In 1969, after a successful run of hit records, Manfred Mann disbanded. Mafred Mann and and long-time collaborator Mike Hugg formed Manfred Mann Chapter Three following the breakup, and this LP, recorded between June and October of 1969, “represents in general” what they “personally have been wanting to do for some years.” Mann plays the organ andarranges the group’s music, and Hugg handles vocals, plays piano and is the chief song writer. In addition, the group is augmented by a five-piece brass section and several distinguished jazz soloists. “Travelling Lady,” Snakeskin Garter,” Devil Woman,” and “Time” define this self-titled debut, which relies heavily on drawn out, doomy one chord riffs, gruff vocals, raw brass and free-form solos. Heavily incorporating jazz and progressive sounds, the tracks are longer and experimental, although songs like “Ain’t It Sad” and “Where Am I Going” are shorter and more melodic.

• music label: Creature Music 1969 / 2020

reviewed by singing in japanese 03/2020