Wish we could have this forever.........real singing from the heart!!! I loved Manhattan Transfer from jr high school 1977 still the greatest to ever do it!!!!
Vocal groups simply do not get ANY better than this!! WOW. This is probably the quintessential a cappella song, and NO better group to sing it than the Manhattan Transfer. (I think it might be physically impossible to listen to these harmonies and not get the chills....) If you ever get a chance to see them in concert, DON'T MISS IT!!!!
Critical is an understatement. Comparing a studio recording with a live performance is ridiculous for a number of reasons. On top of that you can see they were singing the last song of the evening as evidenced by the sweat pouring down their faces. Taking on an a cappella piece for the last number is physically and technically demanding to say the least. Perfect pitch is not even an issue because they aren't singing with any instrumentation. As long as they're in tune with each other they can be as flat or sharp as they want to be. Try singing 60 to 90 minutes a day 4 to 5 days a week while on tour having to deal with various conditions like singing outside or inside, large and small venues, etc Then we'll all talk about your perfect pitch and cracking a note here and there. Today's standard? Not top professionals? Today's top professionals lip sync their studio recordings. Clueless UA-cam critics.
Folks-------------i say it again; we'll not see or hear, the likes of this ever again. -----------Vocal mastery , & 1000% pure class.---------------------RIP, Tim Hauser.
I think people being too critical with these comments. I'm not a trained musician, singer or have perfect pitch. However, I do know what I like and the harmonies and the song itself just made me smile and enjoy every minute of it. It was my favorite song on their Best Of MT album. RIP Tim....you were pretty darn great and thank you for bringing us all the wonderful music.
Dude, I listen to jazz, my ear is trained, and I sing this stuff, which I bet you don't. Yes, MT ends up a major third lower. Their first chord is F major seventh, and their last chord is Db major. But dude, if you knew the piece, you would know that that's what's written. It modulates, dude. MT is right on the money.
They got the harmonies absolutely right. If someone is not familiar with the chord structure of this song, they may be forgiven for thinking that some of the chordal intonations may be incorrect, but if you check the written music, you will see that they are absolutely spot on. A superb arrangement of a wonderful song.
Still the best...as always!!!! And anyone who can find some group with tighter Jazz harmonies----well, good luck!!!!! These four have been doing this for over 30yrs!!! And, they sound great--still!!!! I was in a community chorus several years ago (and enjoyed all 3yrs I sang with them)...This was our 1st Jazz song that we sang...Love it!
Tuning? Yes - there is a blatant Gene Puerling-esque modulation at 2:30. It's at the reprise of "The streets of town...". BTW - Thank you sergios345 for giving us this live performance. The MT's recording is impeccable, but the live show is magical! RIP Tim Hauser
This is just todays generation who don't understand music. This is Manhattan Transfer. I don't think I've ever heard them out of tune. This is a style of Acapella, Barbershop Quartet, 40's style, etc,.
Manhattan Transfer, thank you for a wonderful performance, and a wonderful piece. OMG. For the haters, well... you're entitled to your opinion. This piece is quintessential.
The legendary Gene Puerling did this arrangement for the group, on '81's "Mecca For Moderns" Just masterfully done, but yes, I do wonder how The Singers Unlimited would have done it. Thank-you, Tim, Janice, Cheryl and Alan: you're just the best, and the memories are forever. Wolfsky9
Give props to the genius who arranged this. Gene Puerling, if anyone has listened to The Singers Unlimited before you know that this guy is probably the best jazz vocal arranger who ever lived
Qué canción más romáantica, cuando te encontré un ruiseñor cantó en Berkeley Square It was such a romantic affair and there were angels dining at the Ritz Cinco estrellas para ésta canción.Really I'm a fan of Manhattan Transfer
i've liked them since i was a little kid and i never tire of hearing them sing this one ....romantic, bittersweet, nostalgic, foreboding.....the adjectives are endless....it is a piece of perfection.....thank you MT for making this song part of my life's soundtrack
When I think of how long they've been around and how consistent they've always been, then when I think of all the fly-by-nights out there trying to past for "singers," well I'm afraid there's just no comparison. MT is such a joy to hear. Thanks for always being such a good group to listen and admire!
Beautiful song sung by a great group. In fact, the song is so great that anyone with a decent voice can make that song sound good. Thank you Manhattan Transfer.
i've performed this arrangement several times. It is performed here perfectly. Not too many groups will put themselves out there like this these days. Pure tone, no electronic garbage added. Smooth folks, love the tune. Thanks for your arrangement.
Found the music for this when I was getting music out for my Madrigals class. Begged my music teacher and he said we might learn it. It's amazing!~ I could only hope we sound half as decent as these guys.~
They attempt more sophisticated chords and harmonies and that we have them put to such challenges is a credit to their vocal accomplishments. This is not one of my favorote MT tunes but it is one of my favorite songs of all-time. A real beauty!
This is the first I've seen MT singing this lovely song, although I have it on CD. It is, in my musical opinion, the best rendition I've ever heard. MT's control of pitch and harmony is extraordinary. I just love the change at the end from avante garde jazz harmony (discord) to traditional root position classical harmony.
@ssummersify I like this song specifically because of the "out-of-tune" parts, which of course are actually precisely in tune. That's what makes the song so nice to hear. And yes, it's very difficult to sing, so I have to admire the Manhattan Transfer for managing it so well. They must all have perfect pitch or something.
In my opinion, Mel Torme and Nat King Cole set the standard for this song. But this is my favorite rendition by far. It doesn't get any better than this. Thanks for posting it.
I really love it, as it reminds me so tenderly to sunny days exploring life in the eighties. Therefor my tags would have noting to do with the music (sorry manhattan..) but much with the moments it has coloured.
When they were on tour, this was their closing selection. They sent the band off and said, "OK, gang. Let's get quiet. We will do this song a capella. You keep the theater quiet and you won't miss a note." (And we didn't.) They hit the last note, the lights went down for 30 seconds, and then the house lights came up to a dark curtain. Who needs massive crescendos?
We had tickets to see them a long time ago. Unfortunately, they cancelled the performance. I was so disappointed. I was really looking forward to seeing them. Bummer.
Same for me :) I joined a choir in my city to delve into the music of Manhattan Transfer, Singers Unlimited etc. Sadly, it will probably take some years until we reach a level which enables us to try this music (according to our instructor at least). We'll see...
They were sponsored by Akai at the time, and had to wear stuff that fitted in with the ad campaign. Never mind what they were wearing - this is one of the best examples of acapella you'll ever hear.
@brando1388 lol...it was the early 80's....this was the era of asymetric clothing, hairstyles and a kind of quasi art deco style....it looks funny now but it was pretty stylin' back then
This concert was just after the "Extensions" album came out. One of the songs on that album was "Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone". If you search for the video, you'll see them wearing the same outfits.
We (the Stockholm City Voices) loved singing this arrangement in the Sweet Adelines International Finals in Seattle in 2010. It is indeed a very challenging arrangement, but oh, so lovely to sing... I tried to put the link here, but couldn't figure it out, haha.. But if you find Stockholm City Voices - Final 2010 Seattle Part 2 on youtube, there you have it. Hope you enjoy it... x
quartertone perfection. But if you love MT, you should give a listen to Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. They, or more to the point, Jon Henricks, were genius.
This is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I have EVER read regarding music and singers. The whole overarching point of this arrangement is that there isn't a completely "square" four part chord until the last one: it's gorgeous music as metaphor for the story they are telling.
@therealzilch Indeed, this is NOT an easy vocal work to nail down. Very difficult intervals through most of the song, and the harmonies are such that you can't be even a TINY bit out of tune (it would destroy the entire magic of the tight jazz chords).
Wish we could have this forever.........real singing from the heart!!! I loved Manhattan Transfer from jr high school 1977 still the greatest to ever do it!!!!
Vocal groups simply do not get ANY better than this!! WOW. This is probably the quintessential a cappella song, and NO better group to sing it than the Manhattan Transfer. (I think it might be physically impossible to listen to these harmonies and not get the chills....) If you ever get a chance to see them in concert, DON'T MISS IT!!!!
Critical is an understatement. Comparing a studio recording with a live performance is ridiculous for a number of reasons. On top of that you can see they were singing the last song of the evening as evidenced by the sweat pouring down their faces. Taking on an a cappella piece for the last number is physically and technically demanding to say the least. Perfect pitch is not even an issue because they aren't singing with any instrumentation. As long as they're in tune with each other they can be as flat or sharp as they want to be. Try singing 60 to 90 minutes a day 4 to 5 days a week while on tour having to deal with various conditions like singing outside or inside, large and small venues, etc Then we'll all talk about your perfect pitch and cracking a note here and there. Today's standard? Not top professionals? Today's top professionals lip sync their studio recordings. Clueless UA-cam critics.
Preach, brother, PREACH!!
Folks-------------i say it again; we'll not see or hear, the likes of this ever again. -----------Vocal mastery , & 1000% pure class.---------------------RIP, Tim Hauser.
Probably the most perfect acapella piece they've done. Godspeed, Mr. Hauser.
This song just relaxes me so very much!
You're so right, they are perfect.
+Andy Dunn Except, it's out of tune.
I think people being too critical with these comments. I'm not a trained musician, singer or have perfect pitch. However, I do know what I like and the harmonies and the song itself just made me smile and enjoy every minute of it. It was my favorite song on their Best Of MT album. RIP Tim....you were pretty darn great and thank you for bringing us all the wonderful music.
Dude, I listen to jazz, my ear is trained, and I sing this stuff, which I bet you don't. Yes, MT ends up a major third lower. Their first chord is F major seventh, and their last chord is Db major. But dude, if you knew the piece, you would know that that's what's written. It modulates, dude. MT is right on the money.
They got the harmonies absolutely right. If someone is not familiar with the chord structure of this song, they may be forgiven for thinking that some of the chordal intonations may be incorrect, but if you check the written music, you will see that they are absolutely spot on. A superb arrangement of a wonderful song.
the opening is fondly remeniscant of "London by Night" also arranged by Puerling. Ahhhhhh, what wonderfulness.
Still the best...as always!!!! And anyone who can find some group with tighter Jazz harmonies----well, good luck!!!!! These four have been doing this for over 30yrs!!! And, they sound great--still!!!! I was in a community chorus several years ago (and enjoyed all 3yrs I sang with them)...This was our 1st Jazz song that we sang...Love it!
Tuning? Yes - there is a blatant Gene Puerling-esque modulation at 2:30. It's at the reprise of "The streets of town...". BTW - Thank you sergios345 for giving us this live performance. The MT's recording is impeccable, but the live show is magical!
RIP Tim Hauser
I never get tired of hearing Manhattan Transfer. No one does this song better
A reminder of my childhood in wartime Britain. This is an astonishing good rendition, and I thank you sincerely for sharing it on YT.
This is just todays generation who don't understand music. This is Manhattan Transfer. I don't think I've ever heard them out of tune. This is a style of Acapella, Barbershop Quartet, 40's style, etc,.
Undoubtedly the best interpretation and rendition of this old classic - this kind of music will never die - this is what life is all about.
Manhattan Transfer, thank you for a wonderful performance, and a wonderful piece. OMG. For the haters, well... you're entitled to your opinion. This piece is quintessential.
The legendary Gene Puerling did this arrangement for the group, on '81's "Mecca For Moderns" Just masterfully done, but yes, I do wonder how The Singers Unlimited would have done it. Thank-you, Tim, Janice, Cheryl and Alan: you're just the best, and the memories are forever. Wolfsky9
Give props to the genius who arranged this. Gene Puerling, if anyone has listened to The Singers Unlimited before you know that this guy is probably the best jazz vocal arranger who ever lived
Qué canción más romáantica, cuando te encontré un ruiseñor cantó en Berkeley Square It was such a romantic affair and there were angels dining at the Ritz
Cinco estrellas para ésta canción.Really I'm a fan of Manhattan Transfer
i've liked them since i was a little kid and i never tire of hearing them sing this one ....romantic, bittersweet, nostalgic, foreboding.....the adjectives are endless....it is a piece of perfection.....thank you MT for making this song part of my life's soundtrack
masterpiece .. there are many :) .. what can you loose? Just your blues .. So loose them! gets me all emotional every time - I love it!!
Love this song! Originally a WWII hit. Anything acapella in 4 part harmony... can't beat it!
Brilliant. Probably the best a cappella singing you'll ever hear.
Absolutely stunning performance. To get such near-perfect intonation in an a capella live performance is almost unbelievable.
This is what in tune sounds like when real musicians perform. The imperfections are what makes it perfect.
One of my all time favourite arrangements and groups.
This is classic! I was looking for this a few weeks ago and I'm thrilled you posted it! Thank-you!!!
Thank you for posting this part of my past... I love hearing it again.
When I think of how long they've been around and how consistent they've always been, then when I think of all the fly-by-nights out there trying to past for "singers," well I'm afraid there's just no comparison. MT is such a joy to hear. Thanks for always being such a good group to listen and admire!
Beautiful song sung by a great group. In fact, the song is so great that anyone with a decent voice can make that song sound good. Thank you Manhattan Transfer.
Oh, just beautiful harmonies! Those chords are sooo tight!
Just tear-jerkingly stunning! How tight can it get!?!?! Love !!
This is trademark Manhattan Transfer sound. Love it!
This song is their Masterpiece. It just wraps you up and holds you tight in a celebration of the human voice.
Grandes artistas voces excepcionales perfecta conjuncion de las mismas
absolutely wonderful. i'm sure any Brit still around that was alive during the Blitz would probably think the same.
They played this song at my nanna's funeral almost a year ago. I can just hear my poppa singing it. Miss you guys so much xxx
i've performed this arrangement several times. It is performed here perfectly. Not too many groups will put themselves out there like this these days. Pure tone, no electronic garbage added. Smooth folks, love the tune. Thanks for your arrangement.
Found the music for this when I was getting music out for my Madrigals class. Begged my music teacher and he said we might learn it. It's amazing!~ I could only hope we sound half as decent as these guys.~
They attempt more sophisticated chords and harmonies and that we have them put to such challenges is a credit to their vocal accomplishments. This is not one of my favorote MT tunes but it is one of my favorite songs of all-time. A real beauty!
wow! I too have been looking for this version forever. Thankyou much!
This is the first I've seen MT singing this lovely song, although I have it on CD. It is, in my musical opinion, the best rendition I've ever heard.
MT's control of pitch and harmony is extraordinary. I just love the change at the end from avante garde jazz harmony (discord) to traditional root position classical harmony.
@ssummersify I like this song specifically because of the "out-of-tune" parts, which of course are actually precisely in tune. That's what makes the song so nice to hear. And yes, it's very difficult to sing, so I have to admire the Manhattan Transfer for managing it so well. They must all have perfect pitch or something.
In my opinion, Mel Torme and Nat King Cole set the standard for this song. But this is my favorite rendition by far. It doesn't get any better than this. Thanks for posting it.
I got told to listen to this by my choir president. This is amazing!!
We totally sang this in our Chamber choir in college....gosh, I love this arrangement.
fantastic...never ceases to amaze me!!!!
One of the best songs ever. I love it. MT rule.
I really love it, as it reminds me so tenderly to sunny days exploring life in the eighties. Therefor my tags would have noting to do with the music (sorry manhattan..) but much with the moments it has coloured.
tough harmonies....yes? BUT....aren't THEY GOOD!!! The best!!
This song is just incredible.
When they were on tour, this was their closing selection. They sent the band off and said, "OK, gang. Let's get quiet. We will do this song a capella. You keep the theater quiet and you won't miss a note." (And we didn't.) They hit the last note, the lights went down for 30 seconds, and then the house lights came up to a dark curtain. Who needs massive crescendos?
4 words! Love love love it!!!!
Sang this in high school as part of a jazz ensemble. Love this song and arrangement.
Between 2:19 and 2:30 is my favorite section of the song...that's when they show off their vocal prowess.
aahh...this is taking me back, we loved this arrangement
We had tickets to see them a long time ago. Unfortunately, they cancelled the performance. I was so disappointed. I was really looking forward to seeing them. Bummer.
So romantic. I know it by heart. I would love to have someone to sing it to.
Same for me :) I joined a choir in my city to delve into the music of Manhattan Transfer, Singers Unlimited etc.
Sadly, it will probably take some years until we reach a level which enables us to try this music (according to our instructor at least). We'll see...
Enjoy the progress! :) Have fun!
Thank you so much! What ever happened to beautiful music?
we're singing this in my quartet at school. its sooo beautiful
I used to sing this with a choir I was in......So beautiful but so darn hard to keep in pitch!
Favorite of all my music life forever!!!
RIP Tim Hauser. You will be missed.
They were sponsored by Akai at the time, and had to wear stuff that fitted in with the ad campaign. Never mind what they were wearing - this is one of the best examples of acapella you'll ever hear.
the arrangement was Gene Peurling ! Amazing arrangement of this exquisite song!!
BEAUTIFUL....
nice video..thanks for posting...
Beautiful...
They are truly awesome.
Back in the day, they used to do this RIGHT AFTER the calisthenic workout that was "Birdland." Unbelievable.
thank you for downloading this they had a lot of tallent
@brando1388 lol...it was the early 80's....this was the era of asymetric clothing, hairstyles and a kind of quasi art deco style....it looks funny now but it was pretty stylin' back then
And thanks for the correct spelling of Berkeley, even though we in the colonies cannot connect that spelling with "Barkley" pronunciation!
Pure musical artistry at its best.
There is no better version of this song than this..
Absolutely love the song, but what's with the Star Trek outfits? :)
Good question. :) That's really funny. Maybe it was at a Star Trek tribute event.
This concert was just after the "Extensions" album came out. One of the songs on that album was "Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone". If you search for the video, you'll see them wearing the same outfits.
I don't think I have heard them do any song I did not like. Just a great group.
on the outside chance, ok manhattan transfer its time for a huge comeback
I saw this show. The costumes were sort of outer spacey.... startrek kinda ... The opening no. was BOSS!
Missed them..wonder where they're now?
@ElvisonaJet this begs the question: what is good, quality singing in your opinion?
Yes, agree!!
where can one purchase this film footage of the Manhattan Transfer doing what they do best???
wow............
We (the Stockholm City Voices) loved singing this arrangement in the Sweet Adelines International Finals in Seattle in 2010. It is indeed a very challenging arrangement, but oh, so lovely to sing... I tried to put the link here, but couldn't figure it out, haha.. But if you find Stockholm City Voices - Final 2010 Seattle Part 2 on youtube, there you have it. Hope you enjoy it... x
Beauty...
great
@AlfaAxel :: I could add: When you are on a stage you cannot always hear what you sing. I have tried and find it most confusing.
Good call on Kraftwerk. Can you say 'Numbers'! They should be sportin' some ol' school 40's attire. Either way - this version is extremely dialed in.
quartertone perfection. But if you love MT, you should give a listen to Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. They, or more to the point, Jon Henricks, were genius.
@boyhermosa mmmm-- so caressing, i feel sleepy now :)
Great performance
Wonderfull
Thanks to Gene Puerling's arrangement, this is a classic.
This is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I have EVER read regarding music and singers. The whole overarching point of this arrangement is that there isn't a completely "square" four part chord until the last one: it's gorgeous music as metaphor for the story they are telling.
this would go perfect with the new fallout game
mmmm...That's good.
@therealzilch Indeed, this is NOT an easy vocal work to nail down. Very difficult intervals through most of the song, and the harmonies are such that you can't be even a TINY bit out of tune (it would destroy the entire magic of the tight jazz chords).
Actually, Dame Vera Lynn who had the big hit with this during WWII is still alive and active.
Their parts are inpecable. Even with the sheetmusic in front of me, I find no fault. It's crazy. But cazy awesome nonetheless.
Gene Puerling was one of the original Hi-LOs