Chris Manning - Guitar
The Chris Manning Band - Instrumental Rock (2010-Present)
Balancing Technique and Melody
Chris Manning is a Dallas-based guitarist, songwriter, and session player. As an artist with a wide-variety of musical tastes, Chris' music remains difficult to categorize. Heavily influenced by rock heavy weights Jimi Hendrix, King's X, Deep Purple, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, and George Lynch as well as new age artist Craig Chaquico, Chris' style balances technique and melody. To date, he has released three guitar-oriented instrumental CD's spanning multiple genres and shared stages with Drowning Pool, George Lynch and Lynch Mob, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken, and Dangerous Toys. He is also a founding member of the Led Zeppelin tribute band The Hindenburg Project.
The Chris Manning Band
The Chris Manning Band brings energy, musicianship, and catchy songs to stages across Texas. The instrumental rock quartet has developed a nice following in north Texas in support of the new Symmetry CD. As a live act, they offer audiences a unique alternative to the same old cover band experience. Fresh, high enery instrumentals that span the genres of rock, funk, pop, metal, and jazz, set the band apart from all the others. In addition to local shows, the band has recently shared the stage with legendary guitarists George Lynch and Michael Schenker as well as 80's metal legends Dokken.
Led Zeppelin Tribute - The Hindenburg Project (2011-Present)
The Hindenburg Project is a Led Zeppelin Tribute band bringing audiences the Zeppelin experience in all it's 70's glory! Formed in 2011 by guitarist Chris Manning, vocalist Bob Brewer, and drummer Brian Martini, all veterans of the Texas and Louisiana music scenes, The Hindenburg Project offers audiences the chance to hear all the classic Zepp catalogue with the energy of a live show, while remaining true to the studio versions. Click here for more information on this Led Zeppelin tribute or for booking call Randy Ranew at 214.808.7260.
Symmetry (2009)
"Symmetry" is Manning's third release and represents his best work to date. Always a master of balancing technique with melody, he expands his sound yet again to produce a true instrumental rock release. It is a culmination of many of his influences, which range from Joe Satriani and George Lynch to King's X and guitar god Jimi Hendrix. A great mix of hard rock, metal, and of course melodic riffs, "Symmetry" represents the new direction his music has taken.
Guitar Player Magazine Feature (2008)
The December 2008 issue of Guitar Player magazine featured Chris Manning and the song "Journey to Tomorrow" from The Road Back: "This is a beautifully wistful song, built upon a bed of undulating acoustics. Manning exhibits great restraint-and good musical judgement-by limiting the guitar riffs, and letting a haunting piano carry the melody." - Michael Molenda, Editor Guitar Player Magazine
Forever November (2004)
While his first release, The Road Back, definitely belongs in the New Age genre, his second release, Forever November, is more difficult to place in a single genre. While Forever November contains much more electric guitar than The Road Back, it also featured more of a rock edge in the guitar tone. However, fans of The Road Back will enjoy Forever November, as Chris' signature style and sound is still very evident. Keyboard extraordinaire Christopher Sanderson returns to again contribute both as a musician as well as a songwriter. This release is a worthy successor to The Road Back and offers fans of rock, funk, and new age music a unique listening experience.
The Road Back (2000)
His first release The Road Back was an immediate success. At the time, the web site mp3.com was the place to go to hear independent artists and Chris took advantage of that, landing two songs, "Mystic Dreams" and "Once in a Lifetime", in the top 20 in the New Age charts. Shortly thereafter, Chris was chosen as the featured artist of the month on InstrumentalMusic.com, and The Road Back was also featured. Rave reviews continued with Chris featured on Guitar Nine Records' "The Undiscovered Talent", a spotlight for up and coming guitarists. The review stated: "The guitarist never overplays; his outbursts of speed (as found on "Mystic Dreams", among others) are purposefully limited and timed to deliver maximum emotional impact." Nashville musician, Christopher Sanderson was another key element to it's success, performing all keyboards as well as contributing to song writing as well.
Brian Martini - Drums
Martini has covered a lot of musical ground in his tenure behind the kit and words like solid, powerful, and creative only begin to describe his talents. In his earlier years as a hard rock and metal player, his bed-rock sound was always an integral part of any band he was in. He really hit his metal stride in the 80's with the Christian metal band Philadelphia. His fully customized and rather elaborate stage setup of those days went seamlessly with his over the top playing style. No other drummer in this area could deny that Martini's performances with Philadelphia were anything less than a sonic and visual display of skill mixed with a genuine love for the music. Not being a one hat kind of musician, Martini has grown over the years musically. Like any musician, you can sit out for however long you want but the music is still in you. These words could not ring more true than with Brian Martini. As the newest member of Chris's band, he has found himself at yet another junction in his life where the passion for playing music is strong again. He is also a founding member of the Led Zeppelin tribute band The Hindenburg Project.
Bryan Plemons - Bass
Bryan has been playing, writing, and recording bass for over 10 years with various acts through throughout the DFW area. Playing in everything from dive bars and festivals to street concerts and churches, he's honed his ear for playing the right bass line in the right context; which he still considers to be both his biggest challenge, and most important role as a bass player. Citing players like Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, and Ryan Martinie as his initial bass influences, it's no surprise that he's bringing skills he learned from these greats to the progressive, instrumental rock realm. Having recorded the lion's share of the bass parts on the Symmetry album, Bryan is eager to bring his more intimate knowledge of the repetoire to the stage with the Chris Manning Band.
Phil Scholling - Guitar
Phil's musical journey began when he hooked up with drummer Brian Martini in the band Philadelphia at the age of 16. Even in those early days he displayed a fire and passion in his playing that would help to define the early days of the Christian hard rock / heavy metal genre. Over the years Phil has continued to hone his craft with experiences ranging from stage and studio performances in the LA music scene of the 80s and 90s, to his current involvement working with artists in his hometown of Austin, Texas, and now with the Chris Manning Band. He is always looking to bring the right part to a song whether that is a driving rhythm or a soaring solo. Phil puts on a high energy performance on stage that shows that after the many years, the joy of playing is as fresh and as alive as it was he started.