*WARNING: this is NOT a traditional blues work. Contains dangerous levels of funky, rockin' soul.
This CD is the product of years of experiences, feelings, and realizations. Even though the moments that filled those years brought pain, joy, heartbreak and love, they could not be expressed with a galaxy of words; the music, though, says it all. Here's my heart. Listen.......B. Manriquez
There's a redemptive quality to Bobby Manriquez's music, a spirit
compelling listeners to believe that - just like a phoenix rising from the ashes - something good can come out of the madness of life.
Bobby Manriquez, a native Washingtonian guitarist, singer/songwriter, has repeatedly broken through what for most is an impenetrable barrier, rising from local to national and international stages.
In the early 70's he shared lead guitar duties in a D.C. based band climaxing in the A & M Records release of "Daddy's Girl" in 1976. During the same period, he was selected to be the lead guitarist for the touring band of Capitol records artist Kathi McDonald, parts vocalist for the likes of the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner. Her just released album, "Insane Asylum", was manned by guitar greats Neil Schon of Journey and Ronnie Montrose. The new group joined such acts as Rufus, KISS, and Earth, Wind & Fire in entertaining U.S. audiences. Work with the late, great producer David Briggs (Neil Young, Alice Cooper, Nils Lofgren) began for Bobby as Capitol anticipated the release of a second album for Kathi.
The late 70's brought a very successful affiliation with gifted guitarist/songwriter and current E-Street Band member Nils Lofgren, which saw extensive U.S. and European touring. Milestone performances included Oakland Coliseum's "Day on the Green". Sharing the stage with Nils and Bobby were Jeff Beck, Santana (who referred to Bobby as a "gifted, soulful, and inspired player"), Tower of Power and Journey. A hot summer performance in New York's Central Park with Rick Derringer earned Bobby a place in Rolling Stone Magazine. Long time Rolling Stone head writer Dave Marsh remarked, "When have four guitarists (Nils Lofgren, Bobby Manriquez, Rick Derringer, and Danny Johnson) this good been on the same stage on the same evening lately?" Further positive press included mentions in Billboard Magazine and several large city papers. Also, such T.V. appearances as the London BBC recording of the "Old Grey Whistle Test" would later be released by Lofgren on a 1993 CD titled the same.
What followed was a period of more than a decade of tending to matters of the soul, which led to a departure from the kind of lifestyle that so many fell victim to in the 70's and 80's. He stopped playing. He started praying.
In 1994 music again called Bobby to the stage. He signed on as lead guitarist for soul legend Wilson Pickett, who fondly said of Bobby, "That boy can play!!" And play he did. Reviewers again began writing great things about Bobby's playing, and Bobby began doing some writing of his own.
In July 2000, Bobby released a demo which led to his first solo album, "Another Shade of Blue(s)." Bobby penned and sang the songs, produced the CD, and played most or all of the instruments on every cut. The CD has met with critical acclaim. A syndicated review, appearing on RollingStone.com and the All Music Guide stated, "Bobby Manriquez is an amazing musician that has given [music fans] proof that some great music is still being made."
More importantly, "Another Shade of Blue(s)" brought Bobby Manriquez back home to music, on his own terms, giving his fans something to not only enjoy but also to believe in.
Bobby's second CD, "Prayin' the Blues," is set for release in 2005. It is a passionate effort studded with an array of nationally recognized artists who converged to contribute.
©Copyright 2001
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