The Manhattan Transfer - Swing

On this continually interesting CD, the Manhattan Transfer revisits tunes from the swing era, in some cases re-creating (through vocalese) specific recordings. Benny Goodman's 1935 version of "King Porter Stomp," Bennie Moten's 1932 recording of "Moten's Swing," Glenn Miller's "I Know Why," Charlie Barnet's "Skyliner," and Fletcher Henderson's exciting arrangement of "Down South Camp Meetin'" are among the many highlights. The vocals are superb (particularly Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne), although one wishes that the individual members had more of a chance to improvise within the style. The backup groups are different than one would expect, including the western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, violinist Mark O'Connor (Stéphane Grappelli makes a special appearance on "Clouds"), and steel guitarist Buddy Emmons. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Name Credits Al Schulman Tracking Alan Paul Vocal Arrangement Asleep at the Wheel ? Brent Reilly Assistant Engineer Brent Rowan Guitar (Electric) Buddy Emmons Pedal Steel Carl Gorodetzky Violin Carl Marsh String Arrangements Chris Booher Fiddle Cindy Cashdollar Guitar (Steel) Connie Ellisor Violin David Hungate Bass, Guitar (Rhythm) David Sanger Drums Doug Sax Mastering Duffy Jackson Drums Ed Cherney Mixing Emmanuel Payet Tracking Fletcher Henderson Arranger Gary W. Smith Piano Gina Monacia Hair Stylist, Make-Up Jack White Associate Producer, Production Coordination Jack White & His All-Stars Choir, Chorus Jack Wilkins Guitar (Electric) Janis Siegel Vocal Arrangement Jason Roberts Fiddle Jeff Levine Tracking Jen Santana Production Coordination, Associate Producer John Freeman Vibraphone John Pisano Guitar (Rhythm) Kent Bruce Assistant Engineer Kurt Elling Vocal Arrangement Larry Seyer Tracking Lee Larrison Violin Manhattan Transfer ?, Vocal Arrangement Mark O'Connor Violin Michael Francis Sax (Alto) Michael Hutchinson Vocals, Tracking Michael Tighe Photography Nonni Rosenbery Bass Nous'che Rosenberg Guitar (Rhythm) Pamela Sixfin Violin Paul Dicato Assistant Engineer Paul Leim Drums Ralph Humphrey Washboard, Drums Ray Benson Guitar, Associate Producer Ray Brown Bass Ricky Skaggs Guitar (Rhythm), Mandolin Robert Burns Bass Sharon Brown Stylist Stéphane Grappelli Violin Steve Hinson Pedal Steel Steve Lowery Assistant Engineer Stochelo Rosenberg Guitar Sylvia Vuau Make-Up, Hair Stylist Terry Becker Mixing, Engineer Thomas Bricker Art Direction, Design Tim Hauser Vocal Arrangement, Producer Tom McCauley Engineer Tony Dumas Bass Tony Garnier Bass Tony Rambo Assistant Engineer Yaron Gershovsky Piano