The Manhattan Transfer revived jazz during the 1970s. They initially joined forces in 1969 and recorded numerous albums in not only the jazz genre, but also in R&B and pop. They were the most renowned jazz group of the times and have been compared to the likes of Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross of the 1960s. The original lineup consisted of Gene Pistilli, Tim Hauser, Erin Dickins, Marty Nelson, and Pat Rosalia, who first signed with Capitol.
Hauser went on to perform with new members Laurel Masse and Janis Siegel in 1972, and later with Alan Paul, who transformed The Manhattan Transfer. Zoot Sims, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, and Mel Davis helped them record their debut. The album included 'Java Jive', 'Tuxedo Junction, and top 40 hit 'Operator'. The album created attention all the way from North America to Europe.
Their next album, Coming Out, conceived the single 'Chanson d'Amour', which hit number one in England. Pastiche was also released shortly after. Masse left a few years later and Cheryl Bentyne was the replacement. Extensions was next on the list, with their world hit 'Birdland'. Mecca for Moderns hit in 1981 and made the top ten list in America. They reinvented 'The Boy from New York City', Charlie Parker's 'Confirmation', and 'Until I Met You' and 'Kafta'. They also received Grammys in both the pop and jazz categories in the same year (the first band to ever do so).
Between 1985 and 1994, they released four new albums, including Vocalese (a tribute to Jon Hendricks), Brazil, The Christmas Album, and Tubby The Tuba. Tonnin, an album released in 1995, showcased guest artists Phil Collins, Bette Midler, Ben E. King, Ruth Brown, Felix Cavaliere, Frankie Valli, Smoky Robinson, Laura Nyro, Chaka Khan, B.B. King, and James Taylor. Two years later, they came out with Swing and Spirit of St.Louis followed in 2000.
The Manhattan Transfer has released over sixteen albums, selling millions of copies per album worldwide, in a little over twenty years. They have also received 10 Grammys and are famous for their sold-out world tours. The four lasting members also recently received the honor of Doctorate of Music degrees from Boston's Berklee School of Music. The Manhattan Transfer continues to sustain the hectic international touring schedule, including performances all over North America, Italy, Finland, Austria, Spain and Japan.
