Manna/Mirage - Man out of Time (2021)

Steve:

Manna/Mirage is one of several musical projects involving Dave Newhouse, who is best known for his role as keyboardist, woodwind player, and composer for the superb US progressive jazz/rock band The Muffins. Turns out he is also a naturally friendly guy, and I, a socially awkward guy, had no trouble infiltrating my way into his social network (our mutual love of cats probably helped). Through this connection, I discovered several projects involving old and new musical associations that he has released on his New House Records label. The project closest musically to the Muffins is Manna/Mirage, named after the Muffins' debut album (reviewed elsewhere on this blog). Although other Muffins members are not explicitly involved, the style of the music is similarly freewheeling.

Man Out of Time opens with "What's the Big Idea", an energetic blast of jazz rock with driving horn riffs overdubbed by Newhouse and sublime guitar work from Mark Stanley. The following "World Song" is a collaboration with French vocalist Carla Diratz with whom Newhouse also records in a trio named Diratz. "World Song" recalls the pensive organ drones of Robert Wyatt's solo work, with Diratz's deep, nuanced alto voicings. "In for a Penny" sounds the most like a Muffins track and is given extra oomph by Rich O'Meara's great vibes and marimba work. (O'Meara's solo album Red Chard, which Newhouse guests on, is highly recommended, as is bassist Dereck Higgins solo effort Future Still). "Red Ball Express" ends the first half with a wild number consisting of keyboards, saxes, drums and yelling, all overdubbed by Newhouse.

"4 Steps Back" is the most expansive number, with an augmented lineup including violin and cello in addition to O'Meara's mallets. At over ten minutes, it gives plenty of room for the ensemble to shine. "Fred's Dream" features none other than Fred Frith on guitar, showing once again why he has been such a great and prolific collaborator over the years in a multitude of settings. "Silver Age" resembles a Brian Eno composition, with its circular repetitive figures on electric piano and bass clarinet, drenched in atmospheric effects and subtle overdubbed countermelodies (all by Newhouse). O'Meara returns for the final piece, a peaceful jazz ballad for electric piano and marimba/vibes - making for a great conclusion to the album.  

I've noticed that every time I play Man out of Time, which is relatively short at 36 minutes, I usually play it a second time. It's a natural sounding work, performed by highly experienced players for the sheer fun of it. The sense of joy inherent in these pieces is contagious. 

You can learn more about Dave's world at davenewhouse.bandcamp.com.  

Dan:

It's hard to put my finger on reasons why I like Man Out of Time so much. As Steve says, it's a joyful album, full of variety and exceptional musicianship. It's ambitious but not pretentious. It's a successful blending of prog and jazz material - all original, of course. Many rockers I've known don't seem to know how to deal with the demands of improvisation, but Newhouse, his colleagues and guests are comfortable with both prog and jazz.

The weirdest track on the album is "World Song," sung by Carla Diratz. Her voice requires a bit of adjustment since it's pitched lower and almost sounds like a frail tenor. But the third time through, it's mesmerizing. (Weird is not a pejorative term in this context; I expect that Newhouse was trying for weird with this featured vocal.) 

To call out a couple of musical highlights: "These Days," the closing number with electric piano, vibes and marimba hits me just right; and Fred Frith's guitar feature, aptly titled "Fred's Dream," shows the guitarist at his lyrical best.

Overall, a winner and a good omen for prog as it advances toward the second quarter of the 21st century.