Multiple Grammy-winning mixed quartet Manhattan Transfer is known for their expertise in many styles of music, including doo-wop, cabaret and Brazilian music for example, but they have been best known for their live performances and incomparable jazz singing. 'Hotter' is a live CD, recorded at Orchestra Hall in Tokyo, featuring 16 of the group's best jazz covers. Mostly recent material, the songs are accompanied by a stellar jazz band that has toured with the group for years. A couple of nods are given to classic Transfer tunes, like a rousing version of Roy Hamilton's Rockabilly hit 'Don't Let Go,' from their 1976 album 'Coming Out,' and 'Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone,' a choice selection from the disco era. Particular favorites are two Satchmo-related numbers, 'Up a Lazy River' and 'Stars Fell on Alabama,' that were not included on MT's Armstrong tribute disc, 'The Spirit of St. Louis.' There are so many fine moments on this CD: Janice Siegel's mock muted trumpet solo on Ella Fitzgerald's 'A Tisket, A Tasket,' the onstage repartee between Tim Hauser, and Alan Paul on 'Gone Fishin',' and some wonderfully raucous scat singing on 'Nothing Could Be Hotter Than That.' 'Hotter' is simply a joy, probably the greatest vocal jazz group of all time, live on stage, filling our CD player with sweet, smoking, soulful jazz. Great foldout liner notes. Highly recommended!