CASCADE

Maybe its not the best release by Guy Manning ,but it contains enough essential elements of his compositional style to be a good introduction to his music.Lyrically interesting, wonderful melodies which hold the listener and reward repeated plays. The Title track Cascade is immediately accessible but repeated listening reveals many different layers. Next up is the 'Mission impossible ' intro to the ear pleasing 'by the book' complete with rousing chorus is 'there anybody out there ? Some surrealistic references as well including a nod to Tulls Mother Goose. I particularly love the keyboard section at 4.28 which just transports me to another level before the final refrain of 'is there anybody out there'.Quite stunning Tears in The Rain is a wonderful acoustic piece which is similar in style both lyrically and musically to mid 70s Tull . For a reference for its lyrical content think of Tulls Journeyman. The next track Catholic Education is a favourite I love the melody but could do without the synthetic and now dated drum sound. Nevertheless, its a great example of Guys ability to hold the listeners attention by drawing them in with a great hook 'Catholic education black and white'. Some dirty guitar sounds on this track help to propel it along before an abrupt ending. Hushabye Mountain from a Disney film ..even Guys talents can't unfortunately do anything for me on this track pleasant but forgetable. Lead Me is a riff driven song with flute and sax and a sublime chorus emphasised by female voices which works within the structure of the song. At 2.58 the song changes direction into a clicking clock type riff complete with wonderful flute produced by Mostly Autumns flute player. A great piece. Better is yet to come with the organ introduction to Flight 19. A melancholic and beautiful track.If you like strong songwriting with interesting instrumental sections. Guy Mannings music is worth checking out. I have recently purchased his impressive back catalogue and no releases have disappointed.

Overall this early Manning CD is a good release and certainly deserves to be rated highly. I am looking forward to his new CD featuring Molly Blooms Stevie Dundon on Flute.