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Our Review

Incredibly, The Manhattan Transfer ("TMT") has been around since the early 1970s, and this class act still delivers big time. For those who love the artistry of a cappella music (as I do), TMT is the gold standard for sophisticated arrangements, fabulous harmonies, and tightly-synchronized execution. Their expertise is abundantly apparent on An Acapella Christmas.

Although TMT has long enjoyed a strong reputation for classy sophistication, that rep does not translate into "boring," "staid," or "straight-laced." This album is beautifully and broadly accessible; these warmly-executed seasonal pieces impress on every level. The offering opens brilliantly with Jingle Bells done in 1940s radio-jingle ("We love those J-I-N-G-L-E bells!") style; what a blast! TMT's Toyland is another treasure--its ethereal ambiance makes the listener sweep back into nostalgic childhood memories. The jazziest gem on An Acapella Christmas is the soulful Merry Christmas Baby with sultry Janis Siegel providing some superb scat singing. The traditional Christmas Is Coming (The Goose Is Getting Fat) piles on perfectly-layered harmonies round after round, and White Christmas and Winter Wonderland are quintessential TMT, first class and fun!

This is a superior Christmas release, albeit a little shorter than I'd like (36 minutes flew by like 5). The substantial liner notes provide helpful backdrop, including all lyrics and cool photos.

Bravo, TMT! Like fine wine, your group continues to improve with age, and your Acapella Christmas has the most excellent bouquet!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Manhattan Transfer is:
Cheryl Bentyne, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul, and Janis Siegel

Producer: Tim Hauser
Co-Producer: Roger Treece

The Manhattan Transfer

An Acapella Christmas

Artist link

Track List