“Finding My Way Home”

~The Miraculous Musical Journey

of Ned Mann~

www.helpnedfightals.org

This is a story of courage, determination, love and a soaring musical spirit. Doublebassist Ned Mann had it all; a great career as a musician, sound technician, producer, a loving family and a host of good friends, and of course – a magnificent doublebass.   And then it all came to a sudden stop.  In 1999,  Ned was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and everything changed.  When the disease took away his mobility he was no longer able to play his instruments or function as an engineer.  The illness brings with it intense hardships – both physically as well as mentally.  It seemed as if Ned Mann’s career was at an end; until some miraculous events occurred.  However, I’m getting ahead of myself; let me start at the beginning.

About 25 years ago, a young bassist showed up in New York to take lessons from the master bassist, Rufus Reid.  At the time Ned was 15 years old; Rufus says that Ned soaked up everything he could in his lessons “and he was hungry for everything and anything he could learn.”  It was obvious that this young bassist was going to ‘make it.’”  Ned and Rufus became fast friends and Rufus states “he has been like a son.”

Fast forward a few years; Ned, in his 20’s, had moved to New York City with his wife and began his career as a professional musician.  He became a major player on the NYC scene, toured with many of the legends of Jazz and was in demand as an engineer and producer in the studios.  Life was good for a number of years. And then the disease struck.  Ned lost his mobility, and a bright and budding career seemed at an end.  He could no longer play that beautiful instrument – devastating to someone so in love with his art and craft. The outlook appeared bleak and without hope.  Ned decided to sell his precious bass.  As related by Ned, “within one hour of deciding to sell what New York bass repairman and luthier David Gage called ‘one of the finest German basses in New York,’ both Rufus Reid and bassist Michael Moore indicated they were each very interested in obtaining it.  And Michael was disappointed when I told him I would give Rufus first chance to buy it.”  And, of course, Rufus did just that.  It is a marvelous instrument; made in 1805 by the German luthier Josef Reiger. It can be heard on a number of Rufus’ recordings, including his latest, “Out Front,” featuring his trio with pianist Steve Allee and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca  ( see the review of this recording in this issue.)

Then, in the spring of 2009, Tim Ries, an old friend came to visit Ned in San Diego (where the Manns had moved.)  There, the birth of the idea for a recording project to benefit the research of ALS was conceived.  Ned’s concept evolved into an exciting challenge – to raise funds and awareness for ALS research.  Ned states, “The support of the musical community was overwhelming – everyone from musicians to studios, from designers to CD manufacturers, all generously donated their time and talents.”  Another important event occurred in 2009.  Ned discovered a system, called ‘SmartNav,’ that allowed him to control his computer again!  It uses a laser to reflect off of a dot on his glasses.  It was the start of an amazing and miraculous transformation.  Ned’s friends came out and built him a ‘Protools’ LE studio and assisted him in setting up his website –

www.helpnedfightals.org  (You must check this out!)  Ned was, finally, able to get back to doing what he loved: creating music.

With a lot of assistance from his brother, saxophonist David Mann, Ned was able to produce two CDs with all-star lineups.  It took six months for Ned to master and mix the recordings using his new technology and ‘Protools.’  So, after many years away, Ned states “it is amazing to be back producing, editing, and mixing!  Being involved with David on a creative level again has been unbelievable.  What a blessing to have music reappear in my life!  It has been a true blessing, and demonstrates that as long as one has hope anything is possible.”

The result of this ‘labor of love’ is a wonderful two CD set.  “Finding My Way Home; Vol 1: The Electric Session” includes a cast of great musicians including David Mann, Chuck Loeb, Randy Brecker, Jeff Beal, Jon Werking, Mark Egan, Will Lee, Ned Mann, Brian Dunne, and David Charles.  “Vol. 2; The Acoustic Session” showcases Mike Stern, Rufus Reid, Randy Brecker and David Mann swinging standards in a mainstream jazz setting.

Brother David relates “It is a rare joy to make music simply for the love of it.  All these musicians were celebrating their love of music, but also their love of Ned.  This joy and love comes through in the music.  We hope people are moved by it.”

This is a compelling story of courage, determination, a soaring spirit and love.  We hope the reader is moved to take action in the fight against this debilitating disease. CDs of “Finding My Way Home” are now available at www.CDbaby.com  All profits from the sale of this recording (2 CDs) will be donated to the ALS Association. For more information on Ned Mann’s remarkable and miraculous “journey” see his website   www.helpnedfightals.com

Paul Pearce

2010