Manhattan Transfer

Manhattan Transfer is a renowned American vocal jazz group founded by Tim Hauser in 1969, known for their unique blend of jazz, pop, and swing music, often performing with notable artists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. The group's original members included Tim Hauser, Laurel Massé, Janis Siegel, and Alan Paul, and they were later joined by Cheryl Bentyne, who replaced Laurel Massé in 1979. Over the years, the group has collaborated with numerous famous musicians, including Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, and Elton John. Their music has been influenced by the works of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin.

● History

The group's history began in the late 1960s, when Tim Hauser formed the first incarnation of the group, which included Laurel Massé, Janis Siegel, and Alan Paul. They were later discovered by Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records, who signed them to the label in 1971. The group's early years were marked by performances at notable venues such as Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, where they shared the stage with artists like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. In the 1980s, the group underwent a significant change with the addition of Cheryl Bentyne, who brought a new sound and style to the group, as seen in their collaborations with Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock. The group has also performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the direction of conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Gustavo Dudamel.

● Music Style

The group's music style is a unique blend of jazz, pop, and swing, with intricate vocal harmonies and arrangements, often inspired by the works of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan. Their sound is characterized by the use of complex vocal arrangements, scat singing, and a wide range of musical influences, from Django Reinhardt to The Beatles. The group's music has been praised by critics and audiences alike, with many considering them one of the most innovative and influential vocal groups of all time, alongside The Andrews Sisters and The Mills Brothers. Their style has been compared to that of other notable vocal groups, such as The Hi-Lo's and The Four Freshmen, and they have been influenced by the music of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane.

● Members

The current members of the group are Janis Siegel, Alan Paul, Cheryl Bentyne, and Trist Curless, who replaced Tim Hauser after his passing in 2014. The group has had several lineup changes over the years, with Laurel Massé being replaced by Cheryl Bentyne in 1979, and Trist Curless joining the group in 2014. The members have all had successful solo careers, with Janis Siegel releasing several albums, including collaborations with Steve Tyrell and Ann Hampton Callaway. Alan Paul has also released solo material, and has worked with artists like Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler. Cheryl Bentyne has released several solo albums, and has performed with artists like Tommy Flanagan and Hubert Laws.

● Discography

The group has released over 30 albums, including The Manhattan Transfer (1975), Coming Out (1976), Pastiche (1978), Mecca for Moderns (1981), and Vocalese (1985). Their albums have featured a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and pop to swing and gospel, with collaborations with notable artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, and Take 6. The group has also released several live albums, including Manhattan Transfer Live (1987) and The Christmas Album (1992), which features arrangements by Johnny Mandel and Billy Byers. Their music has been featured in various films and television shows, including The Muppet Show and Saturday Night Live, and they have performed at numerous music festivals, such as Montreux Jazz Festival and Newport Jazz Festival.

● Awards and Recognition

The group has won numerous awards, including 10 Grammy Awards, and has been nominated for over 20. They have also won several DownBeat magazine readers' polls, and have been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. The group has performed at numerous high-profile events, including the White House, Royal Albert Hall, and Hollywood Bowl, and has collaborated with notable conductors like James Levine and Michael Tilson Thomas. Their music has been praised by critics and audiences alike, with many considering them one of the most innovative and influential vocal groups of all time, alongside The Beach Boys and The Supremes. The group has also been recognized for their contributions to the music industry, with awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Society of Singers.

Category:American jazz ensembles