Record Reviews

MANHATTAN TRANSFER ~ FIFTY CRAFT 888072464032 (Barcode: 888072464032) ~ USA ~ Vocal Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by the legendary American Jazz vocal quartet Manhattan TransferFind albums by this artist, recorded with the German WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist / Orchestra, called WDR FunkhausorchesterFind albums by this artist for the occasion. As the title suggests, the album marks the Manhattan Transfer’s 50th anniversary, celebrated in 2022. Due to the Covid pandemic, the recordings of the vocal and orchestral parts were done separately. The Manhattan Transfer lineup includes Cheryl BentyneFind albums by this artist, Janis SiegelFind albums by this artist, Alan PaulFind albums by this artist and Trist CurlessFind albums by this artist, and the quartet’s musical director since 1979 the Israeli pianist Yaron GershovskyFind albums by this artist. The album was produced by Dave ThomasFind albums by this artist of the vocal group Take 6Find albums by this artist fame. The album presents ten tracks, which represent the groups repertoire over the five-decades span, and it appears to be the last album they recorded. Although Manhattan Transfer were always only partially dedicated to Jazz and often flirted with Pop and commercial music, they were always highly professional performers and continued the vocal Jazz Art tradition, staying firmly in the mainstream. Over time they won eleven Grammy Awards and recorded two dozen albums, some of which are considered classics. Overall, although strictly mainstream and never innovative or groundbreaking, Manhattan Transfer were a class of their own and deserve recognition for they contribution to popularizing Jazz and Jazz vocal Art, and this album is an excellent summary of their achievements, with a superb orchestral arrangements and performances as a bonus!

Updated: 13/09/2026Posted: 13/09/2026

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