both East and West Coasts.
Still hugely popular 40 years after the last of the sessions contained herein, and with membership in their fan club, (the Four Freshman Society), topping 2000 members, the Four Freshman are still going strong, despite a complete turnover in personnel due to the passing of Barbour, and the retirement of Ross, Albers and Flanigan, who still serves as manager for the current edition. In fact, they were selected “Jazz Vocal Group of the Year" in the Down Beat Readers Poll, in the current December 2000 issue. But these recordings preserve the adventurous spirit and musical vision of this highly influential group for future generations.
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