 September 29, 2009 is the release date of the new Manhattan Transfer album. The Manhattan Transfer celebrates their 40th Anniversary with the release of their long awaited studio album, The Chick Corea Songbook. This groundbreaking and ambitious project is sure to rekindle the enthusiasm of their countless fans. The Chick Corea Songbook features fresh and exciting vocal interpretations of some of the classic, popular and brilliant Chick Corea compositions. The album also features guest appearances by some of the finest musicians in the world including Chick Corea, Airto, Alex Acuna, Christian McBride, Fred Hersch, Edsel Gomez and Lou Marini, to name just a few. PURCHASE HERE NOW!
 July 16, 2009 is the release date of the debut album by JaLaLa: Laurel Massé, Janis Siegel and Lauren Kinhan (of the New York Voices). That Old Mercer Magic is released on Dare Records. Musicians on the album include Guitar: Frank Vignola; Drums: Matt Wilson; Bass: Dave Finck; Piano: Yaron Gershovsky; Mandolin:Aaron Weinstein; Violin: Sara Caswell & Aaron Weinstein; Djembe: Rich Zukor; Pedal Steel: Cindy Cashdollar; Trumpet: Lew Soloff; and Clarinet: Margot Leverett. Some of the songs on the album are: Spring, Spring, Spring, You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby, Jeepers Creepers, My Shining Hour, Accentuate The Positive, Dream, I m Old Fashioned, Riding On The Moon, Moon River/Moon Country, Have You Got Any Castles Baby?, Too Marvelous For Words, and The Dance Of Life. PURCHASE HERE NOW!
- It has been reported that The Manhattan Transfer filmed an informercial in May for Time/Life for a compilation of American Standards.
- Cheryl Bentyne can be heard on the L.A. Jazz Trio's new CD, "Sunny Side of the Street, to be release by King Records in Japan on June 25th 2008. Cheryl also sings two duets with Scott Whitfield on his new album, Speaking Of Love; the tunes are "Sugar" and the Bill Evans song, "Adagio In Pearl."
- The Manhattan Transfer perform "Utt Da Zay" on the new cd, The Jewish Songbook: The Heart and Humor of a People. Released June 2, 2008.
 Cheryl Bentyne's new solo album, "Songs Of Our Time" is scheduled for release in Japan by King Records on June 25th, 2008. The collection is a jazz take on contemporary pop tunes. The 12 tracks are: "This Masquerade," "Get Here," "I Can't Make You Love Me," "Don't Know Why," "Close To You," "It Might Be You," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," "Heart Of The Matter," "Time After Time," "Both Sides Now," "Calling You" and "Ellie My Love."
- There is a nice article about The Manhattan Transfer's 35th Anniversary at: www.popentertainment.com/manhattantransfer.htm
- A new website called GHXPORT Digital Download Terminal has solo work by Janis Siegel, Cheryl Bentyne and Laurel Massé available for very high quality digital downloads at very reasonable prices.
- Cheryl and Janis recorded two tracks with Lorraine Feather on Feather's new album, LANGUAGE which will be released in April of 2008 on the Jazzed Media label.
 Tim Hauser's first solo album, "Love Stories," was released on September 5, 2007. The album is on King Records (KICJ-522) in Japan. The track list includes: "Misty Roses," "The More I See You," "Prisoner Of Love," "Heartstrings," "Nina Never Knew," "My Funny Valentine," "Love Wise," "I Didn't Know They Were Having A Spring This Year," "My Little Brown Book," "Two Cigarettes In The Dark," "I'm Just A Fool" and "She's Funny That Way." PURCHASE HERE.
- Take a cruise with The Manhattan Transfer! The Manhattan Transfer is going to be doing their very first fan cruise from November 30 - December 7, 2007. It's a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Seven Seas Voyager and will leave from Ft. Lauderdale and stop in Cozumel, Belize City, Santo Tomas' de Castilla, Costa Maya and cruise the Yucatan Channel. The Manhattan Transfer will be doing two performances and some serious R&R. Book through Santa Barbara Travel Bureau for exclusive benefits including a private cocktail reception with the Transfer and a TMT memorabilia package.
- Janis Siegel guests on a new album called Expectation by the Los Angeles Jazz Ensemble, released on July 17, 2007. Janis appears on the following tracks: "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," "Expectation," "I Got Lost In His Arms," "Whatever Possessed Me." She's also on two of the video clips on the accompanying DVD. PURCHASE HERE.
- Janis Siegel sings the them songs for Zippy the Pinhead! The song was penned by funny B-52's frontman Fred Schneider and includes scats courtesy by Jon Hendricks. You can download it in MP3 format (and view the lyrics) at www.zippythepinhead.com.
- The Manhattan Transfer's 2004 album Vibrate is available on 5.1 Surround SACD. PURCHASE HERE.
- THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER CHRISTMAS CONCERT premieres nationwide on public television Saturday, November 25, 2006! (check local listings) Exclusive New York metro-area Premiere Saturday, November 25 at 4:30pm on WLIW21 New York Public Television! The legendary New York jazz vocal quartet sings Christmas classics by Irving Berlin and others, including "Let it Snow," "Caroling, Caroling" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," during an exceptional 2004 concert. The concert also features solo performances from each member: "Santa Baby" (Cheryl Bentyne), "Merry Christmas Baby" (Tim Hauser), "White Christmas" (Alan Paul) and "Sleigh Ride" (Janis Siegel). During the exclusive premiere, viewers can support WLIW21's decision to air THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER CHRISTMAS CONCERT by calling 1.800.767.2121 or visiting www.wliw.org (click "pledge online") and making a donation. If you do not live in the New York metro-area, you can visit www.pbs.org/tvschedules to find airdates in your area for THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER CHRISTMAS CONCERT. If your station does not have this concert scheduled, you can contact your local PBS station at www.pbs.org/stationfinder and let them know you want to see THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER on TV in your town!
 Cheryl Bentyne has a new solo CD coming out! The Book Of Love, Cheryl's new album on Telarc is due in stores on November 21, 2006. Songs inclunde, "You Taught My Heart To Sing," "Cry Me A River," "Be My Love," and "You Don't Know Me." Vocalist and fellow Telarc label-mate, John Pizzarelli duets with CB on "Blue Moon." Also appearing on the album are Wayne Johnson, Bob Sheppard, Corey Allen, and "Take 6" vocalists, Mark Kibble and Alvin Chea. This is sure to be a wonderful album! Purchase the CD here.
- Rhino Records will release the group's An Acapella Christmas Album CD and The Symphony Sessions CD in the United States on October 3, 2006. Rhino will also release a new collection called "Definitive Pop" this coming spring. (Originally the "Definitive Pop" CD was to be released in October, but when the deal was made to release the other two CDs, it was decided to release them now and the other one later.)
- Cheryl Bentyne has a new website at: www.cherylbentyne.net
The Manhattan Transfer's newest release is a CD called "The Symphony Sessions". It was released on King Records (KICJ505) in Japan on June 7, 2006. No U.S. release date has been scheduled at this time. The collection features new recordings of the following songs by The Manhattan Transfer with a symphony orchestra: Route 66, Candy, A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square, All Heart, That's The Way It Goes, To You, Vibrate, Nuages, The Quietude, Embraceable You, The Offbeat Of Avenues, Birdland. Purchase the CD here.
- Janis Siegel, Laural Massé and Ann Hampton Callaway will be teaching a Jazz Master Class at Singers Forum in New York City on July 10th and 11th, 2006. Details at: www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=9815
Janis Siegel has recently finished recording her ninth solo album called A Thousand Beautiful Things. The release date is set for March 19, 2006. Janis reports, "To say I am thrilled with the results is an understatement." The new collection combines Siegel's impressive skills with a terrific selection of modern material and a band that features some of the hottest Latino musicians currently working in New York City, including rising star Edmar Casteneda on Colombian harp and pianist/arranger Edsel Gomez. Produced by Brian Bacchus, Siegel's fourth Telarc release is a savory stew of pop, jazz and Latin influences. On A Thousand Beautiful Things, Janis spotlights the work of today's top singers and songwriters, including Björk, Nellie McKay, Stevie Wonder, Suzanne Vega, Annie Lennox, Fred Hersch, Norma Winstone, Paul Simon, Raul Midon, Danilo Perez, Lizz Wright, and Sam Phillips. Purchase the CD here.
The Manhattan Transfer Live (1978) was the group's first live album and their last recording to feature Laurel Massé before she left for a solo career. The album was very briefly released on CD in Japan a decade or so ago, but has never been released on CD in the U.S. until now! On June 21, 2005, The Manhattan Transfer Live (1978) was released on Wounded Bird Records. (This is the same label that re-released Janis's first solo album, Experiment In White, on CD a couple of years ago.) It's a great album that captures the essence of The Manhattan Transfer during that time: The group was riding a wave of success and had become very popular in Europe, and the enthusiasm is evident in their performance. Purchase the CD here.
- Janis Siegel's brand new official (and wonderful) website can be found at: www.janissiegel.com. Be sure to visit it today!
Cheryl Bentyne's newest solo album on the Telarc label, "Let Me Off Uptown", was released on April 26, 2005. Let Me Off Uptown pays tribute to the legendary voice and music of Anita O'Day. One of the most hard-swinging vocalists in the annals of jazz, O'Day imbued every song she sang with a unique tonal quality, a compelling improvisational style and an innate sense of rhythm. Highlights of the 13-track set include the title track, a lighthearted duet with vocalist/trumpeter Jack Sheldon (who returns later in the set for "The Man with a Horn" and "Whisper Not"); a swinging rendition of "Honeysuckle Rose" propelled by Kevin Axt's clean walking bass lines; and a mellow reading of "Skylark," quietly underscored by Allen, Axt and drummer Dave Tull. Purchase the CD here.
- The Manhattan Transfer's brand new official website can be found at: www.manhattantransfer.org. Be sure to visit it today!
- The Manhattan Transfer will be performing "Walkin' in N.Y.", from their new Vibrate album, as well as holiday favorites on Emeril Live's Christmas Holiday Party scheduled to air on The Food Network on Friday, November 26, 2004 at 8pm ET/PT and midnight ET/PT. The show will air again on December 5, 11, 19, and 24, at 8 pm and midnight.
- Janis Siegel just recorded again with The Frank And Joe Show for a children's album. They did a version of Johnny Mercer's "Glow Worm."
 MOXIE (Janis Siegel, Cheryl Bentyne and Laurel Massé) is planing a show for February 9th 2005 at Merkin Hall in New York City.
- Vibrate recieved a preliminary Grammy nomination for best Jazz Vocal album and Gil Goldstein also recieved a nomination for best vocal arrangement for The New JuJu Man (Tutu).
- The Manhattan Transfer made a deal with King Records, Japan's oldest record label, to do a new Christmas CD. An Acapella Christmas Album will be the group's second Christmas album and will be released in Japan only in December 2004. The group is working on a deal to make it available worldwide for the 2005 Christmas season.
The Manhattan Transfer's newest studio album is called Vibrate and was released on Telarc (CD-83603) on September 28, 2004. Vibrate is The Manhattan Transfer's second album on the Telarc label. Throughout the album's eleven tracks, The Transfer explore both the traditional and progressive sides of jazz, plus various shades of Latin, world and pop music. Vibrate opens in familiar territory with "Walkin' in N.Y.," a track that hits the ear like classic Transfer. Other songs include "Greek Song" and "Vibrate," both penned by Rufus Wainwright, "The New JuJu Man (Tutu)," a piece from the latter-day Miles Davis canon (penned by Marcus Miller with lyrics by Jon Hendricks), George and Ira Gershwin's "Embraceable You," and the closing medley "Come Softly To Me"/"I Met Him on a Sunday," among others. From beginning to end, from the classic to the cutting edge and everywhere in between, Vibrate hums with finely tuned vocal mastery. Purchase the CD here.
Cheryl Bentyne recently released a new solo CD called Cheryl Bentyne Sings "Waltz For Debby" (KICJ-477), her fourth release on King Records (of Japan). Released only in Japan, it can be found elsewhere as an import. This new CD is a very intimate recording with just Kenny Barron and Ray Drummond as accompaniests and comes hot on the heals of her two 2003 King Records releases Moonlight Serenade (KICJ-453) and The Lights Still Burn (KICJ-462). For more information, please visit Cheryl Bentyne's website at: www.cherylbentyne.net
On May 17, 2004, The Manhattan Association of Cabaret Performers presented their Lifetime Achievement Award to The Manhattan Transfer. They were presented the award by Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic records. Ahmet has been their mentor for all of these years and instrumental in their success. It was very fitting that he be the one to present the award. He called TMT "the greatest vocal group of all time" -- quite a compliment. Because they were being honored for their club work, it was only fitting that they include Laurel Massé in the process. So the five of them were on stage together to receive the award. They performed 5 songs -- 3 with Cheryl, 2 with Laurel. Thank you to the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Performers. Photos courtesy of Maryann Lopinto from the MAC website at www.macnyc.com.
- On May 11th Hyena Records released 33 1/3, the debut recording from The Frank & Joe Show, featuring virtuoso guitarist Frank Vignola and master percussionist Joe Ascione, with special guests Dr. John, Jane Monheit and Janis Siegel. Highlights on "33 1/3" include a lightning quick version of "Flight of the Bumblebee," a down home, grooving rendition of The Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Running," a humorous, virtuosic take on the theme from "Spiderman," and stunning originals such as "Mozart Jam" and "Sweet Rhythm." Special guests on "33 1/3" include Crescent City legend Dr. John (on "The Sheik of Araby"), critically acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit (on "Besame Mucho") and vocalist Janis Siegel of Manhattan Transfer (on "Don't Fence Me In"). Trumpeter Steven Bernstein and violinist Charlie Burnham also make guest appearances, adding their subtle touch to "Tico, Tico" and "Besame Mucho." For more information, visit: www.thefrankandjoeshow.com
Janis Siegel's newest solo ablum on the Telarc label is called "Sketches Of Broadway" and was released on April 27, 2004. About the album Janis says, "Having never turned to Broadway musical theater as a source of material for a jazz singer, I was overwhelmed by the choices. Artful music, lushly crafted lyrics, complex and layered stories lay before me, intensely satisfying to my musical palate. These riches inspired many a jazz interpretation by the likes of André Previn, Shelly Manne, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Chet Baker, Irene Kral and of course Ella Fitzgerald." Produced and arranged by Gil Goldstein, Sketches of Broadway offers eleven showstoppers, including the soaring opener "Show Me" (from My Fair Lady), "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top" (Oklahoma), "My Best Beau" (Mame) and "I Got the Sun in the Morning" (Annie Get Your Gun). Among the album's treasures are rare looks at Stephen Sondheim's "The Story of Lucy and Jessie" (Follies), the Vernon Duke and Ogden Nash collaboration "Born Too Late" (The Littlest Revue), Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson's "It Never Was You" (Knickerbocker Holiday), and the poignant closer "Make Someone Happy" (Do Re Mi). Purchase the CD here.
Cheryl Bentyne has a new solo album out called Talk of the Town. The release date is January 27, 2004 on Telarc (CD-83583). Track Listing: "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Little Butterfly," "The Very Thought Of You," "Love Me Or Leave Me," "Everything Happens To Me," "Farmer's Market," "Talk Of Town / Get Out Of Town," "Girl Talk," "The Meaning Of The Blues," "It Might As Well Be Spring," "These Foolish Things," and "Still Good Friends." Her backing band for this album includes: Kenny Barron, John Patittuci, Lewis Nash, David "Fathead" Newman, Corey Allen, and Chuck Mangione. Please note that this is the first domestic release of her 2002 Japanese release, with a new cover. Purchase the CD here.
Cheryl Bentyne also has a new DVD out called Among Friends. This amazing session features features Corey Allen on piano, Grant Geissman on guitar, Kevin Axt on bass, and David Tull on drums. This recording is NOT an attempt to "document" a live recording of Cheryl and her band, but instead an exploration of high-resolution recording coupled with aggressive 5.1 channel surround mixing. AIX Records uses no EQ, dynamics processing or artificial reverberation...everything you hear is as the musicians played it. You can learn more about it at www.aixrecords.com/catalog/bentyne.html. To purchase a copy of this disc, please send $24.98 plus $4.95 for shipping and handling to: AIX Records, 8455 Beverly Boulevard Suite 500, West Hollywood, CA 90048. To order by phone call 1-800-668-4249 or visit the AIX Records website at www.aixrecords.com. This is one DVD that all Manhattan Transfer fans will want in their collections.
Alan Paul's first ever solo CD was released in March 2003 and is entitled Another Place And Time after one of the songs on the CD written by Michel Legrand. The collection is a collaboration that Alan did with Peermusic. The CD features a 30 piece orchestra, big band, and members of the The Manhattan Transfer band -- as well as a guest appearance by Janis Siegel on the song "Everything's made For Love". Alan co-produced the CD with David Snyder, who also did many of the orchestrations. Purchase the CD here.
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