Well its been a long time since I have written in to keep you updated, geepers its been just over 6 months… I haven’t quite been doing nothing Apart from having a bit of time out, I have just finished writing my second book entitled ‘Unlocking The Modes’ which will be available here at the website www.khanmanuel.com and Amazon. In addition I have recorded an audio instructional mp3 that is more like a seminar that goes for approx 1hr that will be available from khanmanuel.com also. Over the past 3 months I have been doing alot of gigs around Sydney with duos/covers etc.. But the main thing that I have been focusing on is the recording world famous guitar legend Frank Gambale. I have studied Frank since I was young, I have his DVD instructionals and books and have studied his style for the past 15 yrs. Frank is a pioneer of the electric guitar and as well as winning a Grammy is known worldwide to be one of the top guitarists over the past 20 yrs! A few months ago I started working on a ballad which is now entitled ‘When Two Become One’ and approached Frank of the possibility of him playing on it. Frank agreed and we have just completed the recording which will be released very soon. It is so awesome to have recorded with Frank and is really really for-filling…! Thanks heaps mate  and thank you to everyone that supports me and my music I really REALLY appreciate it! I have been advised by high profile people in the music/guitar industry to move to New York or Los Angeles but have made the decision to live and stay here in Australia… but to travel abroad to perform my music all over the world.. Thank you all again and God Bless,

Khan

July 8th is the date for The Basement gig down in Circular Quay. One of the leading
establishments for live music in Australia, be sure to come down for a great evening.
Joining me on stage are some of Australias finest players. On bass, Chris Soulos, who
has played with the likes of Jermaine Jackson (Michael Jacksons bro, from Jackson 5)..and many other well known Australian artists too. On drums is the extraordinary Guy Hughes from House of Kings, who also holds the
record for Sydneys fastest drummer so watch out for some quality drumming. And
magical European virtuoso guitarist Oles Yurakov covering the other guitar parts. Below is
a link to the website… be in quick for the earlybird tickets for a discount because theres
not many!

http://www.thebasement.com.au/

See you there!

Khan

Regular readers of my blog may remember me raving about Sydney guitarist Khan Manuel and his debut album The Knight. The future’s looking a lot brighter for this local virtuoso - he’s just signed a two-year endorsement deal with global guitar giant Ibanez. He is currently the only Australian guitarist to be endorsed by the iconic brand.

The deal with the international instrument manufacturer promises to secure many opportunities for the local lad. It paves the way for Khan to conduct clinics with Paul Gilbert (Racer X, Mr. Big) and perform with other world-class Ibanez guitarists, including Joe Satriani, George Benson, and Steve Vai.

“I have played Ibanez guitars for as long as I can remember and have always used them as my main guitar,” Khan said.

“This endorsement is probably one of the best things that can push an instrumental guitarist’s career forward. It really is a dream come true for me and it will open up so many doors.”

Khan credits Kurt Schramm, Adam Goglis, and the rest of the team from Australis Music Group, Australia’s largest independent musical instrument distributors, for their assistance in securing this historic deal.

Congratulations to him on this latest success! It sounds like the sky’s the limit!

to be the feature guitarist for the month of May.

Here goes a link to the website:

http://www.indieguitarists.com

I also had an interview with Monica Yonge the founder of the site. You can check out the interview

here:     http://www.indieguitarists.com/indieguitarinterviews

Thanks to Monica for the support, and a great website for guitarists,

Khan

To read, click on link below:

http://www.ozmusicscene.com/q-a-with-khan-manuel

I am very proud to announce that I have just been endorsed by legendary guitar company Ibanez!!!
Ibanez also sponsors great players like Joe Satriani, George Benson, Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Pat Metheny to name but a few, and this really is a dream come true for me!

A huge thank you goes to Kurt Schramm, Adam Goglis and the rest of the team down at Australis Music Group, without you guys this wouldn’t be possible.

I have played Ibanez guitars since as long as I can remember and have always used them as my main guitar. I have owned many models …Steve Vai Jem, 7V white, Floral Jem, Satriani model JS100, GIO, Acoustics… heaps and all have been comfortable to play. If you are a Jazz enthusiast then I would highly recommend the George Benson model, its such a beautiful Guitar! Or if you are more into the Shredding side of things then possibly the Steve Vai Jems, Satriani models, RG series and also the Sabre models. All are a treasure to play and if you havnt already done so, try them for yourself, I guarantee that you wont be disappointed!

Once again thankyou to everyone that sends emails of support, I really do appreciate it and it makes
me work even harder to get the very best out that I can deliver!

Until next time,

Khan

Drum media magazine, issue 941, 20 January 09

Just to let everyone know, I have an album launch at The Empire in Annandale on the 24th January.

Cost is $12 and there is also a Rockin band ‘Raise the crazy’ that hits the stage before me and my band.

Im also very pleased to say that the musicians that im working with are some of the best Ive ever played with. Drummer Guy Hughes is an absolute master on the Drums with an array of styles and grooves that he can come in and out of. Viv Fernandez is a multi talented instrumentalist who can play any style with great feel on many different instruments and Roo Pengly is as solid as a Rock on Bass and has a natural feel to anything that he plays.

So come on down to The Empire in Annandale on the 24th for a rockin night, starts @8pm.

Its gonna be one heck of an evening!

Khan

For a debut,this is quite an impressive one  from this very talented guitar played from down under!!!
From THE KNIGHT to THE WEDDING SONG,all the compositions are excellent and the pleasure to discover a melodic album will be plenty satisfied!Just listen FLAMENCO NIGHTS and MIDNIGHT JAZZ and you’ll realise how versatile is this guitar player!
Good production and a major potential for a very gifted young guitar player!
Pay attention  to an album that has everything,from feeling,passionated compositions,diversity,major musicianship and and a  great sense of melody!Influences of major guitar players like Satriani and Gambale are everywhere,but Khan has his own personality and style already!
You won’t be dissapointed at all!!!

OVIDIU (For The Love Of Guitar Radio Station In Europe)

This is a recent write up in the ‘Oz Music Scene’ magazine. You can check it out here at www.ozmusicscene.com

Khan Manuel: Guitar Hero

Sydney guitar virtuoso Khan Manuel is turning heads with the release of his debut album The Knight.

The instrumental disc is filled with eclectic tracks featuring blistering solos and clean execution. Khan isn’t afraid to experiment, with his tunes influenced by Spanish flamenco beats, mellow jazz, and sexy blues. Classic technique meets dirty rock, inspiring comparisons to the greats like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

The Knight has reached number two on the prestigious international Guitar Nine Records charts and earned Khan fans in America, Japan, Italy, Romania, Canada, and other international destinations.

Now it’s Australia’s turn to tune in. Head to Khan’s website to listen to his music and pick up a copy of The Knight.