Manning brings rich, soulful vocals to their reimagining of Rag’n’Bone Man’s ‘Human’, the first release from new collaborative album British Standard Time.
By Caitlin Chatterton
The album is the latest project from Alex Webb, seasoned pianist and songwriter responsible for the arrangements across this fourteen-track record. Alongside two more songs with Manning, Webb collaborates with Carroll Thompson, Jo Harrop, Tony Momrelle, and producer Jamie McCredie to curate an indulgent celebration of British music.
No industry got through the pandemic unscathed, but the last eighteen months have wreaked particular devastation on live music: gigs suddenly became impossible, leaving independent venues to grapple with the threat of permanent closure; artists found themselves severed from their audience and potentially out of work; across the industry, 69,000 jobs vanished altogether.
Commissioned by Hampstead Jazz Club, British Standard Time has been a life raft for its featured musicians, offering them both creative and financial support. It also demonstrates the transformative power of jazz music, breathing new life into beloved classics that include Amy Winehouse’s ‘Love Is A Losing Game’.
Manning’s version of ‘Human’ does just that - the new arrangement is comparatively nonchalant, leaving space to truly revel in the effortlessness of their voice. A dreamy instrumental then takes centre stage, keys and brass complementing each other with that same ease. It’s a showcase of the breadth of talent that’s gone into producing this album; both in its conception and its sound, British Standard Time honours the joy and importance that music holds.
Already a resident artist at the iconic Roundhouse, Manning has most recently proven his status as a rising star by shortlisting for the Drake YolanDa Award. The scheme was established in 2019 to support the careers of emerging talent, and particular focus this year has been on the impacts of coronavirus and Brexit.
With the shortlist announcement coinciding with the release of British Standard Time, it’s clear that Manning is garnering the attention that he so deserves.
Image from @lucamanning_ on Instagram.