Special to the Daily News
The Tug Valley Arts Council will begin its 2012-13 series Thursday when it presents The Four Freshmen, a vocal group that was born in 1948.
A vocal harmony like no other, The Four Freshmen have enamored listeners world-wide for 65 years and have gained recognition as one of the most influential vocal groups of all time. They have been inspiration to the likes of The Beach Boys, Kenny Rogers, The Mamas & The Papas, Frankie Valli, Manhattan Transfer, and countless others.
As freshmen in college, four young men crafted a unique style of vocal harmony that soon caught the ear of the great bandleader Stan Kenton. Kenton was responsible for bringing the Freshmen to Capitol Records where they recorded 23 albums, thrusting them into the national spotlight. In 65 years The Freshmen have recorded over 50 albums, an over whelming 70 top selling singles, and 6 Grammy Nominations. The four have toured constantly since their inception, continuing to perform to sold out audiences around the globe.
Although the faces have changed through the years, the integrity of the sound created by the original four members has been meticulously maintained by its current lineup; Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon, and Vince Johnson. While continuing the time-honored heritage of the group by performing songs like “Day By Day” and “Blue World”, they have introduced new arrangements on some of their personal favorites such as “Stardust ”, “Something’s Gotta Give”, “With Plenty Of Money And You” and “A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square”, to name a few.
Whether accompanied by a big band, symphony or self-contained; their youth, vitality, and talent adds an unforgettable twist of elegance to an already unmistakable sound.
The Four Freshmen are awaiting the release of their newest offering, “Love Songs.” The recording of the Freshmen brings together the beauty of their vocal harmony with songs from iconic songwriters, and is rounded out by lush strings and a top notch rhythm section.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Mingo Central High School, tickets are adults $15, under 18 $10. A complimentary bus will leave from Williamson Middle School at 6 p.m. for those who wish to attend the show.
The Four Freshmen is sponsored by the Mingo County Commsion and Southern West Virginia Community College. Additional funding promived through grants from the West Virgnia Department for Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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