Ethan Carey and Garry Manuel Collaborate with Sons for i95 ROCK Collaboration
In the early months of 2017, Garry Manuel, my long-time friend, and former musical partner from our days in the band “Sunup” during the ’70s, came up with a brilliant idea. Both of our sons, Ethan James and Marshall Manuel, possess remarkable musical talent and are gifted singer-songwriters. With Garry’s vision, we embarked on a journey to create an album that would showcase the musical prowess of our sons, thus birthing the project “SonsUp.” Marshall’s expertise in audio engineering, acquired through his college education, made him the perfect fit for the producer role, setting the stage for a truly remarkable creative process.
The “SonsUp” album encompasses a diverse range of musical offerings, including a Beatles cover, three original compositions by Ethan James, a track penned by Marshall Manuel, and four original pieces by Sunup. All these tracks are available for listening on popular music platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. Take a moment to appreciate one of Ethan James’ soul-stirring compositions.
The collaborative effort to produce the “SonsUp” album turned into an unparalleled bonding experience for fathers and sons alike. We came together, put pen to paper, recorded, and shared our original creations, fostering a sense of unity and creativity throughout the process. After laying down the vocal tracks, Sunup’s original bass player, Charlie Castilano, and a lineup of talented musicians joined forces in the studio to sprinkle their magic on the music with guitar riffs, keyboard melodies, and drum beats. Following this creative journey, the baton was passed to Marshall, the album’s producer, who meticulously mixed the tracks to perfection. The result of this harmonious collaboration was the release of the “SonsUp” album in August 2017.
At the age of 73, Garry and I felt a deep-seated urge to immortalize our musical legacy through what we consider to be our final Sunup album, “The Key Is Love.” This musical masterpiece comprises 15 tracks, each a heartfelt tribute to some of our favorite artists in the industry. Released to the public in August 2024, this album is a testament to the enduring bond of our 50-year friendship and our unrelenting passion for creating music. One particular track pays homage to the legendary songwriter John Prine, underscoring our reverence for the music that has shaped our lives.
The journey of collaborative musical exploration with our sons has been a profound and fulfilling experience for Garry and me. Through these albums, “SonsUp” and “The Key Is Love,” we have forged lasting memories and celebrated the power of music to bring generations together in harmony.