| The
Review |
The latest release from the prolific 'Manning', One Small
Step, sees the talented troubadour in a more thoughtful and
dare I say artistic mood. Fear not, all the usual Manning
trademarks are still here, superb melody, strong rhythm, vocals
with feeling, yes it certainly all here, just presented in
a slightly different way. ****
Opening track 'In Swingtime' is classic Manning fare,
subtle guitar with more emphasis on the acoustic side, a more
classical guitar sound. The strings also add that something
extra, dare I say class? Laura Fowles demonstrates her marvellous
ability to make the sax sound, oh so sexy, without dominating
proceedings. Add to this the solid rhythm and engaging melodies
and you have a perfect whole. ****
'Night Voices', has one of those wonderful, (but annoying
at times), catchy chorus lines that you will find yourself
humming and singing at various random moments. This is an
arm waving, lighters aloft live classic in the making, an
audience participation sing along if ever there was one. Oh,
and just to put the icing on the cake, a beautiful classical
guitar break. ****
The album goes back into the more powerful side of the
Manning experience with 'No Hiding Place'. The electric guitar
adds that extra bit of power for the introduction. Continuing
with a subtle presence throughout the song. Another strong
song, with all the right ingredients, a catchy tune with interesting
interludes and additions from the band, interesting to the
progressive rock fan but wholly accessible to the fan of thoughtful
rock. ****
'The Mexico Line', seems to have many influences and
styles mingling easily, folk, country, rock and maybe even
a hint of bluegrass, with the usual Manning high standards
of voice, melody and rhythm. Here the fiddle of Ian Fairbairn
does add something special, again with out dominating the
whole, a magnificent blend. ****
So to the title track, 'One Small Step'. To me this represents
a brave move by Guy. We all know he can write, (and perform)
the more powerful side of Progressive Rock. Here he has stripped
down the 'prog epic', concentrating on the emotion, feelings
and his inner thoughts. The 'story' of the song is engaging
from the start, this is one of those tracks that you must
sit and listen to with an open mind as well as receptive ears.
It isn't the sprawling, powerful, 'in yer face' type prog
epic, but it is quietly dramatic with subtle rather than bombastic
time changes. Having seen Guy and the band perform this track
live, I can honestly say that I think that this is the most
engaging piece of music Guy has written thus far. So to sum
up this epic, twenty five minute plus, track, it is a gentle,
though engaging soundscape of thoughtful and thought provoking
observation, painted in impeccable musical detail by a master
of his craft. ****
Paul Baker ARFM
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