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'"

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

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.”

[reader]

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

[Pete-ba]

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

[jeffreyfrancis]

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

[alaneisenberg]

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

[martgoodman]

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.

[robertmcdannold]

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.

[tr]

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.

[rexgordon]

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.

[triplejazzmusicisall]

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.

[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.

[richardrodahaffer]

I’m thinking I first heard MT in early ‘65 …. “ The boy from NYC!”
Fabulous career these intervening 60 years!!

[russellbyrne]

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

[paulmichaelwaterman-ca]

Half a century of harmony and hot swing, this is a remarkable history and legacy! Their music never gets old, because it is the sound of joy. Touring for 50 years is a lot of hotel rooms and fast food meals, but to cultivate a multi-generational audience and perform in the greatest venues confirms the synergistic talent and triumph that will forever be Manhattan Transfer. Gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to a group of artists with class.🎶🎵💎

[DonnyMarcellus-zukd]

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!!!¡

[neilewart]

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

[troygaspard]

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

[zibbyzubb]

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

[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.

[michman]

I used to BLARE their cassettes in my car. I sang every part.
Saw them live in NJ back in the 80's. OMG!!!

[dorothyriddell]

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