Jason Manns' Covers with Friends Album a Hit

Written by Erika 
 

Manns and Benedict share a moment

Covers with Friends, the second “with friends” album by Jason Manns, is an astounding assembly of talent and harmony combined that guarantees to leave you alternately singing your heart out to the rooftops like a rock-god with Come Together featuring special guest Rob Benedict, followed by a rattled to the depths of your soul version of Simple Man featuring special guest Jensen Ackles.

               

The first song on the album is the previously mentioned Come Together, which highlights Manns’ unique prowess in elevating the vocals of his songs with such mastery that you as a listener have only to close your eyes to be transported to the intimate atmosphere of a live venue. If you have never had the unique opportunity to experience Manns’ side project with Benedict, The Station Breaks, all you need do is simply put this song on and let Manns’ deep sultry sound, coupled with Benedict’s raspy trill transport you vocally to the Hotel Café. Accompanied by the driving beat and spectacular guitar riffs that can only be accomplished by the one and only Billy Moran, also part of The Station Breaks, Come Together is your go to song for the in person concert feel without ever leaving your easy chair.

The second song is Mad World featuring the smooth sensuous voice of Michael Rossenbaum. For this song, Manns has crafted the silkiness of Michael’s vocals together with an impeccably precision percussion heavy accompaniment resulting in a velvety sound the likes of which could easily be used to accentuate the sleek sexiness often found in the opening credits of almost all of the James Bond movies.  

               
 The third song, The Weight, which boasts the highest number of special guests, was actually the first song on the album to be offered in its entirety to those who pre-ordered Manns’ album on an alternate website. The Weight, sung by Manns, Benedict, and Supernatural alumni Gil McKinney, Richard Speight Jr., and show front runner Jensen Ackles, hearkens back to simpler times when people actually knew the names of their neighbors, and weren’t afraid to gather together on the front porch with a guitar and a pair of spoons for percussion.  Each of the five verses is covered by a different vocalist; but between each verse, the group harmonizes together during the chorus creating an amazing synchronization of harmony and talent. 

                The fourth, and probably most anticipated song, Simple Man, also features the deep resonate timbre of Jensen Ackles. In a stroke of musical genius, Manns has once again out done himself by putting the spot light on the storytelling properties of Ackles’ vocals, drawing the listener in with the richness and honesty brought out by his natural talent, coupling it with the sweet twang of guitar strings and the haunting strains of a cello. The resulting combination immediately strikes a chord straight to your soul as Ackles croons a heartfelt plea for you to follow your heart.  I dare say many a tear will be shed listening to the ghostly beauty created by this version of the song.

                The fifth song, and the first solo piece by Manns on the album, is the classic (Sitting on the) Dock of the Bay, which is self admittedly one of Manns’ personal favorites to cover. Manns gives credence to the original styling of the song, which boasts notoriety as the first posthumous single to top US charts, by remaining true to the original feel as created by singer Otis Redding; but at the same time, all the special nuances that are unique to Manns’ personal vocal style are readily evident in his version so that even the most diehard Jason Manns fan will be pleasantly pleased to kick back and sing along. This is my personal favorite as it holds a special place in my heart and brings back treasured memories of my time in the service, it’s the kind of song that just makes you feel uniquely American, and proud to be so.

                The sixth track is Wagon Wheel, and features both Benedict and Speight Jr, opening in a remarkable a Capella trifecta of harmonization. Fans of Manns’ that are familiar with Supernatural conventions are already familiar with this tune and have had the unique privilege to see the trio perform it live with a multitude of guest singers, and will be thrilled to have it readily available to enjoy between conventions. Unlike some of the more melancholy tunes on the album, Wagon Wheel is a whimsical melody that will have even the most stubborn toe tapping by song’s end.

 Higher and Higher, the seventh song off Covers with Friends features Texas born Gil McKinney, and like Wagon Wheel before it is a quick paced piece of music that guarantees to do exactly what the song preaches, and that is to lift your spirits higher and higher. McKinney’s infectious spirit and enthusiasm shine through as he serenades himself right into your heart effortlessly. Higher and higher is bound to become a fan favorite to chase the blues away as well as to elevate Gil McKinney to the prestigious position of musical heart throb.  

The last three songs are collectively sung by Manns alone, and have been featured in various YouTube videos, Stage it online concerts, and live shows. The first of the three, the late Prince’s Kiss, is often mashed by Manns with Meagan Trainor’s All about That Bass, which works amazingly well and is among my personal favorites; however, I for one am pleased that he chose to stick to the original, again lending his own unique sultry vocal styling to pay homage to its creator. 

Slowing things down for the second to last song on the album, Manns tackles the King of Pop Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel crooning his way through effortlessly. This song has been covered many times by a multitude of artists, but what’s remarkable about Manns is his astounding vocal range. His voice has a unique warble that sets him at a higher precedence than many of your main stream artists. Manns unabashedly taps into his emotions to deliver a memorable performance whether there are hundreds of people watching or just one, he never fails to make you, as the listener, feel as though he is singing solely for you.

The final song on the album is a song that will forever stand the test of time, and while it needed no improvements, it has been enhanced upon simply by having been adapted into the Manns’ vocal range that you should be intimately familiar with by this point in the album. Stand by Me, one of my all-time favorite songs, has been brought to vibrant life in a multifaceted compilation of guitar twang and sweet harmony.  I’ve seen Manns perform this song in a YouTube video, but the clarity and sincerity that shines through in his recorded version will cut straight to your soul.

Stunning B&W photo of Jason Manns performing at Van Con 2016. 

In conclusion, if this review hasn’t already made you skip straight to the buy it now button, don’t take my word for it, listen to the previews for each song for yourself, I’m confident when I say that you will still end up clicking the button. To say that I greatly recommend this album is not high enough acclaim. Is this Manns’ best album ever? I would never box his talent into such a tidy package as that, but I would be willing to say that he has set the standard high for future albums, and that it is quite possibly one of his best to date.

Thanks so much to Erika for her time on the review! Also highlighted is stunning black and white photos done by Megan of Stardust&Melancholy Photography. All image rights remain with the photographer and were used with permission. You can find more of her work here.