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Just Feelin' It
Artist: Michael Manson
Label: 215 Records
Length: 12 Tracks / 59:00
Released: October 2006
On the back of the liner notes for the CD Just Feelin’ It jazz musician and composer Michael Manson leaves little room for doubt where his allegiances lie, “The first thanks always goes to my Lord and Savior Jesus who is my life and the source of creativity and expression. All that I have is His.”
The world class artist also leaves little room for doubt as to why he has risen to such heights within the smooth jazz genre. Just Feelin’ It on the 215 Records label is a stunning collection of mostly original compositions featuring some of the industry’s top musicians.
The track with the best grooves is “The Bassment” co-written with LaBelle Lacy. The song features some high spirited piano chops by George Duke. In all eight of the eleven tracks are original compositions.
The lively “Coming Right At Ya’” demonstrates Manson’s prowess as an instrumentalist as he performs as a piccolo and tenor bassist. The horn section is spectacular and boasts some of the best blowers in the business with Kirk Whalum, Ted Hosarth and Jerry Di Muzio (all on saxophone), the incomparable Larry Bowen and Pharez Whitted (trumpets).
Man I wish I could turn on the radio today and find a station that can guarantee all their music will sound as good as Michael Manson’s.
Can music have words without lyrics? You are darn right it can and Manson’s original composition “It’s The Way She Moves” provides 5:20 of enchanting dialogue from some of the best horns in music today. The incomparable Larry Bowen’s trumpet, Thomas Braxton’s saxophone and Steve Barry’s trombone are the eyes through which we watch her move across the room.
The wistful Luther Vandross song “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” is a treasure. The smooth vocals of Amiris Palmore, Trina Davis and Felicia Coleman-Evans flirt with your emotions and pull your heartstrings. Kevin Randolph’s keyboards combine with Michael Logan’s Rhodes and Jason Tyson’s organ to provide a full-bodied vintage.
Later on the album Palmore, Roberta Sanders, Candy La Flora and Pastor Chris Harris join Davis and Coleman-Evans for a subtle gospel tune “Another Chance.”
Just Feelin’ It has a great balance between purely instrumental tracks and soft vocals. The singers and the musicians are never in competition but always in perfect harmony. If you were not fortunate enough to be listening to smooth jazz twenty years ago then you need to hear this album because Michael Manson’s music is cut from the same fabric as the charts that first gave rise to this genre that today too often has become diluted and unrecognizable.
The lounge like "Tis So Sweet" has some beautiful arrangements by John Stoddart and the laid back chops of pianist Michael Logan find a firm foundation in Manson’s gentle bassline. Like two old friends sharing a late night cup of coffee Logan and Manson swap melodic tales.
By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved
Joe Montague is an internationally
published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory
of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18.
All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.