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The Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer

a cappella, blues, jazz

United States Est. 1972

"Rich vocal harmonies intertwine with rhythmic intricacies, creating a textured experience that pulses with both energy and elegance."

Quick Start

A good place to start with The Manhattan Transfer is…

Vocalese

Vocalese

1985
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Career Arc

The Manhattan Transfer's discography from 1971 to 2018

1971 1994 2018
Jukin' (1971) The Manhattan Transfer (1975) Coming Out (1976) Pastiche (1978) The Manhattan Transfer Li... (1978) Extensions (1979) Mecca for Moderns (1981) The Best of The Manhattan... (1981) Bodies and Souls (1983) Bop Doo-Wopp (1984) Vocalese (1985) Brasil (1987) The Manhattan Transfer Li... (1987) The Best of The Manhattan... (1988) The Offbeat of Avenues (1991) The Christmas Album (1992) Anthology: Down in Birdla... (1992) The Very Best of The Manh... (1994) Tonin' (1995) The Manhattan Transfer Me... (1995)
The Manhattan Transfer holds a unique place in music history, bridging the gap between classic vocal harmony and contemporary sensibilities.
The Manhattan Transfer holds a unique place in music history, bridging the gap between classic vocal harmony and contemporary sensibilities. Their ability to weave intricate arrangements with a blend of jazz, pop, and even elements of blues has opened pathways for vocal groups to explore beyond traditional boundaries, inspiring countless ensembles to embrace rich harmonization in their performances. At the heart of their artistry is an innovative approach to vocal performance, where each member contributes not only their individual voices but also their distinct styles, merging into a cohesive sound that feels both polished and spontaneous. This emphasis on a cappella arrangements allows for complex harmonies to shine while creating a tapestry of sound that is both rhythmically engaging and melodically captivating. Lyrically, The Manhattan Transfer frequently explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the complexities of human relationships. Their storytelling tends to be impressionistic, often painting vivid scenes that evoke emotions without relying heavily on overt sentimentality. This balance between sincerity and playful irony gives their songs an inviting yet sophisticated charm.

Full discography

The Manhattan Transfer's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

33 releases • 31 albums • 1971–2018
Type:

Albums ()

The Chick Corea Songbook album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Chick Corea Songbook

2009

35th Anniversary Great American Songbook album by The Manhattan Transfer

35th Anniversary Great American Songbook

2008

The Symphony Sessions album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Symphony Sessions

2006

Vibrate album by The Manhattan Transfer

Vibrate

2004

An Acapella Christmas album by The Manhattan Transfer

An Acapella Christmas

2004

Couldn't Be Hotter album by The Manhattan Transfer

Couldn't Be Hotter

2003

The Spirit of St. Louis album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Spirit of St. Louis

2000

Boy from New York City and Other Hits album by The Manhattan Transfer

Boy from New York City and Other Hits

1997

Swing album by The Manhattan Transfer

Swing

1997

Tonin' album by The Manhattan Transfer

Tonin'

1995

The Manhattan Transfer Meets Tubby the Tuba album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer Meets Tubby the Tuba

1995

The Very Best of The Manhattan Transfer album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Very Best of The Manhattan Transfer

1994

The Christmas Album album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Christmas Album

1992

Anthology: Down in Birdland album by The Manhattan Transfer

Anthology: Down in Birdland

1992

The Offbeat of Avenues album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Offbeat of Avenues

1991

The Best of The Manhattan Transfer album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Best of The Manhattan Transfer

1988

Brasil album by The Manhattan Transfer

Brasil

1987

The Manhattan Transfer Live album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer Live

1987

Vocalese album by The Manhattan Transfer

Vocalese

1985

Bop Doo-Wopp album by The Manhattan Transfer

Bop Doo-Wopp

1984

Bodies and Souls album by The Manhattan Transfer

Bodies and Souls

1983

Mecca for Moderns album by The Manhattan Transfer

Mecca for Moderns

1981

The Best of The Manhattan Transfer album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Best of The Manhattan Transfer

1981

Extensions album by The Manhattan Transfer

Extensions

1979

Pastiche album by The Manhattan Transfer

Pastiche

1978

The Manhattan Transfer Live album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer Live

1978

Coming Out album by The Manhattan Transfer

Coming Out

1976

The Manhattan Transfer album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer

1975

Jukin' album by The Manhattan Transfer

Jukin'

1971

The Junction album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Junction

2018

Live album by The Manhattan Transfer

Live

Live Albums ()

Man-Tora! Live in Tokyo album by The Manhattan Transfer

Man-Tora! Live in Tokyo

1996

Compilations ()

The Definitive Pop Collection album by The Manhattan Transfer

The Definitive Pop Collection

2006

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Timeline

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Manhattan Transfer sound like?

Rich vocal harmonies intertwine with rhythmic intricacies, creating a textured experience that pulses with both energy and elegance. Rooted in blues and jazz. Start with Vocalese.

What is the best The Manhattan Transfer album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Vocalese" (1985). It's the most representative of what makes The Manhattan Transfer worth hearing.

Who is The Manhattan Transfer for?

If you're into blues and jazz, The Manhattan Transfer is worth your time. Rich vocal harmonies intertwine with rhythmic intricacies, creating a textured experience that pulses with both energy and elegance.

How many albums does The Manhattan Transfer have?

The Manhattan Transfer has 33 releases in their discography, including 31 albums.

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