Biography Chris Manning

Chris Manning is a Dallas-based guitarist, songwriter, and session player. As an artist with a wide-variety of musical tastes, Chris' music remains difficult to categorize. Heavily influenced by rock heavy weights Jimi Hendrix, King's X, Deep Purple, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, and George Lynch as well as new age artist Craig Chaquico, Chris' style balances technique and melody. To date, he has released four guitar-oriented instrumental CD's spanning multiple genres and shared stages with Drowning Pool, George Lynch and Lynch Mob, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken, Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), and Dangerous Toys. He is also a founding member of the Led Zeppelin tribute band The Hindenburg Project.

Early Influences

Chris has many influences that span multiple genres and styles from high-energy rock to laid back, acoustic based new age music. "Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow), Alex Lifeson (Rush), and Ace Frehley (Kiss) are some of my early influences. In fact, Blackmore remains one of my favorite guitarists because he has such a unique voice on the instrument and is one the pioneers of technical playing in hard rock music. His solos in 'Highway Star', 'Mistreated', and 'Burn' are among the greatest guitar solos of all time".

Texas Smoke EP (2013)

"Texas Smoke", the latest release from Dallas guitarist and Warmouth Records artist Chris Manning is the follow-up to the highly successful "Symmetry" CD. "Texas Smoke" is another genre-defying release that combines rock, texas blues, funk, and classic rock and infuses it with the guitar-centric riffs of Chris Manning. His skillful use of melody and technique combine to produce great instrumentals with strong hooks and impressive fretboard work. "Texas Smoke" is a five song EP featuring 4 instrumentals and one vocal song and will be appreciated by fans of Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Led Zeppelin Tribute - The Hindenburg Project (2011-Present)

Guitarist Chris Manning with The Hindenburg Project - Led Zeppelin Tribute DallasThe Hindenburg Project is a Led Zeppelin Tribute band bringing audiences the Zeppelin experience in all it's 70's glory! Formed in 2011 by guitarist Chris Manning, vocalist Bob Brewer, and drummer Brian Martini, all veterans of the Texas and Louisiana music scenes, The Hindenburg Project offers audiences the chance to hear all the classic Zepp catalogue with the energy of a live show, while remaining true to the studio versions. Click here for more information on this Led Zeppelin tribute or for booking call Randy Ranew at 214.808.7260.

Hendrix and Page

"Later on I discovered the greatness of Hendrix and Jimmy Page, especially once I began to study their music and technique. Hendrix's 'Red House' was the catalyst for getting me into his music and delving deeper into his catalog. Studying Hendrix's use of chords and his unconventional approach to the instrument have made me a much better guitarist. Jimmy Page is a player I recently rediscovered and have had the great opportunity to study his songs and technique while playing in the Led Zeppelin tribute band The Hindenburg Project. Page's music can be be deceptively challenging because most guitarists underestimate the techniques required to play the Zeppelin songs well".

The Chris Manning Band - Instrumental Rock (2010-Present)

The Chris Manning Band brings energy, musicianship, and catchy songs to stages across Texas. The instrumental rock quartet has developed a nice following in north Texas in support of the new Symmetry CD. As a live act, they offer audiences a unique alternative to the same old cover band experience. Fresh, high enery instrumentals that span the genres of rock, funk, pop, metal, and jazz, set the band apart from all the others. In addition to local shows, the band has recently shared the stage with legendary guitarists George Lynch and Michael Schenker as well as 80's metal legends Dokken.

Symmetry (2009)

"Symmetry" is Manning's third release and represents his best work to date. Always a master of balancing technique with melody, he expands his sound yet again to produce a true instrumental rock release. It is a culmination of many of his influences, which range from Joe Satriani and George Lynch to King's X and guitar god Jimi Hendrix. A great mix of hard rock, metal, and of course melodic riffs, "Symmetry" represents the new direction his music has taken.

Guitar Player Magazine Feature (2008)

The December 2008 issue of Guitar Player magazine featured Chris Manning and the song "Journey to Tomorrow" from The Road Back: "This is a beautifully wistful song, built upon a bed of undulating acoustics. Manning exhibits great restraint-and good musical judgement-by limiting the guitar riffs, and letting a haunting piano carry the melody." - Michael Molenda, Editor Guitar Player Magazine

Satriani, Lynch, and Chaquico

Guitarist Chris Manning with Legendary George Lynch in Dallas 2010"I have been a huge fan of Joe Satriani and George Lynch since the 80's and their influence is evident in my music. Satriani remains the best instrumental songwriter of the modern guitar era. George Lynch continues to inspire me with his amazing and quirky style of playing. At the opposite end of the musical spectrum, there is new age instrumental guitarist Craig Chaquico, who I discovered in the 90's. His unique sound and use of electric guitar techniques on the acoustic unexpectedly got me into a genre I had previously had no interest in. As a result, I began to write and record original instrumentals and began to incoporate acoustic piano (Nashville keyboardist Christopher Sanderson) which ultimately led me to write and record two new age CDs".

Forever November (2004)

While his first release, The Road Back, definitely belongs in the New Age genre, his second release, Forever November, is more difficult to place in a single genre. While Forever November contains much more electric guitar than The Road Back, it also featured more of a rock edge in the guitar tone. However, fans of The Road Back will enjoy Forever November, as Chris' signature style and sound is still very evident. Keyboard extraordinaire Christopher Sanderson returns to again contribute both as a musician as well as a songwriter. This release is a worthy successor to The Road Back and offers fans of rock, funk, and new age music a unique listening experience.

The Road Back (2000)

His first release The Road Back was an immediate success. At the time, the web site mp3.com was the place to go to hear independent artists and Chris took advantage of that, landing two songs, "Mystic Dreams" and "Once in a Lifetime", in the top 20 in the New Age charts. Shortly thereafter, Chris was chosen as the featured artist of the month on InstrumentalMusic.com, and The Road Back was also featured. Rave reviews continued with Chris featured on Guitar Nine Records' "The Undiscovered Talent", a spotlight for up and coming guitarists. The review stated: "The guitarist never overplays; his outbursts of speed (as found on "Mystic Dreams", among others) are purposefully limited and timed to deliver maximum emotional impact." Nashville musician, Christopher Sanderson was another key element to it's success, performing all keyboards as well as contributing to song writing as well.

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