6qs for Guy Manning of Manning

English multi-instrumentalist and singer Guy Manning answers my 6qs.

Who are your musical influences?

Too many to mention…but top lot…Jethro Tull, Genesis, Roy Harper, Al Stewart, Hatfield & the North

What has Manning been up to lately?

Finishing our 2010 gigs, launching the new album “Charlestown” and now, in 2011, we should be gigging more and maybe looking to do a live recording later on.

What’s your favorite song to perform live?

My own faves from the current set are the 20mins of CHARLESTOWN and (encore) HOUSE ON THE HILL

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

As a band we have got more confident and been able to decipher better the strengths and weaknesss in each of us so that we can find a fine band balance on some quite tricky arrangements. I still write alll the music, but we are able to interpret it as an ensemble easier these days.

If you could play a concert with a band of your choice, who would it be?

Depending on what style…..

Drums: Phil Collins (SEBP period) or Billy Cobham (BoF period)
Bass: Jaco Pastorius or Richard Sinclair
Keys: Andy Tillison or Chick Corea
Guitars: Al Di Meola or Steve Hackett
Ian Anderson on Flutes & Mandolins
BVs: Jon Anderson, Peter Gabriel, Annie Haslam (Scheherezade period)
Violin: Jean Luc Ponty
Sax: Laura Fowles

What’s your favorite board game?

Diplomacy

Manning’s excellent Charlestown is now out and available through their website.