What makes The Symphony Sessions by The Manhattan Transfer notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its ambitious orchestral arrangements and was recognized by Grammy voters, earning a nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Its fusion of classic tunes with contemporary interpretations helped bridge generational gaps in jazz appreciation. Released in 2006, The Symphony Sessions marked The Manhattan Transfer's return to the studio after a six-year hiatus following the album Vibrate. This project showcased their ability to blend a cappella vocals with lush symphonic backdrops, reaffirming their status as innovators within the jazz and vocal genres.

Who is The Symphony Sessions for?

The Symphony Sessions works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, rich vocal harmonies throughout and for evening relaxation.

How many songs are on The Symphony Sessions?

The Symphony Sessions has 12 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

The Symphony Sessions

The Manhattan Transfer · 2006

56 min · 12 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of jazz and vocal harmonies woven with orchestral arrangements, showcasing timeless standards and original compositions.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Birdland — This iconic piece encapsulates the band's signature blend of intricate vocal harmonies and rhythmic complexity, making it a standout performance on the album.
→
Embraceable You — The haunting arrangement showcases the group's stunning vocal interplay, bringing a fresh emotional depth to this classic standard.
→
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square — This track beautifully illustrates the band's skill in transforming well-known melodies into new experiences through their lush harmonies and orchestration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The blend of orchestral arrangements with vocal harmonies creates a distinct yet familiar sound.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that accompany the vocal harmonies, creating a rich sonic landscape.
The sequencing alternates between classic standards and original compositions, maintaining listener interest through varied styles.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
rich vocal harmonies throughout
for evening relaxation
orchestral arrangements enhance experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening
seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2006, The Symphony Sessions marked The Manhattan Transfer's return to the studio after a six-year hiatus following the album Vibrate. This project showcased their ability to blend a cappella vocals with lush symphonic backdrops, reaffirming their status as innovators within the jazz and vocal genres.
Stylistic neighbors: The Swingle Singers· Pentatonix· Vocalosity