Mann received his first musical schooling in the living room of Reverend Gary Davis, the legendary blues, gospel and ragtime guitarist. Though Davis died in 1972, his guitar mastery proved to be an indelible influence on his young student and friend.

Mann soon went on to perform with modern day blues musicians such as John Fahey, John Renbourn and Jo-Ann Kelly, as well as early masters of the genre such as Bukka White and Son House. Mann complemented the tutelage of Davis with formal training at New York’s celebrated Juilliard School. In addition, Mann completed a period of intense study with noted Chicago-born pianist Lennie Tristano, who introduced him to the world of jazz. During this time, Mann’s early musical grounding began to blossom into an improvisational style all his own.

Since then, Mann has pursued a rich and diverse career and has recorded and performed extensively. He has also conducted masterclass workshops throughout the world and produced many books and DVDs.