MANFRED MANN'S PLAINS MUSIC

Manfred Mann's Plains Music biography
Manfred Lubowitz - Born October 21, 1940 (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Manfred Mann first found worldwide fame as a member of the 60's pop band which bore his name. He subsequently formed the long running Manfred Mann's Earth Band (also featured on this site). In the late 1980's he took time off from the Earth Band to record a one off solo album under the name of "Manfred Mann's Plains Music". The sole (eponymous) album recorded under that name was released in 1991, four years after MMEB's "Masque".

The songs of "Plains Music" are derived from the traditional music of the North American Plains Indians. Mann's interpretation of their melodies was based on the sheet music only, he has stated in subsequent interviews that he was not trying to recreate an authentic North American Indian "sound". Indeed, due to his limited abilities to read sheet music, he typed the documented notes (contained in an old book which he had purchased on North American Indians) into his PC, and listened to the melodies for the first time as they were played back on the PC. He then developed the themes on piano, bringing in musicians he felt would be able to provided sounds (including that of the African Hunting Bow) which were sympathetic to the moods he wished to create. The album was brought together by Mann during a stay is his native South Africa, and since a number of the musicians he used were from that part of the world, the influences of the rhythms of Africa are strong. Plains Music thus has much in common with the World Music of artists such as Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel.

"Sikelele" (which was based on "South African Xhosa Stick Fighting Song") is the only track not based on the Plains Indians melodies. This was a deliberate attempt by Mann to include a track which might be suitable for release as a single.

Although he has no plans for a follow up, Manfred Mann is often quoted as saying that "Plains Music" is his favourite album.

Vocalist Noel McKella who appears on the album subsequently joined Manfred Mann's Earth Band.

: : : Bob McBeath, SCOTLAND : : :

See also:
- MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND,
- MANFRED MANN CHAPTER THREE