Guitar-Oriented Instrumentals
Chris Manning is a Dallas-based guitarist, song writer, 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, 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.
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.
Guitar Player Magazine Feature (200
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 song writer. 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.
1994 - 1999
In addition to spending two years touring and recording with the rock group Dvinity, Chris was the guitarist for Dallas favorite Savant. Chris was also a founding member of Dallas metal band Faithbomb and contributed primarily on their studio work, both as a guitarist as well as a bassist. Other career highlights include opening for national acts such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Andy Timmons, King's X, and Dangerous Toys.