I've praised the precision The Manhattan Transfer pulled off in its vocal rendition of Woody Herman's "Four Brothers" previously. In fact, after watching them perform it on "The Old Grey Whistle Test," I wonder why the audience's applause isn't at least five times more effusive.
There's a lesser known instrumental rendition of the tune, however, that audiences should also appreciate. The entire range of covers on the tribute album to departed St. Louis bassist Jerry Cherry, "Up Cherry Street," is excellent. "Four Brothers" stands out for Herb Drury's jaunty approach to the tune on the piano and Cherry's more-than-able support on bass.
It's not easy to sing fast lyrics with just the right mix of enthusiasm and enunciation. The Manhattan Transfer nails that balance in "Four Brothers," and Cherry and Drury replicate that spirit instrumentally in their cover.
