The Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer. The Manhattan Transfer is an American vocal group founded in 1969, renowned for its sophisticated harmonies and mastery across a diverse range of musical styles including vocal jazz, swing, pop, and doo-wop. With a career spanning over five decades, the ensemble has achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim, becoming one of the most awarded vocal groups in history. Their innovative approach often involves intricate arrangements of both original material and reinterpretations of classics from the Great American Songbook and beyond.

History

The group was initially formed in New York City by singer and songwriter Tim Hauser, who envisioned a modern ensemble inspired by the vocal groups of the 1940s and 1950s. This early incarnation included Marty Nelson and Erin Dickins, and they performed locally before disbanding. In 1972, Hauser met Laurel Massé and Janis Siegel while driving a taxicab in Manhattan, and soon after recruited Alan Paul, who was performing in the Broadway production of Grease. This lineup secured a recording contract with Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1975. After a serious car accident in 1978, Massé departed and was replaced by Cheryl Bentyne, solidifying the quartet's most enduring lineup. Throughout the 1980s, they achieved massive popularity with albums like Extensions and the internationally successful Brasil. The group continued touring and recording after the death of founder Tim Hauser in 2014, with Trist Curless joining the ensemble.

Musical style and influences

The group's sound is defined by its virtuosic, tightly blended four-part harmonies and eclectic repertoire. They draw direct inspiration from pioneering vocal jazz groups like The Hi-Lo's and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, as well as the swing era music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Their work often features complex scat singing and vocalese, setting lyrics to famous instrumental solos, a technique perfected by artists like Jon Hendricks. They have seamlessly incorporated elements of bebop, doo-wop, R&B, and even progressive rock, as heard in their cover of Weather Report's "Birdland." Collaborations with artists such as Phil Ramone, Bobby McFerrin, and Tânia Maria have further expanded their stylistic palette, particularly into Latin jazz and Brazilian music.

Members

The classic and longest-running lineup consisted of: * Tim Hauser (1972–2014) – vocalist, founder * Alan Paul (1972–present) – vocalist * Janis Siegel (1972–present) – vocalist * Cheryl Bentyne (1979–present) – vocalist Previous members include founding singer Erin Dickins (1969–1971) and Laurel Massé (1972–1979). Following Hauser's passing, vocalist Trist Curless (2014–present) joined the group. Each member has also pursued solo projects; for instance, Janis Siegel has released several acclaimed jazz albums, and Alan Paul starred on Broadway in The Little Mermaid.

Discography

The group has released a prolific catalog of studio and live albums. Their major label debut, The Manhattan Transfer (1975), included the hit "Operator." Breakthrough success came with Coming Out (1976) and the Grammy-winning Extensions (1979), which featured the pop hit "Birdland." The 1980s saw a string of successful releases including Mecca for Moderns (1981), Bodies and Souls (1983), and the Grammy-winning Vocalese (1985), a landmark album of the genre. Later notable works include the Tony Bennett collaboration The Manhattan Transfer Meets Tubby the Tuba (1994) and the holiday album The Christmas Album (1992).

Awards and recognition

The Manhattan Transfer is one of the most decorated vocal groups, having won numerous Grammy Awards. They made history as the first group to win Grammys in both pop and jazz categories in the same year (1981). Their album Vocalese received 12 Grammy nominations, a record for a vocal group. Specific award-winning recordings include "Birdland" (Best Jazz Fusion Performance) and "Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)" (Best Jazz Performance, Duo or Group). In 1998, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Individual members, such as Janis Siegel, have also received Grammy recognition for solo work. Their influence is acknowledged by contemporary artists across jazz and a cappella music.

Category:American jazz groups Category:Musical groups established in 1969 Category:Vocal jazz ensembles