The Manhattan Transfer...last song...final concert...ever... (12/15/23)

Manhattan Transfer final concert.
"The Manhattan Transfer Calls It a Night With a Final Show at Disney Hall: There's ‘Grieving,' but ‘We Think We're Going Out on Top'"
variety.com/20...
The group's apparent swan song in downtown Los Angeles' toniest venue was a happy-sad-ebullient-misty-eyed affair. Two things were left definitively established as part of the essence of swing: clock pendulums, and the Manhattan Transfer.
No revolving doors here. Two members of the quartet have been with the group since its early ‘70s origins, Alan Paul and Janis Siegel; Cheryl Bentyne, for her part, has been in the ensemble nearly as long as those two, having joined up before the ‘70s came to a close; even new guy Trist Curless has a decade's worth of tenure.
Prior to and following the show, the four members talked with Variety about winding things up with a final tour - and final show - that they decided should coincide with a planned 50th anniversary outing. If the goal was to convince everyone attending that this is a group that should not be quitting, mission accomplished.
"I think we're going out on top. And that's the way I always wanted it. I think we all felt that way," says Paul. "We didn't want to have it deteriorate. We want to be remembered for our greatness, and we certainly have a wonderful legacy."
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About the Manhattan Transfer
manhattantrans...
Celebrating their 50th Anniversary, The Manhattan Transfer continues to set the standard as one of the world’s greatest and most innovative vocal bands. Winners of ten Grammy Awards, with millions of records sold worldwide, this amazing quartet is building upon the extraordinary legacy created by founder Tim Hauser who organized the four-part harmony group along with Janis Siegel (alto), Alan Paul (tenor), and Laurel Masse (soprano) on October 1, 1972. Cheryl Bentyne (soprano) replaced Masse in 1979, and Trist Curless (bass) replaced Tim Hauser following his passing on October 16, 2014.
Says Alan Paul. “It's astounding to me that the group has been able to create and share our musical harmony for five decades. It is truly a blessing.” Adds Siegel, “We are proud to still be here through all the changes. We stayed true to ourselves. What The Manhattan Transfer does on stage brings so much joy, sharing music we love.”
Defying categorization, The Manhattan Transfer became the first vocal group to win Grammy Awards in the pop and jazz categories in one year, 1981: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Boy From New York City” (a cover of the 1964 song by The Ad Libs), and Best Jazz Performance by a Duo or Group for “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket).”
“We were always very eclectic musically,” says Paul, “and we did not want to be limited or locked into one style of music. We wanted to make great records and believed that excellence existed in all genres of music. We have always had the freedom to explore and put our harmonic stamp on whatever we did.” Siegel emphasizes the group’s unmatched ability to excel performing a wide variety of music. “We didn’t say we were a pop group. We didn’t say we were a jazz group. We’re a vocal group.”
Beginning with their first performances in the early 1970’s, the members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame have become cornerstones of contemporary music, known for their amazing versatility, incorporating pop, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, swing, symphonic, and a cappella music. The original group consisted of Hauser, Siegel, Paul, and Laurel Massé. After being signed by the legendary Ahmet Ertegun to Atlantic Records, The Manhattan Transfer made their recording debut with their self-titled album in 1975.
“It took a while to get a deal,” Paul remembers. “We were selling out clubs in New York City, but no one would sign us. The labels thought we were not commercial and didn’t want to take a risk.” Bette Midler was a friend of Tim’s and through her manager, Aaron Russo, invited Ahmet (Ertegun) to our show in Philly and the rest is history.”
In the early 1970’s, The Manhattan Transfer emerged out of the underground, avant-garde movement in New York City. The group wanted to visually interpret the music they were singing like chameleons, constantly changing their image to fit their musical styles. Their look ranged from heavy makeup and surreal Cockette’s inspired costumes to tuxedoes and tails. “We followed the philosophy of David Bowie,” states Paul. “Create a persona, and then destroy it to evolve into something else.”

[@reader1956]

I have loved them since I first heard their first album. What a delight they have always been.♥♥♥♥♥

[@tr24291]

I just took a walk down memory lane with the Manhattan Transfer and it was great, only to find that their last performance was only 8 days ago. I was just a teenager when I started that trip, I’m 65 now. What a great ride it was.

[@zibbyzubb]

I never had the pleasure of seeing them live. What a gift they've given us and what a legacy they leave.

[@martgoodman1726]

For 50 years, this group has exhibited that one thing that, sadly, is absent in most pop music. The highest possible level of musicianship! My wife and I were honored to be in the audience.

[@russs7574]

Here's a group of musicians who actually worth the ticket prices that today's lip-syncing Pop Princesses charge.

[@KrisD007]

Lol

[@gracelarcena7811]

theyve been singing their songs for decades - and it is always perfect, i never get bored.. Several years back, 1990s they performed here in the Philippines and i got the chance to have pictures with them. Twas the Vocalese album launching. The legends.. Thank you and big thank you for singing for us.

[@troygaspard6732]

Glad that they have survived, carrying the torch for so long now.

[@GSXSF-250]

Wow! They still got it! 🎉

[@dougramey4571]

My bucket list will be unfulfilled. A class act for sure.

[@mimmoleonardi8643]

Forever in my heart ❤❤❤

[@johnwillis782]

No one can do what they did.They were great.They were version of heart.Desire is the best i've ever heard

[@genetherod]

If you go back far enough (as I do) you may have seen Manhattan Transfer do a 30 minute summer replacement TV show. Don’t remember the exact year but I’d guess the mid to late sixties and I don’t remember the network. Also seemed to be early prime time like maybe 6:30. What I do remember is that in the first show I saw they dressed up as waiters and waitresses in a coffee shop setting and did their version of “Java Jive.” I became a fan for the next fifty plus years.

[@Fishbite9]

Saw the MT in Orange County back in 1981 with the brilliant Kenny Rankin. Then off the next day to see the astonishing Phoebe Snow in Beverly Hills. Those were the days of great artists who had raw talent, humanity and could hold their audiences for hours with just a piano or a guitar.

[@MecPex]

I have seen them in 1989 ca in Milan. Unforgettable performance.

[@LadyCathryn]

I got to see in 2012 in Denver CO. It was of the first concerts when Tim was too ill to perform

[@robertharris7027]

My dream was a joint appearance of Manhattan Transfer, Joe Zawinul and Jaco Pastorius with Birdland. This would have been the overkill...

[@catholiccowboy8545]

I saw the originals M. T. on TV (CBS I think) in the very early 70s. They replaced I don't remember which artist for the summer period, for a month or two. I really liked them and didn't miss them every week for the whole summer. They sang most of the songs from their first record. I remember "Operator" and "Tuxedo Junction". Of course I bought this album and the next two immediately but from the 3rd onwards I liked it less and when Laurel Masse left, I forgot about them.

[@susannehall7234]

I loved 'Pastiche' album 1978 the best. There were still some good ones after Laurel Masse left.

[@catholiccowboy8545]

@@susannehall7234 .. Me too, the first LP and "Pastiche" are my favorite. I didn't like "Boy from NY City" and the rest.

[@thetragicyouth]

I think they replaced the Cher Show for 4 weeks?

[@catholiccowboy8545]

@@thetragicyouth ... really ? thank you !

[@OCD777JFN]

I am a devoted Democrat who listens to Meidas Touch Legal AF on a daily basis. I am so very grateful for this community, which does feel like a family. And while I'm not holding my breath regarding the possible outcome of Donald Trump's trial, believe me, my shout (from the left coast) will be the loudest in the U.S. when Trump is INDEED found GUILTY:)

[@catholiccowboy8545]

No, seriously .... Who are they ?? ... Nevermind, forget it !

[@alaneisenberg1438]

This group being the best vocal group in modern times,will be so greatly missed. Thank you for so much wonderful, unforgetable music.

[@creativeconceptsintl]

Couldn't agree more!

[@catholiccowboy8545]

They picked up where "The Double Six" left off in 1960. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmSkZpqfYq6Lrdk

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

The best vocal group in history and I am going to m iss them immensely as their music has given me incrediblemomenys of joy. Thinking of all the gang including Tim, Yaron. 50 years and janis still has the legs of a 20 year old girl. May our future be bright and full of love and music. Thank you with deep sincerity and appreciation.

[@johnwillis782]

Masee

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

@@johnwillis782 Shame on me for forgetting Laurel Masse. An incredible talent and such a humble artist.

[@catholiccowboy8545]

They picked up where "The Double Six" left off in 1960. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmSkZpqfYq6Lrdk

[@analogueman5364]

Yes they are superb. But don't forget they came after Hendricks Lambert and Ross.

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

@@analogueman5364 Absolutely. IMO those two are the very best. Other groups past and present lack some sort of personality to their singing. For some reason MT and LHR had the charm in droves and the latter could swing with ease. Once it would have been considered rude to identify a group as being equal to LHR but over time as MT became more jazz and vocalese they reached that pinnacle (for me personally). I think modern swing groups try too hard to time everything to perfection and in so doing loose some charisma. Just my ramblings and thoughts anyway.

[@jamesrawlins735]

It's too bad Tim couldn't have lived to see this moment. The only person who was in all three versions of the groups - it would have been his 54th year.

[@captfred65]

I agree. I miss Tim.

[@Pete-ba253]

Thank you MT , The tears are rolling my friends . Big kisses to you all and the music 🇬🇧🇺🇸x

[@PatrickMolloy-p7w]

My wife and I flew 1000 miles to LA to see this show! For us, it was our seventeenth time seeing these guys. I recall the heel breaking off one of Janis' shoes during the previous encore. Without missing a note, she kicked off the other shoe and kept singing. That's why she's barefoot in this clip.

[@bobjohnstone4270]

if you see this... first off, congrats on being there AND having seen them so many times! Wow! My question: What's the dual bass/drummer story? Were long-tenured rhythm section members brought back for this show? They seem to be featured out front... Thanks!

[@arminsteinke2301]

In hundred years people will listen to the album "Vocalese", one of the most influencial and groundbreaking piece of vocal artistery.

[@DadBradTo5]

I got to hear them at the Greek Theater in L.A. in 1985 when they were on their "Vocalese" tour.. Words simply CANNOT describe that experience! Glad that a tape of that tour (Vocalese, Live in Japan) exists.

[@robertmcdannold3757]

I rarely missed an opportunity to hear MT when they came around. I will never forget a front row seat I had at a concert, I was enthralled. We were theatre kids in the early 70’s and wore their debut album out. We learned the parts, best we could, and sang along. They were so wonderful in concert- it was one of those rare experiences where the sounds from the stage always matched the recording. Farewell, Manhattan Transfer, and thanks for everything.

[@ascotberks2018]

A sincere thank you for introducing the American songbook to so many of us. You showed me so much more than was playing in my town. Simply drive to Vegas or LA to see them, get a job at Disneyland and watching then perform multiple times. Almost got fired for watching then when I was a supported to be loading boats on Small world. West coast trips to Portland, Seattle, Tahoe (I think) Fresno, San Francisco. Later I was able to see them in Germany, England,Japan, Hong Kong or perhaps Singapore. Sydney and New Zealand. This band introduced me to the most fantastic music and my life is so much better because of your work. From the bottom of my heart hank you

[@catholiccowboy8545]

yeah man, Surfin USA! ... lol ...

[@billwyman9780]

They should have had Laural Masse there as well, she was there at the start.

[@olafhenderson495]

I WAS 15 WHEN ...OPERATOR GIVE ME JESUS...FIRST PLAYED AND LOVED THEM EVER SINCE....THANK YOU

[@ZenMaisy]

I was 5 or 6 and also fell in love with this group then! So much talent! ❤

[@christopherrobinson5185]

End of an era to whom will be greatly missed but as the saying goes all good things will come to a end summer will not be the same 😢😢

[@MyGoose24]

There are some things that my eyes just can't watch , as Etta James said ,, I'd rather go blind than to see you walk away from me , Love The M / T

[@ONealMusicStudio]

The difference between actual musicians and just performers. Plenty of the latter in music today - very few of the former. Very few! Best vocal group of all time.

[@jeffreyfrancis5079]

Saw them in Cabaret at the Sydney Hilton in the early 1980s one of the best nights of my life. Outrageously great.

[@russellbyrne376]

I first saw The Manhattan transfer when I was 14 years old which was 40 years ago. I had the privilege of meeting them after. Truly great musicians. Will deeply miss their enduring artistry

[@RuriYanagida]

I've been a fan since I was in junior high school. Unfortunately, I've lost the opportunity to watch the concert in Japan, It's still the No. 1 group in me. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

How the hell did I miss this? OMG, my favourite vocal group is no more. They've earned their retirement a hundred times over. And "Birdland" was the right way to go out. Congratulations on one hell of a career. Goodbye, my friends.

[@tednorton5150]

nothing but respect and sadness at the retiring of the brand (the right thing to do).

[@turkfiles]

Saw them for the first time at The Greek Theater in LA in October 1982 for their 10 year Anniversary Tour. Since The Greek is an outdoor amphitheater, of course, it decided to rain… heavily! Lots of people left, but my group stayed for the whole show. It was magic! We had a blast. The Transfer was so thankful for all of us that stayed!

[@shelleynogle5422]

I was there with my Dad. Something I'll never forget!

[@DadBradTo5]

I saw them at The Greek in '85 when they were on their "Vocalese" tour. INCREDIBLE performance. A tape of that tour [Vocalese, Live in Japan] can be found on KZbin. Has a few 'glitches' in it, but WELL worth the watch & listen!

[@4estdweller4ever]

Exquisite. My heart is full of pure pleasure from all the memories of seeing them live, all wrapped up with the joy of remembering being there with my late husband. Every time they came through our area we were there. 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@markgregory5116]

Thank you.

[@dorothyriddell9306]

I saw them in Auckland New Zealand there last visit absolutely amazing ……

[@samhunt9380]

Loved their vocals. Always great songs wonderfully presented.......

[@bruceluber5178]

Not only incomparable singers, but they've always attracted amazing musicians and arrangers on their tours

[@rexgordon328]

I saw the MT many times over the years, the last time at Honolulu’s Blue Note at the very beginning of this tour! Thanks for so many wonderful memories.

[@jamesbillington9280]

Everything has a life span- a beginning, a middle, and an end. What a wonderful life! Thank you Manhattan Transfer!

[@DawnHMK]

We were there! On the left, not quite visible, but oh what a memorable night. We had to fill the seat of my friend who passed away just a few weeks too early, but I'm sure she had the best seat in the house...

[@russs7574]

It's just so awesome to see actual musicians on the stage actually singing, rather than "performers" who lip sync.

[@patricebilodeau-p.j.6842]

Merci pour ça!

[@dougc5880]

Saw them in Edinburgh in 1980 ( I think so long ago!) They were phenomenonal. Thank you for the wonderful music.

[@musicbox63]

I and a friend saw them, back in March, last year. My friend was seeing them for the first time. I've seen them multiple times and met them, once. They're phenomenal performers and seem to be awesome people. They really did go out on top.

[@peternewman1179]

Great Vocal group. They are missed.

[@rainerrauser9030]

Just had a flashback listening to my old MT vinyls. Just to find out, they did their last Show half s year ago. As a true fan I will miss MT very much!

[@ronatopaz2793]

Have they retired? I saw them many times as a teen in the 70’s. Best vocal harmony group ever.

[@brucelittle3958]

Great group and band! Saw them live in STL! Their legacy will live on, but they will be missed!

[@brucenewman6577]

got to see them live in Aspen -in a tent-as part of an award trip 30 some years ago. their live performance sound was fantastic.

[@neilewart4347]

Thank you MT for all the pleasure given over many years. The music has always been of the highest quality and you are going out right on top. Best wishes to the four of you for the future

[@NorthWest1115]

その歴史と音楽センスにあっぱれ❣本当にステキなグループ💖

[@BarneyChester]

I've seen them live many times over the years, but for me, the real MT died several years ago.

[@josephfroude6056]

Saw them in concert 6 times in my life. The best, every time. 😎😎🆒⭐️❤️

[@andrewrosen6508]

Adored since Jukin. Miss you Tim!!!

[@12345682900]

What a group, what a legacy, never again........

[@tabbennett4254]

Great Christmas album also!

[@williamfarne-i4r]

I heard them in Carpi (Italy) some years ago: amazing and magic!!!! thank you for the show!!!

[@DonnyMarcellus-zu8kd]

Been a part of my life for SO long. Never To be replaced. Thank YOU for the many special moments!!! They were ALL Happy and pure Quality!!!¡

[@PatrickMolloy-p7w]

I agree, they should have closed with "A Nightingale Sang in Barclay Square". The only disappointment in a great night of music. Maybe it was too emotional a song for them to sing in that moment.

[@JimmyJamJack]

I didn't so much like when they were doing standards but Vocalese, Brasil, & Offbeat of Avenues sold me

[@lindawoody8501]

I watched the Summer TV show the group did as well as listening to radio play of several of the first major hits. We bought many albums and saw the group in Sacramento at the big theater downtown many years ago in the early 1980s. Wow where has the time gone? Best wishes to each for their active retirement.

[@luckyskittles5007]

I am 77. I have enjoyed this group since my 20s. Fortunately they will live on forever on KZbin

[@RockOnChannelRoute66]

Bridland was one of my favorites that they re aranged the piece from Jaco Pastorious. From Instrumental to Vocals which then became their signature. IBirdland in their hands then became more character then ever.

[@richardhutchings984]

I saw them perform in Cincinnati in the 1980’s! One of the highlights of my life!!!! To this day I listen to their music weekly.

[@upcguru]

Saw them at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles back in the Seventies. They sound as good today as they did back then, A truly Class Act that will be greatly missed.

[@JK-ky1md]

👍👍👍

[@jmmr2816]

I love you. I attended your concert at the Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival in 1986. Thank you.

[@jeromegold3216]

They are by far the greatest jazz singing group ever, and let's not forget they also dud pop, disco r&b. I've been listening to them since 1974

[@ExcitedFjord-mo1cg]

❤❤❤❤

[@bruceluber5178]

My dad gave me a love for all kinds of music and as a teenager in the '70s I would crank Manhattan transfer at stop lights and confuse everybody

[@christianjensen5523]

First concert I ever went to without a parent with me. Saskatoon Canada in 1981 I think... what a group.

[@jimleon5504]

We got to see them on The Living Room tour in Chicago before Tim passed away. A great night of music.

[@bruceluber5178]

Blasting bleep blop blues out of my car at stoplights really confuse people in the '70s

[@eveyholmes]

I just sang with Cheryl Bentyne ( the long haired blonde) 3 weeks ago here in Palm Springs. We did a special show with 7 other Jazz singers called "The Jazz Divas of The Desert".

[@susannehall7234]

WOH!!

[@TonysMusic1974]

Dude! They weren't going to do Berkely square!

[@ralphworden6213]

Absolutely one the great groups of singers and musicians ever, many thanks for all the fabulous music

[@tovarisch2788]

Saw them in '79 or '80. Always great. Nothing like going out on top.

[@michaelleggieri7135]

Saw them at JB Scott's central Ave Albany NY early eighties

[@hankluvsdagny]

You know, this may seem weird to a lot of people, but what I noticed most at the end was the absence of hair coloring. That epitomized the thing I liked best about MT--they were SO genuine. Too bad they didn't appease that guy at the end--A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square would have been a much more fitting final song than Birdland.

[@jasonnoronha8977]

oh man… been hearing them past almost 40yrs… go in grace… luv you…

[@bruceluber5178]

They have always been the definition of incomparable

[@gibb253]

Sadly, they cancelled the Milan show on their final tour so I didn’t get to see it, but I did manage to see them several times over their great career

[@davidcarter3109]

Was a sad day when Tim passed

[@kathysowers]

What a run! Love them dearly!

[@TonysMusic1974]

When you record live shows, change your mic settings and turn off "mic zoom."

[@juwayable]

❤❤❤❤

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Horrible

[@davidhopkins1786]

One of my favorite groups...ever.

[@williamtomkiel8215]

one would think that the audio processing would have been beyond stellar but . . . a shame wrt "farewell" boomy, too much echo / reverb. one of my faves for a few decades- this noise does them no justice

[@sheerluckohms6509]

Its a ambient recording, probably from a cell phone, relax-have a drink and enjoy the show.

[@bruceluber5178]

I stumbled across this and work on a brick and I can't even get started because I'm going to cry

[@ruelitocayamanda8162]

The first time they came here to the Philippines in the early 80's (83?), I was a dispatcher for a rent a car company. We provided limousine service for Manhattan Transfer and I begged our manager to allow me to be one of the drivers. I got the honor of spending time up personal, with these fantastic vocalists and musicians. I was with them during rehearsals and backstage during their performances at the Folk Arts Theater and at the Manila Hotel. I got a promotional poster signed by the four vocalists. Sadly, it was destroyed when our house was repainted.