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. Symmetry is a great mix of hard rock, metal, and of course melodic riffs.
"Devildogs", a song dedicated to the U.S. Marines, opens the disc with ferocious drums, a thunderous bass groove, and shredding guitar solos. "Purple Funk" features the funk element present in later incarnations of Deep Purple, and was co-written with Doug Raines. "Walking With the Dead" is the heaviest track on the disc, and has a Black Sabbath meets Alice in Chains vibe. Chris puts a modern twist on the classic Kiss song "Strange Ways", which is the lone vocal track on the disc. "I grew up on Kiss, and like many players my age, Ace Frehley was a huge influence". "Waiting" is a haunting tune written about the experience of waiting for a loved one to return from the war in Afghanistan.
CDs are available for $10.00 + $2.00 domestic shipping. Please inquire about international shipping charges.
"Good instrumental rock albums only get produced once-in-a-while. One of the most recent additions to that list of albums is Symmetry from Chris Manning".
- Matheson Kamin, RockandRollReview.com
Forever Novemeber (2004)
Forever November is the follow up to Chris' successful debut The Road Back. This CD has a "Satriani meets Chaquico" vibe and once again features the keyboard talents of Christopher Sanderson. Forever November showcases Chris' unique electric guitar style via the classic strat sound.
"Forever November is an impressive release that will be enjoyed by fans of highly melodic instrumental rock in the vein of guitar heroes such as Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson." - Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
"Only on discs by Phil Keaggy and a rare few other instrumental guitar albums have I found such emotion to the playing and to the songs." - NoLifeTilMetal.com
"A Phenomenal musician who's latest album Forever November offers progressive/new age instrumental guitar music in a manner that is extremely listenable." - Blastbeats.com
CDs are available for $10.00 + $2.00 domestic shipping. Please inquire about international shipping charges.
The Road Back (2000)
Instrumental guitarist/songwriter Chris Manning brings his signature guitar tones to the New Age genre with his first solo release The Road Back. The CD combines unique instrumental textures with reflective melodies to paint exotic musical images. Nashville keyboardist Christopher Sanderson completes the sound with elegant piano mixed with relaxing string arrangements. Fans of Higher Octave artist Craig Chaquico will love Chris' sound, style, and fretboard dynamics.
"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
"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." - Guitar Nine Records
"This is an this an outstanding instrumental album and is a major one of this year. An album not to be missed." - European Progressive Rock Reviews
CDs are available for $10.00 + $2.00 domestic shipping. Please inquire about international shipping charges.