The Manhattan Transfer
The Manhattan Transfer were not an overnight success, but a result of many years of dues-paying and persistence, particularly by bass singer and founder Tim Hauser. Tim's musical history goes back to a doo-wop group called the Criterions, who recorded a couple of singles on Cecilia Records when Tim was 15. Subsequently, Tim formed the first Manhattan Transfer, five members strong and featuring Gene Pistilli, who had co-written some songs recorded by Spanky and Our Gang. The resulting album wasn't stylistically well-integrated, and didn't catch on commercially either. That first version of the group broke up in 1971.
The Manhattan Transfer re-emerged as a four-piece, with Janis Siegel (alto), Laurel Masse (soprano), and Alan Paul (tenor), who found each other in a series of happy accidents. Tim Hauser was driving a cab at the time, and picked up passenger Laurel Masse; they got to talking. Tim met Janis Siegel through a drummer acquaintance. Janis had been performing at the Greenwich Village coffeehouse scene with a group called "Laurel Canyon." Alan Paul had been appearing in the musical "Grease!" (Laurel's boyfriend was a musician in the production, and referred him).
With personnel in place, they began to build a following at all of the hip New York clubs: Max's Kansas City, Reno Sweeney's, Cafe Carlyle, etc. Atlantic's Ahmet Ertegun heard of them and came to a gig. His enthusiastic response resulted in a record deal and an association that lasted for many years. The Manhattan Transfer's first recording, the self-titled "Manhattan Transfer" featured "Operator," a fifties gospel tune, which reached number #22 on the Billboard chart and was their first hit. They were hard to catagorize - "Cabaret Rock" or "Disco Sha Na Na" were some of the labels attached to them - but their popularity grew solidly, accompanied by intensive touring. They even had their own short-lived TV series (as well as frequent guest appearances on other variety programs). "Coming Out, " "Pastiche" and the first live album followed. "Pastiche" was noteworthy as it was the first time the group collaborated with Jon Hendricks (of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross), and was the beginning of a long and remarkably fecund relationship. However, the record did not sell well, and as fate would have it, Laurel was in a car accident in 1978, which curtailed her activities (her jaw was wired shut for three months). She ultimately quit the group. The Manhattan Transfer re-located to California and began the search for a new soprano vocalist.
Cheryl Bentyne joined in 1979. Her father had been a jazz bandleader and she had sung with him, developing a technical facility that she would need with the Transfer. Her audition pieces were "You Can Depend On Me" and "Candy." With Cheryl in the group, the group went forward with their next record: "Extensions." It was a hit and the group were swept up in the disco craze with the single "Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone." In addition, "Extensions" included "Birdland," the Weather Report composition that became a Manhattan Transfer signature tune. The group won two Grammy's for that album, the first of many.
"Mecca For Moderns" followed, which included Gene Puerling's "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" and "Boy From New York City." Having discovered them, the public and the critics continued to bestow honors upon the Manhattan Transfer, as they received the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy, and "Boy" reached number seven on Billboard.
Atlantic released their first greatest hits album, while the group went to work on "Bodies and Souls." The record company's agenda, which necessitated more pop hits, prevailed, but the record did not do well and the group wasn't musically satisfied. The record that followed it, "Bop Doo Wopp," included some live recordings of standards and doo-wop classics, but didn't connect with its audience either. Given the disappointing sales, the group saw no reason to pursue a commercial direction, but decided to go back to the music that they felt was their strongest suit, and for which they had a demonstrated ability unlike any of their contemporaries. With collaborators Jon Hendricks and Richie Cole, they focused on the use of the vocalese technique - singing lyrics over jazz solos - the album, entitled naturally, "Vocalese." The group already had modeled their distinctive voicings on that of the big band horn section of Count Basie, and this approach culminated in a triumph. They received twelve Grammy nominations for "Vocalese," and won three.
"Brasil" was an exploration of the textures and rhythms of world music, juxtaposed with jazz. The group worked with Brazilian songwriters such as Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins and Djavan on the record, and it was another unique musical collage, bringing the decade of the 1980's to a close. Manhattan Transfer also had won the Playboy and Downbeat "Best Jazz Vocal Group" category every year from 1980 to 1990.
The group went to Columbia for two releases: "The Offbeat of Avenues," which was a mostly self-written collection, and their Christmas record. Unfortunately, "Avenues" did not get the attention it deserved. The group members also ventured out on a variety of solo projects, including movie soundtracks, and guest starred on the TV series, "Home Improvement."
The group's next project was a children's album, "Tubby The Tuba." The group played all the parts for this charming story of an insecure tuba searching for a melody. Then, after returning to Atlantic, the Manhattan Transfer produced "Tonin'," featuring such luminaries as Laura Nyro, Frankie Valli, James Taylor and Chaka Khan, singing classic pop hits. A most entertaining record, it nonetheless didn't break any new ground musically for the group. Their latest recording, "Swing," was a tribute to the music of the 1930's and 1940's, and no one could do it better than America's preeminent purveyors of vocal harmony. They reinterpreted several tracks, such as "Java Jive," specially for this recording, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart.
What now, after so many years of success? Only time will tell, of course, but the four singers continue to be partners personally and professionally, and certainly an inspiration to all who hear them. Whatever it is, it'll be done as only the Manhattan Transfer can do it!
Members - Tim Hauser, Janis Segal, Alan Paul, Cheryl Bentyne
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Jingle Bells White Christmas Christmas Time Is Here Good King Wencslas Toyland My Grown-Up Christmas List Merry Christmas Baby I'll Be Home For Christmas Christmas Is Coming Winter Wonderland |
After a couple of decades and over 20 albums perhaps the most well-known of all vocal harmony groups has released their very first all a cappella recording – and it was well worth the wait! Of course we might well be somewhat biased due to our love of unaccompanied vocals but this album is truly a joy and will become, we are sure, a vocal harmony Christmas classic. First released in Japan the recording was produced by Tim Hauser and co-produced by the highly regarded Roger Treece who also arranged some of the songs. The vocals are always solid with the Transfer and their voices are highlighted even further when sung unaccompanied with each voice showing their years of experience as vocal jazz singers. The arrangements are stellar and this album will be bringing you holiday cheer for years to come.
Listen to "Merry Christmas Baby" in Real Audio.
| 7499 CD $15.98 |
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Route 66 Candy Embracable You That's The Way It Goes A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square Because You Are All Heart To You Vibrate Clouds (Nuages) The Quietude The Offbeat Avenues Birdland |
Recorded in 2006, The Symphony Sessions features the Transfer reinterpreting 12 of their classic songs they recorded for past albums. Rather than the usual jazz ensemble accompaniment this time the quartet goes into the studio with The City of Prague Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Corey Allen to produce these enjoyable new takes on some of the old favorites. This is a very relaxed and smooth-flowing recording and a pleasant change to hear these old chestnuts performed in a fresh style.
Listen to "Embracable You" in Real Audio.
| 7601 CD $15.98 |
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Tuxedo Junction Java Jive Candy Gloria Operator Chanson D'Amour The Speak Up Mambo Four Brothers Popsicle Toes On A Little Street In Singapore A Nightengale Sang In Berkeley Square Until I Met You Trickle Trickle Twilight Zone Bridland Boy From New York City Smile Again Spice Of Life Route 66 Mystery Why Not! (Mahatten Carnival) Baby Come Back To Me (The Morse Code Of Love) Sing Joy Spring Another Night In Tunesia Soul Food To Go So You Say Stomp Of King Porter Clouds Nothing Could Be Hotter Than That The Offbeat Of Avenues |
The ultimate Manhattan Transfer release! Here in this two CD collection are 30 of the fabulous vocal jazz quartet's best recordings spanning the 25 plus years they have been harmonizing together. All the greatest hits are here plus several of the group's personal favorite tracks. The release comes with a insert which includes photos and a history of the group. This is top-knotch four part vocal harmony!
Listen to "Route 66" in Real Audio.
| 7494 2CDs $19.95 |
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Happy Holiday Let it Snow Christmas Love Song Santa Claus is Coming To Town White Christmas Sleigh Ride It Came Across A Midnight Clear Caroling, Caroling Good King Wencesslas Christmas Is Coming Snow Fall Merry Christmas Baby Santa Baby The Christmas Song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Operator Happy Holiday (Reprise) Goodnight |
What’s better than hearing Manhattan Transfer sing our favorite holiday tunes? Seeing them sing those holiday tunes, LIVE! Thanks to the awesome sound and picture quality of this DVD, you can watch the internationally acclaimed quartet spread Christmas cheer in your very own living room. It's like having your very own personal concert. All 11 tracks from their earlier CD release, 'The Christmas Album' are presented as well as four solo songs (one for each member of the group). Also included, in the bonus features, is an rare interview with the group, sharing their individual backgrounds, their secret to success, and insight on how they learn their music as a group. This DVD is sure to become a Holiday Treasure and is not to be missed!
| 4634 DVD $24.98 |
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Walkin' In New York Greek Song Vibrate The New JuJu Man Doodin' The Twelfth First Ascent Core Of Sound Feel Flows Embracable You Come Softly to Me / I Met Him On a Sunday |
We don't think we need to go deeply into the history and awards associated with jazz legends Manhattan Transfer, who have been paying their dues and building their following in hip New York City clubs since 1971. Finely-crafted jazz albums, beginning with the self-titled "Manhattan Transfer," have sold well and won many awards. "Extensions" won two Grammys , "Mecca for Moderns" one, and "Vocalese" three Grammys. "Vibrate" is the group's first studio album in 3 years, and has been highly anticipated. 11 songs, all accompanied, mostly mellow, bass-walking, rainy-day jazz. Some particular favorites are the opening cut, the salsa-influenced "Walkin' in N.Y.," the oriental flavored "Greek Song," the blue-note, meandering "The New JuJu Man," "Doodlin'," the rhythmic "Feel Flows," the sweet chestnut "Embraceable You," and finishes with a very nice "Come Softly to Me/I Met Him on a Sunday" medley. The long-awaited Vibrate" is a special addition to MT's discography and is further evidence that we're listening to one of the best vocal jazz groups in the world!
Listen to "Vibrate" in Real Audio.
| 4572 CD $15.98 |
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Old Man Mose Sing Moten's Swing A-Tisket, A-Tasket Sugar (That Sugar Baby O'Mine) Up A Lazy River Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? Stars Fell on Alabama Gone Fishin Blue Again Clouds (Adapted from "Nuages") Stompin at Mahogany Hall Nothing Could Be Hotter Than That It's Good Enough to Keep Don't Let Go Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone My Foolish Heart |
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.
Listen to "My
Foolish Heart" and "Stompin
at Mahogany Hall" in Real Audio.
| 4528 CD $15.98 |
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Stompin' At Mahogany Hall The Blues Are Bewin' Sugar A Kiss To Build A Dream On Old Man Mose Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans Gone Fishin' Nothing Could Be Hotter Than That Blue Again When You Wish Upon A Star |
Take a trip up and down the Mississippi on the Spirit of St. Louis with the
Manhattan Transfer as they pay homage to the "enduring spirit of Louis Armstrong".
In true Manhattan Transfer style, the voices cast an even shrill appropriately
high and take it smooth when its time to go low, mimicking the grace of the
great Satchmo. So good, so good! "Stompin' at Mahogany Hall" is pure New Orleans
while "The Blues are Brewin'" is as bluesy as it gets. (Sing it Sister!) "Gone
Fishin'" makes you wish you were. Take it back down to New Orleans and get slinky
with "Do You Know What it's Like To Miss New Orleans?" "A Kiss To Build A Dream
On" and "When You Wish Upon A Star" are standards for a Louis Armstrong Tribute.
Classify this CD as one that finds a home in your CD player for a long while.
Not necessarily A Cappella!
| 4312 CD $13.98 |
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String of Pearls Stompin' at the Savoy Choo Choo Ch' Boogie Straighten Up and Fly Right Sugar Skyliner Blues in the Night Avalon It Don't Mean a Thing Clouds, adapted from "Nuages" Jumpin' at the Woodside Flying Home I'll Be Seeing You Sweet Georgia Brown |
Dubbed "The Prince of Pops" by the Chicago Tribune, Erich Kunzel's Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has been nominated for 5 Grammies under his direction, winning one in 1998, and we have to say that this is some of the best, most spirited big-band swing we've ever heard. Of special interest to us, of course, are the vocals, which are supplied by one of our favorite jazz groups, The Manhattan Transfer, former (and founding) member of the MT, 9-time Grammy winner Janis Siegel, and inventive singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli. There are 14 all accompanied (in fact, 7 of them are completely instrumental) tunes here, and not surprisingly our favorites are "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie," "Sugar" (That Sugar Baby of Mine), "Skyliner," and "Clouds" (adapted from "Nuages,") featuring the MT; "Straighten Up and Fly Right" and "Avalon" with John Pizzarelli; and "I'll Be Seeing You," with Janis Siegel. As we would place the Swing Era at or near the top of all musical eras, we thought "Got Swing" was a treat, and every tune gave us the urge to get up and dance!
Listen to "Skyliner" in Real Audio.
| 4519 CD $15.98 |
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Stomp Of King Peter Sing A Study in Brown Sing Moten's Swing A-Tisket, A-Tasket I Know Why (And So Do You) Sing You Sinners Java Jive Down South Camp Mettin' Topsy Clouds Skyliner It's Good Enough To Keep Choo Choo Ch' Boogie |
A study in the nature of swing, the Transfer have recorded a definitive musical treatise on the topic. Using their voices as instruments-specifically, the horn and reed sections-the group performs material that could be categorized broadly as either urban or rural swing. For example, on "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," (featuring Asleep At The Wheel) the instrumentation includes steel guitar and fiddles. "Java Jive" is performed at a more relaxed tempo and with a warmer feel. Long time Manhattan Transfer collaborator Jon Hendricks stepped up to write lyrics to Jelly Roll Morton's "King Porter Stomp" and Basie's "A Study In Brown." "Clouds" (music by Django Reinhardt) features a splendid violin solo by Stephane Grappelli and a breathy vocal solo passage that evokes the atmosphere of a smoky Paris nightclub. Wonderful listening.
Listen to "Sing A Study in Brown" in Real Audio.
| 4117 CD $10.98 |
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Two CD's and a 52 page booklet: 39 songs of the best of vocal jezz' premier harmony group. A retrospective of their career up to and including cuts from "Brasil." Of course it includes all of the well-known Transfer hits-"Boy From New York City," "Operator" etc., but also standards such as their Grammy-winning "Route 66," "Love For Sale" and "Body and Soul." The marvelous a cappella of "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" and "Foreign Affair," (both arranged by Gene Puerling) are special highlights. Songlist Listen to "Ray's Rockhouse" in Real Audio.
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Few groups have a more distinguished pedigree than the Transfer. Since their formation in New York in 1972, these four voices (two male, two female) have notched up numerous gold and platinum albums, and accumulated a shelf full of Grammy's. Their performance of "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" (included here) won a Grammy for its Gene Puerling arrangement. With collaborators Jon Hendricks and Richie Cole, they promulgated the use of the vocalese technique-singing lyrics over jazz solos. They had their biggest hit of their career, with "Boy From New York City," in 1981, when it went to number seven. "Route 66" and "Tuxedo Junction" were made famous by Nat King Cole and Glenn Miller respectively ("Route 66" won the group yet another Grammy in 1983). "Birdland" was originally recorded by Weather Report; with the addition of Jon Hendricks' lyrics, a Transfer classic was born. This is required listening for vocal jazz fans. Songlist
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Chicken Bone Bone I Need A Man You'se A Viper Fair And Tender Ladies Rosianna Sunny Disposish Java Jive One More Time Around Rosie Guided Missiles Roll, Daddy, Roll |
Where it all began-the group was then a five piece and contained only Tim Hauser, bass singer, from the subsequent line-up. The production values and the quality of the voices are all professional enough, but it bears as much resemblance to the later incarnation as an apple to an orange, and the material brings back memories of seventies lounge acts and television pop stars. "You're A Viper" and "Java Jive" are as close as you can get-the former a swinging horn workout and the latter a relatively subdued version of the a cappella standard. "Guided Missiles" harkens back to Tim's doo-wop roots-he began his career as a teenage doo wop singer in a group called the Criterions.
| 4119 CD $10.98 |
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Tuxedo Junction Sweet Talking Guy Operator 'Candy Gloria Clap Your Hands Gloria You Can Depend On Me Blue Champagne Java Jive Occapella Heart's Desire |
The debut album recorded in 1975. Contains "Operator," the first
Transfer song to garner the public's attention. It's an impressive opening gambit,
and is still consistent with their style-be it on "Candy," "Tuxedo
Junction" or "Java Jive." "You Can Depend On Me" is
a fast sprint, "Blue Champagne" an elegant toast to the era of the
speakeasy. "Occapella" is a bluesy uptempo tune that sounds a bit
like early Bonnie Raitt. Also, an early version of "Heart's Desire,"
(later re-recorded on "Bop Doo Wopp." ) All songs are accompanied,
with particular depth in the horn/reed sections. Songlist
| 4101 CD $10.98 |
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1976 recording featuring Laurel Masse, their third. We all know the Manhattan Transfer's musicality is impeccable. The collection of songs-all accompanied-range from the Latin "The Speak Up Mambo" to a percussive "Poinciana," featuring a Michael Brecker saxophone solo. "S.O.S," "Helpless" and "Zindy Lou" are guitar driven uptempo pop with guest appearances by Dr. John and Ringo Starr! "Scotch and Soda" has a gorgeous and languid melody, "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference" and "Chanson D'Amour" are easy ballads. "Coming Out" is basically a mainstream production that only hints at the group's later more jazz-oriented sound. Songlist
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1979 recording and the first with singer Cheryl Bentyne, who replaced Laurel Masse. Contains "Twilight Tone/Twilight Zone," the group's first U.S. hit-basically a disco number that borrows from the television theme song of the same name. "Birdland," the Weather Report orginal that, with the addition of lyrics by Jon Hendricks, became a staple of Manhattan Transfer's repetoire and one of their most popular songs-and their first Grammy winner. "Body and Soul" is the Phil Mattson arrangement, and "Foreign Affair" was arranged by Gene Puerling (sung a cappella) and conducted by Clare Fischer! (Can't beat the talent! ) "Nothing You Can Do About It" has a catchy refrain and piano motive that won't let go. Songlist
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On The Boulevard Boy From New York City (Wanted)Dead Or Alive Spies In The Night Smile Again "Until I Met You"(Corner Pocket) (The Word Of)Confirmation Kafka A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (a cappella) |
The fifth record, containing the Top Ten Hit, "Boy From New York City," (which won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance) and "Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)," which won a Grammy for Best Jazz Performance, the first time a group had won awards in both the pop and jazz categories in a single year! Of course, those two songs are worth the price of the CD, but, in addition, you'll hear "A Nightingale Sung In Berkeley Square," sung a cappella, from the Gene Puerling arrangement. (Gene won a Grammy for this one!) Also: the Caribbean-influenced "(Wanted) Dead or Alive," with it's steel drums and cowbell-infectious-and Charlie Parker's "Confirmation," which predicates the group's exploration of vocalese.
Listen to "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" in Real Audio.
| 4106 CD $10.98 |
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A budget-priced collection of some of their early hits. Boy From New York City, Java Jive, Gloria, Helpless, Tuxedo Juction, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone, Ray's Rockhouse, Mystery, Smile Again, Birdland.
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1983 release featuring "Why Not?" for which the group won a Grammy. The group mixes up their sound, fronting a keyboard driven band and singing nearly all original material that could best be described as adult contemporary pop. Big production values augment the Transfer's four part harmonies; the songs range from the feel-good anthem, "Code of Ethics," written for the 1984 Olympics, to the sentimental "Goodbye Love," which is believable because of the sincerity of the vocal. "The Night That Monk Returned To Heaven" is noteworthy for its enigmatic chord voicings. "Spice of Life" is a dance number; "Mystery" a mid-tempo ballad; both songs could (of should) have been Top 40 hits, sort of a Manhattanesque Miami Sound Machine! Songlist
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That's Killer Joe Rambo Airegin To You Meet Benny Bailey Another Night in Tunisia (a cappella w/Bobby McFerrin & Jon Hendricks) Ray's Rockhouse Blee Blop Blues Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford Sing Joy Spring Move |
Considered by some to be the apex of the Transfer's vocal development, "Vocalese" refers to the setting of lyrics to previously recorded instrumental compositions. With the contributions of Jon Hendricks (of the highly-regarded Lambert, Hendricks & Ross) and saxophonist Richie Cole, this CD was nominated for twelve Grammy's and won two-Best Jazz Vocal Performance and Best Arrangement for Voices. "Killer Joe" builds off of an undulating synthesizer bass riff, which is the foundation for some flashy vocal soloing, copping what were originally horn parts-vocalese! "Airegin" (Nigeria backwards) sets a pace fast and furious, "To You" is its complete opposite-slow, romantic, with a throaty tenor solo passage and back-ups by the Four Freshmen! "Another Night In Tunisia" allows guest Bobby McFerrin to display his trademark percussion and then sculpt a slurred vocal line, adding a dramatic vibrato for emphasis. Top form.
Listen to "Another Night in Tunisia" in Real Audio.
| 4110 CD $10.98 |
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Route 66 Jeannine My Cat Fell In The Well (Well! Well! Well!) The Duke Of Dubuque How High The Moon Baby Come Back To Me (The Morse Code Of Love) Safronia B Heart's Desire That's The Way It Goes Unchained Melody |
Combining classic jazz (bop) and doo wop, the Transfer have recorded another
impeccably constructed CD. Five of the tracks were recorded live in Tokyo-of
course, the quality is spot-on per usual, the group representing the pinnacle
of vocal art. Listen to the group go off on a scat improv on "Jeannine":
the voices trade lines with each other in a perfectly executed quadruple play!
"Route 66" won them yet another Grammy, for Best Jazz Vocal Performance,
and it sparkles. "Heart's Desire" is some of the best sounding doo
wop we've ever heard; it's a humdinger! "That's The Way It Goes,"
which is dedicated to the Harptones and Criterions (Tim Hauser, bass singer
of the Transfer, was a member of the Criterions as a young lad!) is all the
sweeter now. Songlist
| 4107 CD $10.98 |
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Snowfall Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town/ Santa Man (Medley) The Christmas Song Silent Night, Holy Night Caroling, Caroling Happy Holiday / the Holiday Season A Christmas Love Song It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Have Yourself a Mery Little Christmas Goodnight |
Produced by Johnny Mandel, who also arranged several songs, this orchestrated recording is as elegant and uptown as Fifth Avenue and the Rockefeller Center. A special guest appearance by Tony Bennett, singing "The Christmas Song" from an arrangement by Gene Puerling, adds extra sparkle, but every carol is meticulously produced. The big band glamour of the "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season Medley" rings all the bells, whereas " A Christmas Love Song" is quietly contemplative. "Snowfall" is arranged by both Puerling and Mandel, and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" by Puerling; both are as ethereal and heavenly as a choir of angels.
Listen to Santa Claus Is Coming to Town/ Santa Man (Medley) in RealAudio.
| 4111 CD $10.98 |
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Birdland Route 66 Jeannine Malaise en Malaisie Trickle Trickle Boy from New York City This Independence Foreign Affair Body and Soul Blue Champagne How High the Moon Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone Four Brothers Operator Spice of Life Tuxedo Junction |
A new remastered rerelease of this classic recording originally released in 1996. Manhattan Transfer always put on a great live show ands this CD captures them at their very best.
| 4633 CD $11.98 |
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Soul Food To Go The Zoo Blues So You Say Capim Metropolis Hear The Voices Agua The Jungle Pioneer Notes From The Underground |
The Transfer's style adapts well to this colorful recording, produced in 1987. Drawing upon the South American continent for thematic inspiration, as well as the characteristic rhythms and orchestration, the result is a satisfying world and jazz fusion of warmth and cool. "Notes From The Underground" captures a groove that is indelible, complimenting the distinctive melody. "Soul Food To Go," "The Zoo Blues" and "Metropolis" are contemporary pop, but with a welcome complexity; "Capim" is liquid contemporary jazz, with Stan Getz smoldering on sax throughout.
| 4116 CD $10.98 |
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Tubby The Tuba Tubby At The Circus Tubby Meets A Jazz Band The Further Adventures Of Tubby The Tuba |
The relationship of Tubby The Tuba to a cappella music is peripheral at best.
One of the great jazz singing groups of all time, Manhattan Transfer, provide
all the voices, sound effects and occasional little snatches of song in this
delightful recording. Tubby was created by Paul Tripp (who wrote the stories)
and George Kleinsinger (who composed the music) in 1946. It is the most engaging
way that children could possibly learn about the instruments in an orchestra.
Tubby is a disgruntled tuba, tired of simply playing oom-pah, who embarks
on four adventures to find something more interesting. Three of the adventures
use a full orchestra, while in the other, Tubby takes his melody in a suitcase
and travels to the big city. There he meets a Jazz band who play a clarinet,
trumpet, trombone, piano and drums. The interpretation of instrument's songs
by the the singers is wonderful! We recommend this recording highly, particularly,
but not exclusively for children. Songlist
| 4209 CD $14.98 |
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A stellar assembly of famous guests contribute to this 1994 recording of classic pop standards. "Groovin'" is a duet between tenor singer Alan Paul and Felix Cavaliere, the song's composer. The late Laura Nyro, writer of "La-La Means I Love You," duets with soprano Cheryl Bentyne; Janis Siegel, alto, gets her turn with Bette Midler, on "It's Gonna Take A Miracle." Phil Collins steps forward with bass vocalist Tim Hauser to sing "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby." Other highlights: "The Thrill Is Gone," with B.B. King and Ruth Brown, and "God Only Knows," arranged by Mervyn Warren of Take 6! Songlist
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Four Brothers Rambo Meet Benny Baily Airegin, To You Sing Joy Spring That's Killer Joe The Duke of Dubuque Gloria Heart's Desire Birdland On the Boulevard Shaker Song Java Jive Blue Champagne How High the Moon Boy From New York City Ray's Rockhouse Move |
You are encouraged to accept this invitation to the DVD party of the Manhattan Transfer's "Vocalese Live" featuring Cheryl Bentyne, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul, and Janis Siegel and recorded live at Nakano Sun Plaza Hall, Tokyo. All you have to do to RSVP is get yourself a copy of this live event featuring one of the best contemporary Vocal Jazz groups of our time. The companian to the same titled CD features: Four Brothers, Rambo, Meet Benny Bailey, Airegin, To You, Sing Joy Spring, Move, That's Killer Joe, The Duke Of Dubuque, Gloria, Heart's Desire, Birdland, On The Boulevard, Shaker Song, Java Jive, Blue Champagne, How High The Moon, Boy From New York City, and Ray's Rockhouse, in full digital color and is 80 minutes long. DVD not only boasts incredible video quality, the sound is just as pleasing.
| 4319 DVD $24.98 |
These tapes feature members of the Manhattan Transfer, in conjunction with
voice instructor Roland Wyatt, demonstrating technique, as well as discussing
various principles pertinent to sound production. There is a specific tape
for each voice part: bass, tenor, alto and soprano. The first side is a mini-lesson,
with scales and exercises, and a question -and-answer session with Wyatt and
the Manhattan Transfer member. Side two features opinions on topics such as
tone quality, proper breathing, vowel placement, singing in the correct register,
and so on. The emphasis is on health and avoidance of vocal abuse and tension.
While not a substitute for regular lessons with an instructor, these tapes
are a valuable and informative beginning.
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SET
of SATB
$60.00 |
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SOPRANO
$19.95 |
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ALTO
$19.95 |
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TENOR
$19.95 |
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BASS
$19.95 |
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Operator (arr. Shaw) SSATB SATB |
Sing the songs of one of the finest vocal jazz groups ever! "Manhattan Transfer in Concert" is a swinging medley of "Birdland", "Spice Of Life" and "Tuxedo Junction" and are some of the groups signature performance songs. The super Manhattan Transfer hit "Operator" is totally irresistible! Composed by Ray Charles, here's "Ray's Rockhouse", Manhattan Transfer's hit from their Grammy-winning album “Vocalese”. An improvisational spirit in a hot groove for pop, jazz, or show use! Jam to "The Boy From New York City", the sassy '60s hit that was covered by Manhattan Transfer. A terrific chart by Kirby Shaw. Get your kicks with the Manhattan Transfer standard "Route 66" in a swingin' arrangement also by Kirby Shaw.
| 4403 SHEETMUSIC $11.50 |
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Dream Lover (arr Mac Huff) SATB |
Mac Huff's arrangement of Bobby Darin's "Dream Lover" is from the Manhattan Transfer's recording and "Choo Choo Boogie" will put your choir on the jazz track! Hip '40s lyrics and the burnin'. "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" very deservedly won a Grammy for best vocal arrangement and here is a note-for-note arrangement that matches the original recording! "How High The Moon" is an up-tempo piece has exciting vocal writing. The vocal jazz standard "Java Jive" gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings!
| 4406 SHEETMUSIC $10.95 |
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Birdland |
Easy arrangements with Piano/Vocal/Guitar
| 4405 SONGBOOK $14.95 |
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