!Manhattan Nites!

12/15/07

No.2

I have heard musicians say that singers are only as good as the band that backs them. If that is true, The Manhattans have surely picked the right band. The Manhattans consistently give performances that leave their audiences wanting more and that's partially because they have a band that also believe in giving their best at all times. The Manhattan Express, consists of five members: Arthur "Scrib" Scribner (keyboards, and Musical Director for the group), Bobby Ricks (drummer), Bill Harris (bass), Toby Northan (lead guitar), and Eddie Pazant (Saxophone). The first thing you realize about this group is the camaraderie. They really enjoy being together. There is a feeling of brotherhood, and they not only work well together, they also take care of one another. They operate much like a family in that respect, and even though working with family can be difficult at times—it works for them.

One of the unique things about this band is their relationship with the singers.  Even though The Manhattans are a Grammy award-winning group, they all travel together. If the singers are traveling by limousine, the band is traveling with them. They respect each other as professionals. In turn, the band has a fierce loyalty to the group and especially to the founding member Edward "Sonny" Bivens. The Manhattan Express have also built a reputation for being able to fill in at a moment's notice—many times without rehearsal. Being able to do that comes from being familiar with all styles of music, and from playing together on and off for many years. The rhythm section is from Maryland, and is well known in and around the Baltimore area as a group, and as individual musicians. Their music is so tight that they almost know when one of them is about to make a mistake.

The Manhattan Express is an extension of The Manhattans, and are also dedicated to giving an exceptional performance each and every time. Playing music is not a hobby for them; it's a lifestyle and they take the gifts they've been given very seriously. The band has also created fans, and is known throughout the industry as having an easy-going, laid back style. Like any band, they may have differences, but they are handled off-stage. Their job once they get on-stage is to make every person who came out to see The Manhattans come back again and again—and they do that every time.

Sharon Ricks

Managing Editor

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