Reviews
REVIEW OF - "ONE SMALL STEP..."
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Jerry Lucky - Progressive Ears |
The new release from Guy Manning, who
simply goes by the name Manning took me a bit by surprise. There were times I
thought I was listening to the Strawbs, other times I was reminded of Stealers
Wheel and other times still it was vaguely reminiscent of some of Roy Harper’s
work. What was I was actually hearing was a sound that has come to have a long
standing tradition with British singer songwriters. Each of them brings a
similar approach to their work and it is easily heard on Manning’s new CD
entitled One Small Step.
For those who don’t know, Guy Manning has been creating progressive rock since
1999 and One Small Step is his 7th release. Some of you will know him
from those previous efforts, others of you will recognize Manning’s name from
various one off projects he’s been involved with over the years and still others
will recognize his name as a member of the band The Tangent. On this release
he’s not only singing but also playing a host of instruments including guitars,
keyboards and drums but he’s also assisted by Laura Fowles (sax, vocals), Gareth
Harwood (guitar), Rich Ashton (bass) and Martin Orford (flute).
One Small Step is a collection of songs directly inspired by the
wonderfully original artwork of Ed Unitsky that graces the booklet in this
release. You’ve likely seen Unitsky’s work for such groups as the Tangent and
the Flower Kings. It is intricately ornate and loaded with computer enhanced
collage work of a very surrealist nature. It’s truly beautiful and easy to see
how the various images could inspire a writer to compose around them.
The CD is just under an hour and features four songs clocking in at 4, 6, 9 and
7 minutes before launching into the eight part title track “One Small Step” that
stops the clocks at just over 30 minutes. There is a decidedly acoustic feel to
the whole listening experience, and while there a number moments where the
electric guitar shines, I’m still left with a very folk influenced prog feel
here. And while that took a number of listens for me to warm up to, I have to
say that Manning’s ability to craft hook laden melodies is what kept me coming
back. The music is not overly complex, it simply wasn’t meant to be. Instead the
listener is treated to compositions that are arranged section by section,
building one theme upon another. This is particularly true of the long, winding,
and weaving title cut, “One Small Step.”
If you’re already a fan of Manning’s previous work, or perhaps a fan of the
artists mentioned at the outset you’ll find much to enjoy here. But even if
you’re a first timer, this is a great place to start your collection. The longer
pieces built on lyrically involving story telling are a strong calling card.
One Small Step has way of sneaking up on you and winning you over. And
that’s exactly why I’m calling it a winner.
