Sunday, 1 November 2009

XMAS CRS Date Postponed until Spring 2010

This date has unfortunately had to put off as we are still seeking our last band member, that elusive principal KEYBOARDS!! (Is there anybody..OUT there???).

We will rearrange this for the Spring as part of our run up to the US date at ROSFEST 2010 in May

While we wait, advertise, audition etc..... work on new tracks for the next MANNING studio album has started in earnest.
6 pieces have been created, one of which is a long epic.

Our new lead guitarist, Chris Catling, is settling in and getting up to speed very quickly with the live MANNING back catalogue

Hope to see you all soon
More news as it it comes in
Guy

Saturday, 3 October 2009

Come on you Northern UK Keyboards players!!

I know you are out there!!!!

We have gigs booked (including ROSFest 2010), we have a new studio album to record, we even have keyboards!!

Time, skill and creativity is what we need from you :0)

Please let us know if you are interested! (Kris krishudsonlee@googlemail.com)

Saturday, 19 September 2009

An evening songwriting

As you are probably aware by now we are currently auditioning new band members, however, this is also leading to some spare "non rehearsal" studio time for the current members of Manning; Guy, Kev, Kris and Dave (Julie and Steve don't always rehearse with us, may I add, but are still very much a part of the band)

Inspired by a recent holiday, Guy's creative brain has clicked into overdrive and the new material has begun to flow forth, however, unlike previous releases Guy has insisted that this will be a Manning album with more creative input from the live band.

The first sessions have now started and I must say from my point of view it is certainly sounding very good.

We have no title for the new album yet (or at least not one we are willing so share publicly!), but the first song is in the region of 25-30 minutes long at present so expect an epic.

Monday, 7 September 2009

Tall Stories for Small Children available on itunes


Manning have started to release the entire back catalogue on itunes and napster, starting today with Tall Stories for Small Children - the 1999 debut album - containing the epic Fall and Rise of Abel Mann and the live favourite Holy Ireland.

Future releases include Songs from the Bilston House in November and Number Ten in December.

Monday, 31 August 2009

MANNING - Hunt for Keyboards and Lead Guitar

Guy Manning wrote in a posting to his newsgroup:

"Following on from the milestone that was the band's triumphant appearance at the Cambridge Rock Festival, the band are to make some line up changes.

"Getting the band to the point at which MANNING could sustain 2 separate shows (Elektrik and Akoustik) took a vast amount of dedication and effort on behalf of the players and I am eternally grateful that they did not disappoint myself or the fans (new and old).

"Having said that, in the aftermath of the festival, we were able to objectively look at the point we were at and the known future activities (possible new Studio album, a live album, UK and worldwide dates). Each member of the band reviewed their own position and did some soul searching.

"At this point, we can formally state that Phil Wilkes and David Million will not be continuing on as a part of the Manning band line ups.



So a hunt is now on for suitable players:

We are now looking for two versatile and accomplished musicians to take us to the next level in terms of musical professionalism. Able to play in a variety of styles, and integrate very quickly into an 8 piece line-up, you will be experienced in live work, as well as recording, have a good sense of humour, your own transport, equipment and a desire to continuously improve what you do.

Keyboards: You will have a natural pianistic style, as there are many open passages where the piano is exposed and required to accompany the lead vocals. Contrasting with that are large passages requiring tasteful orchestral beds, organ and piano solos as well as the more traditional “synth” solo.

Sensitivity and timing are key and a natural musical awareness of what is required.


Lead guitar: You must have the ability to adapt your playing style to the mood and nature of each song. Tuneful solos and sensitive lead passages are often required, as well as standard rock patterns and riffs. You will be equally at home playing acoustic as well as electric guitars.


The nature of the band is semi-professional – everyone has a day job. However, the ambition and approach is completely professional. These are not positions for anyone wanting to earn money – the band is wholly dedicated to bringing the recordings to life and seeing where that takes us. If this sounds interesting to you – let us know.

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

New revamped web site launched!

The Official MANNING website has a new look and feel!

Over the next weeks we will get the more historical documents ported across to their new home and new articles, biogs etc will be especially created, but I think you will agree, the new site looks splendid and colourful!



Please let us know your comments!

Thanks

Friday, 31 July 2009

Manning Announced For RoSfest 2010

Manning Announced For RoSfest 2010 RoSfest is pleased to announce Manning.

This eight piece band led by maestro Guy Manning will be playing the second slot on Saturday May 1st. The band Manning has been around since 1999, formed around the prodigiously talented singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Guy Manning.

Having previously been an associate of prog legends Parallel or 90 Degrees and being a founding member of the internationally respected, The Tangent, Guy has an impressive record of releasing ten studio albums in ten years!
Manning produce an eclectic mix of music which broadly falls within the "progressive" genre, but in reality spans many different musical forms from beautiful ballads and folk-tinged songs through to awesome all-out rock workouts and true progressive epics - no two songs sound the same!

The band is currently experiencing a surge of interest and support, with the previous album "Songs From The Bilston House" having been nominated for Album of the Year by the Classic Rock Society (CRS) and a series of storming headline gigs in support of the latest and critically acclaimed album "Number Ten".