Manfred Mann’s Earth Band to play jazz at Palats Sportu
British musician Manfred Mann and his Earth Band are coming to perform for fans of their blend of jazz and art-rock music and their numerous covers of famous songs. Earth Band was founded in 1971 as the fourth musical project of Manfred Mann (originally Manfred Lubowitz) – a South African-born keyboardist. He began his musical career as an aspiring jazz player and moved toward R&B when blues-oriented music was in fashion in England in the early 60s, and is presently considered one of the best keyboard players in the world.
The leading guitar player and the leading vocals of the Earth Band were originally performed by Mick Rogers, who was later replaced by Chris Thompson on vocals and Dave Flett on guitar. Drumming duties were fulfilled by Chris Slade, who later became a member of AC/DC and Asia. The bass player Colin Pattenden, who used to play in the Earth Band, became a sound consultant, running his own company designing and installing sound systems after leaving the band.
From 1971 to 1975 the Earth Band produced six albums. The most successful were “Solar Fire,” featuring a top 10 hit “Joybringer” and the “Father of Day,” written by Bob Dylan, which still is being performed by Mick Rogers at live shows. In 1975 came a change of lineup with new frontman Chris Thompson. The first single release was The Earth Band’s version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Blinded by the Light,” which reached the top of the U.S. charts and was a huge worldwide hit, as was the album that followed – “The Roaring Silence.”
A musician with strong political views, Manfred Mann became very active in the international anti-apartheid movement and for this reason he was banned from entering South Africa – the country of his birth. Other members of the band traveled to South Africa and recorded African musicians for the album “Somewhere in Afrika,” which included a remake of Paul Simon’s song “Graceland.” The album included a cover of The Police’s “Demolition Man” and a well-received version of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” which remains in the band’s set today. American versions of the album also included Ian Thomas’s “The Runner,” whose music video had images of the Munich and Montreal Olympic Games and which enjoyed much airtime in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band continues recording to the present day, covering tracks by artists as varied as Paul Weller, Robert Cray, Del Amitri, and The Lovin’ Spoonful. Mann has also released his own solo project, “Plains Music,” based on Native American music, and his latest album includes collaborations with the German rapper Thomas D and tracks featuring the music of, amongst others, the Super Furry Animals. The Earth Band remain active in live performances in Europe, with a line up that includes both Manfred Mann and Mick Rogers.
At their Kyiv concert the group will play with the following lineup: two old members of the 70s (Manfred Mann on keyboards and Mick Rogers on guitar and vocals), Steve Kinch, who has been with the band since 1986, on bass guitar, Noel McCalla – vocals and percussion, and Pete May, who joined for the 2001 European Tour, on drums.
Palats Sportu (1 Sportyvna, 587-6767)
November 19, 7 p.m. Tickets Hr 70 to Hr 250
