Since he first picked up a guitar (not a bass), 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, rock and pop.

Manson's uniquely lyrical voice has its roots in Chicago, Illinois. He recalls, "My grandmother and mother played piano, but no one else in the family was really involved in music. My dad had an old beat-up folk guitar that he never picked up and so my older brother and I got interested in music about the same time-I was fourteen-and started playing it. After that, we bugged my mom to buy us some instruments. She finally bought my brother a guitar and me a $25.00 bass and a $25.00 amp that we shared".

Returning to Chicago State University, he joined the Chicago State Gospel Choir and, in Manson's words, "things started snowballing." One gig or association would lead to another, with Manson playing with one Gospel great after another: Tramaine Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Jessy Dixon and James Cleveland. He even played on the Winan's album All Out, only the first of many times he would perform with childhood musical heroes.

After his graduation from Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, he went on to complete a Masters in Music Performance at Northwestern University. In 1995 Manson met Steve Finkle (now Steve Cole) who was playing with Brian Culbertson. Soon Manson was playing the Chicago club circuit and touring in support of Culbertson's City Lights. Manson went on to record selections on Brian’s After Hours in '97. That same year, one of his gospel connections put him together with Kirk Whalum, and he ended up playing on the Dove and Stellar-Award nominated "The Gospel According To Jazz." Recorded live at the Roy Acuff theatre, it featured Whalum, George Duke and Paul Jackson Jr. "That's how I met George Duke in '97," quips Manson.

Manson's association with George Duke ultimately led to the gig of a lifetime. George, who was the musical director and a featured artist on the Montreux Jazz tour (summer of 2000), invited Manson onboard, where he shared the stage with his greatest childhood hero, Al Jarreau, along with David Sanborn, Roberta Flack and Joe Sample. Pal Kirk Whalum said with typical good humor, "After that tour you could have retired." But Manson is just getting started.

Through Kirk, he met Larry Carlton and toured with him before and after his chart-topping Fingerprints album. Kirk also included him on his "Hymns In The Garden" album that garnered a nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Album at this years Grammys. Manson has shared the stage with Warner Bros. Records artists Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Rick Braun, Kenny Garret, George Duke and Kevin Mahogany. Other Warner artists featured on the album included Fourplay (with bassist Nathan East), Bob James and Gabriel Anders. Released in October of 2000 to critical acclaim, it is being followed by a DVD release in 2001.

For Michael Manson, love of musical communication, exploration, collaboration and celebration is clearly what it’s all about. This sophomore release reflects Manson’s unabating passion with joy and inspired artistry, “There are musical conversations that are intriguing and I hope the audience shares in that. But it is just great for musicians to communicate in thai way. That’s the joy of music. To make great music like that every night, that’s what it’s all about.”

Press Release 05th May 2010 :- by Cheryl Hughey Promotions
Contact :- cherylhughey@charter.net or 314-660-1755

Funkmeister / Bassist Michael Manson Opens Non-Profit Music School

Chicago, IL/May 5, 2010

Contemporary R&B bassist Michael Manson and his wife, Lana Manson, have recently opened the Musical Arts Institute at 9244 S. Lafayette, Chicago, Illinois.

Dedicated to providing unequaled music instruction and performance opportunities to persons of all ages, abilities and life circumstances, the Musical Arts Institute is a non-profit, community-minded organization.

The mission of the Musical Arts Institute is to teach our students the technical skills needed for them to reach their fullest potential by keeping the highest standards in music while also paying attention to each and every individual student's goals, interests and needs. The school offers a varied and unique music programs for both children and adults.  Private and group lessons include voice, piano, string, percussion, wind and brass instruments. 

"It is our desire to help each student discover their highest potential that is unique to their abilities and goals. Whether you are an adult wanting to learn to play the piano for the first time or an accomplished musician on the competitive scene, we have a class that is just right for you," said Michael Manson, executive director.

For more information on the Musical Arts Institute, please visit www.musicalartsinstitute.org.

More about Michael and Lana Manson

Michael Manson is a renowned bassist, song writer and music producer.  He has been nominated for several prestigious music awards including a Grammy nomination for his work with George Duke. As a performing artist, Manson has shared the stage with the likes of Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Rick Braun, Kenny Garrett, Kevin Mahogany and tours regularly with George Duke.  Manson has taught instrumental and vocal music at the Northbrook, Evanston and Chicago School District. He holds a Master of Music Degree from Northwestern University and Bachelor of Science Degree in Music education from Chicago State and is an adjunct professor at Chicago State University.

Lana Manson is a graduate of Fisk University having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. Lana holds a Master of Music Degree from Northwestern University and a Master in Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She holds membership in pristine musical and business organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association, Illinois Music Educator's Association, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and the National Black MBA Association. She serves as the Co-Executive Director for the Musical Arts Institute and is the director for the company's publishing division (Lan-Man Music).  Mrs. Manson is a noted clinician, song writer, and arranger and has taught music for more than fifteen years. 

Website :- www.mikemanson.com