Phil Manzanera
London Gibson Guitar Shop
12th November, 2008

View: standing, middle, stage-right

With a couple of new albums in the offing (one said to be of Christmas carols), the few score of gathered media and other invitees to the showcase celebrating Manzanera’s new signature Gibson guitar, were pleased to hear that at least one set comprises prog/fusion material that fans of David Gilmour or, indeed, Quiet Sun, would approve of. For the quartet on the tiny stage rocked out for the video cams, opening with a muscular trip back to those Quiet Harvest days, before launching into Mexican Hat (with sombrero present and correct), an improvised-in-the-studio piece that veered between 70s Genesis, Floyd and Be Bop Deluxe, throwing in Spanish spoken-word, some jittery Talking Heads-style guitar and even a clapalong section accompanying the jazzy grand piano. A more laidback closer brought prog repose to proceedings, wrapping up the three songs in 30 minutes set.

Reviewed by Tim Jones
<< Back to Issue 358

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