Search - Manhattan Transfer :: Live (1978)

The Best Manhattan Transfer Live Album, PERIOD!

KRA | East End of LI | 06/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To me a long time fan, the "first phase" of the Man-Tran will always be their best, and it was the sound that first made them stars. This live disk was first released back in 1979 only through a limited production here in the states that featured a great real photo of them that was not used either on this release or the first "official" release of the disk statesude back in the 80's.



However we finally have this awesome live set on CD!. This disk covers their early hits from "Operator", to "Java Jive", to "Chason D'Amour", to "That Cat Is High" and others.

This disk was also the last featuring Laurel Masse', and her live reading of "Je Voulais" is spine tingling with shades of Edith Piaf, and Janis delivers on her stunning solo of "In The Dark". The group nails an acapela take on "Well, Well, Well", and their humor shines with "Bacon Fat".



"15 Minute Intermision" is not 15 minutes of dead time, but another take on their humor as they ask for a break. "Snottie Little Cuttie" was not released prior to this disk, but should have been on one of their earlier studio albums. The group kicks butt on "Tuxedo Junction", and reminds me why I miss hearing these songs on their current live concert set lists. My only issue is that 2 early Man-Tran standrds were not included that being "Gloria" ironiclly one of the few early songs that they still perform, and "Blue Champange". However as the old saying goes always leave them panting for more.



A Fine Fine Live Album!"

Great to finally have this on CD!

Kevin Christensen | Salt Lake City, UT | 09/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording seemed to take forever to get to cd, but it's sure welcome. It's the only ManTran recording (to my knowledge) with "Snootie Little Cutie" and "15 Minute Intermission". ("Well Well Well" finally found its way to another later recording).



The only downside is the recording quality, but to a true fan, this isn't an obstacle. This is a definite must have for a ManTran Fan!"

A Defining Live Album

Brian Newby | Blighty | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Classsic Man Tran. Why this has taken so long to get to CD is a mystery. The classic line-up an excellent recording made in the UK and superb performances. I've put up with the LP until I converted it to CD myself, but this will obviously sound better. If you like Man Tran this is a show that delivers their true qualities without being contrived and sterile. quite simply superb."