Her heart beats for Filipino fans

MANILA, Philippines - She is best remembered as the lead vocalist of the esteemed vocal pop-jazz group, Manhattan Transfer, the American band that churned out memorable hits like Boy From New York City, Twilight Zone and Smile Again. She also pursued a solo career and released albums that all the more heightened her musicality.

Today, after more than four decades of performing, Janis Siegel is still very much entrenched in the international music scene. Over the years, the nine-time Grammy Award winner has written many of the vocal arrangements for Manhattan Transfer. Credit that to her background of singing pop music.

She contributed her vocals to some of the group’s biggest hits — Operator, Spice of Life, Mystery, Twilight Zone, Birdland, Shaker Song, Sassy and Chanson D’Amour.

Meanwhile, Janis’ first solo album, Experiment in White, was released in 1981. Her sophomore outing, At Home, earned for her a Grammy nomination as Best Female Jazz Vocalist.

To date, Janis continues to tour and perform with the Manhattan Transfer. “We are working towards a new recording project,” she discloses. “I also tour with my own group doing music for my solo projects. I love collaboration and diversity. I believe I will continue to enjoy singing many different styles with different artists.”

Janis is extremely proud of her new album, Night Songs, which marks her musical relationship with pianist-arranger John di Martino whom she met a few years back.

“I have some original lyrics and tunes by Randy Newman, Janelle Monae, Jobim and Brenda Russell,” Janis offers. “All the songs on the album have a languid, late-night vibe. Songs you might listen to while relaxing at home after a hard day’s work, with a drink and a loved one.”

The first time Janis performed in the Philippines was in the ‘80s. “I remember we stayed at the historic Manila Hotel,” she recalls. “One beautiful memory I have is that of a Filipino singing group doing a cappella for us on the street. One of the boys in the group was ‘adopted’ by (Manhattan Transfer founder) Tim Hauser, who sponsored the boy to go to music school.”

Since then, Janis and her group have been to the Philippines “quite a few times,” performing both in Manila and Cebu. She has established a close friendship with the “wonderful vocal group,” The CompanY.

She also nurtures a working relationship with award-winning singer-songwriter and hitmaker Jose Mari Chan, “another marvelous artist and incredible gentleman whose songs I have produced, with a collection for 15 New York-based singers.” The album called The Manhattan Connection, features such artists as Lisa Fischer, Laurel Masse, Lauren Kinhan, Kelley Lee Evans and Theo Bleckmann.

One of Janis’ dearest Filipino friends was the late Bobby Enriquez, the Wildman of Jazz. “He got me interested in Filipino food and the beauty of his country,” Janis says. “We played together many times and he even performed at my wedding. I also remember him for lumpia, adobo and lechon.”

On June 23, Janis will perform again in Manila, this time solo, at Solaire Resort and Casino. Joining her are accomplished and versatile musicians from New York City — John on piano and Boris Kozlov on bass. The CompanY will also jam with Janis for Shaker Song. Taking center stage before the main act are Emcy Corteza and jazz prince Richard Merk.

“For my very first solo performance in the Philippines, I am going to try and present a balance of songs from my latest CD, other solo CDs and several tunes which the audience will hopefully recognize,” Janis grants. “It will be an extraordinary evening of music.”