Search - Mimi Manners :: Speechless

As a commercial studio vocalist and a commercial and film composer, Mimi and Rich Manners have assumed the roles of chameleons so many times in their careers that it seemed natural to use those skills in the production oftheir first CD together. In order to take advantage of Mimi's different vocal timbres, they decided to use her voice as a wordless instrument, combining it with different groups of orchestral and jazz instruments and choosing different musical styles in each selection. Mimi's 17 years of studio experience coupled with Rich's 30 years have put them in contact with some of the best recording musicians in Chicago and Los Angeles, and enabled them to utilize the talents of many wonderful soloists from both cities on this CD. The album features guest appearances by Charlie Bisharat, Randy Crenshaw, Paulinho DaCosta, Jim Gailloreto, Tom Garling, Jerry Goodman, Barbara Haffner, Mike Halpin, Dave Hooper, Armen Ksadjikian, Howard Levy, Bobby Lewis, Gary Meek, Paul Mertens, Rob Parton, Tom Radtke, Steve Rodby, Danny Seidenberg, Mike Shapiro, Bobby Shulgold, and Mike Smith. The material on this CD is, needless to say, complex music that deserves to be paid attention to. There are nuances thoughout that will evoke thought, smiles, and further listening, but above and beyond that, the wonder of what one woman's voice can accomplish will bring listeners back again and again.