Manfred Mann Chapter Three - Volume II (1970) (Japan 2004)

Manfred Mann Chapter Three biography
Active between 1969-1971

Manfred Mann Chapter III was formed in England in 1969 after the break up of Manfred Mann famous for their chart topping pop hits throughout the 1960s. Manfred Mann's Chapter III had a more Progressive appearance and moved away from their Pop roots. Chapter III was formed after the break up of the (Chapter II) line up of Manfred Mann in 1969 which featured singer Mike D'Abo, not forgetting the legendary (Chapter I) line up in the early 60s which featured singer Paul Jones.

The band was formed by South African born Manfred Mann on Keyboards, Mike Hugg on Keyboards & Vocals, Steve York on Bass, Bernie Living on Saxophone , Brian Hugg on Acoustic Guitar and Craig Collinge on Drums. Manfred Mann's Chapter III turned their backs on three minute Pop singles and light hearted songs to develop a more Jazz and Progressive sound often had lengthy tracks with solos.

Manfred Mann's Chapter III only recorded Mike Hugg or Manfred Mann compositions this was deliberate to avoid lead guitar. Sadly for Manfred Mann's Chapter 3 the band had unsuccessful record sales and paid the price for this and unfortunate for Manfred Mann's Chapter III they had disbanded late in 1970. During the period they had released two studio albums the debut album was self titled "Chapter III - Volume 1" released in 1969 and "Volume 2" released in 1970.
Vinyl copies of the two albums are very rare but have been recently re-issued on CD.

A discovery has been made that an album "Volume 3" was recorded but was never released. The tapes have been lost for for decades until now they have been rediscovered.

Manfred Mann would go on and have success with his new Prog Rock group Manfred Mann's Earth Band and Manfred Mann has gone back to his comercial roots and had major hits throughout the 1970s with this Art/Space rock group, famous for the hit "Blinded by the Light" in 1976. progarchives.com