Manfred Mann Chapter Three

It would be hard to have passed through the 60s without hearing one of Manfred Mann’s numerous singles that littered the Top 10 in England—including his most famous “Doo Wah Diddy Diddy” b/w “What You Gonna Do,” which topped both sides of the Atlantic. Two singers marked the band’s early days: Paul Jones (“chapter one”), and in 1966, Mike D’Abo (“chapter two”). But as the South African (born Manfred Lubowitz) keyboardist entered the 70s, he and longtime musical partner Mike Hugg left the pop world behind, releasing two albums under the moniker Chapter Three. (The band was initially called Emanon, “no name” spelt backwards.) Drummer Hugg, dating back to 1962 with the Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers, was also a pianist and composer, best known for The Yardbirds’ hit “You’re a Better Man Than I.” The group also featured future East Of Eden bassist Steve York and drummer Craig Collinge, plus Bernie Living on wind instruments, and a host of guest musicians, including Steve Corbett and Dave Coxhill. Their debut is an excellent record; serious brass arrangements outfit its heavy-ish tunes à la Colosseum, though it still sounds rooted in the 60s. No matter, check out the organ solo in “Snakeskin Garter” or the weightlessness of “Konekuf.” From deep grooves to swinging jazz, the album is one dark, sexy beast! “Sometimes” is a lighter, even timeless number, while “One Way Glass” makes the best of the York and Collinge rhythm section. Hugg’s voice is probably an acquired taste; here, it perfectly suits the music-just listen to how well it renders the slow, dark reinterpretation of his “Mister You’re a Better Man Than I.” Mann’s “A Study In Inaccuracy” lets the horns honk loose, before Hugg’s plaintive “Where Am I Going” closes with a touch of beauty. Released on the Vertigo label, it was followed by Volume Two in October 1970. But by then the band had split as the Mann-Hugg partnership drew to a close. A final third album was recorded but remains (mostly) unreleased.