The Manhattan Transfer : Fifty

The Manhattan Transfer celebrate their 50th Anniversary with the new studio album "Fifty". Recorded with Germany's WDR Funkhausorchester, the album contains arrangements of some of the groups' biggest hits, combining the orchestral sounds of WDR with their trademark harmonies. Included are new versions of "Chanson D'Amour" and "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul", plus arrangements of Artie Shaw's timeless "The Man I Love" and The Beach Boys "God Only Knows".

Songlist: Agua, The Man I Love, Paradise Within, On a Little Street in Singapore, The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul, Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone, Blues for Harry Bosch, Chanson D'amour, What Goes Around Comes Around, God Only Knows

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! 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.

Songlist: Manhattan Transfer In Concert, Operator, Route 66, Tuxedo Junction, The Boy From New York City

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!

Songlist: Java Jive, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Dream Lover

Its the ladies turn to sing the songs of one the the greatest jazz vocal groups ever! "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" will put your choir on the jazz track with its hip '40s lyrics. This accessible setting of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" retains all the flavor of the original Manhattan Transfer hit. Four of Manhattan Transfer's signature songs are showcased here in a 6-minute mini-medley "Manhattan Transfer Swings!" that will totally energize your concert! Includes: Four Brothers, Route 66, That Cat Is High, Tuxedo Junction. A driving beat leads this chart of fresh new chord changes and rhythmic surprises. "The Boy from New York City" - Terrific for show, jazz or concert choirs and the SSA voicing will thrill your women's groups!

Songlist: Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Operator, Manhattan Transfer Swings!, The Boy from New York City

The vocal jazz standard "Java Jive" gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings! The four brothers of the Woody Herman sax section achieved legendary status with the tune "Four Brothers"; later Lambert, Hendricks and Ross recorded a vocal version, followed by Manhattan Transfer's rendition. Paris Rutherford's setting simplifies the vocals slightly while retaining all the drive of the original. Awesome closer to any concert! "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" will put your choir on the jazz track with its hip '40s lyrics. Four of Manhattan Transfer's signature songs are showcased here in a 6-minute mini-medley "Manhattan Transfer Swings!" that will totally energize your concert! Includes: Four Brothers, Route 66, That Cat Is High, Tuxedo Junction.

Songlist: Java Jive, Four Brothers, Operator, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Manhattan Transfer Swings!

Formed in New York in 1969, vocal quartet Manhattan Transfer was the first group to receive Grammy Awards in both the pop and jazz categories in the same year. This special second-edition songbook features their best-known songs performed in concert and on records, from Birdland to their show closer A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. 25 songs in all, including: Body and Soul, The Boy from New York City, Chanson D'Amour, Java Jive, Love for Sale, Operator, Poinciana, Route 66, Tuxedo Junction, You Can Depend on Me and more.

Songlist: Birdland, Blue Champagne, Body and Soul, Boy From New York City (piano/vocal/guitar), Candy, Chanson D'Amour, Four Brothers, A Gal In Calico, Gloria, Java Jive, Love For Sale, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, On A Little Street In Singapore, Operator, Poinciana, Popsicle Toes, Route 66, S.O.S., Scotch and Soda, That Cat Is High, Trickle, Trickle, Tuxedo Junction, Twilight Tone, You Can Depend On Me

The Manhattan Transfer : Anthology: Down in Birdland   

Two CD's and a 52 page booklet: 39 songs of the best of vocal jazz' 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: Disc One, Trickle Trickle, Gloria, Operator, Helpless, Ray's Rockhouse, Heart's Desire (Live Version), Lindy Lou, Mystery, Baby Come Back To Me (The Morse Code of Love), Route 66, Java Jive, Chanson D'Amour, Foreign Affair (a cappella, arranged by Gene Puerling), Smile Again, Spice of Life, The Speak Up Mambo (Cuentame), Soul Food To Go (Sina), So You Say (Esquinas), Boy From New York City, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone, Disc Two, Four Brothers, Blee Blop Blues, Candy, A Gal In Calico, Love For Sale, On A Little Street In Singapore, Tuxedo Junction, That Cat Is High, and more

The Manhattan Transfer : Boy From New York City   

A budget-priced collection of some of their early hits.

Songlist: Boy From New York City, Java Jive, Gloria, Helpless, Tuxedo Juction, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone, Ray's Rockhouse, Mystery, Smile Again, Birdland

The Manhattan Transfer : Brasil   

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.

Songlist: Soul Food To Go, The Zoo Blues, So You Say, Capim, Metropolis, Hear The Voices, Agua, The Jungle Pioneer, Notes From The Underground

The Manhattan Transfer : Coming Out   

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: Don't Let Go, Zindy Lou, Chanson D'Amour, Helpless, Scotch and Soda, The Speak Up Mambo (Cuentame), Poinciana (the Song of the Tree), S.O.S., Popsicle Toes, It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference, The Thought of Loving You

The Manhattan Transfer : Couldn't Be Hotter   

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!

Songlist: 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

The Manhattan Transfer : Definitive Pop   

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!

Songlist: 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 Manhattan Transfer : Extensions   

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: Birdland, Wacky Dust, Nothin' You Can Do About It, Coo Coo U, Body And Soul, Twilight Zone, Trickle Trickle, Shaker Song, Foreign Affair

The Manhattan Transfer : Jukin'   

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.

Songlist: 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

Beginning with their first performances in the early 1970s, The Manhattan Transfer have become the cornerstones of contemporary music. Originally launched by Tim Hauser in 1969, Hauser, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel and Laurel Masse were the group by 1972. Cheryl Bentyne joined the group in 1979 after Laurel Masse left. One of the co-writers on The Junction - the group's new album which draws inspiration in part from The Transfer's classic 1975 version of Glenn Miller's "Tuxedo Junction"-is the group's new mem ber, bass vocalist Trist Curless. Curless began subbing on the road for the late band founder Tim Hauser in 2013, officially joining after Hauser's passing in late 2014.

Songlist: Cantaloop (Flip Out!), Swing Balboa (Down on Riverside), The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul, Blues for Harry Bosch, Shake Ya Boogie (Galactic Vocal Version), Sometimes I Do, Ugly Man, The Junction, Tequila / the Way of the Booze, Paradise Within (Paradise Found)

The Manhattan Transfer : Live    

The MT is accompanied by The Manhattan Transfer Band, Yaron Gershovsky on keyboards, Alex Blake, acoustic and electric bass, Wayne Johnson, guitars, Don Roberts, reeds, and Buddy Williams, drums. The 13 tracks were recorded live at Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Tokyo in February of 1986, and the liner notes are remarkably zenlike: the names of the songs, the names of the musicians and the date of the recording. After all, this is the Manhattan Transfer, one of the most exciting vocal jazz bands ever to step onto a stage-enough said!

Songlist: Four Brothers, Rambo, Meet Benny Bailey, Airegin, To You, Sing Joy Spring, Move, That's Killer Joe, The Duke of Dubuque, Gloria, On the Boulevard, Shaker's Song, Ray's Rockhouse

The Manhattan Transfer : Manhattan Transfer   

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: Tuxedo Junction, Sweet Talking Guy, Operator, 'Candy, Gloria, Clap Yo' Hands, That Cat Is High, You Can Depend On Me, Blue Champagne, Java Jive, Occapella, Heart's Desire

The Manhattan Transfer : Mecca for Moderns   

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.

Songlist: 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 collection of both live and studio recordings covering the quartet's early years and all their classic hits with 40 songs in all.

Songlist: Boy From New York City, Java Jive, Gloria, Helpless, Tuxedo Junction, Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone, Ray's Rockhouse, Mystery, Smile Again, Birdland, Four Brothers, Rambo, Meet Benny Bailey, Airegin, To You, Sing Joy Spring, Move, That's Killer Joe, The Duke Of Dubuque, Gloria, On The Boulevard, Shaker Song, Ray's Rockhouse, Birdland, Route 66, Jeannine, Malaise En Malaisie, Trickle Trickle, Boy From New York City, This Independence, and more

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!

Songlist: 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

The Manhattan Transfer : Swing   

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.

Songlist: 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

The Manhattan Transfer : The Chick Corea Songbook   

The Chick Corea Songbook, which marks the quartet's first new record in five years, was inspired by the classic work of jazz great Chick Corea, and features fresh and exciting vocal interpretations of many of his popular compositions, including "Spain" and "500 Miles High." Corea, who plays on the CD, has also contributed an original composition entitled "Free Samba" especially for this album. This release also features special guest appearances by some of the finest musicians in the industry including Christian McBride, Airto, Alex Acuna, Fred Hersch, Edsel Gomez and Lou Marini, among others.

Songlist: Free Samba, Prelude, Spain (I can Recall), One Step Closer, Children's Song, 500 Miles High, Another Roadside Attraction, Time's Lie, La Chanson Du Bebe, Ragtime in Pixiland, The Story of Anna & Armando, Free Samba

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.

Songlist: 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

The Manhattan Transfer : The Symphony Sessions   

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.

Songlist: Route 66, Candy, Embraceable 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 of Avenues, Birdland

The Manhattan Transfer : Tonin'   

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: Let's Hang On, Groovin', It's Gonna Take A Miracle, I Second That Emotion, La-La Means I Love You, Too Busy Thinking About My Baby, The Thrill Is Gone, Hot Fun In The Summertime, Along Comes Mary, Dream Lover, Save The Last Dance For Me, God Only Knows

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: Boy From New York City, Trickle Trickle, Gloria, Operator, Tuxedo Junction, Four Brothers, Ray's Rockhouse, Soul Food To Go (Sina), Spice Of Life, Baby Come Back To Me(The Morse Code Of Love), Candy, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, Birdland, Java Jive, Route 66, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone

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!

Songlist: 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

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.

Songlist: That's Killer Joe, Rambo, Airegin, To You, Meet Benny Bailey, Another Night In Tunisia, Ray's Rockhouse, Blee Blop Blues, Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford, Sing Joy Spring, Move

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!

Songlist: 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 (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Clouds, adapted from "Nuages", Jumpin' at the Woodside, Flying Home, I'll Be Seeing You, Sweet Georgia Brown

Marking the 35th Anniversary of this truly American vocal group, The Manhattan Transfer Great American Songbook DVD captures the legendary group in the studio as they sing classic, American standards incuding their first ever release of "Someone to Watch Over Me". These exclusive, intimate performances feature the group's trademark vocal harmonies with piano accompaniment. The songs were recorded at the legendary Henson Studios in Los Angeles during the group's 35th anniversary celebration. From bop and pop to swing, from vocalese and boogie-woogie to jazz, over the years The Manhattan Transfer has embraced varied musical styles, creating a style that's all their own and gathering legions of dedicated fans. Also includes new interviews with the group.

Songlist: Route 66, Embreacable You, On The Sunny Side of the Street, Someone to Watch Over Me, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square

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! In Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

Songlist: 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

This Manhattan Transfer hit will put your choir on the jazz track! Hip '40s lyrics and the burnin' ShowTrax Cassette! Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax Cassette. Performance Time: Approx. 2:25.

This super Manhattan Transfer hit is totally irresistible! Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:56.

Jam to this sassy '60s hit that was covered by Manhattan Transfer. A terrific chart by Kirby Shaw. Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

From Glenn Miller to The Manhattan Transfer this Discovery Series arrangement gives you an authentic setting for your younger choirs. Featuring the jazzy lead line supported by the ba-bop chorus and a written scat section your singers will groove to this accessible chart. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed 2-Part VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:50.

Four of Manhattan Transfer's signature songs are showcased here in a 6-minute mini-medley that will totally energize your concert! Includes: Four Brothers, Route 66, That Cat Is High, Tuxedo Junction. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, bsx, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 6:00.

The four brothers of the Woody Herman sax section achieved legendary status with this tune; later Lambert, Hendricks and Ross recorded a vocal version, followed by Manhattan Transfer's rendition. Paris Rutherford's setting simplifies the vocals slightly while retaining all the drive of the original. Awesome closer to any concert! Available separately: SATB, SAB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:30.

This Freddie Green standard was made famous by the iconic vocal group the Manhattan Transfer. You will love to showcase your vocal jazz ensemble and soloists with this fantastic edition!