In the Season 2 premiere of Shambhu Sessions, guitarist and host Shambhu sits down with bassist, composer, and innovator Michael Manring for a wide-ranging conversation about music, listening, and lifelong curiosity.

From his early musical influences and studies with Jaco Pastorius, to his defining collaborations with Michael Hedges and Will Ackerman during the Windham Hill era, Michael reflects on a creative path shaped by deep listening rather than convention. He shares the story behind his groundbreaking Hyperbass, his use of dynamic tuning and EBow, and how technology can serve musical expression rather than dominate it.

The conversation also explores Michael's work as a collaborator, including his contributions to Shambhu's albums Sacred Love and Soothe, their live performances together in California, and the role of music as a source of upliftment and healing. Michael speaks candidly about composing, improvisation, working with younger artists today, and why he still feels he's only beginning to discover what the bass can do.

This episode is a thoughtful, human look at a life devoted to sound, curiosity, and musical soulfulness.

🎧 Topics include:

• Early musical influences and Berklee years

• Working with Michael Hedges and Will Ackerman

• The creation of the Zon Hyperbass and dynamic tuning

• Solo composition vs. spontaneity

• Collaboration, mentorship, and legacy

• Music as upliftment and inner exploration

🔗 Learn more about Michael Manring: https://www.manthing.com

🎧 Listen to Michael on Shambhu's album Sacred Love and Soothe: https://shambhumusic.com

🔔 Check out more Shambhu Sessions conversations: https://www.shambhumusic.com/podcast