Cheryl Bentyne
While much of the world knows Cheryl Bentyne as one-quarter of the multi-Grammy-winning Manhattan Transfer, this compelling vocalist has a story all her own - one that includes a solo career that encompasses a variety of musical styles.
Born and raised near Seattle, Washington, Bentyne was exposed to music at a very early age. Her father, a jazz clarinetist and bandleader, held his band's rehearsals at the family's home. It wasn't long before Cheryl was singing in her dad's band. After high school, she performed in Seattle area coffee houses where she met and joined a regional group called The New Deal Rhythm Band. The band combined campy comedy numbers with improvisation and “theatrical” swing. The New Deal served as a training ground for Bentyne to sharpen her performance technique and develop her own distinct style.
While on tour with The New Deal, Bentyne caught the attention of a talent agent who assured her that her singing ability could support a solo career and encouraged her to assemble material for her own show. Within a few months she moved to Los Angeles and was booked regularly at such legendary clubs as the Troubadour and the Bla-Bla Cafe.
In the spring of 1979, Bentyne’s manager told her about an audition that was to change her life. The Manhattan Transfer was searching for a new singer to replace the departing Lauren Masse. What they were looking for seemed like an impossible combination at the time - a soprano who was gifted and agile enough to immediately blend with the group’s unique four-part harmony sound, and yet who also possessed a strong individual musical personality which would contribute to the group's evolution. But Bentyne accomplished the impossible: she landed the job and made a vocal contribution that was immediate and decisive. The Manhattan Transfer won its first Grammy, for “Birdland,” a track from the 1979 album, Extensions (Best Jazz Fusion Performance). Since then, the Transfer has scored ten more Grammys.
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Bailey's Bundles
Album Review
- Cheryl Bentyne / Mark Winkler: West Coast Cool by Edward Blanco
Extended Analysis
Live Review
Bailey's Bundles
Album Review
- The Gershwin Songbook by Larry Taylor
- The Book of Love by C. Michael Bailey
- Let Me Off Uptown by Greg Thomas
Interview
Album Review
- Let Me Off Uptown by C. Michael Bailey
August 17, 2018
Mark Winkler And Cheryl Bentyne Team Up Again In Eastern Standard Time
February 19, 2013
Mark Winkler and Cheryl Bentyne: West Coast Cool Coming Your Way!
November 24, 2012
Enter the "Cheryl Bentyne - Let's Misbehave: The Cole Porter Songbook" ...
July 30, 2012
Illness, Recovery & Cole Porter: Bentyne's Joyous New CD With James...
June 09, 2011
The Manhattan Transfer's Cheryl Bentyne To Host New Radio Show!
November 22, 2010
Cheryl Bentyne's "The Gershwin Songbook"
November 09, 2010
Cheryl Bentyne's ArtistShare debut "The Gershwin Songbook"
November 04, 2010
Grammy Winning Vocalist Cheryl Bentyne Releases "The Gershwin Songbook"
October 14, 2010
Cheryl Bentyne releases “The Gershwin Songbook”
September 29, 2010
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