4 the fun of it
© Copyright-jones/hyatt - avesongs
(666186278727)
Record Label: fifth avenue
SPECIAL: 50% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!
No items available in your wishlist
Fifth Avenue got its start some 20 years ago... four college freshmen from the Seattle burbs with one common goal, world domination through 4-part harmony. This proved to be just one of many utopian ideals that catapulted "the Ave" onto that lofty perch inhabited by so many others who make vocal jazz their home...COMPLETE AND TOTAL OBSCURITY!
Realizing early on that fame, fortune, and a harmonically haunting rendition of "My Romance" didn't mix, Fifth Avenue turned their backs on father jazz, packed up the Ford van, and hit the road. Next stop...pop iconhood. Here's a few quotes from that fabled first tour.
"Dammit boys, leave some
sandwiches for the guests"
Joe Duncaffe
Gen Mgr,The Ridpath Hotel
Spokane, WA
"You boyz'll be stayin in the
doublewide out back"
Bill McQuirk
Owner, The Red Baron
Missoula, MT
"We just had to let them go"
Wanda Lynn
Food & Bev Mgr, AJ's
Rapid City, SD
"I just love your version of
Ebony and Ivory!"
Anonymous
Though times were tough and artistry was scarce in those early years, the newly road hardened foursome managed to share the stage with several entertainers you may have actually heard of, such as: The Four Freshmen, Pete Barbutti, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bill Cosby. After two years of Holiday Inns, low pay, and time away from loved ones, the boys decided to take a break... a very long break.
Fast forward to 1997... Twelve years, six children, and a few collective gray hairs later, Las Vegas based Fifth Avenue returns to the music they so dearly love. "4 The Fun Of It", a collection of seven standards, two original compositions, and a mind twisting modulating classic movie medley is the result of arranger/composer Robert Hyatt's lifelong passion for the music of groups like the Hi-Lo's, Take 6, and The Singers Unlimited. Hyatt's brilliant arrangements, the group's ability to "sound as one", and the wonderfully crafted solo singing of Jerry Jones and Bryan Bowlby make this a must for any harmony lovers collection!
Read more...
Please
log in to review the album.
4 the fun of it
author: Christian A. Kuest
I was there in the beginning. In fact I was at the above mentioned Ridpath Hotel as well as at a Jazz Festival they performed at. I'm here to tell you fans... They were, everyone of them Vocal Jazz Icons to all of us that heard as little as ONE song. NOBODY... could generate as much enthusiasm with their energetic stage presence and musical excitment with thier sheer passion and absolutely incredible talent for what they lived for... being on that stage and singing those songs! That sound!!! That incredible sound!!!
Read more...
Fantastic!
author: Dana Countryman
I first saw FIFTH AVENUE, back in '83, when they were still students at Edmonds Community College. They were an opening act for The Hi-Lo's (who I really came for.) Fifth Avenue was good -- not fantastic, but good. I remember they sang the Hi-Lo's arrangement of "Like Someone In Love."
Twenty-one years later, and a lot of refining has been a good thing for the group, and I'll safely say they have reached the "Fantastic!" stage. I know how difficult singing tight, 4-part harmony is -- having been in vocal groups, myself -- so I have immediate respect for these four talented guys. Great solo voices, too.
I previewed quite a few other vocal groups here on CD Baby, but Fifth Ave. were the only ones to really impress me enought to want to BUY their CD. The money was well-spent, and I'm really enjoying this recording.
Don't take it from me, listen for yourself! 5th Ave. is Fantastic!
- Dana Countryman
http://www.danacountryman.com
Read more...