The Transfer's Second Best

Review Score: (10/10)
The Manhattan Transfer has never topped "Vocalese" from 1985; but this one is second, and worth the purchase. Kudos to the group for picking such wonderful material as "King Porter Stomp" and "A Study in Brown"--neglected swing classics. My favorites in this set are the Transfer's cover of Basie's "Topsy," and "Skyliner"--because these two best display the quartet as a jazz ensemble (plus, I've always adored "Topsy," one of the most infectuous of all original jazz compositions!) The set ends with a live rendition of "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" which is guaranteed to get your heart rate up at 6:30 a.m. (if you get up that early). All in all, a successful vocal re-creation of the swing era that doesn't resort to "Jump Jive and Wail", "Sing Sing Sing", "In the Mood", or "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". What a concept! Highly recommended.

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