Customer Reviews

Jukin

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was attracted to this album because most MT recordings I've heard are a bit too slick and bland for my jazz-taste:
this is early, a bit rugged and unpolished Manhattan Transfer, so I wandered what it would sound like.
Indeed, this music is mostly fun and full of joy, although stylistically quite chaotic (swing, country, rock, pop... I can't even name all the influences). It gave me two fun listenings, probably because of the sense of humor, although I'm not quite sure who's the ideal audience for this CD.

This album is a collection of eclectic styles (primarily big band) featuring a tremendous range of vocals and instrumentation. The production of this album is beyond words. A great opportunity for young musicians to experience music that they would never be exposed to through the mediums of radio and video.

I own about 14 Manhattan Transfer albums and am a big fan. But this one was a definite dissappointment. As their first album (1971?), even one of the members called it a "false start" for the MT and their move into conquering the genre of vocal jazz. This album is interesting from a collecting standpoint, but with only one true MT member here, it doesn't reflect their true sound as exected. There's some country influence here as well. If you are new to the MT and want their real jazz sound, try something else and leave this for the MT completists.

Also, where are the 2 and 3 star ratings from last month? It seems as if someone at Amazon is erasing the negative reviews, which leaves those of us who want true reviews with no one to trust.