A late‑night moment of reflection on balancing work and motherhood inspired alto saxophonist WaKaNa’s first Billboard No. 1 single, “After Hours.” Written with her two-time GRAMMY®-nominated producer Greg Manning, the track is also the first Billboard No. 1 for Manning’s EQuity Records label. It also reached No. 1 on the Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts.
“After Hours” unfolds over an introspective mid-tempo groove gently guided by the Japan-born and based artist’s soothing sax statements. She is supported by Manning’s keyboard melodies, drum programming, and bass along with Morris O’Connor’s (Earth, Wind & Fire) rhythm guitar. The focal point is WaKaNa’s soulful tone, which enriches the chill nocturnal track with grace, comfort, and a cozy vibe.
“‘There is no night that doesn’t end.’ To me, ‘After Hours’ has become exactly like that proverb. I kept the melody simple, and I performed it with the image of being alone with my thoughts at night. My feelings were quite complex at the time when I was struggling to balance my work and being a mom. This project with Greg was my ray of hope,” said WaKaNa, whose second EQuity Records single has now reached No. 1. “I’m so happy that we hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts and could share our music with listeners worldwide. I hope this song brings healing and encouragement to everyone who hears it.”
Manning signed WaKaNa to the label he launched early last year after being introduced to her ten years ago by his manager at the time.
“I was immediately captured by WaKaNa’s warm tone and beautiful phrasing on the alto sax. I’ve produced several songs for her over the years. When the time to start a label came, it was an easy decision to sign her to EQuity Records. The goal of EQuity Records is to help emerging talent, or long-time sidemen and sidewomen, break through the noise and get heard. Breaking through the noise is tough, but extraordinary talent and meticulous production always rise to the top,” said Manning, who is based in Las Vegas. “This is the label’s first No. 1 hit. Our radio promoter, Gorov Music Marketing, played a crucial part in getting the song over the finish line to No. 1.”
While he doesn’t keep count, Manning has been a part of at least 15 Billboard No. 1 hits as an artist, producer, and/or songwriter. Manning’s chart success extends beyond WaKaNa; the same week she topped Billboard, the single he co-wrote and produced for saxophonist Jeff Ryan, “Speakeasy,” went No. 1 on the Mediabase chart and is presently No. 1 on the Billboard chart.
WaKaNa and Manning will soon begin work on her next single. With multiple new releases on deck — including upcoming singles from trumpeter Patches Stewart and saxophonist Jimmy Reid, and Manning’s own “Jolanda,” a song dedicated to his mother — EQuity Records is poised for a breakout year of new music and rising talent.
For more information about EQuity Records, which stands for equality, diversity, and inclusion, visit www.equityrecordsmusic.com.
For more information about WaKaNa: https://www.wakanasax.com.
For more information about Manning: https://www.gregmanningmusic.com.
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