Bluegrass Student Union

One of the most versatile barbershop quartets of all time, this innovative foursome sets new standards for other ensembles with its innovative a cappella adaptations of American popular songs of the 1930's and 1940's. Rick Staab, Dan Burgess, and Allen and Ken Hatton were among the youngest singers ever to win the Barbershop Harmony Society's coveted International Quartet Championship. But during the 15 years following that competition, the Bluegrass, tastefully honed their singing style and recording technique to create some of the most popular barbershop quartet recordings of all time. In 1997, after a five year sabbatical, the quartet was lured back to the studio and to the stage by fans who simply would not take "no" for an answer. BSU subsequently released their complete works 3-CD set, LEGACY, including several previously unreleased cuts and an extensive written history of the group and its music. The initial sales were staggering, and the recording was selected by CASA as the "Best Barbershop Album of 1999.

As teenagers, Allen, Ken, Dan and Rick began singing together as "The Bluegrass Student Union" quartet in December of 1973, as a result of their participation in the International Champion Chorus, "The Louisville Thoroughbreds". Their first year together resulted in a first place finish in the fall Cardinal District (Kentucky and Indiana) contest. During this time, they also built a repertoire of arrangements "borrowed" from famous quartets of the time, such as the "Citations", the "Suntones", the "Club House 4", et al. Singing with the perennial champion Thoroughbreds provided the fledging quartet plenty of encouragement, as well as opportunities to perform on "the big stage." In 1975, the "boys" first met their coach coach Don Clause, who recognized what he called "simpatico" within the group.

Don introduced BSU to then unknown arranger Ed Waesche (now International President of the Barbershop Harmony Society), who provided the ensemble's first original arrangements. BSU also enjoyed the benefit of Don's technical knowledge and fine interpretive skills, which resulted in the quartet's quick rise to the top of International Competition. The quartet finished fourth in 1976, sixth in 1977, and won it all in 1978 with its four singers ranging in age from 22 to 24. After winning, the "Bluegrass" searched for a new mission and rediscovered the true joy of entertaining through concerts and recordings. The quartet subsequently became known as one of a very few champion quartets who did its best work after winning the gold. They innovated with adaptations of "Swing Era" music to the barbershop style, not only by Ed Waesche, but also by Walter Latzko, who had achieved fame through his arrangements for the famous professional quartets, "The Buffalo Bills" and "The Chordettes." By focusing on all aspects of their performance, BSU's "show package" became one of the most popular in the Society's history. Also, with the help of their expert recording engineer, Bobby Ernspiker, BSU simply outperformed everybody else where quartet recordings are concerned.

For twenty years, even while spending so much time in the studio, the quartet continued to travel and perform, covering hundreds of thousands of miles in 46 states and several foreign countries and entertaining millions of quartet fans, including President Reagan at the White House. In 1992, the group decided to take a sabbatical, to focus on careers and families. After being contacted by members of the "Harmonet", an internet barbershop harmony discussion group, the quartet was persuaded to re-release its recordings in a complete works 3-CD set, with extensive liner notes. As a result, there was a strong resurgence of interest in live performances by the Bluegrass, and so they have been lured back to the boards. They are still going strong after 25 years worth of "good close harmony" between the same four friends.

Group members: Ken Hatton, Allen Hatton, Dan Burgess, Rick Staab.

Discography

The Legacy

Disc A: I Told Them All About You Dear (Medley) I've Found My Sweetheart Sally When It's Darkness On The Delta Meet Me In Rosetime Rose Midnight Rose Girls Medley The Auctioneer Eyes Medley It Was Just One of Those Things This Little Piggy Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone It's Not Where You Start/ Rose Colored Glasses Medley Hi Neighbor The Old Songs Medley Biff The Friendly Purple Bear Java Jive The Chordbusters' March I'm Confessin' That I Love You Sixteen Tons Here's To The Winners My Honey's Lovin' Arms The Bluegrass Gospel Medley The Wells Fargo Wagon Iowa Stubborn Ya Got Trouble Good Night My Someone Marian The Librarian

This three-CD collection by the Bluegrass Student Union, with its stellar harmonies and faultless execution, is a must-have for any fan of barbershop and will earn many new devotees. BSU, a celebrated quartet formed in 1974 and winners of the 1978 SPEBSQSA Championship, has produced a treasure. A retrospective of their entire career, the collection includes barbershop favorites such as "Coney Island Baby" and "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm." the songs from Broadway's "The Music Man" that comprised their third recording, Gershwin classics such as "Our Love is Here to Stay" and "I've Got a Crush on You," and so much more! In addition, BSU has provided extensive liner notes that explain the group history and philosophy, and reveal the musical intelligence and knowledge that is evident in their work. Another bonus is the superior quality of the recording itself, which adds to the enjoyment. Highly recommended.

5003 3-CD set $59.98

Jukebox Saturday Night

Juke Box Saturday Night Medley Stardust Minnie The Moocher Sugar Medley All The Things You Are Peg O' My Heart I Got Rhythm I Can Dream, Can't I Mill Brothers Medley

Dedicated to the form and science of barbershop singing, the BSU, who won the Championship in 1978, have as serious and intense an approach to the genre as can be heard. Last year's three CD set, "Legacy," was the definitive collection, but "Jukebox," which is a one-CD selection of the same material, is a great introduction to their sound. A series of medleys, "Sugar," "Mills Bros" and "Juke Box Saturday Night," as well as standards such as "Stardust," are a fine setting for the rich timbres and sensitive interpretations that seemingly come so naturally (though we know in fact that this quartet's work ethic is remarkable). All arrangements are by Walter Latzko and Ed Waesche, another indication that the BSU insists upon only the best.

5004 CD $14.98

Commencement

Minnie The Moocher It's Sand, Man Chordbusters' March The Old Songs Medley My Honey's Lovin' Arms All The Things You Are I Can't Run Away From You Sixteen Tons Old Grey Bonnet Medley Together Wherever We Go Danny Boy Goodbye Anna In Indiana Midnight Rose Jukebox Saturday Night Medley Stardust Mills Brothers Medley Porgy and Bess Overture A Foggy Day This Little Piggy Went To Market Swanee Is It True What They Say About Dixie Renegades Opener Margie My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose Bring Back Those Good Old Days How's Every Little Thing In Dixie Whippoorwill Medley You're The Flower Of My Heart, Sweet Adeline How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm I Can Dream Can't I Mardis Gras Medley The Auctioneer The Sadder But Wiser Girl Ya Got Trouble Marian The Librarian Till There Was You Gary Indiana The Wells Fargo Wagon Lulu's Back In Town The Bluegrass Gospel Medley It's A Wonderful Life Biff The Friendly Purple Bear Erie Canal Java Jive Love Is Here To Stay Without A Song They All Laughed Back In Business Desafinado It's Sand, Man I Can't Run Away From You Travelin' Man Without A Song Chargog-Agog-Manchog-Agog-Chaubun-Agung-Amog It's A Wonderful Life

1978 International Barbershop Harmony Society Quartet Champs BSU have had a legendary career spanning more than 3 decades, 100 recorded songs and 1000 live performances. "Commencement" is a remarkable gift to their fans and to all fans of Barbershop, combining a dvd that follows the college analogy with a "Digital Video Disc Yearbook" in four Chapters, Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors." These feature clips of some of the group's influences, which they call "hero quartets:" the Suntones, the Citations and many others, with the groups' commentary on what made them want to sing along with and learn from these quartets. A favorite from Chapter 1's 14 clips would be "The Old Songs Medley," from Chapter 2's 6 clips, "Porgy and Bess Overture," from Chapter 3's 20 clips, "Mardi Gras Medley," and from Chapter 4's 9 clips, "The Bluegrass Gospel Medley." Then we come to an audio CD of 8 tunes, a few favorites are "Back in Business," "It's Sand, Man," "I Can't Run Away From You," "Without A Song" and "It's a Wonderful Life." This audio disc is excellent, the frosting, if you will, on the cake that is the dvd. "Freshmen," for instance, has over 41 minutes of wonderful live video clips, "Sophomore" has over 29 minutes, "Junior" over 44 minutes and "Senior" 38 minutes—of wonderful vintage costumes and great music, that shows the evolution of a group known as the "valedictorian" of the Barbershop Harmony Society's "class of 1978." Trust us, there's more incredible history and music here than we can begin to describe to you. If you love Barbershop or vocal harmony in general, just treat yourself to Bluegrass Student Union's lifetime achievement: "Commencement!"

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