Singer, songwriter, guitar player and blues legend Phil Manning is without a doubt a national treasure. Phil Manning has been at the forefront of blues and roots music for over five decades, first coming to public attention as a member of pioneering blues band “Chain’, a prominent fixture on the Australian touring circuit during the sixties and seventies, and they’re still performing to this day. In fact they are playing many dates in 2023 celebrating their 55th anniversary, including Bluesfest Byron Bay and Bluesfest Melbourne.

Throughout his career Phil has displayed great talent on both the electric and acoustic guitar, absorbing influences from folk, blues, country and world genres and crafting them into his unique style. He has recorded many albums, both solo and with Chain, as well as countless recordings with other artists as a session player.

Phil has recently released two new recordings, ‘Out Of My Shed’, a self-recorded solo album showcasing his versatility and ‘Phil Manning Band – Live Around Oz 1975’, a new release from ARCA’s (Australian Road Crew Association) Desk Tapes series.

As well as solo dates and gigs with Chain this year, Phil Manning will also be performing alongside Nick Charles on the Sunday at our Melbourne Guitar Show (March 4 & 5 Caulfield Racecourse). Phil Manning plays Fender and Cole Clark guitars.

Australian Musician editor caught up with Phil Manning over a zoom call to talk about all of the above and more.

UPCOMING GIGS AND ALBUM LINKS:

Melbourne Guitar Show March 4&5 Caulfield Racecourse. Ticket link: bit.ly/MGS23tix

Phil Manning website (Purchase ‘Out of My Shed’ album) : https://www.philmanning.com.au/

Purchase ‘ Phil Manning Live Around Oz 1975’ (ARCA website): https://australianroadcrew.com.au/phil-manning-band-live-around-oz-1975/

Bluesfest Melbourne April 8&9 https://bluesfestmelbourne.com.au/

Bluesfest Byron Bay April 6-10 https://www.bluesfest.com.au/