Chris Manning is a Dallas-based guitarist, song writer, and session player. He claims to be influenced by Jimi Hendrix, King's X, Deep Purple, Joe Satriani, and George Lynch as well as new age artist Craig Chaquico SYMMETRY is his 3rd release. created mostly with Chris Manning on guitar, Bryan Plemons on bass, and Jerome Howard on drums.

The guitars sound really full and textured, because Manning created a layered effect on the songs by recording multiple parts for the guitar. He exposes this adeptly, creating a three-part harmony using the guitar. Having established the main theme of the first tune, “DEVILDOGS”’ he takes you through a musical journey featuring a 2-part guitar harmony motif complemented by a soaring lead part, this continues throughout until resolving by restating the main theme. Manning dedicated this tune to the U.S. Marines, which includes Chris’ son, Michael.

The next track, “Purple Funk,” finds Manning using harmonized guitar and more layered textures. Now lest you think the entire CD is more of the same and gets tiring, think again: Somehow he manages to use these tools to great effect, and it never gets overwhelming. Doug Raines contributed to this song.

There are 10 tracks on this CD, all but one are instrumentals. Manning wrote or co-wrote nine of them; except the last being a cover of Ace Frehley’s “Strange Ways”, featuring guest singer Sean Cloutier. “Planet Groove’ was another that struck my fancy, co-credited as Manning, Sanderson, and Thomann. “Waiting,” is a simpler, less produced number that is an easy favorite, it shows the listener that Manning is not a one-trick pony. It features a somewhat stripped down two-part harmony guitar with a little subtle bass along for the ride.

For the last track , “Dallas City Limits,” Chris Manning used a different lineup. Joined by Chris Cloutier on additional guitars, Mike Price on bass, and Chad Crutchfiled on drums, they sizzled in a heavy forum, metalesque tune. Apparently, Bryan Plemons and Jerome Howard are session musicians. However, Manning, Chris Cloutier, Mike Price and Chad Crutchfield sound more like a band. Chris Cloutier helped to compose the track as well, so perhaps this is why. There are newer changes since the release: Currently the band is Manning, Rick Sanchez – Guitarist, Mike Price – Bassist, Brian Martini – Drummer.

Symmetry
Chris Manning
© Copyright-Chris Manning
Buy CD - $10.00
Download Album (MP3) - $8.90

AOR rock with melodic sensibilities, guitarist/musician Chris Manning returns with "Symmetry", his best release yet. Featuring 10 new songs, 9 instrumental plus a modern take on the classic KISS song "Strange Ways".

Genre: Rock: Instrumental Rock
Release Date: 2009

Conclusion
I REALLY liked this album. Excellent production, slick artwork and packaging, and a deft hand on the guitar, and writing, made each track stand out. Not a weak one in the bunch.

For more on Chris Manning, check out his website at chris-manning.com
Joel Pirard- staff reviewer

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