Happy 2011!

January 4, 2011

Twenty-Eleven….and here we are!
Hello everyone! Hope you are off to a great start this New Year! There is much anticipation for what this New Year promises to bring. 2010 was wonderful in so many ways and even with all the economic challenges we were able to get the new CD out.

I mentioned in an earlier post that we were working on a new project so let me update you. Many of you know that my music career started with the Manuel Family Band and spanned about 7 years. During this time our family recorded 4 projects……Branded, Ridin’High, A Manuel Family Christmas, & Keepin’ It Country.  I have selected 21 songs from these vintage recordings to create a 2 disc solo project that will be remixed and mastered. The project is well on the way to completion and should be ready for retail around February 1st.  Be sure to check our website frequently for availability.

We have received so many testimonies of how our songs have affected the everyday lives of our fans and supporters. I recently received the letter below and wanted to share this with you. It is my prayer that it blesses you as much as it did me.

December 17, 2010
Mr. Manuel,

I don’t know if you remember me but I sent you an email a few years ago from a homeless shelter and you sent me a copy of your CD with a Trophy of Grace song on it. I just wanted to say thank you and let you know that CD got me through a lot and kept my faith strong. I was a drug addict living on the streets with nothing but the close on my back when the Lord started speaking to me it seems from all directions. I started then cleaning myself up and went into a shelter. Just in 2 years I have found employment, bought a house, my wife and three children are now back with me and life is better than it has ever been for me. Our bills are paid every month and we lack nothing. The Lord didn’t just pick me up but restored everything better than it has ever been. Now your song Trophy of Grace has even more meaning to me than before because i am that Trophy of Grace. Because of the Mercy and Grace of our Lord I can stand knowing He has forgiven me and that I hold a place with him in heaven. There is meaning and purpose in my life again and I love to tell people about it. Thank You Mike for the blessing you sent me and know that your music and ministry is reaching and touching people in a big way. The Lord is definitely working through you. Let me know when you come out with a new CD as I will want a copy. Thanks again Mr. Manuel.

In Christ,
Douglas

Blessings to all!
Mike

New CD “Pieces of my Heart” Available Now!

Mike recently completed the new “Pieces of my Heart” which contains new material that he feels will continue to enhance the popularity of this genre.

This compilation of songs will take the listener into intimate areas of my life where they will capture the many emotions of love. Some will say that I have taken a different direction with this project and they will be right. Real life is not a list of ingredients from some recipe book you compile to create Mama’s favorite dish complete with a 100% satisfaction guarantee! No……life deals you the components and the results are fashioned from your choices…. good or bad. You will experience everything from the pain of love gone wrong to the humor of how to get on with your life. This journey will guide you through the warmth of “Like This” written for my Sweetheart Tish, on to the (tissue mandatory) “All In My Book” and “Beautiful Lady” penned on the day of two special weddings. Consistent with previous projects, this collection is filled with influences of the real Love Man, Jesus Christ and addresses the need for the redemption of mankind. I am confident you will laugh, smile, cry, or all of the above as you experience the pieces of my heart! Mike Manuel

Special thanks to the Father who sent Jesus Christ to make the ultimate sacrifice and the Holy Spirit for the inspiration to do what I do. To my wife for being an awesome companion, their love and support, my sons for well…I’m sure it will come to me, my daughters and son-in-laws for the grandsons (Stoobs, T Bug, Cookie Bear & Bumps) who will provide much future inspiration! Mom and Dad for being you! The brothers and their families. Thanks to all the friends and fans who love my music along with radio, TV, and all media that support my music. Special thanks to Kevin for working with me through the years. Thanks to the contributing songwriters. To the Mission Country staff and financial supporters, you did it again!

This project is dedicated to the memory of the late Bobby All. Beyond the great musical contributions to this CD, we will miss the gentle spirited friend you were to so many of us. See you soon!

Mike gave the media a glimpse of one song on his new project – a lighthearted look at how a man who doesn’t drink alcohol deals with heartache and loss. . . with LOTS of coffee!

Seasons Greetings!

It’s Christmas this week! Hope everyone is as excited about the holidays as I am. I have been so blessed this year and it definitely feels like Santa has already brought my gifts (for the benefit of the young readers!)

I will be in the studio starting Monday enjoying the awesome Background vocals of John Wesley Riles & Liana Manis taking us closer to the completion of the Remix Project. I guess I should explain. Some time back I was thinking about all the great songs that we recorded as a family and got this idea to revisit those great tunes with new vocals! It was during the re-singing of those 21 songs that I  remembered how great those old songs were! Not only that……but I knew that this was not just a re-mastering of old classics but this was gonna be a NEW PROJECT! I can’t wait until it is finished (early 2011) and we are able to offer it on our website.

I’ll be updating you on the project as it progresses so check back often! Be blessed and remember the real meaning of Christmas this year!