Smooth JazzNotes

Michael Manson has recently released his second solo CD, as well as playing backup for some of the biggest names in the industry. He is a regular member of George Dukes’ Quartet, while also currently playing with Kirk Whalum and Oleta Adams. George Duke raves about Michael because of his mastery of the stand up bass, as well as the electric bass, where he is known as one of the leading slap bass players in the genre. He is also classically trained on the cello.

He first picked up a guitar at age 14, and after bugging his parents, they finally bought a guitar for his brother and a $25 bass for Michael, with a $25 amp for both to share. Michael found his passion and continued with strong roots in Gospel at Chicago State University, where he was a member of the Chicago State Gospel Choir. After graduation he went for a Masters in Music Performance at Northwestern University where he met Steve Finkle (Steve Cole) who was playing with Brian Culberson. Soon Michael was on tour with Brian and recording on his next album, After Hours, in 1997. That same year, his gospel connections hooked him up with Kirk Whalum, which led to the Dove and Stellar-Award nominated "The Gospel According To Jazz", recorded live at the Roy Acuff Theatre, it features Whalum, George Duke and Paul Jackson Jr.

From there his career skyrocketed because of his association with George Duke. George was the musical director and a featured artist on the Summer of 2000, Montreux Jazz Tour. He was so impressed with Michael that he invited him along. This was the experience of a lifetime for Michael because he met and shared the stage with his greatest childhood hero, Al Jarreau. He also got to work with David Sanborn, Roberta Flack, and Joe Sample.

Kirk introduced Michael to Larry Carlton, who he toured with during the era of Larry’s chart-topping "Fingerprints" album. Kirk also included Michael in his "Hymns In The Garden" album, which was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

On Michael Manson’s new CD “Just Feelin’ It”, he is credited for writing and producing. Featured guest artists include Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Brian Culbertson, Nelson Rangell, Norman Brown, Paul Jackson Jr., and of course George Duke. The CD is a mix of Smooth Jazz, funk, and R&B with a strong Gospel influence.