The Tar Rock was used to alert colonists of marauding British redcoats in 1777. Historic homes in that community of Westport, CT are being torn down today at an alarming rate.
Jon Manners is a Minneapolis-area musician with a career spanning over six decades. He began playing in 1957. In the early 1970s he had the opportunity to record with Andrew Loog Oldham, best known for his work as a producer and impresario for the Rolling Stones. Currently residing in Northfield, Minnesota, Manners continues to perform as a solo artist in the Southern and Central regions of the state.
AHN - The Sound of Music in America
Manners' sound is unique and easily recognizable, fusing elements of funk, soul, jazz, folk, and rock 'n roll. With a style that captures "the energy of funk, the emotion of soul, the depth of jazz, the storytelling of folk, and the pure joy of rock 'n roll, Manners' music offers a diverse and captivating experience." Rich Larson of the Southern MN Scene described Manners' sound as a fusion of various genres, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
The song 'Tar Rock Ode' is about the British invasion at Compo Beach in Westport, Connecticut, in April 1777, when colonists poured tar on a rock and set it afire to alert neighbors that the redcoats were coming through. According to Manners, the song doubles as a modern-day protest song against the alarming number of historic-home teardowns around Westport, including one pending on the actual Tar Rock Road, where the historic Tar Rock still stands.
This latest phase in the history of Tar Rock Road is stirring controversy and discontent in the community of Westport.
Manners is one of thousands of artists who regularly share, critique, and provide support and encouragement for original music compositions through a Facebook group called Original Songs Only.