ROMANTIC KNOTS (Special Version - remix) by Garry Manuel

Romantic Knots was released a few years ago, but the process was a bit disjointed due to the pandemic hitting. Of course, we’ve never heard that before. There were some things missing in that original release. Although it was evident to Garry, it was an email exchange between his good friend and fellow bandmate, Brian Soule, that prompted him to step forward to make the changes. When Brian commented that while the song was one of his favorite tunes, he found the recording “disappointing.” He wasn’t wrong. In fact, the same was true with a song that he had played piano on, Words Won’t Do. After a short time of debating with himself as to whether to make the changes or not, Garry did. You can read about Words Won’t Do below; however, he went a couple steps further on Romantic Knots. Garry asked long time friend and former bandmate, Billy Goodness to play drums on the track. Billy heads up and plays with a Steely Dan cover band (Bad Sneakers) and at one time toured with country artist Ricky Van Shelton. Garry and Billy had played together in a Top 40 cover band in Rochester, NY called, Sweet Feelin’. The reuniting was wonderfully pleasant and successful. Billy laid down some absolutely terrific drum tracks, as you’ll note when listening to the song.

Billy Goodness

Additionally, we brought back the extraordinarily talented saxophonist/educator, Bill Tiberio, to stimulate the track to a greater degree, by having him take the second solo in the break to further amplify the conflict that is being set up by the lyric. Spontaneously, he added some harmonies with the guitar at the key change and they were HOT! We also had Bill play Garry’s lead guitar lines in unison. The results are evident…

Dan Dovideo

To round out the tune we wanted to add a piano and include some solid chording to strengthen the foundation and inject some added arpeggiated chords, also to add tension where the lyric demanded.. We brought in long time friend, Dan Dovideo, who was responsible for bringing on Garry to teach guitar at his store, Perinton Hills Music. They also played in a rock band together in high school. Garry often says that Dan, “was the only one in the band that really knew what he was doing.” Dan has recently been recording his own compositions with Marshall Manuel at RAMP (Rochester Area Music Project). Garry has wanted to have Dan be a guest on his recordings for some time. The timing seemed perfect, as many aspects of this project have turned out to be.

After Billy recorded the drums, Garry opted to re-record the acoustic guitar. His vocal pretty much remained in place.

We did not touch Chuck Bianchi’s bass track, as it was incredibly solid and lyrical, supplying a wonderful ingredient that often goes unnoticed. However, if that bass line wasn’t there the song would not be as effective .

Once again recorded at RAMP (Rochester Area Music Project), Marshall did an incredible job editing and leading people through the session. His ears on this project have been invaluable.

LAKESIDE AFTERNOON by Garry Manuel

Acoustic guitar instrumental

We're going to take you to a lake, with a peaceful setting, where the sun is shining and all your problems or cares seem to be swept away in the summer breeze and with the sound of waves. The simplistic nature of the acoustic guitar and the openness given to the tune are intentional. Relax...

Go to this place where your mind clears, your heart speaks and dreams come alive.

The setting for this music is the Great Sacaandaga Lake in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains of NY.

Garry performs Lakeside Afternoon on the beach where the song was inspired and composed. you’ll hear the sounds of summer and get a very authentic view of the meaning of the song. It is aimed to contain the same ingredients of a tone poem, but without a symphony. Instead, the natural sounds of summer provide the symphonic orchestration.