Think of this as the tranquil, intimate period of Melissa Manchester‘s musical artistry. The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter said her latest music is a reflection of new avenues she has begun to explore now that her children are grown and her familial responsibilities have lightened.
“The first half of my career was kind of loud,” said Manchester from her Los Angeles office. “Now, the world has gotten loud enough for me. I am looking at interesting and accessible ways to bring music to people. The shows are a reflection of that.”
Manchester?s musical road has been a storied one, working as a singer-songwriter in New York before landing a stint as a backing vocalist for Bette Midler.
Her talents as singer, songwriter and actress have been rewarded through the years with many kudos including a 1982 Grammy Award as Best Vocalist in recognition of “You Should Hear How She Talks About You.”
But Manchester put a halt to her career for almost a decade to concentrate on family life. This tour is the first she?s done to support her 2004 release, “When I Look Down That Road.”
Now she?s on the road again, having finished performances in musicals she co-wrote. This new tour is unlike any she?s done before because of the tone of the musical she performs.
“The music I create has just changed from me,” said Manchester. “It?s interesting because it forces you to use a different kind of performing muscle.”
That?s something Manchester ? who like many artists was strictly controlled by record companies inthe past ? has welcomed. The “new” Manchester performs with a softer, huskier tone than has been heard before, critics note.
“Melissa Manchester is back on the road. But you might not recognize her,” wrote a critic for The New York Daily News. “The woman of 2007 delivers songs with an earthier, smokier, sexier style than the girl of 1975 who popped out ?Midnight Blue.? ”
Now that audiences have experienced the new Manchester sound, the singer-songwriter is looking to further develop it as she moves ahead.
“It is really eating that elephant one bite at a time,” said Manchester of her elaborate plans. “I love that people get to rediscover me, and some of my songs, again.”
IF YOU GO
Performer: Melissa Manchester
Venue: Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Details: $50; 410-547-SEAT
