What The Critics Say

 

 

 

 

  

"Manuel sings with great range and power."

 

 

"His vocals are right on, emotional without ever being over the top. Manuel's voice charms and seduces. His range sounds effortless."

--David Kunian, Gambit Weekly

 

"The mellifluous vocalist revels in and examines each textual and melodic nuance, like a jeweler examining a fine diamond."

--Reuben Jackson, NPR Jazz CD Review

 

"The singer has an abundance of chops that he uses tastefully. A natural warmth fills his falsetto as he becomes one in the mix of instruments... The compositions by the Manuel/Pellera team produce some of the albums' best moments... Manuel offers a mature album that's elegantly swinging and beautiful."

--Geraldine Wycoff, Jazz Times Magazine 

 

 

"Phillip is in a class by himself. His original attack is pure delight to fans of' no nonsense' mainstream jazz. Phillip uses his cutting voice like an instrument."

 --Richard Bourcier, Jazz at a Glance

 

 

 

 

 

"Manuel sang the wordless melody as if it were a prayer. His ethereal high tones suggested Bobby McFerrin, his sensuous low ones, Billy Eckstine."

--The San Francisco Chronicle 

 

  "His experience with musical theater and with symphony orchestras leads to crisp phrasing and flawless articulation, but there is no lack of warmth, sincerity and passion in his singing and his prodigious range doesn't hurt either."

--Jonathan Taybak, Offbeat Magazine

 

 "Manuel is a super vocal stylist, turning the upbeat into gymnastic floor exercises and the ballads (so difficult to sing slowly) into sonic ambrosia."

 --C. Michael Bailey, AllAboutJazz.com

 

 

 

  

"And so it goes throughout the disc, Manuel soaring over and through the arrangements as rendered by the likes of Nicholas Payton and Ellis Marsalis... Manuel wields pinpoint accuracy over his instrument and is equally at home scatting. 'Love Happened To Me' is a poised, polished, graceful, lovingly rendered showcase for Manuel's lithe voice."

 --Keith Spera, New Orleans Times Picayune 

 

"The perfect display of Manuel's vocal prowess, showing not only incredible technique, but his ability to entrance the listener with his rich inflection."

--Mark LaMaire, Offbeat Magazine

 

"Phillip's voice is dramatic and warm with a lot of soul. He breathes new life into such classics as 'I Wish' and 'Summertime.'"

--D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place Jazz Newsletter 

 

"A local treasure!"

--Eric Paulsen/News Anchor, WWL TV, Channel 4, New Orleans