Troesh center welcomes Los Angeles saxophonist Manning

Manning will take the stage Wednesday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Troesh center at the Zapara School of Business as part of the Pierce Street Jazz series. Backing him will be Henry “the Skipper” Franklin, bass, Theo Saunders, piano, and Marvin “Smitty” Smith, drums. Admission is free. 

Manning has shared the stage or recorded with numerous noted artists including Albert "Tootie" Heath, Al Williams, Alphonse Mouzon, Azar Lawrence, Ben Clatworthy, Bill Cunliffe, Putter Smith, and many others. He has collaborated extensively with the Los Angeles Jazz Quartet and Swiss multi-instrumentalist, Isla Eckinger, and has toured Europe with his own ensemble, The Chuck Manning Quartet. His musical influences range from John Coltrane and Bobby Bradford to the stylings of North Indian classical flutist Pannalal Ghosh.

Manning’s band for the Pierce Street concert features musicians noted for their extensive performing and recording experience and skill.

Franklin has recorded and produced more than 150 albums and compact discs including two gold releases. One of his latest albums through his label Skipper Productions is titled “Three More Sounds: High Voltage.” Released in 2015, it is a tribute to McCoy Tyner and includes Manning as a guest artist. Over the years Franklin has performed and recorded with many headline artists including Freddie Hubbard, Count Basie, Stevie Wonder, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, and the legendary Hugh Masekela.

Saunders, who is also a composer, has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals and concert halls with distinguished artists including Freddie Hubbard, Carla Bley, David “Fathead” Newman, Gladys Knight, and many others. He has directed music for opera productions and international musical theatre. He also has numerous compositions to his credit as well as original scores for theatre, radio and multimedia production.

Smith, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, has recorded his own solo albums and has worked on over 300 albums with various artists. He has toured with Sting, Dave Holland, Sonny Rollins, Willie Nelson, Steve Coleman and worked many other famous acts. He is a former member of The New York Jazz Quartet, The Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet and The Dave Holland Quartet, and is a former drummer for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” where he was a band member for over 14 years. 

The Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, Calif., 92505. For further information call 951-785-2148. A campus map is available at https://lasierra.edu/campus-map/.