Michael Manson’s second solo CD, Just Feelin’ It,packs a big punch.  There are eleven tracks – eight of which are written by Manson – and a reprise, and seven of the tracks are over five minutes long, including a gutsy six-minute cover of the Luther Vandross hit, “There’s Nothing Better Than Love.” This album is full of uplifting, energetic, R&B, Gospel, Funk and contemporary jazz. 

Manson has been a sought-after sideman for some of the best-known names in the genre for years.  Now he has gathered some of those artists – Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Lenny Castro, George Duke, Paul Jackson, Jr., Jeff Lorber, Nelson Rangell, Kevin Whalum, and Kirk Whalum – together to lend their considerable talents to this project, and the results are that Mike Manson has proved beyond a doubt that he deserves his spot on center stage.

The CD begins with the no-holds-barred “Coming Right At Ya,” featuring Jeff Lorber, Kirk Whalum and Paul Jackson, Jr.  This one has all the energy of a live performance.  Next, enjoy some Mike Manson fancy finger-work on “It’s The Way She Moves.” The energy keeps flowing with the melody-driven, radio-friendly title track, featuring Brian Culbertson, Nelson Rangell, Lenny Castro and Paul Jackson, Jr. 

Mike slows things down a little with the emotion-filled Luther Vandross hit, “There’s Nothing Better Than Love.”  There are some really nice background vocals here, but they never over-power the lead voice – Manson’s bass.

Next, it’s time to get a little funky with “Way Back When,” featuring Rick Braun and Jeff Lorber.  Definitely a “good-time” song!  Basically a duet of Manson and Kirk Whalum, “Another Chance” is one of the best tracks on the CD.  This one is incredible – worth the price of the CD alone.

“In Flight” – a place where every musician has spend a considerable amount of time – is what we call in our house “great traveling music.”  Manson lays his bass on top of an upbeat and steady groove.  “Still Thinking About You,” a slower, in-the-groove track, features the unmistakable guitar-work of Norman Brown.

“The Bassment” is another track that’s worth the cost of the CD all by itself.  This is a party in your CD player, with Manson and the legendary Mr. George Duke.  Go ahead and hit “replay,” once is definitely not going to be enough.

Personally, if I never heard “Lovely Day” again, I’d be a happier person, but that aside, Manson’s take on it, along with Kevin Whalum’s vocals, almost make me want to forgive them for covering it.  Almost.

Mike Manson, Mike Logan and Ernie Adams put together a wonderful jazz-inspired, soulful take on the old hymn, “Tis So Sweet.” Sweet, indeed.  And to wrap it all up, we get a little reprise of “The Bassment.”  Hey, even Manson knew once wasn’t going to be enough!

- Elizabeth Ware