In conjunction with the release, the group will be seen nationwide on a new PBS special titled “The Summit,” a dual show with Take 6 starting April 19.
The special will be part of public television network’s “Soundstage” concert series. “The Summit,” which was taped before a live studio audience at WTTW’s Grainger Studio in Chicago in January 2017, features the two groups who have been touring their richly produced, interactive vocal extravaganza for the past three years. In the special, they bring their unique brotherhood onstage as both groups incorporate their combined 10-part harmony, segments including “battle of the bands,” and a repertoire that includes songs neither band has ever recorded.
The Manhattan Transfer became the first act to win Grammy awards in the pop and jazz categories in one year (1981) for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal” for“Boy From New York City” and “Best Jazz Performance Duo or Group” for “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket).” In 1985, their album Vocalese made history as the single greatest Grammy-nominated album in history in one year with 12 nominations. Vocalese earned two Grammys: “Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group”; and “Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices” for “Another Night in Tunisia” (won by Bentyne and Bobby McFerrin).
The album, which featured jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Ron Carter, and the Count Basie Orchestra, changed the perception of The Manhattan Transfer from successful pop artists to formidable jazz singers.
