Manis has a big tenor sound, and an aggressive improvisational approach...” ”...tenor saxophone monster...” ”...Manis plays the tenor saxophone in a no holds barred, unapologetic manner.”...he’s got a powerful sound and a lot of great ideas.”...a beast on the tenor...
And while there are many arresting moments on these paired discs, none are more sweetly aching than Friesen’s folksy comping to Joe Manis’ thoughtful saxophone solo on “My Faith, My Life”.
...quite delightful.
Joe Manis: Killin’!
Both virtuosos, the subtle interplay of David Friesen and Joe Manis, some surprising, amazing details and the overall warm-hearted mood carried throughout the concert.
...with such energy, accuracy and reverence — it went by in what felt like a moment! I was transported and honored.
...solos where melodic mastery, instrumental technique, and emotional expression flow from the track with excess.
Adding Colligan’s B-3 to his trio provoked an enjoyably incendiary chemical reaction on their 2013 album North by Northwest, with the two soloists inspiring each other to ever more daring flights, mostly in the classic style.
...a powerful trio... ...a collection of originals and standards, interpreted with the powerful swing and inventive sax of Manis, who delivers some breathtaking solos... Great neo-bop...
Fresh and diverse... Manis led the Trio with a veteran’s touch.
Fabulous... Will thrill fans of Monk, Rollins.
...intensity and sophistication in equal measure
...aggressive... ...intriguing... ...compelling...
...powerhouse trio...
Freewheeling, eclectic, yet traditional
Manis played beautifully throughout, and delivered particularly blistering solos on Coltrane’s “India” and his own odd-metered “Paw-Paw,” named for his son Ellery’s nickname for Manis’ father.
...intimate and introspective works that carry with them emotional depth — depth brought out masterfully by the ensemble gathered at Jimmy Mak’s...
...their second album which clearly shows the intensity and remarkable rapport of a tight-knit working band.
...leading the charge from the front of the bandstand...
Joe Manis is the real life version of Pandora radio.
original compositions and some standards with attitude.
Innovative...
Superior musicianship…Quiet, complex and stimulating – a compelling mix for the jazz enthusiast.
…a sophisticated fast-punch of intricate and traditional boppy jazz sounds.
...seriously next-level musicianship.
...stellar...
...alarmclock-like precision...
...more stomp than bop.
Saxophonists Manis and Glover are both strong and inventive soloists with largely modern conceptions.
...solid...
...edgy...
Manis’ alto is sweet and sour on the blues...
...all killer no filler.
...a charming, friendly stage presence that worked well with the music.
...knee deep in the industry...
Saxophonist Joe Manis has made a name for himself, not only in the world of jazz, but through performances and collaborations that have reached into the realms of classical and world music...
...the celebrated Joe Manis Trio...
Joe is a great musician...
...open(s) with an engaging Hemage bass vamp with Joe’s melodic magic emerging.
If that’ isn’t “high energy”, then there is no such a thing!
...Friesen and Manis play off each other beautifully...
US jazz conquered the castle Albeck
Mr Manis joins him in this pursuit to sublime effect with his rolling and undulating phrases of repeated notes and ascending figures on “Going Forth”.
Superb… The tenor is warm and round, never blasting, more like a vocalist. Excellent duo work.
...great tenor and soprano musician, Joe Manis.
...a new star in the jazz sky...
...on CD 2 (recorded in Vienna’s Porgy & Bess) you can relive how expressivity and roughness come into the performance of the Circle 3 Trio.
The title track, a ballad, is sublime with Joe Manis’ soprano sax leading the way with an inquisitive feel, and a warming sweetness.