Opinions on Michael Manring

[CrazyBalloon]

I recently got into an argument with a fellow YouTube user about the style of bassist Michael Manring, more specifically about his composition "Selene."

It seems like everybody loves his style, simply because it is so different from regular straight ahead styles. I was watching this video of him playing Selene on his Hyper-Bass and realizing how technique-reliant it was, and I began to feel that this reliance was actually beginning to effect his music.

Also, recordings of him playing jazz tunes just feel ultra-rehearsed and not very jazzy.

Any opinions?

[Mirios]

I love Manrings playing. His uniqueness is great, too many people out there sound like everyone else. Myself included if I want to be honost. Only saw him once in person and it was a solo show. So I've never seen him perform jazz aside from a few youtube videos. I like the few I have seen though.

Not only do I like his playing, but for such a technically proficient player I have never met someone more humble. Just a downright nice and down to earth guy.

[CrazyBalloon]

I suppose I have been known to maintain a typical "Jazz Purist" attitude. I may look more into his playing. I WILL be seeing Pat Metheny soon. Just a side note. YAY!

[Waterpilot]

I don't know as much about him as I probably should... What I have read and seen about him seems pretty fantastic though. It's different then you're usual "holding down the low end" kind of thing but musically great. Not that he can't hold it down mind you but the vast majority of what I've heard was his solo stuff. I also don't know about his jazz stuff...

[salcott]

He plays very well by himself......

[Angus]

Originally Posted by CrazyBalloon

I suppose I have been known to maintain a typical "Jazz Purist" attitude. I may look more into his playing.

I think the whole thing went downhill the moment you mentioned that this was based on an argument you started with someone in youtube comments.

Anyway, if you think that he's confined by the need to use technique, listen (not watch, listen) to one of his CDs. Thonk, in particular. You don't notice the technique or how he's playing it so much as one notices the interesting music (the opposite from, say, most slap playing).

Though if by "jazz purist" you mean you listen with your eyes first, then yes, I'd say you've got that attitude nailed!

[jnuts1]

he plays very very well with others

[m.oreilly]

he's the man

[CrazyBalloon]

Originally Posted by Angus

Though if by "jazz purist" you mean you listen with your eyes first, then yes, I'd say you've got that attitude nailed!

I asked your opinions on Michael Manring. Not your opinions on me or how I listen to music.

I think your comment went out of the way to be rude and malicious.

I knew this topic was a touchy one when I posted the thread, so I'm not going to perpetuate this flame war. Just think about what you say to other people and how justified you are/how it makes them feel.

[m.oreilly]

michael is an awesome player and musician. i can't fathom how this could be a touchy subject in any way.

[CrazyBalloon]

It's touchy because it attracts people with opinions that are TOO strong and misdirected.

I just think MM sounds like a little music box.

By the way, this video is absolutely hilarious, as are all the "Shred" videos.

‪Michael Manring Parodie‬‏ - YouTube

[Kwesi]

Great player. I don't like most of his music.

[m.oreilly]

Originally Posted by CrazyBalloon

What on Earth... Are you serious? What could possibly be douchy about anything I've said?

I think the world has gone mad. I aim to have a decent musical debate, and not one person can step up to the plate and be civil. I think I'm done with this forum.

yeah, it's nuts out there. find a center and...oh, you have, and it's a compromised myopic buttload of negatives you tell yourself every day to make yourself valid. good one

[paganjack]

He's an amazing player and writes downright interesting compositions. He has carved out an artistic niche for himself and that's awesome and completely deserving of respect. He seems to work with a much wider sonic possible palette than other solo bassists. I like. I also think it's cool that he has this insane instrument, with like substantially more complexity than a normal bass.

Also he makes me want to practice more...or just give up. One of those two. Slightly OT, buy my favorite Shred video is this one.

[CrazyBalloon]

LOL The shreds are great. There's a funny one, too, called "Kenny G Shreds," where they just put a Coltrane solo over instead.

Also, there's this Paco de Lucia one where he starts playing dueling banjos... I ALMOST CRAPPED MYSELF LAUGHING

‪Paco De Lucia Shreds‬‏ - YouTube

Forget about the Michael Manring stuff....

[CrazyBalloon]

Originally Posted by Kwesi

Great player. I don't like most of his music.

I agree with you completely. You managed to sum my opinion up into two simple sentences.

[Mirios]

Originally Posted by CrazyBalloon

I suppose I have been known to maintain a typical "Jazz Purist" attitude.

What do you mean by that?

[bobunit]

Originally Posted by CrazyBalloon

I suppose I have been known to maintain a typical "Jazz Purist" attitude. I may look more into his playing. I WILL be seeing Pat Metheny soon. Just a side note. YAY!

This is a bit off topic, but what is a "Jazz Purist" attitude? I ask because I have always been a metal guy, but I do enjoy other types of music. Thanks.

[eggfart1]

what kind of thread is this? are you looking to troll and make enemies? poor mr. manring.

[bobunit]

Trolling, I don't see it. Making enemies, perhaps. Those that know Mr. Manring know what an honest, sincere and gifted individual he is. It's no surprise people would come to his defense. Although I find nothing wrong with the question, I would like to understand the "Jazz Purist" thing.