Remembering Ed Mann

Frank Zappa percussionist Ed Mann passed away on June 1st, at the age of 70. Mann began playing piano and objects found in the kitchen at age three and got his first drum kit at 11. He 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 […]

Remembering Mark Nelson

Former Roland, DW and Guitar Center executive Mark Nelson has passed away. Mark retired from Roland earlier this year, with his family revealing that he had been battling pancreatic cancer since 2021. A statement from the family says: “The world lost a wonderful person on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, and we will never be the same without Mark Steven Nelson in our lives. It’s not often that life brings us someone as special as Mark, and we feel fortunate to have known him when he was with us.” The family notes that through his faith and with extensive medical expertise, Mark’s life was extended far beyond expected norms. “We feel at peace knowing he is now cancer-free and celebrating his […]