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Read what others are saying about What Remains!
TESTIMONIALS |
"I heard your track "What Remains" on the Autism Podcast and was inspired to download the whole album off the iTunes site. I've been listening to the hell out of it since. Just wanted to drop a note to say how much I'm enjoying all of the songs. I'm the father of two autistic children, so I sent family and friends an e-mail encouraging them to check it. You're lifting our spirits and I wanted to thank you."
-- Scott, father of two children with autism, Web site testimonial
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"Dear Jamie: Well, I finally found the time and space to be able to listen to my copy of What Remains. I was alone in my car, which is my quiet time, and I slipped the CD into my player not knowing what to expect. Out poured a river of the most beautiful heartfelt music, gently striking chord after chord within this mother's heart. And I cried, not horrible wracking tears but gentle and therapeutic ones, as your songs brought forth my own deep love for my beautiful Spectrum child and my longing for an easier life for her. If I were a songwriter I could only hope to create a love song as wonderful as You Are Welcome Here. I'll be buying several more copies for friends and relatives."
-- M. Coppola, Mom to a beautiful child with Autism and owner of Spectrum Yoga of Westwood, MA
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"Jamie: Thank You soooo much for your beautiful music!! I had the honor of meeting you in person and hearing you play at the 2007 USAAA conference in Denver, CO and I just wanted to let you know that your cd is AMAZING! I want to buy a copy for everyone I know who dosen't understand what we as families go through. I hope you create many more beautiful CDs.I can't wait until your song "Don't mess with Mama" is recorded. It was awesome and so true. I hope some day you make it to Montana, it would be a great thing for this community. My best wishes to you and your family always."
-- Joslyn, Web site testimonial
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"Jamie: I wanted to thank you for making such a wonderful CD. We purchased the CD about 3 weeks ago and listen to it constantly. It brings me to tears! Bless you, Bless your family and bless your career! You are a wonderful person that deserves great things in life. We all struggle daily with different aspects of life, but you touched on them all. I wish you the best in everything that you do and can't wait to hear another CD of yours!!!
Some of your biggest fans,
-- Robin, Jonathan and our 3 autistic angels!!!" (MySpace message)
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"Thank you for re-creating my emotions in your music. I believe you have written these words just for me, as it maps out both the pain and love we've endured during our child's diagnosis. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone."
-- Sharan DePalma, mother of a son with autism
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"Jamie: First I want to say thank you for such great lyrics. You brought to life what I could never express . My son who is almost 11, is Autistic. The song, "The Story of Her Life" sounds like it was written about me. I could not stop the tears from rolling down my face. I'm struggling now as I speak! I have only read the lyrics and I have already ordered the CD. Thanks again for all you are doing! People like us are fighting an endless battle! I raise awareness everyday, but at the end of the day. I'm still a person with real feelings. I'm glad someone like you is sharing the battle with me!!"
-- Brandi, Web site testimonial
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"Love your songs. The emotions transcend labels and connect us all. My son has Angelman Syndrome and I feel as if you are have read our hearts and have written about him. Thank you from one parent to another."
-- Brenda, MySpace message
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"I just found out about your CD tonight on MySpace and ordered it off of CDBaby. I am a Mom of a 3 year old autistic boy and just found out my 4 year old may be on the spectrum as well. Reading your lyrics just hit the core of my soul. It amazed me how you could convey what I feel into your music."
-- Maureen, Web site testimonial
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"I just found out about you and wanted to write. I am the proud, proud mother of a delightful little boy who has autism. Most people outside of our family don't seem to understand him, but when I listened to your lyrics, my eyes welled up with tears. It was as if you a total stranger, who never met him, was talking for him. The lyrics moved me. I know that is exactly what he would want to say if only he could express it. He is verbal, but limited in stating his emotions, and feelings. My son is now six. He is my inspiration. That little boy has had to overcome more obstacles in 5 short years than most adults in a lifetime. It only makes me love him more. I just wanted to let you know that you are wonderful for opening the public's eyes to how it feels to have autism. There is no better way to do this than through beautiful music. People get tired of lectures on autism, I could never get tired of music. I’m going to buy a few copies of your CD. Thank you on behalf of my son and all those who cannot express it themselves."
-- Jamie, Web site testimonial
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“Jamie, I just visited your autismsongs site and I found it amazing. This is a great thing you have done. Now I know what to tell my husband I want for Christmas! I read through some of the lyrics, and I cant believe how close they hit to home. Would it be OK with you if I posted this site at some of my yahoo groups for parents of autistic children and special needs groups? I would really like to spread the word on this site and CD. Thanks so much for contacting me!”
-- Veronica, MySpace message
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“My boyfriend recently met you and bought your CD for me. I just wanted to tell you I absolutely love it. I admire your honesty about dealing with autism in the real world. You put so many of my feelings and thoughts into your songs and made it like a friend when i needed one. You sing so comforting and so well, I just wanted to thank you. I gave a link to your website to the group leader of an Easter Seals support group I attend. I figured it may help some other people when they are feeling alone in the world and need somebody. Plus you donate portions to autism research and education, which is a major bonus. Sometimes just getting through the day intact is a feat for all of us. You've inspired me to get more involved. Thank you”
-- Hearts, MySpace comment
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“Hi Jamie, I looked at both your MySpace and the Web site. I think the site and you are amazing!! I will be ordering the CD and telling all the families that I work with about you and your CD. Please keep me updated on your son and the CD. If there is anything I can do please let me know.”
-- Richelle, MySpace message
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“Jamie, I was so inspired by your music that I just wrote an entire blog about you. Thank you for expressing all the things that the rest of us are so afraid to say. Your work is beautiful.”
-- Shanna, MySpace message
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“Jamie, thanks so much for taking the time of writing to me I too have a son with autism and appreciate what you are doing. Wow the songs are awesome and the lyrics are very deep, and as a parent with a child with autism it makes more sense. Again, thank you.”
-- Hilda, MySpace message
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“Jamie, I listened to just a few clips of your CD and I LOVE IT. As soon as I get paid I will be ordering a copy of this CD. Man, what a relief to hear some of the songs and know that I am not the only one going through the daily struggles associated with Autism. Take care and have a wonderful day.”
-- Stacey, MySpace message
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“You are adding hope where some feel hopeless!!! Thanks much! Good luck in your career!!”
-- JamieLea, MySpace comment
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“'You Are Welcome Here' really touched my heart. I am the proud parent of a son with autism. He has made me see the world in a whole new light and I thank God for him everyday :) Keep up the great work!”
-- Nicole, MySpace comment
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“Hi Jamie, As a recently single mom of 3, one having Autism, I found your songs to be very heart touching and inspiring. I went to cdbaby and ordered 3 cds as presents. You have made a new fan:)”
-- Kimberly, MySpace Message
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“Hi Jamie. I just finished listening to some of your songs and of course now I'm sitting here crying. The love you have for your son is very apparent and I thank you for sharing it with everybody and for fighting and advocating for the rights of our children. It's a long hard struggle and it's great to have people like you fighting the good fight !!!! Thanks and take care.”
-- Tara, MySpace message
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“Hello Jamie. You are like an angel for what you are doing. The songs are so beautiful and tell the real story. Thank you with all my heart! Thank you also for letting me be a part of the music. Please take care and keep in touch.”
-- Jayden, MySpace message
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“Hello Jamie, I think that your music is wonderful. I definitely can relate to your songs, which is refreshing. You have done a wonderful job putting together a fantastic album. I will have to pass it along to my family and friends. I think that it is great that you have taken this step. I want to wish you luck and thank you for writing such a wonderful album. I think that it is awesome that you have taken the time to put this out there for others to enjoy and raise awareness.”
-- Melissa, MySpace message
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“Hi Jamie, Thanks for sharing this with me! I love the songs and I think I will buy a copy for Christmas! The words are very touching and emotional that is for sure. I know you know the struggles that go along with Autism and I appreciate you sharing your words in song. It is hard to keep your chin up when others around you pretend to understand but they actually have no idea of what goes on in "Autism world.” I hope that you meet your goals for Autism so that we can provide better for our children and give them a fair chance in this world.”
-- Lynn, MySpace message
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“The song The Water is Wide really touched me. I sing myself, and I sang the first verse to my daughter; she just smiled and listened. I'm going to buy this beautiful CD, as soon as I figure out how many copies I need :) Thank you for sharing this with me. It's a beautiful creation that reminds us we are all in this together.”
-- Casey, MySpace message
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“As a musician, and a professional that works with children with Autism, I greatly appreciate the add. I have listened to the songs...awesome works. Keep up everything, especially spirits.”
-- John, MySpace message
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“I’m not sure if I just posted on your site somewhere else, so to be sure you hear me, I love everything you've done with [your music] and my CDs are on their way. Thanks for putting your heart on the line everyday in such a beautiful way.”
-- Tina, MySpace message
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“Thank you so much for your efforts, and all you do. I’m making sure this information gets disseminated to all my family. It’s a tremendous thing you are doing. I had a particularly bad autistic day, and an even worse bipolar evening with my bipolar kiddos, so this was music to my ears literally. So little is known, so much is left misunderstood, and it’s the children that suffer, the children and their families. Thank you so much for all you are doing!”
-- Unknown, MySpace message
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“Thank you so much!! I have been searching for someone like you!! Your songs bring me to tears, not in a sad way but in a good way for I feel you are letting everyone know who is having to watch their child struggle everyday with autism that it is OK and you understand. Beautiful voice and lyrics; please keep it up and I look forward to hearing more from you!!!”
-- Paula, MySpace message
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“My precious son is 9 yrs and autistic. Your music speaks volumes for all of us who live this life alongside our special babies. Thank you for sharing your talents with us Jamie. Happy Holidays. Hugs!”
-- Angie, MySpace message
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“Jamie, I wanted to say thank you. I received your cd in the mail today. It is truly so inspiring. Thank you for creating something so special for all of us who are blessed with an autistic child.”
-- Kasey, MySpace message
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“Greetings and thanks for the add the lyrics are beautiful and powerful! Wow what gift for writing only another parent would say it and say it so well. Again thanks!”
-- Yvette, MySpace comment
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“God Bless You Jamie!!!!!!!!!!”
-- Dave, MySpace comment
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REVIEWS |
Jamie Manning
“I logged on to Myspace as I typically do and found that yet another band wanted to be my ‘friend’. Well, I don't accept friends that I don't actually know, so I ignored it and went about my business. But for some reason, the picture on the band page stuck in my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I went back and checked out the page.
As it turns out, the singer is a father raising an autistic child. Well, I happen to know a little about autism myself, so I listened to his music. I try very hard not to use the "my kid is autistic" card very often, and most days, I forget that our battles are different than most families. We deal with IEPs, behavior specialists, medications, etc. on a daily basis. This is the only life we know.
But it just happened to be on a sensitive day that I caught his music. Ethan (my son) had been spastic all day, flapping around, changing clothes a dozen times, screaming at ungodly levels, and looking especially ‘special’ in his sweatpants and backwards vest. I had to rush to the grocery store before my hubby went to work because Ethan can't handle the noise and people at the store. Typical battles for us, but today it just seemed overwhelming.
Enter Jamie Manning's music. It's haunting how vividly he captures the feelings that no one talks about. The worry about how society will treat our children. The fear of not being able to financially provide for their needs. The dread of what will happen next. The occasional feeling that no one else truly understands. I started listening to his songs and had to fight away tears.
I write this urging you to visit http://www.myspace.com/autismsongs and support his cause. Whether you do so by saying a prayer, donating money, or just spreading the word, you're helping to advocate for kids like mine.”
-- Sara, MySpace blog entry
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Songs Written for Parents of Kids with Autism
"For a parent with a young child who has autism, listening to selections from Jamie Manning's album "What Remains" is like coming home, with all the complex feelings that concept carries. Manning's Kenny Loggins-like vocals lead these tunes, which range from rock rhythm and blues numbers to softer folk songs, through a familiar set of emotional rooms.
There's a sense of loss, a feeling that an irrational turn of events has derailed the life you expected when your baby arrived. There's the wish that you could do more to help your child thrive. There's the bittersweet acknowledgement that because of the sacrifices you need to make to help your son or daughter achieve developmental gains, your home is probably not the nicest one on the block. And most of all, there's the very powerful sense that parenting a child with autism strips the experience down to its essence, that this is a relationship that equals love."
-- Michael Goldberg, Autism Bulletin
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Speechless, Heart Warming!
"When I heard a preview of the autismpodcast show, my eyes lit wide open. People who don't have an autistic child may ride these songs as any other song. But, believe me when I tell you. Speak to a parent, brother, grandparent, or family member related to an autistic son, brother, daughter, sister. I play them these songs, tell them who wrote them and why he wrote them, and waves of emotion come pouring out. My wife and I have a son with autism and we thought we were dealt a heavy blow. But as time went by accepted and are doing the very best we can. Jamie's songs sum all of that up and more. My wife and I just cry and sit quietly when we hear Jamie's songs. From one dad to another, THANK YOU!"
-- Familia Garcia, review from iTunes
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Heartfelt and Hauntingly Beautiful
"This collection of songs stems from the journey of parents who are moving into, through, and beyond the experience of discovering their precious child is Autistic and all that can entail. Rich and original, the words and melodies tell stories of sadness and celebration, the bottomless capacity we have to love and be loved and to release expectation and make room for different kinds of accomplishment and joy. "You Are Welcome Here" is one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard, a tribute to what is real and what remains when what we thought we knew falls away. Buy it, enjoy it, and know that a portion of the proceeds for this work support better quality of life for some very special people who live and love with Autism."
-- "That Poet", review from Amazon.com
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Wonderful
"This album spoke very powerfully to me. I am a parent of an Autistic child and every song reflected a piece of my life... Some made me smile and laugh, some made me cry. All of them felt like I was hearing from a friend who really understood what I was feeling on so many levels. Amazing. I love this entire CD, especially the upbeat "What Remains" and the heartfelt "You Are Welcome Here"
-- Erica Fletcher, review from CD Baby
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It's as though Mr. Manning has been with me while on my journey...
"When I listen to this CD, it's as though Mr. Manning has been with me while on my journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. His music is incredibly personal; if it's possible to convey all of the emotions autism brings to one's life, this CD does it. I would give this CD to anyone who knows someone, has family, or works with a child with autism. It offers a perspective that seems to be shared only by those who have truly been on the inside. Love it!"
-- Leslie Hughes, review from CD Baby
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Great cd. I can certainly relate to it
"I think you are wonderful for making such a great cd that speaks all the thoughts of us parent that have children with autism. We all have challenges everyday and do not take on thing for granted. Thanks and God bless you and your family. I wish your child the best!!!"
-- Jennifer Winn, review from CD Baby
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Wonderful songs!
"Memorable, well-crafted songs (some sound like instant radio hits!), great production. The songs are heartfelt with poignant lyrics yet ultimately an unbridled optimism and energy shine through! Highly recommended!"
-- Susan, review from CD Baby
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I loved the CD. It expressed a lot of feeling we go through
“I truly enjoyed the CD. It had a lot of emotion and feeling that we have, when someone we love has autism. Jamie did a wonderful job. May God continue to bless him, and his family.”
-- Norma, review from CD Baby
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"What Remains is all at once fear and courage, denial and acceptance, anger and joy, turmoil and tranquility, angst and serenity, and boundless love. It is a profoundly accurate expression of the torrent of emotions that continually wash over parents who face the challenge of loving, and raising, a child with autism. The lyrics are honest, the music is beautiful, and the message is clear: you are not alone, it will be hard, but it will be alright."
-- Ellen Chambers, mother of a child with autism and founder of SPEDwatch, a Massachusetts advocacy organization for children with special needs
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Four-star review from About.com
Music for the Autism Community
"It's unusual to find a high-quality music CD intended, not for children with autism, but for their parents. Jamie Manning's "What Remains" is the equivalent of a musical memoir -- a heartfelt tribute to his son, his wife, and the work of coping with autism.
A Solid Musical Performance
Jamie Manning's CD "What Remains" is a solid, professional product. Somewhat reminiscent of James Taylor, it includes both brooding, folky pieces and an upbeat, bluegrass sound. It's the type of singer/songwriter album most likely to be played on "alternative" radio.
Delivering a Sense of Community
For many families, autism has created feelings of isolation, sadness, and even despair. For those families, "What Remains" may deliver a sense of community. Manning reassures parents that they are not alone; for many, that in itself may be valuable.
Music as a Gift
What Remains is a handsome CD, a nicely-produced album, and a caring gift to the autism community. For the right person, it makes a thoughtful gift -- not only to the recipient, but to the autism community (since five percent of proceeds go to autism-related charities)."
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