Born and raised in Detroit to Tom and Jean Mann, Eugene picked up an alto saxophone at the age of nine and began playing at Nichols School under direction of Norm Zamczyk. His parents were very supportive of his music education which continued with Gus Moore at the East Detroit Conservatory of Music and then with Sam Sanders at Oakland University. His jazz education while at Oakland University during the productive 70s put him in contact with some of the greatest musicians in the Detroit area. Playing lead alto sax with the Afram Jazz Band under the direction of Marvin "Doc" Holladay, the big band found itself backing many jazz greats in concert. Artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Phil Woods and Thad Jones. He assisted trumpet great Marcus Belgrave with the Jazz Development Workshop in inner city Detroit.

He completed Oakland University with a Bachlelor degree with an emphasis in African culture, music and literature. He has been involved with small and large ensembles as well as fronting his own jazz groups including the Cameron Street Band, Front Row and New Day. His saxophone playing crosses many genres of music including jazz, rock, R&B and gospel. He has performed the National Anthem for the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Vipers games at the Palace of Auburn Hills as well as numerous community events.

He is currently performing as a soloist on his own and as a sideman with several local area groups and artists including L'USA, Joyride, the Kelly Dunn Band and his own group for both private and public events.

EQUIPMENT
YAMAHA CUSTOM 82Z ALTO SAX / H COUF SUPERBA I ALTO
SELMER MARK VI SOPRANO
FRANK WELLS CUSTOM MOUTHPIECE
VANDOREN V16 & ZZ REEDS
ROVNER LIGATURES
YAMAHA WX5 WIND CONTROLLER
YAMAHA VL70M SOUND MODULE with TURBO PROM CHIP
BOSE PAS
SHURE WIRELESS BETA 98
FREEHAND MUSICPAD PRO
K&M STANDS

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"Music is a beautiful opiate, if you don't take it too seriously."
-- Henry Miller