Check out my NEW cover song "Love Me Tender": https://youtu.be/K9rKJVhXmto
Tabs: www.manelijamal.com/tabs
Introducing my tenth release as Casey Monroe, my side project where I explore well-loved songs through a lullaby-inspired lens. This time I chose Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley.
When Elvis first recorded Love Me Tender in 1956, it immediately stood out for its simplicity and warmth. Unlike the high-energy rock ānā roll he became famous for, this song felt like a quiet confession of the heart. Stripping it back even further on the nylon acoustic guitar, I found myself leaning into that hush, letting every note linger like a gentle goodnight.
What surprised me the most while working on it was how the song seemed to slow down time. Playing it at night with my baby daughter Skylar nearby, it felt less like a performance and more like a moment suspended between us. Music has a way of carrying love in the smallest details and this cover became my way of holding onto that truth.
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Happy Friday! Itās hard to believe itās already been seven weeks since our parenting journey began. I never imagined that lifeās meaning could expand the way it has with Skylar in our lives. Iām trying not to rush ahead to the days when we're talking philosophy (although I do that already and just get pooped on), and instead really savour these quiet moments now. Everything feels different, as if our lives are now divided into ābeforeā and āafterā her birth. The experience is so raw and visceral.Iāve recently finished a new song for Skylar, though it hasnāt fully settled into my hands just yet.Ā
In the meantime, Iām excited to share another new release out today, āQuiet Echoes,ā a collaboration with the talented pianist Nicholas Bamberger. This is our second song together since we first met at a composerās camp in the south of France last year, where we immediately connected. Not long after, we found ourselves in the studio, hit record, and this intimate guitar and piano duet came to life. Itās out now, and I hope you enjoy listening.
Full Song: ffm.to/QuietEchoes
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Tabs for my latest cover song "Imagine" are now available at www.manelijamal.com/tabs! watch video on watch page
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Check out my NEW cover song "Imagine": https://youtu.be/wwtRedXZMmM
Tabs: www.manelijamal.com/tabs
Originally released in 1971, āImagineā by John Lennon has become one of the most timeless and universally loved songs ever written. Its simple melody and hopeful message about peace and unity feel just as powerful today as they did over 50 years ago. Stripping it down into a soft lullaby brought out an even deeper tenderness in the song. Like a quiet prayer for a gentler world.
Playing it for my newborn daughter, Skylar, has given the lyrics new meaning for me too. I hope she grows up in a world that edges closer to the one Lennon dreamed of. And whether or not she ever picks up an instrument, Iāll always treasure these little moments of sharing music with her. Even if she's crying through my playing.
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Just wanted to share a little update on baby Skylar. Sheās now 3Ā½ weeks old, and weāve been learning so much. I know the roles will reverse eventually, but for now, sheās the one teaching us: how to be present, how to let go of plans, and how to surrender gracefullyā¦ especially when she pees on you (which Iām taking as my official initiation into fatherhood). So many beautiful moments already, and looking forward to many more.
I also wanted to share a new song I just released with the talented pianist Nicholas Bamberger, titled āDistant.ā We met at a composerās camp in the south of France last year, instantly connected, and soon after found ourselves in the studio. We hit record and the song came to life. Itās officially out now, and I hope you enjoy this intimate guitar and piano duet.
Listen here: ffm.to/distantguitarpiano
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Tabs for my latest cover song "Every Breath You Take" are now available at www.manelijamal.com/tabs! watch video on watch page
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Check out my NEW cover song "Every Breath You Take": https://youtu.be/kmXAbz1ge8I
Tabs: www.manelijamal.com/tabs
Originally released by The Police in 1983, āEvery Breath You Takeā is one of those songs thatās instantly recognizable from the very first notes. Though often mistaken for a love song, its haunting melody and watchful lyrics give it a more complex, introspective tone. Thereās a quiet intensity to it, a sense of longing that lingers beneath the surface. Playing it in this soft lullaby style felt like uncovering its gentler side. I feel so lucky to share these moments with my newborn daughter, Skylar, and to play these calming covers for her. No pressure on becoming a musician, little one, haha!
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Iāve got some big exciting news! Weāre thrilled to welcome a new member to our family. As she arrived, I was reminded of how some people say their life flashes before their eyes in near-death experiences. For me, it felt like her future flashed before mine. From her first laugh to the day she rides her bike, dresses me up like a doll, discovers her creative spark, rebels with teen sass, and eventually leaves home. It all played out before me like a glimpse into the future. Such a surreal, beautiful moment where life came full circle in an instant. I also recognize that being present is the most important thing right now and to savor each stage of her life.
Parenting isnāt easy, and even in just the last few days, weāve gained such deep respect for those who take on the honor of guiding a child forward with the wisdom theyāve gathered on their own path. And the sleepless nights we just got a taste of!
Also, happy Fatherās Day! If youāre a dad and have any advice to share, Iād love to hear it. Lay it on me!
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Check out my NEW song "Morning Haze": https://youtu.be/eXHR2mwqeC4
Tabs: www.manelijamal.com/tabs
Iāve got a brand NEW song to share with you today called Morning Haze. Itās a laid back nylon-string guitar piece I wrote while thinking of quiet mornings, when the world still feels half-asleep and the light is soft and golden. Thereās something calming about those in-between hours, and I tried to capture that feeling in the melody. Gentle, unhurried, and warm. Hope it brings a little peace to your day.
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Tabs for my new song "Morning Haze" just released are now available at www.manelijamal.com/tabs! watch video on watch page
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Guitarist Maneli Jamal has lived in five different countries (Iran, Belarus, Germany, USA, Canada) and moved 20 times before he turned 18.
Few players in his style possess his combination of power and sensitivity, as well as his extensive range of ideas. His rhythmic concepts can be brief and dense to being meticulously explored across multiple movements and real-life anecdotes. The proof of his talent can be seen in his many victories in international music competitions, including a 1st place finish at Canada's Soundclash Music Awards. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the top 30 guitarists under 30 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
Growing up in a musical family has played a significant role in shaping his distinctive storytelling live performances. He has performed across 5 continents and 17 countries. He has a signature model acoustic guitar named after him and featured on the front cover of the 2015 Toronto magazine, which had a worldwide distribution of 500,000 copies.