After ten years of touring the globe as a keyboardist for GRAMMY® winners, nominees, and Billboard chart-toppers, Greg Manning made the bold transition from sideman to solo artist and producer. Having crafted over a dozen Billboard No. 1 hits and contributed to two GRAMMY-nominated albums, Manning has now turned his focus to empowering fellow sidemen and sidewomen with his new indie label, EQuity Records. Launched on Valentine’s Day, the label’s debut single is trumpeter Patches Stewart’s “Soul Serenade,” which Manning co-wrote and produced. The jazzy, midtempo instrumental groove debuted as the No. 1 most added new single on the Smooth Jazz Network chart.
EQuity Records is Manning’s way of giving long-time sidemen like Stewart, who has played with legends like Quincy Jones and Al Jarreau, the opportunity to shine as solo artists. Manning’s own chart success, including his recent No. 1 hit “Patches’ Groove” for guitarist Les Sabler, aligns serendipitously with Stewart’s single release.
In addition to Stewart, Manning’s label is also home to new artists like Japanese saxophonist Wakana and harmonica player Patrick Bettison, with their debut releases expected later this year. Manning, a Berklee College of Music alumnus born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, has extensive international experience, having toured with notable artists such as Kirk Whalum and Will Downing. His own recording career began with the 2010 album The Calling, and his work has earned multiple Billboard No. 1 hits, including for Blake Aaron, Cindy Bradley, and Herb Alpert.
Manning’s enthusiasm for EQuity Records is evident: “I’m excited to start this new chapter and expand the boundaries of contemporary jazz while giving artists the freedom to explore their creativity.”
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