The Manfreds are Makin’ tracks

THE Manfreds will be continuing their heavy workload throughout 2018 by touring the country, appearing at The Cheese and Grain, on Saturday 7th April.

But what makes this tour different from recent ones, is that the band has a brand new album out, and will be playing tracks from it in their set.

For the uninitiated; in the beginning was Manfred Mann, a band whose hit catalogue is the envy of many; Pretty Flamingo, Mighty Quinn, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Ha Ha Said The Clown and Just Like a Woman are just a few of their many hits.

Part-way through the string of hits, the band survived the departure of their singer and front-man Paul Jones. His replacement, Mike D’Abo, kept the momentum going, but eventually the band – who had veered away from their original R’n’ B and jazz leanings into the murky world of commercial pop – broke up.

The members of the band enjoyed solo success, but in 1991 the band reformed (without Manfred Mann – who was the band’s keyboard player) for guitarist Tom McGuinness’ 50th birthday.

They enjoyed it so much that they have continued touring to this day.

Original members Paul Jones (vocals and harmonica), Tom McGuinness (guitars) and Mike Hugg (keyboards) are joined on stage by stalwarts Marcus Cliffe (bass), Simon Currie (flute and sax) and Rob Townsend (drums). Sometimes, they appear with Paul’s replacement as singer Mike D’Abo in a show that encompasses the whole of the band’s output.

In fact, Mike D’Abo appears on the new album, taking turns with Jones to provide lead vocals.

The album is called ‘Makin’ Tracks’ and coincidentally, the first track Smokestack Lightning was also the first track on the very first album back in 1964.

As well as Blues and R ‘n’ B standards like I’m Your Kingpin and Bring It On Home To Me the band tackle some great covers such as Sunshine Superman and Lean On Me.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01373 455420 and all the usual agencies.