My first project immediately after the retirement of The Manhattan Transfer, it's as much a tribute to The Manhattan Transfer and the work we did as anything else.
Few artists have done more to shape the modern language of vocal jazz than Janis Siegel. With her five remarkable decades with The Manhattan Transfer and the relationships with all the greats who defined the art, it only makes sense that her newest work would carry the title, The Art of Vocalese. More than a celebration of the uniquely demanding jazz tradition, the album is both a tribute to her mentor, Jon Hendricks, and a reflection on a lifetime devoted to inspired storytelling, beautiful vocal harmonies and joyous music-making. Joined by pianist/arranger John Di Martino, an exceptional band, and featured guests Raul Midón, Lea DeLaria, Laurel Massé, and Lauren Kinhan, Siegel presents an elegant, joyful and richly expressive set of music, topped with the unveiling of several previously unrecorded Hendricks lyrics. The Art of Vocalese is the next step in this master artist's life that further defines her extraordinary career while carrying one of jazz's most exciting traditions forward.
Track Listing:
1 Barbados (Back to Barbados) 5:06
2 It's Sand, Man 3:26
3 Bye Bye Blackbird 5:48
4 In the Presence and Absence of Each Other (Vocal Version) 6:06
5 Unsquare Dance 2:32
6 Down for Double 3:07
7 From Vienna With Love (Till the Earth Stands Still) 5:04
8 Garner's Stomp (Stompin' at the Savoy) 2:51
9 Pick Up the Pieces (Vocal Version - K.O.B. Dance Mix) 5:07
All instrumental arrangements by John Di Martino, except (5) by Larry Kerchner & John Di Martino
All vocal arrangements by Janis Siegel, except (5) by Larry Kerchner
Performers:
Janis Siegel - vocals
John Di Martino - piano, keyboards
Lonnie Plaxico - basses
Vince Cherico - drums, guagua
Frank Vignola - guitar (2,6)
Ed Cherry - guitar (8,9)
Wayne Escoffery - tenor saxophone (4,9)
Bobby Sanabria - percussion (4,9)
Guests:
Raul Midón - vocals (3)
Lea DeLaria - vocals (6)
JaLaLa* - vocals (2,5)
*Janis Siegel, Laurel Massé, & Lauren Kinhan
Production Info:
Produced by Janis Siegel
Recorded by Steven Sacco at Sear Sound, NYC
on January 16, 2024
Mixed & mastered by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording, NYC
Vocal & instrumental overdubs by Dave Darlington
Background vocals (8,9) recorded at Baby Konehead Studios
Photography by John Abbott
Make-up artist: Kayla Berley
Studio photos by Benjamin Lehman
Liner notes by Ben Sidran
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
