I was doing field work in the Nevada desert for the summer of 1984, and this was the tune I played the most on my Sony Walkman. It made the miles just fly by, and was a big part of one of my favorite summer experiences.
Believe it or not, the first time that I heard this song was on Soul Train, of all places. I was hooked after that despite all the rap music that was coming out at the time.
I remember Manhattan Transfer doing an ad for Akai stereo using a version of this song. I recall they used to win Grammy awards for jazz all the time, and while I couldn't relate to them as a child, I've grown to appreciate them over the years. Birdland is one of my favorite songs and this lyric version is outstanding!
I grew up on rock and Motown, I bought this album when I was 19. I don't know WHY I bought it, but when I put it on the turntable it blew my mind. Now that I'm in my 60's it STILL blows my mind. This album is sheer perfection.
This Album was big when I was a starting High School in 1981. Played it incessantly. Who knew it would take on a whole new meaning to an even much larger audience 30 minutes of that location - Final Tour Kickoff - South Florida State College- Highlands County. Twighlight Zone 2023
I remember seeing this group on Jerry Lewis Telethon one year and I fell in love! The harmonies; the timing; the arrangement is excellent!! This was a very nice nod to Wheather Report, I simply love it!
I have a question. There will be a dedication at Recreation Park in Binghamton, New York where Rod Serling was born and grew up. Would you consider playing your amazing song "Twilight Zone" . In September?. It's going to be a ons of a kind dedication as his statue will be on display. Think about it.
i first hezrd thix song in a video where weather report performed it live and then when they did it live with tmt several years ago. it rocked then, too!!!!
This group is awesome! Incredible voices, great selections, fantastic musicians, phenomenal harmonies! Spectacular. Friends listen to Sinatra. I prefer Manhattan Transfer. 😊
I had no idea this had lyrics to it. I'm used to hearing it as an instrumental, usually by the legends of yesteryear such as Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson. (I love the latter's version of it especially.) But this is fantastic, too.
Jon Hendricks (of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross) wrote lyrics just for this version. He later wrote the lyrics for Manhattan Transfer's "Vocalese" album.
@@mr.beaverchair3622 Manhattan Transfer performed it. Jon Hendricks wrote the lyrics. And both lyrics and performance are brilliant. Besides, I doubt Zawinul's permission was needed.
Birdland Lyrics 5,000 light years from Birdland But I'm still preachin' the rhythm Long-gone, uptight years from Birdland An' I'm still teachin' it with 'em Years from the land of the Bird An' I am still feelin' the spirit 5,000 light years from Birdland But I know people can hear it Bird named it, Bird made it, Bird heard it, then played it Well-stated! Birdland-- It happened down in Birdland Oh! In the middle of that hub I remember one jazz club Where we went to pat feet Down on fifty-secon' street Everybody heard that word That they named it after Bird Where the rhythm swooped and swirled The jazz corner of the world See pop shows near Inglewood Get tickets as low as $118 You might also like meet the grahams Kendrick Lamar Push Ups Drake The Black Dog Taylor Swift An' the cats they gigged in there Were beyond compare Birdland - I'm singin' Birdland Birdland - Ol' swingin' Birdland Hey, man, the music really turns you on! Y' turn me on Really, y' turn me aroun' 'N turn me on Down them stairs, lose them cares - where? Down in Birdland Total swing, bop was king - there Down in Birdland Bird would cook, Max would look - where? Down in Birdland Miles came through, 'Trane came too - there Down in Birdland Basie blew, Blakey too - where? Down in Birdland Cannonball played that hall - there Down in Birdland Yeah--- There may never be nothin' such as that No Mo' - No Mo' Down in Birdland, that's where it was at I know - I know Back in them days bop was ridin' high Hello! 'n goodbye! How well those cats remember Their first Birdland gig To play in Birdland is an honor we still dig Yeah---that club was like-- In another world, sure enough-- Yeah, baby All o' the cats had the cookin' on People just sat an' they was steady lookin' on Then Bird--he came 'n spread the word-- Birdland Yes, indeed, he did Yes, indeed, he did Yes, indeed, he did Yes, he did, Parker played at Birdland Yes, he really did Yes, indeed, he really did Yes, he really did Told the truth down in Birdland Yes, indeed he did, Yardbird Parker played in Birdland Yes, indeed, he really did Charlie Parker played in Birdland Bird named it, Bird made it, Bird heard it Then played it Well-stated! Birdland It happened down in Birdland Everybody dug that beat Everybody stomped their feet Everybody digs be-bop An' they'll never stop Down them stairs, lose them cares - yeah! Down in Birdland Total swing! bop was king - yeah! Down in Birdland Bird would cook, Max would look - yeah Down in Birdland Miles came through, 'Trane came too - yeah! Down in Birdland Basie blew, Blakey too - yeah! Down in Birdland Cannonball played that hall - yeah Down in Birdland Down them stairs, lose them cares - yeah Down in Birdland Total swing! bop was king - yeah Down in Birdland Bird would cook, Max would look - yeah Down in Birdland Miles came through, 'Trane came too - yeah! Down in Birdland Basie blew, Blakey too - yeah! Down in Birdland Cannonball played that hall - yeah Down in Birdland Down them stairs, lose y' cares -yeah Down in Birdland Total swing! bop was king - yeah Down in Birdland Bird would cook, Max would look - yeah Down in Birdland Background Solo: Come in pairs down them stairs, lose y' cares Them that dares gits it! Pay the gate, don't be late It's a date! - whattay' know If y' dig, then you'll dig, it's a groove Quite a groove, 'cause y' t' move Come in twos, pay your dues What can you lose? Just your blues! So lose them! The band swingin' one and all and what a ball! Yeah! Music is good, music is better than good Pretty good Very nice Really very good - things are bein' like they should Very good -- very good -- very good All y' gotta do is lend an ear An' listen to it Then y' dig a little sooner than soon You'll be diggin' everything diggin' all the music What a ball! How y' gonna figure out A way t' bring it all about amid a Lot o' other music on the set'n on The scene know what I mean? How y' gonna separate the music from the scene 'Gonna have t' keep the memory clean Y' gonna hear a lotta' sound -- a lotta soun' “Birdland” lyrics by Jon Hendricks, music by Joe Zawinul. genius.com/The-manhattan-transfer-birdland-lyrics
Damn I wasn't sure what to expect from a vocal version of Birdland (I'm kind of a jazz purist who prefers purely instrumental versions of things) but this isn't bad, no siree.
🎶 " Cannonball played that hall🎵 ... Joe Zawinul had his other all-time hit with Cannonball Adderley: ua-cam.com/video/y7FFLYXEOqA/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
this is a flipping tune man first time l heard the original yesterday on uk radio 2 on the Trevor Nelson show because before l just hread the brass band version practicing couple of years ago live at the college
try their version of Four Brothers: ua-cam.com/video/XdKEAyxrPd8/v-deo.html or the original Jimmy Giuffre song by Woody Herman: ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=four+brothers+woody+herman+1947
I was doing field work in the Nevada desert for the summer of 1984, and this was the tune I played the most on my Sony Walkman. It made the miles just fly by, and was a big part of one of my favorite summer experiences.
Tighter harmonies you'll never hear. As good as it gets.
Believe it or not, the first time that I heard this song was on Soul Train, of all places. I was hooked after that despite all the rap music that was coming out at the time.
I don't believe it.
Who cares?!
The awesome Manhattan Transfer! And the great Jeff Porcaro on drums! No wonder this grooves so hard.
I remember Manhattan Transfer doing an ad for Akai stereo using a version of this song. I recall they used to win Grammy awards for jazz all the time, and while I couldn't relate to them as a child, I've grown to appreciate them over the years. Birdland is one of my favorite songs and this lyric version is outstanding!
I grew up on rock and Motown, I bought this album when I was 19. I don't know WHY I bought it, but when I put it on the turntable it blew my mind. Now that I'm in my 60's it STILL blows my mind. This album is sheer perfection.
Very Best of Manhattan Transfer - I wore out that cassette (this song especially) during my Army years, ‘86-‘89!
That final minute is totally exhilarating.😊
The vocal harmony is just the best to listen to.
I agree 💜
Bird heard it, band played it! ❤️❤️❤️
This Album was big when
I was a starting High School in 1981. Played it incessantly. Who knew it would take on a whole new meaning to an even much larger audience 30 minutes of that location - Final Tour Kickoff - South Florida State College- Highlands County. Twighlight Zone 2023
They are pure class❤
Love this. I was about 10 years old living in Manhattan listening to this. So much fun.
Same here, I wore that vinyl out
I love this song and this group
This song is so great, Bird is Charlie Parker‼️🎯👍JazzyT.
I watched them perform this on a 1979 "American Bandstand" episode
A smash vocal tribute to fusion jazz super band Weather Report’s masterpiece-Birdland. Awesome!
👍😀
I'm from the hip hop era, but It's time for a revival. Good stuff ! Long Live Bebop !!
...or, in this case, Fusion :)
@@Dee-x9f Actually in this case it's probably closer to bebop ;) But really this version is both and neither!
@@gunnargrimsson To Be or not to Bop. That is the question...
@@Milesco And on that subject: ua-cam.com/video/R95H-opQ-NM/v-deo.html
@@Milesco Which brings me here: ua-cam.com/video/fZawevvcwKc/v-deo.html
Takes me back, just to the perfect place, my heart and soul. Thank You M.H.T I will be hummin and bopping down memory lane, Godspeed
Makes me feel like I'm a teenager again. Thank you Manhattan Transfer!
I remember seeing this group on Jerry Lewis Telethon one year and I fell in love! The harmonies; the timing; the arrangement is excellent!! This was a very nice nod to Wheather Report, I simply love it!
The vocalists did a fantastic job of accurately mimicking the instrumental parts of the original tune. 👍 🎵
Weather Report was put on the map because of that song and all of you accuanted the positive. Now that is priceless 🤗😎👍🎶🎶🎶
I have a question. There will be a dedication at Recreation Park in Binghamton, New York where Rod Serling was born and grew up. Would you consider playing your amazing song "Twilight Zone" . In September?. It's going to be a ons of a kind dedication as his statue will be on display. Think about it.
Absolutely superb !!! 👌
Terrific jazz group!!!!
Loved Ralph Humphrey on drums on this and all he contributed to this world.
RIP Ralph.
Wunderschön Man
i first hezrd thix song in a video where weather report performed it live and then when they did it live with tmt several years ago. it rocked then, too!!!!
Weather Report is the original. This is the cover.
This group is awesome! Incredible voices, great selections, fantastic musicians, phenomenal harmonies! Spectacular.
Friends listen to Sinatra. I prefer Manhattan Transfer. 😊
Grew up with this band... Absolute genius class act.
Down in Birdland 🎶
Soooooo nostalgic!!!
This was on one of our first CDs ever in '83 or '84: Manhattan Transfer's Greatest Hits.
love this..
ウェザーリポートの曲ですが、見事にマッチしています。
Wowwwww
I had no idea this had lyrics to it. I'm used to hearing it as an instrumental, usually by the legends of yesteryear such as Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson. (I love the latter's version of it especially.) But this is fantastic, too.
The Maynard version was the first song I ever transcribed, that final solo is unbelievable.
@@cartergeorge1545 I have to second you on that.
Jon Hendricks (of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross) wrote lyrics just for this version. He later wrote the lyrics for Manhattan Transfer's "Vocalese" album.
The original was an instrumental. Allowing Manhattan Transfer to create this lyrical abomination is the worst thing Joe Zawinul ever djd.
@@mr.beaverchair3622 Manhattan Transfer performed it. Jon Hendricks wrote the lyrics. And both lyrics and performance are brilliant. Besides, I doubt Zawinul's permission was needed.
Vocal enlightenment and holds true to Zawinul/WR. I have not listened to this version in many, many years. Posted this response 10-13-24.
Birdland Lyrics
5,000 light years from Birdland
But I'm still preachin' the rhythm
Long-gone, uptight years from Birdland
An' I'm still teachin' it with 'em
Years from the land of the Bird
An' I am still feelin' the spirit
5,000 light years from Birdland
But I know people can hear it
Bird named it, Bird made it, Bird heard it, then played it
Well-stated! Birdland--
It happened down in Birdland
Oh!
In the middle of that hub
I remember one jazz club
Where we went to pat feet
Down on fifty-secon' street
Everybody heard that word
That they named it after Bird
Where the rhythm swooped and swirled
The jazz corner of the world
See pop shows near Inglewood
Get tickets as low as $118
You might also like
meet the grahams
Kendrick Lamar
Push Ups
Drake
The Black Dog
Taylor Swift
An' the cats they gigged in there
Were beyond compare
Birdland - I'm singin' Birdland
Birdland - Ol' swingin' Birdland
Hey, man, the music really turns you on!
Y' turn me on
Really, y' turn me aroun'
'N turn me on
Down them stairs, lose them cares - where?
Down in Birdland
Total swing, bop was king - there
Down in Birdland
Bird would cook, Max would look - where?
Down in Birdland
Miles came through, 'Trane came too - there
Down in Birdland
Basie blew, Blakey too - where?
Down in Birdland
Cannonball played that hall - there
Down in Birdland
Yeah---
There may never be nothin' such as that
No Mo' - No Mo'
Down in Birdland, that's where it was at
I know - I know
Back in them days bop was ridin' high
Hello! 'n goodbye!
How well those cats remember
Their first Birdland gig
To play in Birdland is an honor we still dig
Yeah---that club was like--
In another world, sure enough--
Yeah, baby
All o' the cats had the cookin' on
People just sat an' they was steady lookin' on
Then Bird--he came 'n spread the word--
Birdland
Yes, indeed, he did
Yes, indeed, he did
Yes, indeed, he did
Yes, he did, Parker played at Birdland
Yes, he really did
Yes, indeed, he really did
Yes, he really did
Told the truth down in Birdland
Yes, indeed he did, Yardbird Parker played in
Birdland
Yes, indeed, he really did
Charlie Parker played in Birdland
Bird named it, Bird made it, Bird heard it
Then played it
Well-stated! Birdland
It happened down in Birdland
Everybody dug that beat
Everybody stomped their feet
Everybody digs be-bop
An' they'll never stop
Down them stairs, lose them cares - yeah!
Down in Birdland
Total swing! bop was king - yeah!
Down in Birdland
Bird would cook, Max would look - yeah
Down in Birdland
Miles came through, 'Trane came too - yeah!
Down in Birdland
Basie blew, Blakey too - yeah!
Down in Birdland
Cannonball played that hall - yeah
Down in Birdland
Down them stairs, lose them cares - yeah
Down in Birdland
Total swing! bop was king - yeah
Down in Birdland
Bird would cook, Max would look - yeah
Down in Birdland
Miles came through, 'Trane came too - yeah!
Down in Birdland
Basie blew, Blakey too - yeah!
Down in Birdland
Cannonball played that hall - yeah
Down in Birdland
Down them stairs, lose y' cares -yeah
Down in Birdland
Total swing! bop was king - yeah
Down in Birdland
Bird would cook, Max would look - yeah
Down in Birdland
Background Solo:
Come in pairs down them stairs, lose y' cares
Them that dares gits it!
Pay the gate, don't be late
It's a date! - whattay' know
If y' dig, then you'll dig, it's a groove
Quite a groove, 'cause y' t' move
Come in twos, pay your dues
What can you lose?
Just your blues!
So lose them!
The band swingin' one and all and what a ball!
Yeah!
Music is good, music is better than good
Pretty good
Very nice
Really very good - things are bein' like they should
Very good -- very good -- very good
All y' gotta do is lend an ear
An' listen to it
Then y' dig a little sooner than soon
You'll be diggin' everything diggin' all the music
What a ball!
How y' gonna figure out
A way t' bring it all about amid a
Lot o' other music on the set'n on
The scene know what I mean?
How y' gonna separate the music from the scene
'Gonna have t' keep the memory clean
Y' gonna hear a lotta' sound -- a lotta soun'
“Birdland” lyrics by Jon Hendricks, music by Joe Zawinul.
genius.com/The-manhattan-transfer-birdland-lyrics
I think the "better than good" line is actually Janis (and Jon I guess) doing Chico Escuela from SNL: [Baseball been] bery, bery good to me.
Is this cover better than Weather Report's original? It might be . . . the vocals definitely are!
Why is this excellent album out of print on CD?
🤩
The 1981 music awards brought me here ♥️ Sexy ladies
Sounds a lot like “The Street-corner Symphony “
Remember Lucious Boomers Stl. Favorite
Damn I wasn't sure what to expect from a vocal version of Birdland (I'm kind of a jazz purist who prefers purely instrumental versions of things) but this isn't bad, no siree.
These were some singing mfers
They won a Grammy for this
踊り出したくなります！
0:00 B C D (all three -30c)
🎶 " Cannonball played that hall🎵 ... Joe Zawinul had his other all-time hit with Cannonball Adderley:
ua-cam.com/video/y7FFLYXEOqA/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Queens cousin
this is a flipping tune man first time l heard the original yesterday on uk radio 2 on the Trevor Nelson show because before l just hread the brass band version practicing couple of years ago live at the college
F*ck this is good
try their version of Four Brothers:
ua-cam.com/video/XdKEAyxrPd8/v-deo.html
or the original Jimmy Giuffre song by Woody Herman:
ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=four+brothers+woody+herman+1947
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