The Manhattan Transfer first exposed me to the wonders of jazz, particularly their late 70s-mid 80s recordings. While the group's harmonies blend together perfectly, each member possesses accomplished solo chops. In the group, founding member Janis Siegel has proven to be the most versatile vocalist, being equally adept in pop, jazz, and blues. Nowhere was this diversity more present than on Siegel's second solo effort, 1987's At Home, an uneven but charming album that showcases her broad range.
Boasting guest artists like Will Lee, Branford Marsalis, and David Sanborn, At Home appeals to various musical tastes. Like R&B? Check out Siegel's cover of Marvin Gaye's “Trouble Man,” where she commands the song with her strong, bluesy vocals. Speaking of the blues, songs such as “Million Dollar Secret” and “Black Coffee” soar with her unique interpretations. Siegel channels her inner Mae West attitude (and sounds like she had a blast doing so) on the latter, while her voice effectively coveys longing and heartache on the former. Of course she doesn't disappoint her core audience, jazz fans, with songs such as “Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight)” and “Night Trane,” a tribute to John Coltrane. She clearly had fun recording the sprightly “(If I Had) Rhythm in My Nursery Rhymes,” a jazzy take on a lullaby.
The real treasure of At Home, however, remains “Small Day Tomorrow,” a simply gorgeous ballad. Composed by Bob Dorough and Fran Landesman, it is a torch song in the most classic sense. Siegel lends a world-weary quality to the song featuring lyrics such as the following: "Now all you big wheels / With all of your big deals / You are gonna need your sleep / But I'm a dropout / And I would rather cop out / Than run with all the sheep"
Article comments
1 - Beth Ann
Wow! Manhattan Transfer...that brought back some great memories. I remember connecting with one of my best college friends over their music. She came knocking on my dorm room door because I was blasting MT. Nice to see some of them are still around.
2 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks, Beth Ann; I too have fond memories of Manhattan Transfer. They are indeed going strong, continuing to record albums and tour.
3 - Lazz
Hi Kit,
As a great fan of Fran Landesman lyrics, led here by your mention of "Small Day Tomorrow", I am curious to understand why you describe it as "a torch song in the most classic sense".
Warm Regards
Lazz
4 - Kit O'Toole
Hi Lazz:
Thanks for commenting! I guess I'm using a broader definition of the torch song--in other words, "Small Day Tomorrow" concerns a relative loner pining for her lover. It reminded me somewhat of "One for My Baby," even though that song's narrator details a breakup. Perhaps the "Small Day Tomorrow" narrator doesn't have as much emotionally invested in her relationship, but she's still a loner longing for company.
5 - Louis
Hello Kit:
What a delightfully fabulous write-up on Janis. It seems like we both share the same taste in music. I'm talking about 'Small Day Tomorrow. I've written a post on this track and have linked this page in my post. I will definitely bookmark your music blog and keep up on the updates.
Best, Louis :)
6 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for the comment, Louis! Glad you enjoyed the article.
7 - Jessica
Just a quick correction: "A Thousand Beautiful Things" came out in 2006, not 1996.