P. BOND | MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE United States | 12/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to the cd "Just Feelin'It" gives you another opportunity to hear just how talented Michael really is. This cd is a great follow up to his first cd "The Bottom Line". True jazz listeners will definately not be disappointed in this cd. This cd also has a great supporing cast of well known and talented musicians. While listening to this cd, one will definately be Feelin' It. Waiting four years for Michael's new project was worth the wait."
Instant classic
M. Rondaij | Amsterdam / The Netherlands | 10/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The above 2 reviews are spot on and there's not much I can add.
I just had to, however, confirm their findings. This CD is amazing.
Manson has been a major thrill during the live concerts of George Duke, but this CD shows another side of Mike.
Believe it or not, this CD rockets streight in to my classic top 15, among
Songs in the Key of live, I am, Gratitude and Another Level.
Buy this CD and enjoy the vibe of Mike Manson !
A typical and rare 6 star release :-)"
Smoothjazz.com Review
Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 10/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When you are able to call on the likes of Brian Culbertson, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Nelson Rangell, Paul Jackson Jr. and George Duke to work with you on your album, you've obviously made your bones in the music world. Such is the case for Michael Manson, on this, his phenomenal second release, JUST FEELIN' IT. There are 12 cuts on the album and not one of them is a throwaway... each track has its own unique personality and appeal, with a wide range of influences, from jazz to R&B to gospel. Co-produced by Brian Culbertson, the title track is also the first single. With a colossal hook that will have you humming right along, "Just Feelin' It" is crisp and confident, bringing to mind a perfect autumn day. Lenny Castro on percussion provides the perfect pinch of spice to "It's The Way She Moves," another track that I would definitely want to hear coming from my radio. Manson and Jeff Lorber have a remarkable musical rapport as is evidenced by the ultra cool "Way Back When" which they co-produced. Michael Manson has stated, "There are musical conversations that are intriguing and I hope the audience shares in that... it is great for musicians to communicate in that way. That's the joy of music." And JUST FEELIN' IT is categorically an absolute joy that will undoubtedly be shared many times over. ~ BETH LEWIS"
Manson's staying power
RJ | Maryland | 09/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Man oh man!!! Now, this is how smooth jazz bass is meant to be played. This is one hot, well-composed CD, with Manson showing that his sideman days are definitely long gone and that he is here to share the "star" spotlight with the best of them! Each song has a uniqueness about it, but it's all identifiable as pure funky smooth jazz, some of the funkiest to date. Just listen to "The Bassment" to get a real sense of this artist's very essence and his funk appeal. The writing is superb, as well. You've gotta get this one!! A strong followup to his first CD."