About Me
Jj has been in love with the acoustic guitar since he was 14 years old and has played on the acoustic scene for 25 years off and on. In his early years as a performer he has performed at Cambridge, Bromyard and Tanner's Hatch festivals as well as an appearance at the Cardiff University Festival alongside such musical noteworthies as The Chieftains, The Fureys and Davy Arthur. Then he took many years off from his "serious" music in order to persue a "proper job"....a decision he now very much regrets. "I wasted too many years playing Barbecue Music , and I am now having to play catchup !!"
In 2005 he returned to performing and played a comeback gig providing artist support for American Delta Blues player Kent Duchaine when he visited Leicester in February of that year. Since then things have gone from strength to strength.Now performing full 2 hour gigs in public again Jj has performed in Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and all points beyond. He has also appeared at a number of festivals. His material has had airplay in Ireland and in Australia and this worldwide response to his return and progress in acoustic music bears witness to his passion and heart. The diary is once again filling up, with requests for further gigs and festival appearances coming in for this year also, which includes Glastonbudget and the possibility also of festival bookings abroad...bookings awaiting confirmation.
Currently he is looking forward to putting the finishing touches to his next cd "Half Past Four". Guest artists on this cd include legendary blues harmonica player Mick Ridgeway, Folk Roots band "In any Order" and Blues Guitarist Rob Holmes. His latest cd,"Back To The Boards".-a collection of instrumentals, country blues as well as Irish and Scottish melodies,has just been released This cd also includes his newest composition "In the King's own time" which was composed to honour Harry Patch and the last remaining survivors of the war in the trenches in World War One. It also includes a re-recorded version of The Glendalough Suite.....initially inspired by the playing of Al Pettaway.
This new Jj is musically and emotionally a very different performer . Now musically major inspiration comes from the writing and playing of Martin Simpson, Mike Dowling, Johnny Dickinson and Sonny Black.
However, he also wishes to acknowledge the influences of , Ry Cooder, Tampa Red, Bob Brozman, Bukka White, Kenny Sultan, James Taylor, Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Blake and Robert Johnson . He also performs and writes ragtime instrumentals for the guitar, as well as performing slide pieces with a strong element of Piedmont fingerstyle picking.
He has plainly returned to his musical roots in Ireland and the blend of Celtic instrumental pieces with finger picking Country Blues works really well. Inspired by the playing of Martin Simpson he now also incorporates the use of a slide in these traditional Celtic melodies.
While not being a prolific songwriter, as such, he does produce gems which vary from the witty "Aint got no time" to the more sensitive and thought-provoking songs such as "Face at the window" and "Wreckage of the Old". The latter being penned while he was reading the biography of James Taylor, one of his earliest musicial influences.
Personal, understated, self-effacing and yet highly passionate in his perfrmance the audience is invited into a musical world that is both thought provoking and mellow. His writing, playing and whole peformance package reflect his life experiences and personal journey.
Recently Jj was recognised by Busker Guitars and was included as a Busker Guitars Featured Artist
A highly respected, talented and committed musician and dedicated performer his gigs have consisently received good reviews. Everything from "something magical here" to "thought provoking" and "moving". Covered material is chosen very carefully and only is only ever songs that have touched the heart of Jj the musician and reflect Jj the person. He recently played support again for Kent Duchaine (September 2008) . At an "open Mic" in the Midlands (The Britannia, Shepshed October 2008) when he turned up out of the blue, he brought the audience to their feet and ".....was the highlight of the evening...we didnt want to let him stop playing...."
"JJ influences are obvious from the get go. However, scratch the surface and you being to unravel a whole new world. Still blues and folk based, JJ's style is all his own. His slide technique is a joy to hear and demands your attention. One to watch on the folk/blues scene. Miss him and you certainly miss out"..........Roddie , WLRfm
"He has this uncanny ability to paint pictures with his music" -
S.Evans,Nottingham
"Good, old fashioned bare boards country blues"-Gaz Birtles
"A wonderful new asset to the Midlands and UK Acoustic Blues scene"- Mick Ridgeway
"Mr Mellow !...Jj "Mellow Hands" Manning !!"- Audience comment at Swan and Rushes Blues nite.
"He makes covered songs his own"- Dave Wyatt
"The new Jj is like a mellow wine !"-Darren Nockles (The Musician)
"Performances are personal and from the heart"-Andy Stirton (Guitarist and singer/songwriter)
"A delightful hour and a half.A totally laid back set that chilled everyone out !"- Phoenix Theatre Acoustic Lounge-after show review.
"An outstanding performance ! The influences of Martin Simpson and Mike Dowling were obvious in his relaxed, sensitive and lyrical playing and singing. He brought the audience to their feet with his evocative and passionate performance. The Glendalough Suite was amazing. He obviously goes to "another place" while he plays it, as was is own interpretation of "Housecarpenter" and "Long Steel Rail"... We want him back SOON......." The Britannia Inn, Shepshed. October 2008
" Audience members were mobbing him at the end of the night to get his cds."
"Festival organisers would be really missing out if they didnt book him"
The Britannia audience comments
"Unique ! A blend of Celtic and Laidback fingerpicked Blues"
Julian @ The Hind
"Amazing, sensitive performance "
Belper Folk Club
"Nice playing"-Johnny Dickinson
"Exquisite performance. Lyrical playing on the guitar which brought a hush across the audience and gasps at the sensitivity and passion that were obvious to all. Although acknowledged by JjM himself to be heavily influenced and inspired by the artistry of Martin Simpson and Mike Dowling, this performance was vintage JjM"
The Phoenix Theatre Acoustic Lounge, Leicester, April 18th 2009 "A sweet sounding blend of Celtic and Blues traditions"
Arts in Leicestershire
Arts in Leicestershire "Solo Performer of the Month-February 2009"
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