Biography
Phillip Manuel sings jazz with a vocal timbre widely noted for its smoothness, soothing quality, sophistication, and soulfulness, qualities that extend further still. His polished manner suits the refined atmosphere of upscale hotels and clubs both in his birthplace of New Orleans and farther afield, as well as festival stages at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Satchmo Festival, where he has appeared alongside figures such as Terence Blanchard and Bill Summers.
That same elegance has colored many of his outings with Blanchard, spanning material from jazz standards to gospel selections. With Summers he contributed to the Essence of Kwanzaa CD and later served as a supporting vocalist in the percussionist’s popular group Los Hombres Calientes.
Several albums display Manuel’s abilities. Time for Love appeared in 1995 and centers on jazz standards first popularized by Nat “King” Cole, among them “Route 66” and “Sweet Lorraine,” while also including James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain”; the Duke Ellington big-band piece “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” however, may align most closely with Manuel’s urbane delivery. Heart to Heart, released the following year, offers comparable intimacy and allure.
Love Happened to Me came out in 2000 and features Manuel’s trademark refined approach on songs associated with Ellington and Gershwin. Several numbers, including the title track, were composed by Manuel himself and are performed with restraint and depth. “If I Were a Bell” emerges as a standout, its pitch-perfect clarity allowing Manuel to project authority. Recorded at New Orleans’ Columns Hotel with bassist James Singleton and saxophonist Tony Dagradi, the album delivers consistent musical satisfaction. Manuel’s particular gift lies in setting listeners at ease while heightening the pleasure of the moment.
That same elegance has colored many of his outings with Blanchard, spanning material from jazz standards to gospel selections. With Summers he contributed to the Essence of Kwanzaa CD and later served as a supporting vocalist in the percussionist’s popular group Los Hombres Calientes.
Several albums display Manuel’s abilities. Time for Love appeared in 1995 and centers on jazz standards first popularized by Nat “King” Cole, among them “Route 66” and “Sweet Lorraine,” while also including James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain”; the Duke Ellington big-band piece “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” however, may align most closely with Manuel’s urbane delivery. Heart to Heart, released the following year, offers comparable intimacy and allure.
Love Happened to Me came out in 2000 and features Manuel’s trademark refined approach on songs associated with Ellington and Gershwin. Several numbers, including the title track, were composed by Manuel himself and are performed with restraint and depth. “If I Were a Bell” emerges as a standout, its pitch-perfect clarity allowing Manuel to project authority. Recorded at New Orleans’ Columns Hotel with bassist James Singleton and saxophonist Tony Dagradi, the album delivers consistent musical satisfaction. Manuel’s particular gift lies in setting listeners at ease while heightening the pleasure of the moment.
Albums
