MANNING-DICKSON CD REVIEW

Blue Boot Records was holding an artist appreciation concert on Saturday night. The event was held at Austin Ranch (a really great venue) and included a number of legendary Texas artist including Tommy Alverson and Walt Wilkins. Getting the evening cranked up for these legends was a great new act called Manning-Dickson.

Jason Manning and Jason Dickson are the singing force behind this duo. While they are both veterans of the music business, this particular pairing is new to the Texas Music Scene. Jason and Jason were backed with some amazing musicians. Ray Neighbors rips on guitar and the rhythm section (J.D. Cooper on Drums and Kerry Williams on Bass) was super tight. And in addition to the superior musicianship, the quality of vocals really stood out. The front men (along with the help of Ray and Kerry) produced some serious harmonies. The show was reminiscent of a classic Bellamy Brothers or Restless Heart concert. The band flawlessly navigated through each tune, and delivered a really incredible performance. Check out this clip from You Tube.

Being a musician, I place a great deal of stock on the quality of a live show. After seeing what these guys could deliver in person, I really wanted to get some additional time with their debut CD. “Drive” was release in March and contains 10 original tracks (and a bonus acoustic track).

While the CD is definitely rooted in country, I feel significant influence from some other genres. The heavy harmonies are definitely a stand out from traditional country albums, and a classic rock influence is predominant in many of the songs. I really appreciate the genre twist as I think these tunes stand out from many of the recent CD’s I’ve purchased.

Without a doubt, my favorite track on the CD is “Drive”. The melody grabs you right out of the gate. And with big harmonies and underlying power chords, the chorus doesn’t disappoint. Vocally, Manning shows his range, and lyrically it personally really hits home. (I have a great deal of memories from behind the wheel). “Quite Life” and “Still Worth It” are two other top picks. There a sense of sophistication and emotion with both of these that really hooked me. “Still Worth It” has a nice contrast of a subtle opening that quickly turns into a driving verse while “Quite Life’s” combination of mandolin and acoustic guitar leads into a softer melody that builds to a strong chorus where the harmonies are delivered with tremendous authority.

Of course, I can’t finish this post without mentioning the debut track “Cold as her Heart”. This song has the making of an instant classic. The chorus line of “if I could only find a beer, as cold as her heart”, reminds me of a classic Jerry Jeff Walker or Robert Earl Keen song (think “Redneck Mother” or “Copenhagan”). They closed the Austin Ranch set-list with this track, and the dance floor immediately filled up. The band has even been so kind to allow a free download from our site.

www.tossmmusic.com
www.tx-drive.com
www.texasmusicradioshow.biz
www.radiofreetexas.org

Suggested Serving:

• BBQ: Baby Back Ribs dusted with Classic Cruiser
• Beer: Real Ale – Full Moon Pale Rye
• Music: Manning-Dickson – “Drive”