Woody Mann ← THE MATRIX of FABULOUS DISCOVERIES

Worldlines from Woody Mann: I'LL TAKE YOU THERE! ▶

Woody Mann

A short series of steps can potentially carry anybody anywhere on the planet between all other artists and Woody Mann, by the same seemingly magical mathematics which dictates that in human society there are between Woody Mann and you 6 or fewer degrees of separation.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Recommendations are from artist to artist by category (hint: explore categories). Recommendations in series form worldlines. Worldlines form the matrix. The matrix is a small world network. Ergo, Woody Mann, whether to be recommended, accessed or discovered, is within reach of almost everybody on earth.

Who's taking you???

Outgoing curation by: The Matrix

Who I Am & Where I Live

Name: Woody Mann
City: New York City
Country: United States

My Life & Work

Bio: Among guitarists and critics, Woody Mann is considered a modern master. While the country blues are his touchstone, he seems to draw inspiration from every direction, blending a myriad of influences with ease and grace. Pioneering guitar legend John Fahey said it well: “You can hear classical, jazz and blues approaches somehow converging into a single sparkling sound – a sound completely his own. If there was a category simply called great music Woody’s music would belong there”.

Since his early days when Woody took his first musical schooling with Reverend Gary Davis, the legendary blues, gospel and ragtime guitarist and with Chicago-born jazz pianist Lennie Tristano, Mann has pursued a rich and diverse career. From his first solo recording “Stairwell Serenade” that Guitar Player Magazine included in their “guitar recordings of destiny” he has; performed everywhere from the orchestra pits of Broadway to stages worldwide, recorded extensively as a soloist and in collaboration with legends Son House Bukka White, and John Fahey, been honored by the C.F. Martin guitar company with the release of “Woody Mann” signature model, named as the official USA ambassador the Great Britain International Guitar Festival, and has schooled countless guitarists through his many books and DVDs. Mann’s latest release “Careless Love” features a collection or original tracks ranging from Italian inspired melodies to Southern blues and jazz rhythms. It is yet another inspired set that shows why Woody continues to be an original voice on the music scene.

Acknowledging his artistry, the C.F. Martin guitar company has honored Woody with the release of the “Woody Mann” signature model guitar. He is also the official USA ambassador the Great Britain International Guitar Festival, where he has been a frequent performer.

As a producer, writer and filmmaker he has co-produced the award winning feature documentary, “Harlem Street Singer”, the story of Reverend Gary Davis, the legendary Gospel, blues, and ragtime guitarist, produced the soundtrack CD “Empire Root Band”, and penned his latest book “Just Play”, combines history and stories of artists Woody has known and worked with including jazz guitarist Attila Zoller, Lennie Portuguese composer Carlos Paredes, and his early mentors Reverend Gary Davis and jazz great Lennie Tristano.

Woody has taught at the major guitar workshops in the USA and Europe including Hanover University in Germany and Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch, been a faculty member at the New School in New York City, founded International Guitar Seminars, and created his own innovative online teaching website. Presently, Woody is a visiting artist at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he is teaching a new generation of musicians.

His originality has captured critical acclaim from New York to Tokyo. “Woody takes familiar material and twists and turns it taking a phrase and dynamics into a breathtaking listening experience. And smooth & bluesy vocals.” – the Guardian “What is remarkable is how he can draw from several styles and techniques within a single song and have them blend without the feeling of inconsistency. Woody Mann’s performance is inspired from start to finish.”-Acoustic Musician Magazine

Throughout his career, Woody has not forgotten those early lessons in the Rev. Davis’ living room or the jazz traditions that were his wellspring. He has become one of the world’s renowned guitar masters – bringing the past up to the present – with his own contemporary improvisational style.