By Holli LeMarr-Wyett
Assistant A&E Editor
Since 1972 they have been dazzling fans with their jazzy lyrics and perfectly blended harmonies. Manhattan Transfer, comprised of Tim Hauser, Cheryl Bentyne, Janis Segal and Alan Paul, has not lost any steam since its 1975 self-titled debut album. The group has won Grammy awards for each of its albums since 1979, breaking a record in 1981 by becoming the first group to win Grammy awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Jazz Performance by a Duo or Group. The band’s style is broad ranging from Big Band to a cappella to pop. However, according to Hauser, the group’s creator, “(Transfer’s) signature is clearly a four-part harmony blending soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices.”
It was one of the first groups to master the art of vocalese, a music style described as a combination of lyrics with jazz music. The vocal album earned the band 12 Grammy nominations with only Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” garnering more nominations. October 2002 is Transfer’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate its success and dedication the band will be touring the Manhattan club scene. A new album is also in the making and its release is planned for 2003.
The Manhattan Transfer will perform at 8 p.m. in Smothers Theatre Oct. 10. Tickets are $10 for Pepperdine students and $60 for the public. Tickets are available at (310) 506-4522.
October 03, 2002
