LUCA MANNING WITH FERGUS McCREADIE - When The Sun Comes Out
Self Release
Luca Manning (vocals); Fergus McCreadie (piano); Laura Macdonald (alto saxophone on 2 & 8)
Recorded 15th & 16th April 2019
This is a brave and bold debut album from Scottish born, Luca Manning. How many singers are prepared to stick their neck out for their first album with just piano accompaniment? Not just on one, maybe two tracks, but the whole album where there is absolutely nowhere to hide? This is a difficult feat for many experienced performers, but Manning has succeeded by providing an interesting and varied set mixing standards, a traditional Scottish tune, one by Joni Mitchell and a couple of originals, and then proceeding to nail each and every one.
What is clear for all to hear in these performances is the maturity of both these young artists that is well beyond their years. When listening to the material on the album, especially the standards, it is apparent that Manning and McCreadie have paid their dues. They have clearly studied the history of the music that they wish to perform, and not only do them justice but do so respectfully, yet retaining a freshness and sense of discovery in these timeless tunes that is as endearing as it is a joy to listen to.
There is a that special kind of magic in the recording that you get to hear when musicians find kindred spirits and discover just how far they can take this journey of discovery. There can be no doubt that McCreadie is the perfect partner for the singer. Both are steeped in the tradition, and keep a tight reign on youthful exuberance taking over to produce music that is captivating from the off. All the arrangements are well thought out, yet have a spontaneity that is liberating, thus the music never sounds constrained and is allowed to fly.
Manning's ability to grasp a lyric, and get right to the heart of it is heard on a lovely reading of Betty Carter's Who What Why When' and also on 'Where Are The Arms' by American singer-songwriter, Gabriel Kahne that is quietly striking in the delivery of the vocals. Joni Mitchell's 'Two Grey Rooms' has a similarly profound rendition with Manning delivering the lyrics in a manner that is beautifully weighted and enunciated, thus permitting the words to have maximum impact without ever overplaying his hand.
Bringing in special guest, alto saxophonist Laura Macdonald, for a couple of tracks livens things up a little, and the dynamic shifts with the extra voice for Luca and Fergus to react to. This change of gear results in a swinging 'If I Knew Then' from the trio that features a stunning vocalese from Luca , and Macdonald's lively solo followed by tremendous effort from McCreadie. The saxophonist is also heard on an original composition by the Manning, 'Rise', that is the complete opposite to the standard. Opening with gentle piano and alto, along with a wordless introduction from Luca, the piece evolves into a powerful, evocative and inspirational song. Luca sings with a passion that is matched by his colleagues, with Fergus' accompaniment sweeping along the vocalist with some lovely asides and solo from Laura. This track, along with another impressive original from Manning, the opening 'Our Journey', bodes well for future recordings as his songwriting talent develops.
With When The Sun Comes Out, Luca Manning has not just released a hugely impressive debut album but hopefully presented the first chapter in a long association with Fergus McCreadie that will only strengthen and deepen over time. In the meantime, this is an album that should be savoured and enjoyed. Unreservedly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Self Release
Luca Manning (vocals); Fergus McCreadie (piano); Laura Macdonald (alto saxophone on 2 & 8)
Recorded 15th & 16th April 2019
This is a brave and bold debut album from Scottish born, Luca Manning. How many singers are prepared to stick their neck out for their first album with just piano accompaniment? Not just on one, maybe two tracks, but the whole album where there is absolutely nowhere to hide? This is a difficult feat for many experienced performers, but Manning has succeeded by providing an interesting and varied set mixing standards, a traditional Scottish tune, one by Joni Mitchell and a couple of originals, and then proceeding to nail each and every one.
What is clear for all to hear in these performances is the maturity of both these young artists that is well beyond their years. When listening to the material on the album, especially the standards, it is apparent that Manning and McCreadie have paid their dues. They have clearly studied the history of the music that they wish to perform, and not only do them justice but do so respectfully, yet retaining a freshness and sense of discovery in these timeless tunes that is as endearing as it is a joy to listen to.
There is a that special kind of magic in the recording that you get to hear when musicians find kindred spirits and discover just how far they can take this journey of discovery. There can be no doubt that McCreadie is the perfect partner for the singer. Both are steeped in the tradition, and keep a tight reign on youthful exuberance taking over to produce music that is captivating from the off. All the arrangements are well thought out, yet have a spontaneity that is liberating, thus the music never sounds constrained and is allowed to fly.
Manning's ability to grasp a lyric, and get right to the heart of it is heard on a lovely reading of Betty Carter's Who What Why When' and also on 'Where Are The Arms' by American singer-songwriter, Gabriel Kahne that is quietly striking in the delivery of the vocals. Joni Mitchell's 'Two Grey Rooms' has a similarly profound rendition with Manning delivering the lyrics in a manner that is beautifully weighted and enunciated, thus permitting the words to have maximum impact without ever overplaying his hand.
Bringing in special guest, alto saxophonist Laura Macdonald, for a couple of tracks livens things up a little, and the dynamic shifts with the extra voice for Luca and Fergus to react to. This change of gear results in a swinging 'If I Knew Then' from the trio that features a stunning vocalese from Luca , and Macdonald's lively solo followed by tremendous effort from McCreadie. The saxophonist is also heard on an original composition by the Manning, 'Rise', that is the complete opposite to the standard. Opening with gentle piano and alto, along with a wordless introduction from Luca, the piece evolves into a powerful, evocative and inspirational song. Luca sings with a passion that is matched by his colleagues, with Fergus' accompaniment sweeping along the vocalist with some lovely asides and solo from Laura. This track, along with another impressive original from Manning, the opening 'Our Journey', bodes well for future recordings as his songwriting talent develops.
With When The Sun Comes Out, Luca Manning has not just released a hugely impressive debut album but hopefully presented the first chapter in a long association with Fergus McCreadie that will only strengthen and deepen over time. In the meantime, this is an album that should be savoured and enjoyed. Unreservedly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
