The Four Freshmen ‎– Voices In Fun

The Four Freshmen – Voices In Fun

Voices In Fun is a delightful 1961 Capitol Records album from The Four Freshmen, one of the most influential close-harmony vocal groups in American popular music. Released in both mono and stereo, with the stereo edition catalogued as Capitol ST 1543, the album combines the group's intricate four-part vocal arrangements with the bright, colourful orchestral backing of legendary arranger and conductor Billy May.

The Four Freshmen were renowned for their sophisticated vocal harmonies, jazz-influenced phrasing and unusual approach to arranging their voices almost like a small instrumental ensemble. On Voices In Fun, their core line-up of Bill Comstock, Ross Barbour, Bob Flanigan and Ken Albers is complemented by Billy May's orchestra, with vocal arrangements by Dick Reynolds. The album's concept is reflected in its title: this is an upbeat, playful collection built around songs that allow the quartet's precision and personality to shine.

The programme draws heavily on the Great American Songbook and classic Hollywood-era popular music. “I Want To Be Happy” gets the album off to a lively start, while “Ole Buttermilk Sky,” “I Can't Give You Anything But Love” and “You Make Me Feel So Young” demonstrate the group's ability to combine sophisticated harmony with an effortlessly swinging delivery. “Save The Bones For Henry Jones” and “Swinging On A Star” add further touches of humour and novelty, perfectly suited to the album's light-hearted character.

Side Two continues with “On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” “Mañana” and the Oscar-winning “On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe,” before moving into “Aren't You Glad You're You,” “Happy Talk” and the closing “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive.” The latter became one of the album's recognised Four Freshmen performances, while several of the songs were subsequently associated with other Four Freshmen compilations and reissues.

Billy May's contribution is particularly important. Rather than simply providing conventional accompaniment, his punchy brass, swinging rhythm arrangements and colourful orchestration give the quartet a full big-band sound while leaving their intricate harmonies at the centre. Contemporary Cash Box described the album as a programme of “semi-novelty” and fun songs, specifically praising May's bright orchestrations alongside the group's showmanship.

Voices In Fun was also significant enough to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Vocal Group, adding to its importance within The Four Freshmen's celebrated Capitol period. For collectors of vocal jazz, close harmony, traditional pop and classic American big-band records, it is an excellent example of the sophisticated yet accessible sound that influenced generations of vocal groups, including later artists working in the jazz-pop and harmony tradition.

Side A

1. I Want To Be Happy
2. Ole Buttermilk Sky
3. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
4. You Make Me Feel So Young
5. Save The Bones For Henry Jones
6. Swinging On A Star

Side B

1. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
2. Mañana
3. On The Atchison, Topeka And Santa Fe
4. Aren't You Glad You're You
5. Happy Talk
6. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive