Among guitarists and critics, Woody Mann is considered a modern master. While the blues are his touchstone, he seems to draw inspiration from every direction, blending a myriad of influences with ease and grace. Woody takes a fresh approach to his blues re-creations and his own compositions defy category. If there was a category simply called ‘great music’ Woody’s music would belong there.
Woody received his first musical schooling in the living room of Reverend Gary Davis, the legendary blues, gospel and ragtime guitarist. Mann soon went on to perform with blues legends Son House and Bukka White, British great Jo Anne Kelly, and fingerstyle wizard
John Fahey, and complemented the tutelage of Rev. Davis with formal training at New York’s celebrated Juilliard School.
Since then, Mann has pursued a rich and diverse career that has included; playing with jazz great Attila Zoller, accompanying songwriter Dory Previn, giving guitar lessons to recording artist Paul Simon, performing in over fifteen countries, and recording eleven
albums ranging from 1994’s “Stories” to 2008’s “Road Trip”, as well as collaborations with blues legends Son House and John Cephas.
Woody has not forgotten those early lessons in the Rev. Davis’ living room, however, or the jazz traditions that were his wellspring. He has since become one of the world’s most renowned guitar masters and song writing story tellers with his own contemporary improvisational style.
“Dazzling and technically flawless finger style guitar at its most listenable. Mann’s wizardry on the fret board is matched by his ability to convey deep feelings with his songs- creating moods that incite, delight, or simply soothe.”
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