Search - Manhattan Transfer :: Vibrate (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)

Vocal eclectisism, done very well

Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 12/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Manhattan Transfer has always been a very eclectic singing group, given the superlative degree of musicianship of each of its four singers. But when you think of the M.T., you tend to think of two genres: vocalese (e.g., most of "Vocalese" and the best cuts of "Mecca for Moderns") and jazzed-up doo-wop (e.g., "Boy from New York City," "Trinkle Trinkle" and "Operator")



This album has precious little of that. Its vocalese consists of a harmonized version of Jon Hendricks' wonderful "Doodlin'", an old Horace Silver staple most prominently covered by Mark Murphy; and its doo-wop is the last cut, a cool medley of "Come Softly To Me" and "I Met Him on a Sunday" (complete with "Papa do-run-run's" in the background)



The album as a whole is as wide a pastiche of eclectism as you'll find from a singing group. From Latin-tinged ("Walkin in New York), to Oriental-influenced ("Greek Song"), to Mediterranean-toned ("Vibrate"), to straight ahead jazz ( Miles'"The New Juju Man"), this album has it all.



My favorites are the three cuts augmented with a string quartet and piano: the aforementioned title track; a lovely cover of Gershwin's "Embraceable You"; and IMO the album's highlight, or "Core of Sound." I think the reason these work so well is that, not only are they gorgeous arrangements in and of themselves, but also the violin extends the soprano range of Cheryl Bentyne, while the cello extends the bass range of Tim Hauser, so that the tightly harmonized quartet sounds even more impressive than usual.



Special note, as well, to the most adventurous track, "First Ascent", a space-aged sounding, tightly harmonized tune over a fast 7/8 background.



Based on all of these superlatives, you ask, why only four stars? Basically, I have to put some distance between this album and the Transfer's best, or "Vocalese", as well as the best vocal ensemble jazz album of the new millenium, or the New York Voices' "Sing Sing Sing." But it's a very high four, and I strongly recommend this album to all. This one will grow on you. RC"

Good but not Great

Steff | DC | 05/19/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You can never fault the Manhattan Transfer on quality - they're some of the best singers working today - but some of their song selections make me scratch my head in wonder. Maybe I'm younger than the average fan, but songs like "Walking in New York" are just a little too Lite FM for me. That said, I thought "Greek Song" was a risky choice that paid off very well. Overall the album is quite good, but there's not a track that truly stands out as classic MT. It's very well done, just not the collection of songs I was hoping for."