V/A - MANNERISM - A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF GEOFF MANN - 1994

Geoff Mann was a painter,musician and priest,who died of cancer before he reached 37 years of age.He was also a husband and father of two boys and a girl,and this record is dedicated to his family.He was a man who released 15 albums,wrote and performed in plays,wrote a book,was on national tv,had major exhibitions of his paintings ,and became a vicar.You know you can see from his lyrics as time went on that he had this love for God that could not be hid.This is probably the most emotional record i have ever listened to,and the performers on this tribute album were all personal friends of Geoff,who have either worked or recorded with him,and they put their hearts into this record.There are some wonderful photos in the detailed booklet as well,not only of all the performers who took part,but of Geoff and his family,of him at church preaching,a great one of him on stage with TWELFTH NIGHT after he had left the band singing with Andy Sears, with their arms around each other.But it's his music that is even more touching than his story and will live on as a reminder of who he was and what he stood for.The first song "Sob Stories" is done by his old band EH!, who he played with some time after he left TWELFTH NIGHT ,and Peter Nicholls does a great job on vocals on a song that stays true to the original."What In the World" is done by PALLAS,and is fairly heavy at times with theatrical vocals."Apathetic And Here,I..." is done by IQ,and the first 3 minutes is all instrumental before we get to one of the highlights on the album with Peter singing accompanied by acoustic guitar that quickens as light drums come in and Peter's vocals get more emphatic,and a terrific guitar melody ends the best song so far."The Ceiling Speaks" a fan favourite is performed by GALAHAD, and although it doesn't reach the heights of the original,it is a great cover."Certainly" is done by MARC CATLEY & PALEY'S WATCH,and is a slow paced song with acoustic guitar,flute and female vocals.FLAP does "Down Here" with Peter Nicholl's on vocals, this song boasts meaningful lyrics and the focus are the keys and vocals.EDEN BURNING does "His Love" a mellow tune about God's love, with flute,organ,acoustic guitar,vocals and percussion all being part of this beautiful and emotional song.PENDRAGON covers "Human Being" incredibly well,with over a minute intro of keys and guitar before the vocals of Nick and the drums come in.There is an emotional guitar solo that is not only the highlight of this song, but one of the highlights of this record.JADIS does "Nevermind" and it's so tastefully done,Gary's vocals are so warm and his guitar playing is inspiring.Martin Orford does a great job on the keyboards too.TWELFTH NIGHT performs "Picadilly Square".And Karl Groom plays guitar and Clive Nolan and Alan Reed sing on "Love Song" and i can honestly say there are no words,that can properly convey the emotion of this song.
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