MORE than half-a-century after releasing their first album, The Manfreds will be showcasing their latest release on a tour coming to Ilkley next month.

In the beginning was Manfred Mann, a band whose hit catalogue includes Pretty Flamingo, Mighty Quinn, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Ha Ha Said The Clown and Just Like A Woman.

Part-way through their string of hits, the band survived the departure of singer and frontman Paul Jones.

His replacement, Mike D’Abo, kept the momentum going, but eventually the band – who had veered away from their original R ’n’ B and jazz leanings into the world of commercial pop – broke up.

Members each enjoyed solo success, but in 1991 the band reformed (without Manfred Mann, the keyboard player) for guitarist Tom McGuinness’s 50th birthday.

They enjoyed it so much they have continued touring to this day.

Original members Paul Jones (vocals and harmonica), Tom McGuinness (guitars) and Mike Hugg (keyboards) are joined onstage by stalwarts Marcus Cliffe (bass), Simon Currie (flute and sax) and Rob Townsend (drums).

Occasionally they appear with Mike D’Abo, in a show that encompasses the whole of the band’s output.

In fact, Mike appears on the new album, taking turns with Paul on lead vocals.

The album is called Makin’ Tracks and, coincidentally, the first track, Smokestack Lightning, was also the first track on the band’s very first album back in 1964.

As well as blues and R ‘n’ B standards like I’m Your Kingpin and Bring It On Home To Me, the band tackle covers such as Sun-shine Superman and Lean On Me.

Relaxing just before a show, guitarist Tom McGuinness tells me the new songs have been well received.

“The reception has been fantastic and it was interesting to record these different versions of the songs,” he says.

But it’s been a long time since the last album. “That’s right, to be honest the problem was finding the time to go into the studio,” he says.

“We tour a lot as The Manfreds and we all have different projects outside the band.

“For instance, Paul, Rob and I tour as The Blues Band and the others have equally busy schedules.”

For the 2017 dates so far announced, Mike D’Abo will not be appearing with The Manfreds.

“No, Mike doesn’t do every tour and he is touring with The New Amen Corner and Mike Pender,” says Tom.

When Paul Jones is the sole vocalist, the band in the past has tended to concentrate on the earlier – more bluesy – material.

“We’ll concentrate on the early stuff, but will play a lot of the hits as well as a few tracks off the new album,” says Tom.

“It will be a great night; Paul always gets the audience going and it’s great hearing them join in all the songs. We really do have some great fans.”

Tom, Paul and Mike Hugg are in their 70s but show no signs of slowing. “No, we all enjoy it too much. It’s great getting paid to do what you love for a living – and it’s far too late now for me to get a proper job,” laughs Tom.

As for the band’s plans for the year, Tom isn’t sure.

“We never like to plan too far ahead,” he says. “We have the spring dates and more than likely there’ll be some in the autumn, too, as well as some stately home shows in the summer.”

The Manfreds are at Kings Hall, Ilkley, on March 23. Call 01274 432000 for more details and ticket information.

lMartin Hutchinson