Man - Manillo

Track 5. Manillo Album - Do You Like It Here Now, Are You Settling In? UA - 1971 / EMI - 2007 CD Sleeve notes press clipping (likely November 1971) - MAN are a five piece Welsh group who at the time of recording this album at Rockfiled Studios Monmouth were Martin Ace (bass, vcls), Clive John (keys), Mick Jones (gtr), Roger Leonard (gtr) and Terry Williams (drs). Their live performances are supposed to be very tight and funky and the showing of this album, their emergence from Germany to play home audiences seems long overdue. They tell me Steve Miller has been an influence on their music and in some ways I can see it - particularly in the changes the band uses, but as a whole, the album is more relaxed and laid back than that would suggest. 'Angel Easy' - the opener is a good one, featuring some formidably accomplished crosstalk from Piano to Guitar and nicely intermeshed chanting vocals and demonstates what years on the road does to get a Band's playing together. And their familiarity with each others playing is a quality which shines through the album from start to finish, loose and flowing in structure but tightly assembled. The blend of two Guitars is beautifully exploited on 'We're Only Children', changing from a shimmering surface of wah-wah to clear, limpid soloing and back to good-time stomping Acoustic. Final track, 'Love Your Life' is a real treat, bringing to mind (unneccessary) comparisons with Jefferson Airplane and Family. Special credit to their standing Guitar men: they're good. A tidy Band who have paid their dues and now deserve your attention. - M.H.