Manning, Guy - Tall Stories For Small Children

Year of Release: 1999
Label: Cyclops
Catalog Number: CYCL 078
Format: CD
Total Time: 69:20:00

Whilst the illustrious Guy Manning could do his thing as a guest on Parallel or 90 Degrees' The Time Capsule (Cyclops) he is able to welcome Parallel members bass player Jonathan Barrett and especially the powerful keys of Andy Tillison on his own solo output Tall Stories For Small Children. Manning has an interesting and unique way of combining great prog rock with intelligent lyrics, folky input and acoustic simplicity. The balance between the better singer/songwriter songs and the "finger-licking-good" arrangements make this album one of its kind. Also the contribution on tablas by one Pav Chana creates another dimension without having to go psychedelic all the way. Throughout the song one can hear the main theme from The Wizard Of Oz. Very Eastern and fascinating is "The Voyager" which sort of reminds me of the high days of Strawbs. Apparently a lot of "Chinese take away" on Manning's menu because "White Water" also swims in royal Eastern influences. During "Waiting On A Ledge," Guy's voice steers towards that of Machiavel drummer/singer Marc Ysaye. The pure singer/songwriter is adrift during "Castaways" where we can witness a mix between Robert Wyatt and John Martyn backed by a wonderful fretless bass. In "A Soldier's Story" the feeling gets in the same field as Jethro Tull thanks to simplicity and a grand finale. Then again "The Widow's Tale" could be a track out of a Chris De Burgh million seller. As you can see all very positive words for this beautiful album which fans of easy listening, well orchestrated acoustic music with folky influences will certainly relish.

Tracklisting:
The Last Psalm: i.) The Preacher, ii.) Windows, iii.) A Beacon, iv.) Last Psalm (14:07) / The Voyager (5:22) / White Waters (5:46) / The Candyman (7:07) / The Fall And Rise Of Abel Mann?: Grand Fanfare (2:02) - Waiting On A Ledge (4:42) - Grand Fanfare (Revisited) (0:43) - 3 Score Years And 10 (2:18) - In My Life (5:06) / Castaways (4:25) / Holy Ireland: The Land (2:40) - A Soldier's Story (3:21) - The Widow's Tale (4:42) - Priest's Song (4:01) - The Land (Reprise) (2:58)

Musicians:
Guy Manning - guitars, vocals, keyboards, percussion, mandolin
Andy Tillison-Diskdrive - keyboards, drum programs
Jonathan Barrett - bass
Simon Baskind - percussion
Pav Chana - tablas
Jon Burr - harmonica

Discography:
Tall Stories For Small Children (1999)
The Cure (2000)
Cascade (2001)
The Ragged Curtain (2003)
The View From My Window (2003)
A Matter Of Life & Death (The Journal Of Abel Mann) (2004)
One Small Step (2005)
Anser's Tree (2006)
Songs From The Bilston House (2007)
Number 10 (2009)
Charlestown (2010)
Margaret's Children (2011)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: January 1st 2000
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Artist website: www.guymanning.com
Hits: 2316
Language: english