I JUST DON'T KNOW by GARRY MANUEL (written by Jim Tomkinson)

To listen, click here: I JUST DON'T KNOW by GARRY MANUEL

Garry Manuel's "I Just Don't Know" is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant singer-songwriter track with a gentle, folk-like foundation. The subtle and minimal production creates an intimate, authentic atmosphere, allowing the raw emotion of the song to take center stage. Manuel's expressive vocals, accompanied by acoustic steel string and nylon string guitars, along with a delicate string arrangement, deliver a narrative that is both personal and universal. The lyrics delve into the complex emotions of a deep-seated love facing an uncertain future, capturing a poignant blend of affection and a quiet sense of questioning. It's a song that speaks to the vulnerability of long-term relationships, reflecting on a shared history while contemplating the road ahead. The song delivers an emotional, heartfelt, and reflective tone to the listener.

The song was written by Garry's longtime friend, Jim Tomkinson, and includes Jim's cousin, Brian Soule (Sunup) on keyboard. In fact, Jim and Brian performed as a duo for a decade or more and originally did a recording of the song in Garry's parent's basement in the mid-70's. Brian played an integral role in the group, Sunup, along with Garry for decades.

Dave Kluge plays upright bass, perfectly executing the bowed portion of the song near the close, adding to the haunting and deeply emotional song qualities.

The recording, digital, & mastering engineer, was Garry's son, Marshall Manuel.

From Garry:

“I Just Don’t Know” wasn’t just any song. From the first time I heard Jim play the song, I loved it. I wasn’t the only one who loved the tune - many did or do. Unfortunately, Jim passed in 2017, so, when I decided to take it on I was a bit cautious, finding myself arguing within - should I or shouldn’t I record the song? I was fearful of what Jim’s family and the many people who loved his music might think of me having the audacity of recording one of Jim’s songs. In fact, Brian was a bit reluctant at first to be on the recording. Frankly, one of the pivotal reasons that tipped the scales in the decision was the fact that people were not going to be able to hear the music of Jim Tomkinson unless someone recorded and released his songs or if his songs were released as is. Most of those recordings are not up to common recording standards and typically the only time sonically substandard songs are released are when a person is a huge commercial success. I wouldn’t rule out releasing some of those. But I DO know about some of the quality of those recordings because I recorded them. They were done live to a 2 track reel to reel that one would not consider “top of the line” decks.

I got his son, Dan, signed up as the “successor” to James Tomkinson on ASCAP, so the songwriting royalties would go his way. Honestly, it was more of a pain in the ass than I figured it would be.

There are many great songs that Jim created over his lifetime. This one happens to be one of my favorites, or perhaps thee favorite. I tried to keep the integrity of the song without cluttering it up with superfluous instrumentation and wanting the lyric content to stand out. I truly hope the people close to Jim will give the song a thumbs up and that it might stir their hearts.

Part One: Garry discusses the thought process into recording Jim’s song.

Part Two: Discussing the recording of “I Just Don’t Know”, written by Jim Tomkinson.