Ed Mann began playing piano and objects found in the kitchen at age 3, acquired a drum kit at age 11, played with rock, marching, orchestra, concert, pit and big band ensembles as a teen while studying at New England Music Camp and The Hartt Music School. Ed entered the Hartt College of Music in 1972 to study with Al Lepak, where he learned and performed symphonic, jazz, experimental and 20th Century music. At Hartt, Ed met and formed an immediate bond with Tommy Mariano (aka Mars) and they formed the experimental-jazz band "World Consort" which played at arts venues throughout central New England. In 1973 Ed moved to California to study with John Bergamo at California Institute of the Arts. At Cal Arts from 1973 -76, Ed immersed himself in experimental contemporary music as well as the music of Indonesia, Africa, North and South India and cross-culturally influenced improvisational new groove percussion ensembles. Under the direction of John Bergamo and with fellow percussionists Larry Stein, Gregg Johnson, Jimmy Hildebrandt, Lucky Mosko, Paul Anceau, Ed was a founding member of the ground-breaking cross-cultural indigenous percussion band, Repercussion Unit. By the age of 20, Ed had developed an interest in the vibes, marimba, and jazz improvisation. Being largely self taught, Ed also sought out lessons with significant influencing mallet teachers Dave Samuels, Emil Richards and Victor Feldman.
Basic mallet skills combined experience as a multi-percussionist; knowledge of intricate rhythms found in modern chamber music (as well as the classical music of India), and a lifetime history of playing rock and roll became the foundation that led to Ed's long association with Frank Zappa, which began in 1977. With Frank Zappa Ed performed and recorded as percussionist, synthesist, electronic sound designer, vocalist and programmer between 1977 and 1988 in electric band, small ensemble and orchestral environments.
Ed has performed and/or recorded with Mark Isham, Rickie Lee Jones, Andy Summers, Kenny Loggins, Ambrosia, Tammy Wynette, Los Lobos, Blotto, John Cage, Bill Bruford, Shadowfax, Frogg Cafe, Wrong Object, The Grandmothers, London Symphony Orchestra, Don Ellis, Repercussion Unit, Lou Harrison, Don Preston, Bruce Fowler, Steve Fowler, Rumdummies, ASANI, The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Bill Eddins, and a host of L.A. film composers including Jeff Rona, Hans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt, Harry Gregson Williams, CJ Vanston, and many others.
Ed's interest in ringing metal objects evolved over time to focused, solo use of gongs and found objects in the creation of resonant soundfields. In the late 1989, Ed began bringing these sounds to Yoga Schools and alternative health practitioners, and in 1990 Ed began an association with European gong manufacturer Paiste which lead to a 14 year association in which Ed functioned as recordist, product specialist and interface with the holistic community for Paiste America. In 2005, Ed began an official association with Italian gong, bell, and cymbal maker UFIP. Ed's Gong and Resonance presentations have been well received by The National Association of Music Therapists, Don Campbell's Sound Schools, The Whole Life Expositions, The Wellness Center for Research and Education, Berkshire Museum, Abode of the Message, Ke Kumu at Mauna Lani, Barton's Crossing, Berkshire Medical Center, The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, the Noah Center, Southern Berkshire Community Center, Kripalu, Santa Monica Yoga, Yoga West and Santa Barbara Yoga and countless individual clients.
As an electronic Sound Designer Ed has created digital content libraries and programs for Wireless Developer, E-mu, Tell Me, Beatnik, FineCut Productions, Creative, National Young Audiences, Paiste, and Frank Zappa. Perhaps most notable is Ed's creation of E-mu's critically acclaimed Planet Earth, Old Wold Instruments, World Expedition and Orchestral Virtuoso Percussion sound sets, as well as contributions to Composer, XL&7 Vintage Keyboards and Emulator X.
Ed has scored independent films for Finecut Productions, National Young Audiences, Midnite Chimes Productions, Knight Owl entertainment, and a host of one-off indie production companies. His music was also featured in the 1993 remake of The Wrong Man featuring Rosanna Arquette.
In 2010 and 2011, Ed made the journey nothward to Edmonton, Alberta where brought music and sound-making workshops to the inner city and reservation-bound native people, immigrant populatuons and the homeless.
Winner of top awards in Modern Drummer Magazine Reader's polls, Ed has released 6 critically acclaimed CDs of original music, composes music and sound for interactive media and film, and is active internationally as a performer, sound artist, consultant and workshop facilitator. Currently he performs with THE Z3.