Reviews
REVIEW OF - "ONE SMALL STEP..."
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Henri Strik - Background Magazine |
Since I heard Manning’s last album “A Matter Of Life & Death” I have become
addicted to the music of the modern troubadour Guy Manning. With his band
Manning he again delivered with “One SmallStep…” an amazing album. The music is
still a mix of prog with folk elements. Again the Jethro Tull influences are
present. But that’s not so strange if you have a voice like Ian Anderson The
flute played by Martin Orford (Jadis and IQ) makes it even more obvious. The
tracks which have the highest level of fantastic progressive rock music are “No
hiding place” and the epic title track. The Mellotron and synthesizers played by
Guy himself are mainly to blame. But Mr Manning is not the only person who can
play an instrument.With Gareth Harwood he has a great musician in the band who
can play a solid guitar solo. Also Laura Fowles is not afraid to rock on her
saxophone. The fiddle touched by Ian Fiarbairn gives the music most of the time
the wonderful folk influences. But not only the music on “One Small Step…” is
fantastic. Also the artwork, design and montage done by Ed Unitsky is like on
his last album breathtaking. It just gives the finishing touch of a great album.
The whole package of music and design deserves a big
complement.
**** (Henri Strik)
