Andrew Mann is an awesome front man with a voice that, put quite simply, will blow you away! With the sensational musicianship and stage presence of the guys from ‘Mantra’ behind him they truly are a superb, damned exciting act!
Daniel Jones (Savage Garden) has recently produced a ‘killer’ 11 track CD (Titled: ‘Power of Sound’) which totally backs this statement……check it out on this site!
Andrew was born in Australia and has honed his craft on stages all over the Nation, as well as throughout the Pacific. A prolific songwriter, Andrew draws a great deal of inspiration from his days growing up on a Pacific coral island. From their latest CD the recently released single, ‘Love Will Set You Free’ has been a major hit for the guys throughout the Pacific region and a planned tour is now in the works.
'The sun, sea, swaying palms and beautiful, friendly island girls taught me how to love, laugh and enjoy my stunning surroundings’ Andrew said in a recent interview. 'I find it easy to drift back to those carefree days and use them as a basis for writing….although my music is not ‘island music’….it’s what I would call ‘radio friendly rock’.
‘Mantra’ are: James Morrisson on drums Trent Waterman and Gary Doman on guitars and Shay Markby, on bass guitar.
‘Three superb musicians with real stagecraft. A knock-out sound. These guys are just fantastic and combined with Andrew’s kik-ass voice and dynamic stage presence, gave a truly memorable performance!’
Geoff Diamond
James Morrisson: At 21 James is one of the most talented, ‘nicest guy’ drummers around. He has behind him an amazingly successful career for someone so young and has, since the tender age of 10, been endorsed by many of the world’s top drum, cymbal and stick companies.
Shay Markby: A Renowned bassist from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Shay’s drive, talent and absolute passion for his music is totally infectious. His playing is solid, where necessary, lightening fast: with true feel. Nicknamed ‘The Groovemeister’, Shay’s musical prowess makes him a corner stone of the group.
Ben Henshaw: Ben started piano lessons at the age of 10 , however said, "I started taking it seriously at 16." In a recent interview he is reported to have stated it was his father who greatly influenced his taste in music and who, he says with a wry smile, "Plays with a unique style, a genre of music that sounds a bit like simplified cocktail music!" In his early high school years Ben delved into material far from the piano 'standards', and spent countless hours working hard on improving his technique and style. While working part-time delivering pizzas, he later signed on for a three year classical course at university and while there performed hundreds of shows across a vast range of musical styles.
Trent Waterman: Trent is one of regions hot, new guitarists and has been carving up stages with Mantra for the past five months. Originally from Brisbane, Trent is no stranger to recording studios around South East Queensland where he has performed on many recordings as a noted ‘session player’. “We are so fortunate to have someone of Trent’s calibre in the band,” said lead singer, Andrew Mann in a recent interview. “Trent brings a dynamic, exciting edge to our music and his dry, Aussie humour fits in well with the rest of the guys.”
Gary Doman: Originally from Noosa, Gary has been performing with various groups around the Sunshine Coast area before joining Mantra. His solid, gutsy style compliments Trent’s guitar work and his sensational harmonies lock in well with Ben and Andrew’s vocals. “This band are just awesome to gig with,” Gary said. “And we get on so well together it’s a real hoot!”
Read more...