Manhattan Transfer to kick off Asian tour in Seoul

The fateful encounter of a taxi driver (Tim Hauser), who dreamed of creating a popular vocal group, and a waitress (Laurel Masse), who was also an aspiring singer, was the seed for the Manhattan Transfer. Although the former waitress is not with the group anymore, the jazz quartet has performed for more than three decades and will be in Seoul for the third time to begin an Asian tour that will go through Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Hong Kong, Singapore and Cebu, before ending in Manila on July 7.
The Manhattan Transfer had successful concerts in Seoul in 2000 and 2003. They first gained popularity in Korea when their song, “Java Jive,” was used in a Korean TV commercial.
The group, sings songs from various genres such as boogie-woogie, bop, R&B and pop, showing off four different but harmonized voices. It has won 10 Grammy Awards for songs that include “Boy from New York City,” “Until I Met You” and “Why Not!”
Hauser formed the first incarnation of the Manhattan Transfer in 1969 with Erin Dickins, Pat Rosalia, Marty Nelson and Gene Pistilli, and released their debut album in 1971, “Jukin’.” It was not a success, however, and the group dissolved in 1972 because the members saw their musical future in different directions.
After Houser met Masse, they created a vocal group, again naming it the Manhattan Transfer, along with Janis Siegel and Alan Paul in 1972. The new group’s first album “The Manhattan Transfer” in 1975, and following albums “Coming Out” and “Pastiche” were big hits in the United States and Europe.
In 1978, Masse left the group for a solo career, and Cheryl Bentyne joined the group. Since then, the members have remained unchanged.

by Park Sung-ha

The Manhattan Transfer will play in Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket prices are 30,000 won ($32), 50,000 won, 70,000 won and 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 751-9607,or visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or www.ticketpark.com.