Liviu Jean Manciu

Musical career

Liviu Jean Manciu began playing guitar at the age of 12 and is predominantly self-taught. He started playing with his first band “Atomic” in Reschitz (Romania) at the age of 16, taking 1st prize in a federal state rock band competition which was also recorded on radio. He moved to Germany in 1978, where he gained further experience playing in rock, blues and jazz-rock bands. He continued to win music awards in his new domicile, including 1st prize in the Allgäu (Bavaria) rock competition in 1982. Moreover, in 1995, he was an award winner in the Group and Soloists’ Competition held in Zurich (Switzerland).

 With his many years of experience as a live performer in various groups, Liviu Jean Manciu has become an guitarist who is in great demand. This is underlined by numerous radio and television appearances abroad. His guitar-playing is dominated by captivating dynamism, virtuoso mastery of his instrument and creative improvisation. He has played at concerts in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, Holland, USA, Greece, Spain and Romania. Furthermore, he has released several music productions (CD albums) under his own name and has worked as a sideman on various music projects.  

Through his acquaintances with well-known guitarists such as Brian May (Queen), Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake), Dan Huff (Giant), Andy Timmons (Danger Danger, Simon Phillips), John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, Al di Meola, Philip Catherine, Charles Smith (Cool & The Gang), Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa) he was able to gain additional experience.

During his career the artists and bands he has played with include:

Larry Coryell, Hiram Bullock Band, Eldad Tarmu Quartett, Stefan Holstein, Larry Mitchell, Steve White. 

Important musical influences

Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Frank Zappa, Django Reinhardt, John McLaughlin, J. S. Bach. 

Favourite musicians/composers

Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore,  Frank Zappa, John McLaughlin, Steve Vai, Chick Corea, J. S. Bach.

Current projects

- ELECTRISSIMO                      Unique performance of classical music (from baroque to romantic) with concert organist Walter Dolak. The interpretation of the music alternates incessantly between the written composition and improvisation.

-THE GENDRIX                        The repertoire of this Romanian-English-German trio, also featuring bass player Paul Alan Gee from England and the well-known drummer from Allgäu, Pit Gogl, encompasses a varied selection of originals and classic rock songs.

- DUO RITMICO                         Latin, folk and blues songs featuring two acoustic guitars, pleasant to listen to and performed with technical dexterity together with the afore-mentioned musician, Paul Alan Gee (this time on acoustic guitar).

- ANTARES acoustic trio            "ANTARES acoustic trio" is an acoustic jazz trio devoted to sophisticated instrumental jazz renderings with a preference for latin, classical and ethno/world music. The two other group members are double bass player Tiny Schmauch, who is also well-known outside of  Allgäu, and Pit Gogl (this time playing percussion).

All works on the classical album “ELECTRISSIMO” for church organ and electric guitar feature Liviu Jean Manciu’s own guitar arrangements.

Liviu Jean Manciu also wrote most of the originals performed by THE GENDRIX, DUO RITMICO and ANTARES acoustic trio.

Endorsements

Line6 (amplifiers)

IBANEZ (guitars)

Discography

Kevin Henderson "Kentucky Bound" (country-rock) 1992

Blue Flame "Together Strong" (rock-funk-fusion) 1997

THE GENDRIX "Rediscovery" (rock & blues) 1998

THE GENDRIX "Dr. Music" (rock & blues) 1999

Liviu Jean Manciu "Electrissimo" (electric guitar meets classical music) 2000

Liviu Jean Manciu "Portrait" (rock-classic-blues-fusion) 2001

Liviu Jean Manciu "Electrissimo 2" (electric and acoustic guitars meet classical music) 2002

THE GENDRIX "Timeprints" (rock & blues) 2003

Pit Gogl "Dreamland" (film music) 2003

Jazz im Allgäu (ANTARES acoustic trio and various other artists) 2003

ANTARES acoustic trio "Balada de la Timis" (latin-ethno-jazz) 2004