The Manhattan Project was a short-lived jazz fusion supergroup formed in 1989. Spearheaded by drummer Lenny White (Return to Forever), the group’s original goal was to update jazz standards and give them a then-modern synthesizer makeover. Lenny White brought in saxophonist Wayne Shorter (Jazz Messengers/Miles Davis/Weather Report), French pianist Michel Petrucciani, keyboardists Gil Goldstein and Pete Levin, and bassist – and regular Lenny White collaborator – Stanley Clarke (Return to Forever). The group recorded their sole self-titled album in front of a live audience at Chelsea Studios in New York. The tracks on the album included a few jazz classics – “Summertime”, “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”, and “Stella by Starlight” – mixed with originals composed by band members Wayne Shorter, Lenny White, and Michel Petrucciani. Blending acoustic and electric instruments, the group’s blues and funk arrangements brought the album critical acclaim. However, it was the only album released by the group. In 2005, the album was reissued and included a bonus DVD containing a live performance by the band from 1989. Michel Petrucciani died on January 6, 1999.
