There were many friends and colleagues along the road... some are living some are gone...
Influences
Rock, Country and Blues music were the first influnces. In latter years Mediterranean music particularly Maltese Folklore music Ghana (aanah) and Prejjem (preyyem)
Sounds Like
Acoustic street type singing sung mainly in bars and clubs. It could be compared with Fado, Rembetika or Flemenco but has its own characteristics which make it different. The guitar sounds are very unique in sound and construction. This is due mainly to the type of unique tuning and the types of guitars used, which are designed especially for Prejjem playing.
In my album "NEON I played electric and acoustic guitars which were all tuned to piano pitch. This was my interpetation of the music as I see it but not authentic as such. Therefore I interpreted the music for the poplular genre. By using both electronic and acoustic sounds I tried to open it up for a more universal audience. 'Neon' did very well as did "Tila'(canvas).
Played in several popular music groups between the mid 60’s and 80’s. Such as Coasters-4, Fuzz, Arnhem, Windy and Warm, Life Sound Dimension, the Fendermen, Masquerade and others. When he finished his career in The Melbourne music scene, he gravitated towards Maltese music which is his heritage.
Since 1985, he produced several music albums for Maltese artists in Melbourne and wrote many songs for local artists. His album NEON has enjoyed popularity in Malta and among Maltese living overseas. His last album TILA which he released with the popular ghannej France Baldacchino ‘il-Budaj’ was probably the first joint effort between Malta and Australia, where Manuel created and recorded the arrangements as well as the artwork while France sang his own lyrics over the music.
He produced and presented for radio since 1975 with various Maltese stations. His “Ir Rokna ta’ l-Ghana Malti” (Maltese Ghana (anaah) Music Corner) remains on air and maintains its popularity to date on SBS Radio.
Manuel has spent the last twenty three years researching Maltese indigenous music of Ghana (aanah) and Prejjem (prajjam) and is looking to publish a book on his research.
Mannie, I just got the CD and I can't tell you how much I am enjoying it. Listening to the ghanna, brings back so much memories of when I lived in Malta. The music on the CD is just awsome.
Hey!!!! We just wanted to stop by and touch in with you. Have you checked out our websites yet?? Let us know if you'd like to work with us ..........take care.......
Thanks for the add request :) Hope life downunder is treating you well & it's great to see you keep your maltese origins alive & kicking. Budaj was a great artist & person too - may he rest in peace. Take care & stay in touch, regards
Hi Mannie I really liked your music! Probably you where the first maltese intrumental guitarist ! Hope We can jam someday i'm sure we come with something intresting !
Mannie, I love the music. Keep up the good work. It is always nice to see a fellow Maltese keeping up our traditions. Thanks for the ad and keep in touch.
