Over the past five decades, the voice of Janis Siegel has been an undeniable force in The Manhattan Transfer’s musical catalogue. To that end, Siegel is a ten-time Grammy winner and eighteen-time nominee. Alongside her career as a founding member of this musical institution, Siegel has also sustained a solo career. Here, she has released almost a dozen finely crafted solo albums and numerous collaborative projects. Thus, she has amassed a large international fan base, garnering high critical praise.
Over the years, Janis’ unmistakable voice has become one of The Manhattan Transfer’s most recognizable trademarks. She sang lead on some of the Transfer’s biggest hits, such as “Operator,” “Chanson D’Amour,” “Twilight Zone,” and “Birdland.” Also, “The Boy From New York City,” “Spice of Life,” “Ray’s Rockhouse,” “The Shaker Song,” and “Mystery.” Additionally, Siegel co-wrote and sang lead on the Grammy-winning “Sassy.” She also gained a reputation as a vocal arranger. She wrote five charts for the group’s acclaimed masterwork, Vocalese, and seven charts for the group’s Grammy-winning album Brasil. Furthermore, she won a Grammy herself in 1980 for her vocal arrangement of “Birdland.”
These days, you can find Janis in the place she loves most, the studio. There, she produces various ventures for other artists and sings on a diverse array of projects. Also, she tours with her trio, teaches at NYC and other universities, and cooks up a storm in the kitchen.
Her tenth solo album, Nightsongs, was released in 2024. Other recent solo collaborations include Honey & Air, a Brazilian/jazz vocal adventure with her group Requinte Trio. Some Other Time is a tribute to Leonard Bernstein with trombonist/singer Nils Landgren with arrangements by Vince Mendoza.
Recommended for fans of The Manhattan Transfer, Karrin Allyson, Tierney Sutton and Jane Monheit.
