The Art of Vocalese

*RINGER OF THE WEEK* There aren't many artists alive any more who can claim to actually have started a style of music, but Janis Siegel is definitely one of the chosen. Her work with Manhattan Transfer literally changed the style of group vocal music, taking the inspiration of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross to the next level. Her own solo albums have been impressive as well, with this recent one a kind of tribute to her days with the Transfer, but with her own personal signature.

She brings in guest vocalists Raul Midon, Lea Delaria and a trio with herself, Laurel Masse' and Laruen Kinhan for extra texture at times, supplementing the mix and match team of John Di Martino-p-key, Lonnie Plaxico/b, Frank Vignola-Ed Cherry/g, Vince Cherico/dr, Bobby Sanabria/perc and Wayne Escoffery/ts. As in the tradition, she takes on classic tunes and solos for her vocal launching pad, giving a clever call and answer to "Garner's Stomp (Stomping At The Savoy", and going disco on a fun take of Average White Band's "Pick Up The Pieces". The vocal harmonies on "Bly Bye Blackbird" are simply stunning, while the voices bop with delight on "Down For Double" and the team chicka booms on the fun "Unsquare Dance". Di Martino and Siegel stride right on the LHRish "It's Sand Man" and Siegel gets flexible with Escoffrey on "In The Presence and Absence of Each Other". Modern and timeless art.