Manny Charlton

Most notable for being a founder member as well as being the lead guitarist for Scottish hard-rockers Nazareth, Manny Charlton has been around so to speak, and is still bashing away!

Since leaving Nazareth (he produced the bands platinum album ‘Hair Of The Dog’ which sold over 2 million copies), Manny has released several solo albums (some produced in Germany with German bands), including ‘Sharp’ (originally released in 2004) and ‘Sharp Re-loaded’ (originally released in 2005). Now, thanks to Angel Air Records, ‘Sharp/Sharp Re-loaded’ is available as a cracking double CD-set – and with a whopping 23 tracks in total plus 4 bonus tracks.

Manny’s penchant for bluesy axe work and his eclectic taste in music make for a highly entertaining and versatile mix of songs – most of them cover versions and of course some Nazareth classics – here given an individual make-over by Manny. Each and every one of the songs are solid and exemplary in how to dish up cover versions that are instantly recognisable yet refreshingly unique.

Standout tracks on DISC 1 are ‘Muddy Water’ (aka ‘I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water’), a song originally recorded by Stonewall Jackson. Muddy’s take is more upbeat and less country, and draws you in from the first chord – still, I won’t wash my hands in muddy water…
What can be said about ‘All Along The Watchtower’ that hasn’t been said before, I hear you say? Well, not much, except that Mr. Manny Charlton’s version is godam awesome and well out there! Definitely not a blatant Dylan rip-off, and most certainly not a glistening heavy guitar affair a la Hendrix, this version is a dead-catchy fusion of folk and reggae elements with a stomping beat.

As for ‘Deeper Well’, what a beautiful song, no matter who the artist! Ok, so Emmylou Harris and Canada’s The Wailin’ Jennys done a great job of course, but once again Manny’s take certainly has its allure and charm. For one, and upon hearing the first chords, I could have sworn it was the opening tune to TV-series ‘Hell On Wheels’… and I do love that opening tune! Better still, some gospel elements shine through – at the same time Manny manages to give it a contemporary feel, for example, you can imagine that song being covered by Wisconsin alt-rockers Violent Femmes.

God gave us Hambone Willie Newbern, and Hambone gave us the ole blues classic ‘Rollin’ n Tumblin’… and Manny gave us his version. It rocks! It sounds tribal! It sounds ecstatic! It sounds like I want to rock n tumble all night long – cos trouble gon' come some day…

If there’s one thing that simply can’t be amiss on the album, then it’s Nazareth’s bestseller… which is ‘Don’t Judas Me’. Beautifully executed here, that’s all that needs to be said. Hold on, one more thing: also very beautifully guitar-play!

‘I Can’t Stop The Rain’ is one of Manny’s own compositions, perfectly demonstrating his skills as a bona fide blues guitarist and composer. Followed by another scorching Manny Charlton number, an instrumental called ‘Cold Front’.

DISC 2 also has a honking selection of tracks. Highlights here are ‘Cinema’ – another Nazareth cracker (though with all respect Dan McCafferty is the better vocalist…). As Manny Charlton confesses, “I’m not the world’s greatest singer” – on that note, perhaps he should have given ‘Strength Of Strings’ – a number by Byrds leader Gene Clark, a miss! Admittedly, Manny’s guitar/dobro play is pretty impressive on his take here, but his vocals will never reach the clarity of one Gene Clark. Same goes for ‘So You Want To Be A Rock ‘n’ Roll Star’.

However, Manny redeems himself with his cover version of Dylan’s ‘Wicked Messenger’ – clearly, Manny feels more at home in rock and blues territory than 60’s
Psychedelic country rock.