MANFRED MANN CHAPTER THREE

The way this album begins tells a lot about what it is about: A few seconds' introduction of a melody played with the organ and a police whistle (!) and then a simple, yet powerful and memorable riff with nice bass and drums line. Mike Hugg's unique style vocals enter, an in-your-face brass part comes and after the first verse, a crazy saxophone solo blasts out. This album has a strong jazzy character, mostly because of the free style horn solos. There are moments that sound very similar to parts that someone will find a year later in King Crimson's "Lizard" album. The bass work is amazing with its thick, aggresive sound. Drums really keep things going strong, while I find the snare drum sound ideal (similar to Vander's one in Live Hhai recording). There is a lot of beautiful and strong organ and piano parts and solos although, because they blend so well with the other instruments, I am not sure that one could tell that the master mind of this group is the keyboard player. The haunting, often narrative way that mr Hugg is singing is a chapter of its own. Another great rock riff with powerful brass lines and strong bass, harmonica fills and a crazy flute solo comes with "Time". Things get a little cheered up with "One way glass" and "Ain't it sad" and they slow down with "Where am i going?", last song of the album that leaves you with a bitter sweet taste and the beautifully melancholic "Mister you're a better man than I" (what a brave statement!!). The latter begins with dreamy electric piano and heavy bass. Vocals give a sad feeling in a theatrical way, while distinctive horns support the song before the moog solo. Manfred Mann's "Chapter III Volume 1" is one of the innovative recordings in the history of rock music, and 1969 a very special year on this matter.