EPISODE ONE PHILIP MANN - KENT - 29th SEPTEMBER 2025

Philip Mann is a renowned British bassist, award-winning music educator, author, and journalist. Often described as one of the UK's leading bass guitarists, he is celebrated for his versatile playing style that spans jazz, contemporary music, rock, and musical theatre. Beyond performance, Mann is a pivotal figure in bass education, having taught at a plethora of prestigious institutions, creating an array of influential resources for aspiring musicians. His career blends high-profile gigs, academic rigor, and innovative instrument design, earning praise from peers such as Scott Devine ("a natural born teacher"), Jeff Berlin ("one of three go-to tutors in Europe") and more recently, Berklee College of Music’s bass chair; Steve Bailey.

Born in London, Mann honed his skills through formal training. He earned a B.Mus. (Hons) in Contemporary Music Performance and an M.Mus. (Hons) in Jazz Performance. In 2007, he received a scholarship to study at The Players School of Music in Clearwater, Florida, under legendary bassist Jeff Berlin, a seminal point in his profession which, he claims; ‘divided his career into pre and post achievements.’

Mann is a prolific session and touring bassist, known for his work across genres and continents. His credits include:
Performances and recordings with Grammy award winners Van Morrison, Leo Sayer and Albert Lee. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers; The Drifters and The Platters. Steve Morse, Billy Bragg, Chris Farlowe, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Paul Jones (Manfred Mann), Bastian Baker, Doña Oxford, Alison Limerick, Andy Abraham, Lois Winstone, and Peter Donegan (son of Lonnie Donegan) with whom he was the winner numerous 2020 Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards.

Debuted in London's West End in 2006 with the Motown production *Dancing in the Streets*. Extensive Broadway and European theatre work includes *Jesus Christ Superstar*, *Fame*, *Grease*, *Hairspray*, *Little Shop of Horrors*, *Anything Goes*, *The Pirates of Penzance*, and *Jack the Ripper* amongst a seemingly endless list of productions.

Mann has performed for Microsoft in Turkey, the British Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, upon the QE II in Dubai, at the Formula 1 Championship in Monaco, and the Cannes Film Festival in France. Over the last two decades Mann has continually featured at an array of European and international trade shows - in 2011 opening for Marcus Miller at BassDay UK.

Mann's passion for education is as prominent as his performance work. He served as a senior lecturer and course developer at London's Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), contributing to diploma, bachelor's, and master's programs. Previously a faculty member at The Players School of Music and Scott's Bass Lessons (an online platform), he now delivers masterclasses, courses and bespoke lessons at With Bass In Mind.

His teaching philosophy focuses on primarily upon the practical application of music theory, and is renowned for making complex theory incredibly accessible to all levels of learner.

Mann is a prolific author and columnist:
Creator of the *Chord Tone Concepts* series (four volumes), a comprehensive guide to harmonic navigation (through voice leading) for bass guitar - praised for its structured exercises utilising the cycle of fourths and emphasis on musical application. Endorsed by Berklee College of Music, it's considered the "definitive publication" of texts in this field of study, words echoed by the likes of Jeff Berlin, Laurence Cottle, Scott Devine and Steve Bailey. His work has been internationally recognized, including a ‘Certificate of Academic Excellence’ from The Players School of Music, Florida.

One of the longest standing techniques columns for *Bass Player* and *Bass Guitar* Magazines, consisting of over one-hundred contributions.

In 2017, Overwater Basses launched the Philip Mann Signature Series Jazz bass. Inspired by their Progress III model but housed in a classic J-Bass aesthetic, this instrument features the Trickfish J-core preamp, paired with Bartolini single coil pickups - and is described by Overwater founder Chris May as ‘a true Wolf in sheep’s clothing’. The Mann-Overwater partnership dates back to 2002 but is only one of a collative of brands which seemingly envelope Mann’s career: Ashdown engineering (LB-2.N) and Elites Strings proudly share his name on their roster of associated musicians, and in 2024 Sushi FX released a ‘With Bass In Mind Edition’ of their infamous ‘Finally’ Tube DI box.

As of 2024, Mann remains active in education and performance. He featured in an exclusive interview with *For Bass Players Only* (June 2024), and Cover feature in ‘Bass Review Magazine’ after being credited for holding down The Drifters bass chair during their 70th Anniversary world tour.

Philip Mann exemplifies the modern bassist: a performer who educates, innovates, and inspires across stages and screens worldwide. For more information: www.withbassinmind.com