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The Manhattan Transfer: The Chick Corea Songbook
ByPiano icon Chick Corea's music is complex. Determining the changes and putting them in perspective is challenging, but Manhattan Transfer has captured the magic, singing with a captivating balance of charm and verve. Their harmonies are still impeccable and, while key to the overall impact, the solo voice also contributes to the soul of the music.
Corea wrote the snappy opener, "Free Samba," especially for this CD and plays the Yamaha Motif XS8. The singing is vibrant and Corea rips into a funky beat letting the intensity ride high. They revisit the tune at the disc's end, extending the gambit and changing the contours by flexing the tempo and the rhythmic pattern.
"The Story of Anna & Armando (Armando's Rhumba)" is flamboyant, the vocals swaying and resounding in harmony within the balmy atmosphere of the lyrics. Percussion and horns drive the pulse as the trumpets of Robert Rodriguez and Mike Pinella smear the palette and Edsel Gomez adds lyrical ideas on the piano.
"Spain" is magical. The snap and crackle are done to a nicety, the arrangement opening the door to gently cascading harmonies and embracing solo singing. Quite in contrast is the ballad "Time's Lie" arranged by Fred Hersch, where the pianist brings the lead voice up front, using the rest as a velvet backdrop.
Another factor that contributes to the development of each track is in the use of the musicians. Several combinations accompany Manhattan Transfer, which takes the whole to a higher level of accomplishment.
Manhattan Transfer is back, and in top-notch form with a marvelous blend of melody and song.
Track Listing
Free Samba; Prelude; Spain (I Can Recall); One Step Closer (The One step); Children's Song #15; 500 Miles High; Another Roadside Attraction (Space Circus); Time's Lie; La Chanson Du Bebe (Children's Song #1); Ragtime in Pixiland (Pixiland Rag); The Story of Anna & Armando (Armando's Rhumba); Free Samba (Extended version).
Personnel
The Manhattan Transfer
vocalsTim Hauser: vocals; Janis Siegel: vocals; Alan Paul: vocals; Cheryl Bentyne: vocals; Chick Corea: Yamaha Motif XS8; Yaron Gershovsky: Fender Rhodes, programming; Gary Wicks: electric bass; Steve Hass: drums; Alex Acuna: percussion; Fred Hersch: piano; John Hebert: acoustic bass; Billy Drummond: drums; John Benitez: electric bass; Vince Cherico: drums; Mike Pinella: trumpet; Robert Rodriguez: trumpet; Conrad Herwig: trombone; Ronnie Cuber: baritone sax; Luisito Quintero: percussion, congas, timbales; Bais Haus: synthesizer, drum programming; Christian McBride: acoustic bass; Joe Passaro: marimba; Lou Marni: flute, alto flute; Ramon Stagnero: acoustic guitar.
Album information
Title: The Chick Corea Songbook | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Four Quarters Entertainment
Comments
About The Manhattan Transfer
Instrument: Vocals
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