Reach The Sky” also features a stellar lineup of guest artists including legendary guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk) on “Fly Over The Walls” as well as the Hungarian-born, fiery blues guitarist Tommy Katona on the instrumental “Texas Smoke”. In addition to his contributions to one track, Bruce Kulick served as the album’s creative consultant.
“Reach The Sky” features a great collection of genre-blurring songs combining melodic rock and metal riffs with cinematic soundscapes showcasing Manning’s unique approach to songwriting along with his thematic guitar solos. Vocalist Cris Hodges once again delivers catchy hooks showcasing his amazing range and depth as well as his ability to provide the perfect vocal performance for each song.
Fans of Alice in Chains, Lynch Mob, KISS, and King’s X will love this album and its perfect blend of Manning’s influences. Rounding out the album’s lineup are bassist, Chapman Stick, and keyboardist studio ace Rick Read (Herd Of Instinct, The Zeppelin Project) on 8 tracks and Singapore bassist Dan Hawkins on 2 tracks. Drummer and UK session pro Max Saidi completes the line up.
Nine of the album’s tracks were mixed and mastered by Alex Gerst (Empire Sound Recording Studios), a nationally recognized studio producer/engineer, while “Texas Smoke” was mixed by legendary Pantera mix engineer Sterling Winfield (Boot Hill Studios) and mastered by Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound).
Check out the brand new debut single “Fly Over The Walls” lyric video featuring special guest Bruce Kulick which has already been receiving rave reviews.
As an artist with a wide-variety of musical tastes, Chris Manning’s music remains difficult to categorize. Manning was featured in Guitar Player magazine (Dec 2008) and is also a founding member of The Zeppelin Project, one of the top Zeppelin tributes in Texas.
Over the past 10+ years he has traveled throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Mississippi, and Missouri playing shows with his original band C4 as well as The Zeppelin Project sharing stages with Drowning Pool, George Lynch/Lynch Mob, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken, Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), and Dangerous Toys.
Track Listing:
SIDE A
1. Nothing But Time
2. Reach The Sky
3. Fly Over The Walls (featuring Bruce Kulick)
4. Freedom
5. Back To The Beginning
SIDE B:
1. Page Street
2. Let It Go
3.Fight
4. Someday
5. Texas Smoke (featuring Tommy Katona)