• Genre: Electronica
• Active: '90s
• Major Members: Jonathan Quarmby

Biography

While many a Sheffield native occupies an important place in the history of European experimental techno -- the city produced Robert Gordon, LFO, Richard H. Kirk, and 808 State, among others -- none have mixed professional extremes more than producers Jonathan Quarmby and Kevin Bacon. Known in the world of ambient and experimental techno as Manna, Quarmby and Bacon are perhaps better known in the land of AOR, where their CV includes labels such as Elektra, Polydor, Wau! Mr. Modo, BMG and Island, and artists such as Robert Palmer, Finley Quaye, Audioweb, Longpigs, and the Gyres. Although work released under Manna's own name includes only two full-lengths and several singles (all through Belgium-based R&S offshoot, Apollo), the group's role in filling in the gaps in interest between the dancefloor and the home listening audience has been important as well.

Formed in 1991, Manna released their debut single -- "R-Earth" -- that same year on Wau! Mr. Modo (home, at the time, of the Orb). A bit of an underground hit, the track was licensed by R&S sublabel, Apollo, which signed the group in 1993. Manna's self-titled debut followed in 1995, and displayed the more upbeat, funk-fueled brand of ambient-techno the label had begun to be known for (through Apollo artists such as Tournesol and Sun Electric). The group's sound is a clean, warm mix of analog synths and sampled and carefully treated percussion, combined with 808 and 909 drum sounds (usually altered or muted in the mix) and more standard acoustical instruments (guitar, bass, traps). The group also shies away from multitracking, preferring to mix elements live in the studio (the fold-out on their Apollo debut depicts the scattershod arrangement of their Sheffield studio). Manna continued to record between other, more mainstream production work, and their Apollo follow-up 5:1 appeared in 1998. ~ Sean Cooper, All Music Guide

Manna Buy this CD

• Artist: Bread
• Flags: Lyrics are included with the album
• Rating:
• Styles: Soft Rock, Pop/Rock
• Track Picks: "If," "Let Your Love Go"
• Similar Albums: The Singles 1969-1973, Just a Boy, Silverbird, Pilot (From the Album of the Same Name), Horse with No Name, Boz Scaggs & Band, Bright Eyes, Apprentice (In a Musical Workshop), Angel Clare, Chicago II, Close to You, Homecoming

Review

Bread's third album, Manna, isn't so much a step forward as it is a consolidation of strengths, as the group sharpens their skills and carves out their own identities. It's clear that the rift between David Gates and Robb Royer and James Griffin is beginning to take shape, as the album is evenly divided between Gates tunes and Royer/Griffin compositions. This benefits the album, since it spurs each member to greater heights, and they even tend to sequence the record in ways that support that sentiment -- Gates' "Let Your Love Go," complete with its rockin' harpsichords, is followed by the hard-driving verses of "Take Comfort," which, admittedly, is tempered by a dreamy chorus. And while some of the rougher edges present on Bread or On the Waters are sanded down slightly, they're still there, providing good contrast to such soft pop landmarks as "If." Yet, this is a record that is laid-back and even tempered, which isn't a bad thing -- it results in a fine listen, especially since the group's songwriting remains at the high standard instituted on that first Bread album. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	iTunes	Composers	Performers	Time
Let Your Love Go		David Gates	Bread	(2:26)
Take Comfort		James Griffin, Robb Royer	Bread	(3:33)
Too Much Love		James Griffin, Robb Royer	Bread	(2:46)
If		David Gates	Bread	(2:35)
Be Kind to Me	...	James Griffin, Robb Royer	Bread	(3:04)
He's a Good Lad		David Gates	Bread	(2:59)
She Was My Lady		David Gates	Bread	(2:51)
Live in Your Love		James Griffin, Robb Royer	Bread	(2:46)
What a Change	...	David Gates	Bread	(3:40)
I Say Again	...	James Griffin, Robb Royer	Bread	(2:53)
Come Again	...	David Gates	Bread	(4:03)
Truckin'		James Griffin, Robb Royer	Bread	(2:32)

Credits

Bread (Main Performer), David Gates (Guitar), David Gates (Violin), David Gates (Arranger), David Gates (Keyboards), David Gates (Vocals), David Gates (Producer), James Griffin (Guitar), James Griffin (Keyboards), James Griffin (Vocals), James Griffin (Producer), Ken Perry (Remastering), Michael Botts (Drums), Jac Holzman (Production Supervisor), Bill Inglot (Remastering), Robb Royer (Bass), Robb Royer (Producer), Robb Royer (Group Member), Armin Steiner (Engineer), Barry Alfonso (Liner Notes), Robert L. Heimall (Art Direction), Robert L. Heimall (Design), Robert L. Heimall (Photography), Robert L. Heimall (Cover Art Concept), Mike Botts (Group Member)

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