Legendary multi Grammy -Award winning vocal quartet The Manhattan Transfer returns to London on Monday 20 May and Tuesday 21st May 2019
The Manhattan Transfer is an American vocal four – part harmony music group, formed in 1969 by the late Tim Hauser who first came to attention here in the UK music scene in the 70’s with then original members Tim Hauser, Laurel Massé Janis Siegel and Alan Paul and became the first act to win Grammy awards in the pop and jazz categories in one year (1981) presenting their familiar a cappella style and vocals fused with the sounds of swing, Brazilian jazz, rhythm and blues and pop music.
Who can’t forget such memorable timeless classic songs such as “Chanson D” Amour” “Don’t Let Go”, “Walk in Love”, “On a Little Street in Singapore”, “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone” and “Spice of Life,” but to name a few.
These days with a few number of line ups over the years the group consists of Janis Siegel (alto) Alan Paul (tenor) Cheryl Bentyne (soprano) and Trist Curless (formerly from the Los Angeles a cappella group of m-pact) and with an incredible Intl career spanning over four decades the legendary quartet has been awarded 10 Grammy Awards of 20 nominations as well as being inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
In 1974 the group began performing regularly throughout New York City at Trude Heller’s, Mercer Arts Center, Max’s Kansas City, Club 82, and other cabaret venues. By the end of the year they were the number one live attraction in New York City. They were signed to Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut in 1975 from when it all began.
Their 1979 album Extension earned The Manhattan Transfer another smash hit with “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone.” The vocal remake of the classic “Birdland” became recognized as the group’s anthem and earned them their first two Grammy Awards. In 1981, they became the first group ever to win Grammy Awards in both Pop and Jazz categories in the same year – Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Boy From New York City” and Best Jazz Performance Duo or Group for “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)“. The 12 Grammy nominations they received for Vocalese in 1985 made it second to Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the most nominated album in one year ever.
For their next album, Brasil (1987), the group headed south to work with Brazilian songwriters and musicians Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento, Djavan and Gilberto Gil. Brasil won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
To date they are responsible for 19 singles and 29 albums over their stellar career and their music has been featured in major feature films and television shows. The group has also recorded with an impressive roster of renowned International artists including Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, Smokey Robinson, Laura Nyro, Phil Collins, B.B. King, Chaka Khan, James Taylor, and Frankie Valli.
With sold-out world tours and worldwide record sales in the millions, The Manhattan Transfer continues to bring unique and extraordinary melodic and jazz infused vocals to new and established audiences that span generations.
Where: Alexandra Palace, Palace Way London N22 7AY, Tel: 020 8365 2121
When: Monday 20th May and Tuesday 21st May 2019
Ticket purchase: www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/ronnie-scotts-presents-manhattan-transfer.
For further information on The Manhattan Transfer visit www.manhattantransfer.net
