Michael Manson - Up Front
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Free Music Notes for Up Front
Free Music Review: Manson Delivers On "Up Front"
Hit: 5 Stars
Put aside the fabulous production, the "who's who" of contemporary jazz musicians providing back-up and the abundance of in-the-pocket grooves. What makes "Up Front" the great CD it is, is the playing and sound of Michael Manson. It's the sound of his lead bass that makes this CD.It's the warmest, most inviting lead bass sound there is. It's warm, full, round and melds itself into the compositions and opposed to the twangy, edgy lead sound used by other contemporary jazz bassists on the C Jazz scene today. Because of the warmth of his sound, Manson is able to blend it very artistically with other instruments such as Darren Rahn's tenor sax on "Bring It On," and "Steppin' Out." In addition, Manson's playing is superb...the man has great chops!! Out of the eleven tracks on the CD, Manson's rendition of the Babyface hit, "End Of The Road" is my personal favorite. It features soulful saxophone playing from fellow Chicago native Steve Cole an outstanding vocal arrangement and a Sunday-going-to-church gospel groove that just doesn't stop.
One should definitely check out Michael's CD. Buy it and put it "Up Front" of the stack of CD's you listen to on a regular basis. You'll be glad you did.
Free Music Review: ...contemporary jazz sizzles...
Hit: 5 Stars
"Every time I listen to Michael Manson's latest album Up Front, I keep hearing actress Ingrid Bergman's character "Ilsa Lund" from the motion picture Casablanca say to the piano player in the Arabian nightclub, "Play it again Sam." The sweet nectar of Manson's tunes is in his gelatin bass grooves. He secures the aid of a few of his friends to plump up his melodies like keyboardist/saxophonist Darren Rahn who not only plays on some of the tracks, but he also produces the tune "Bring It On" with Manson. Other key musicians on Manson's album include piano player Jeff Lorber ("Coming Right At Ya" and "Way Back When"), saxophonist Kirk Whalum ("Coming Right At Ya"), saxophonist Tom Braxton ("She's Always Been There" and "It's The Way She Moves"), guitarist Nick Colionne (solo on "Outer Drive (Chicago Style)"), guitarist Norman Brown ("Still Thinking About You"), and trumpet player Rick Braun ("Way Back When"). All tracks are produced by Michael Manson and they shine with smooth melodic lesions and contemporary jazz sizzles galore." - Susan Frances, Jazz ReviewFree Music Review: Contemporary jazz doesn't get any better than this.
Hit: 4 Stars
With this very special project, Michael Manson creates a fresh and innovative sound that can be attributed to only himself, to his own inspired production skills and wonderful playing throughout.
Scanning the song titles, it's easy to have a somewhat corny feel of the record, but on listening, this changes completely.
One can feel Michael Manson's maturity on the album.
"...he has moved persistently from strength to strength, one association leading inevitably to another in a career that has brought him front and center with the most esteemed names in jazz, gospel, R&B, pop and rock..".-Echo Smooth Jazz
The single "Coming Right At Ya" - which has made the Top Contemporary Chazz Chart - is a big highlight, with its refreshing bassline entwined beautifully with a haunting melody.
The entire album has a surprising amount of laid back and smoky grooves, best demonstrated on the album's focal points "Bring It On" and "Up Front".
Combined with a range of instruments and soothing, gentle vocals, it makes a delight to listen to.
It's a fertile enough set dispaying Michael's remarkable dexterity and command of the 5-string and piccolo basses and hanging heavy with handsome sax (from Kirk Whalum, Steve Cole and Najee) and ripe beats.
Guest artists on this accomplished CD include : Ray Fuller, Norman Brown, Tom Braxton, Michael White,Lenny Castro, Steve Cole, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Najee and Paul Jackson Jr.
Contemporary jazz doesn't get any better than this.
Track listings :
1. Bring It On
2. Coming Right At Ya
3. Steppin' Out
4. She's Always There (For Lana)
5. End Of The Road
6. It's The Way She Moves
7. Outer Drive
8. Still Thinkiing About You
9. Up Front
10. Way Back When
11. Lovely Day
12. End Of The Road (Reprise)
13. Outer Drive (Reprise)
The Bottom Line
Just Feelin' It
Free Music Review: good but could be better
Hit: 4 Stars
The original tracks, which number five, are good. However, this cd could have been better if there had been more new tracks on the cd. Instead, the producers went back to the earlier cds to fill out this new cd. Michael is a great jazz talent and can produce a cd better than this one by adding new and original tracks. The five new tracks on "Up Front" make the cd worth the price. Next time, give all of Michael's fans an entire new cd.Free Music Review: good job
Hit: 4 Stars
I like the album nice work,but i'd prefer more new songs instad of songs from the previous album.