The Manhattan Transfer

Come in twos, pay your dues,
What can you lose?
Just your blues!
So lose them!
Jon Hendricks, "Birdland"


Formed in 1975, this four person group is modeled on a saxophone quartet. Most of their albums feature at least one Hendricks vocalese, and the aptly named Vocalese featured Hendricks lyrics exclusively. In addition, they've done at least two Eddie Jefferson songs as well, and several by various other people. Basically, there's nothing they've done in this field that isn't top-notch, though I must say that "Blues for Pablo" is a bit weird for my taste.

Links

Recordings

Clicking on an album title takes you to the Manhattan Transfer Fan Club discography page for that title, which include lyrics now!

See also Jon Hendricks Freddie the Freeloader album.
Return to the Vocalese Page.