The Voice - The Official Linda Eder Newsletter

“I like to say at every show that I have some of the finest musicians in the world working for me and that's a fact. Dave Mann is a true artist and it's so evident in every note he plays and the incredible sounds he makes. I never have to worry about the solos because I know they will always be magical. Most of the time I don't want to come back in. I just want him to keep on going.”

Whether you know it or not, you have heard David Mann's music. From his many solo records, to his work with Tower of Power, James Taylor, Paul Simon and Linda Eder (just to name a few) or from his unmistakable sound on ABC News Nightline and Monday Night Football, you have heard David play.

But David Mann's musical adventure began a long time ago in his hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where David was exposed to the challenging world of Jazz. His career as a saxophonist, which includes performance and recording credits with many of the biggest names in music, originally started in a different direction. David was a diligent student of Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane and aspired to one day play with Art Blakey and Miles Davis. David's influences eventually expanded to include David Sanborn and Michael Brecker, and David's style of blending classic Jazz with a more modern flavor was born.

Fresh out of the New England Conservatory of Music and new on the New York scene, David launched his solo career in the formative days of contemporary Jazz with the popular “Games” (1987) and “Insight” (1989) on the Island/Antilles label. Along with his brother, bassist Ned Mann, came the 1993 release of The Mann Brothers “Mann to Mann” on DMP Records. In 2001, David released “Touch” on N-Coded Music, which showcased his full range of abilities as a composer, producer, programmer, and of course as a saxophonist. Named “one of the best albums of the year” and “debut artist of the year” by Jazztrax, “Touch” finds David in fine company, teaming up with Bob James, Chris Botti, Chuck Loeb and Chieli Minuchi. Along with working on his own albums, David has become an increasingly accomplished composer and producer, working with such artists as Wayman Tisdale, Nelson Rangell, Steve Cole, Kim Waters, Point of Grace, and Rachel Z. In 2001 alone, David scored two #1 NAC singles (with Wayman Tisdale and Steve Cole).

David has performed and recorded with many of the biggest names in music, including Tower of Power (1993-1996), James Taylor, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Gil Evans, Pat Metheny, Sting, Madonna, Chaka Khan, George Michael, Billy Joel, Lyle Lovett, Bob James, Linda Eder, Liza Minnelli, Patti Austin, Ivan Lins, Michael McDonald, Alicia Keys, Vanessa Williams, Bette Midler, Michael Bolton, Chieli Minucci, Luther Vandross, BB King, Phish, Spyro Gyra, Sergio Mendes, Bobby McFerrin, Leni Stern, Elements, Miles Evans Orchestra, Ricky Martin, Chuck Loeb, Special EFX, Donnie and Marie Osmond, Al Jarraeu, Rob Mathes, Club 1600, Whitney Houston and George Russell. He also can be heard on many TV themes and jingles, including those for Monday Night Football, ABC News Nightline, NBA on TBS, The Early Show with Bryant Gumbel, Later Today, 20/20, 48 Hours and Super Bowl XXIV on ABC. Movie credits include “Lucky Numbers,” “Any Given Sunday,” “Shaft 2,” “The Mask” and “Scrooged.” David has performed as a soloist with the Boston Pops and the National Symphony and has toured extensively throughout the world.

David graciously agreed to share with Linda's fans a glimpse into his life and his impressive career.

VOICE: Who inspired you to pursue a career in music?

DAVE: My older brother Ned was my first inspiration. He used to rehearse in our basement with his band so I was surrounded by music from an early age.

VOICE: What was your first instrument and when did you begin playing it?

DAVE: I started on the saxophone at age 9 in the school music program.

VOICE: We know you have played alongside your brother, bassist Ned Mann, and so do you come from a musical family?

DAVE: Ned and I are the only musicians in my immediate family – however there are lots of musicians on my mother's side of the family. My cousins are singers and my uncle plays the piano.

VOICE: What other instruments do you play?

DAVE: In addition to the saxophone I play the flute, clarinet and keyboards.

VOICE: When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician and when was your first professional performance?

DAVE: When I played my first professional gig at a bar called the DelRio in my hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan . We had a six-piece jazz group and played a lot of music from Art Blakey's group, which was my favorite at the time.

VOICE: How did you first connect with Linda?

DAVE: I first came into contact with Linda when I subbed in the band at the recommendation of David Finck, whom I had known since I came to New York in the middle 80s. I think this was 1997.

VOICE: What's your favorite song to perform with Linda in concert?

DAVE: My favorite song to perform with Linda is “On the Street Where You Live.” I enjoy our musical moment together and I love how it's different every night.

VOICE: What are the pros and cons of life on the road?

DAVE: The pros of life on the road are many – seeing the world, meeting new people, and hanging with your fellow musicians. The cons are the obvious ones – early wake-up calls and crowded airports. Too many late night stops at the 7-11 in the middle of nowhere. All that said – it still beats working!

VOICE: What has been your most exciting moment as a live performer?

DAVE: Some of my first gigs with Tower of Power come to mind. Also playing with James Taylor at the Beacon Theatre was a thrill. And looking back on it – playing with my group at the World Trade Center in 1987 was a thrill as well.

VOICE: Is Jazz your favorite type of music?

DAVE: Jazz is my favorite for sure, but I love many different kinds of music. As Duke Ellington said, “There's only two kinds of music, good and bad!”

VOICE: Can you tell us how you became a student of Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane?

DAVE: As all aspiring jazz musicians should, I surround myself with the music of the masters. Cannonball, Coltrane and Miles are the ones who inspired me the most.

VOICE: In your biography, you mentioned you aspired to one day play with Art Blakey and Miles Davis. Did this dream come true?

DAVE: I never did play with Art Blakey or Miles Davis and unfortunately they are both gone now.

VOICE: How did it feel to be named “one of the best albums of the year” and “debut artist of the year” in 2001 for the album “Touch?” This must have been very gratifying considering you were composer, producer, programmer and saxophonist.

DAVE: It was exciting to be named “one of the best albums of the year” and “debut artist of the year” in 2001 for my album “Touch” for sure. A project that you put so much time and energy into… it's always nice when it's appreciated.

VOICE: What do you do for fun?

DAVE: I love going on vacation with my wife – I love tinkering with my computers and with my home studio – I love playing chess – but most of all I love playing music!

VOICE: What's in your personal CD collection?

DAVE: Jazz, Pop, Classical, Funk – you name it!

VOICE: If you weren't a musician, what else would you do?

DAVE: Probably something with computers or technology.

VOICE: Are you married and do you have children?

DAVE: I am married and we live in New York City . We don't have any children.

VOICE: Thank you for giving Linda's fans an insight into your remarkable life and career.

DAVE: You're very welcome.

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For more information on David Mann visit http://davidmann.net .