MANFRED MANN CHAPTER THREE

Manfred Mann is well known because of his excellent keyboard based progressive rock from seventies. But not too many listeners know that he was a pop musician and then jazz- rock musician before that.

Manfred Mann Chapter III is first step made by Manfred towards progressive music . Using some musicians from his previous pop band, MM recorded debut album of new project in new direction. It was 1969, and only a few bands all around tried to add some jazz elements in their rock sound. MM was one between a few very beginners!

The album contains r'n'b and blues rock based songs, but with some brass and some jazzy arrangements. Mike Hugg is there on vocals yet (and playing second keyboards as well).MM demonstrates there his excellent ability to write melodic songs, band plays them nice, with freshness and enthusiasm.

It is important to note, that this work should be placed beside Chicago Transit Authority and Blood Sweat and Tears debut albums as proto jazz-rock cornerstones. Differently from both other American bands, mentioned above, UK-based MMCIII never received such popularity.

Album's sound is still heavily based on blues-rock basis, being mostly similar to BST debut album. Music there has plenty of jazzy elements, but bigger accent was made not to jazz- like techniques and mastership, but more to some unusual brass sounds using in classic rock compositions. Recording sound is clear, you can really enjoy all instruments' sounds when listening.

The same team will record one more album in similar key (and of similar level), then will turn one to their classic progressive rock sound. This album is really interesting listening for everyone interested in jazz-rock roots, and in late 60-s rock music as well.