The Manhattan Transfer

Acclaimed vocal ensemble the Manhattan Transfer are recognized for bringing the harmonized vocal jazz and traditional pop of the '40s back to modern audiences. Riding a wave of nostalgia in the '70s and drawing upon the tradition of groups like Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, the quartet recorded several albums of jazz standards, weaving vintage-inspired boogie woogie, bop, and vocalese with contemporary pop and R&B influences. They broke through with 1979's Extensions, which featured their innovative, Grammy-winning arrangement of Joe Zawinul's "Birdland." The following year, they...