Search - Phillip Manuel :: Love Happened to Me

Smooth Operator

09/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Phillip Manuel, a popular singer in New Orleans, is making his mark with the MaxJazz label release of Love happened to me. His vocal abilities excel I really enjoyed his CD release performance. I have enjoyed listening his CD. Congratulations on signing with MaxJazz label. They are really doing wonderful things to promote vocal artists. Phillip is indeed a consummate performer and he sings so properly, so effortlessly. He has great enunciation! I like the way he goes up into his head voice and jump octaves back into a deep bass voice and nail it without missing a note!! Such control and it is all done so smoothly, reminiscent of the late great Sarah Vaughan, the master in my opinion. The song arrangements were just splendid! Mike Pelera did a great job as the arranger. A standout arrangement of these foolish things done by Jonathan Lefcoski is also remarkable. The R&B funk flavored Summertime had me clapping my hands and stomping my feet! The musicians that worked with Phillip, the best in New Orleans and beyond, all support his superb talent!! Ellis Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Brice Winston, Adonis Rose, Steve Masakowski, Roland Guerin, Peter Martin, Bill Huntington and others!! I just know that this CD will gain recognition and Phillip will be nominated for a Grammy. He has in my opinion, the look, the talent and that certain debonair suaveness found in classic movie stars like Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poiter, and Cary Grant and that is so cool!! Effortless singing smooth singing. Be on the lookout for this talent!!!"

Nicely Done

Jorge Barbarosa | the back 9 | 08/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Great breath control, enunciation and timing Mr. Manuel gives us a great release which grabs the listener and sings, I mean really sings to you. Not for everyone, but definately a quality musician. Check it out."