October 25, 2010 Khan Nominated For Music Ambassador Award

Khan was surprised a few weeks ago when he was notified that he had been nominated for an award in New Zealand as Music Ambassador Of The Year! Khan thanks everyone back in Southland New Zealand for the continued support and appreciates all the emails that he has received from people from all over the country. Khan says that he is thrilled and grateful for the nomination and that he was quite surprised as he has been in living in Australia for the past 10 years.

KM webmaster

February 22, 2010 Recording with Guitar Legend Frank Gambale

Hello everyone,

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 aswell.. Thank you all again

Khan

June 17, 2009 Gig at ‘The Basement’ July 8th

Hey everyone,

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 therecord 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

May 3, 2009 Local Guitarist Khan Manuel Endorsed By Ibanez

New webzine write up: Click here to view

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!

May 2, 2009 Interview with Oz Music Scene

A recent interview with Oz Music Scene magazine/webzine…

To read, click on link below:
http://www.alloy.com/entertainment/q-a-with-khan-manuel/

April 17, 2009 New Ibanez Endorsement

Hey guys,

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

January 20, 2009 Sir Khan of solos

The hype is definately building around the debut album from Sydney guitar virtuoso Khan Manuel.Titled ‘The Knight’ the instrumental disc draws influences from Jazz.blues and of course,classic rock sources,potentially launching Manuel to a worldwide audience,let alone a national one. To show off his latest creations he’ll be dropping into The Empire Hotel,Annandale,this Saturday 24th January with supporting band Running Guns,so if you haven’t indulged in the hype yet,you’d be wise to get along before you have to pay a Satriani-sized ticket price to see him.

Drum media magazine, issue 941, 20 January 09  

January 8, 2009 Up coming Gig @ The Empire 24th Jan

Hello hello,

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

December 18, 2008 New Album Review

A MUSICAL DISCOVERY

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)

December 13, 2008 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.

Oz music scene, magazine 2008