This is the first time I've ever watched him or heard him and I have to say that this is incredible and it's beyond my ability to describe in words the impact his playing and attitude had on me as I watched. I'm a long time bass player and can never usually watch solo bassists for more than a few minutes even if they're unbelievable, this performance had me transfixed and I couldn't have stopped watching even if I had wanted to.
Just listening to/watching Michael Manring at Bass Player LIVE! 2013. I d'ont know if I want to burn all my basses, start practising 30 hours a day or just curl up in the corner and cry.
Michael Manring is probably my favorite bass player. He understands how to use a bass as a rhythmic instrument and a melodic instrument just perfectly.
I for one, have never heard bass guitar played like this man plays it and it is fucking phenomenal. I was on another sight and heard this Bass for which I couldn't identify. Upon clarification, I came here and I am very glad that I did. I have often thought that Bass is lacking in most bands and that there is so much more that can be done with it. Michael Manring proves that there is. This genius. This brilliant. This is refreshing. Bravo. I don't even play Bass and or Guitar or any instrument for that matter, with the exception of banging a rhythm on drums. Not that well either, But I can appreciate what I hear with this. It is soul lifting and earth grounding. Makes you feel alive in a way that only music can.
A master and an original, rendering all criticism irrelevant as the critics who offer nothing but bile when Michael offers genius. Nothing can be said to diminish Michael's' devotion skill and accomplishment. He is indeed a paragon of bass virtue.
I was transfixed and transported. Michael is as interesting and personable as he is one of the greatest masters of his instrument who has ever lived. He takes the bass to whole new and previously unimagined heights and depths.
This man is truly amazing. One of the most emotionally expressive bass players I've ever seen/heard, and a truly amazing personality driving it all too. He's extraordinarily humble, while also being very wise. It's been a true pleasure to get a glimpse of the inner truth that he's chosen to reveal here.
About two years ago when I first time listened to Michael Manring, I had the feeling of watching a man just noodeling around on a bass with a lots of Hipshot D-tuners. I took some time and watched/listened to more of his stuff. Today I am a big fan and am still blown away by his way of playing the bass guitar. He "uses" the bass, he is not simple "playing" it.
This is what Genius sounds like. I believe there was a mind-meld between Michael Hedges and Michael Manring before Hedges left us way too soon. Can you imagine what it would be like to have both of them still here today? Hedges lives on though in so many other musicians today!
