SAT. 1/30
8:30 PM
WOODY MANN
ED GERHARD
Also, special Afternoon Guitar Seminar & Workshop 12:30 PM (info below)
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. 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. 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. Mann complemented the tutelage of Rev. Davis with formal training at New York's celebrated Juilliard School. In addition, Mann completed a period of intense study with noted Chicago-born pianist Lennie Tristano, who introduced him to the world of jazz and its infinite possibilities. During this time, Mann's early musical grounding began to blossom into an improvisational style all his own. 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. With his diversity as a singer/songwriter, jazz and blues guitarist, and composer, a recent review in Sing Out magazine describes it best: Mann blurs the line between jazz, blues, classical, and world music creating his own sound in the process. Attempts to categorize his music simply misses the point. This is brilliant playing that demands to be heard." Acknowledging his artistry, the famed C.F. Martin guitar company has honored Woody with the recent release of the Woody Mann signature model guitar.
Mann's reach as a teacher, and as a writer has been just as sweeping; he has been a faculty member at the New School in New York, conducted workshops and master classes throughout the world, founded International Guitar Seminars and schooled countless guitarists through his many instructional books and DVDs, including The Art of Acoustic Blues Guitar DVD series, The Complete Robert Johnson, The Blues Fakebook, and Lisboa – the Guitar of Woody Mann, a collection of his original compositions. Few guitarists have been so generous with their knowledge.
"Mann is simply spellbinding" - Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine…"Mann has absorbed so many guitar styles that he can change moods on a dime, weaving lyrical single string lines and chord harmonies that can take his tunes across the musical divides between genres" - Acoustic Guitar Magazine…"Don't miss a chance to see him; you are unlikely to hear anything- or anyone – better in the fields that Mann has chosen to master." -The London Times
In his afternoon workshop, Woody will illustrate how the techniques of traditional country blues form a basis for various styles of guitar playing – including ragtime, swing, early jazz and contemporary sounds. Along with his original material, Woody will focus on how syncopated picking and understanding the fretboard can be used as a basic tool for developing your playing technique. This is a hands on session, so bring your guitar and learn a few new tunes!
More about Woody Mann
From sold out tours of Japan to festivals in Italy and venues across the US, Ed Gerhard's music has touched audiences all over the world. He is one of those artists you've probably already enjoyed without knowing his name: Gerhard's guitar work is featured in the PBS/ Ken Burns series "THE NATIONAL PARKS: America's Best Idea" (episode 3); in Burns' previous "Mark Twain"; as well as on albums by Arlo Guthrie and Jorma Kaukonen. Gerhard was also awarded a Grammy for his participation in the compilation CD "Henry Mancini; Pink Guitar."
Performing on 6-string, slide guitar or Acoustic Hawaiian Lap Slide, Gerhard's virtuosity, generosity and humor shine through. His distinctive touch is unmistakable. Whether performing a lush, sensual ballad or a haunting, bitter lap steel melody Gerhard will mesmerize. Each of Gerhard's eight releases have received high praise from critics and guitar fans worldwide, including the Boston Globe Critic's Poll "Top Ten Albums of the Year."
Ed's afternoon workshop will cover a myriad of topics in a "Master Class" format. He'll use your music as the basis to cover a myriad of topics that include composition, arranging, performance, interpretation, connecting emotionally with the music, technique and more.
As always, the main focus will be on listening. But, this time the focus is on listening to YOU. We'll work with what you are already doing, and make that even better. Everyone will get a chance to play and receive some intensive feedback on their playing. We'll work on tone, dynamics, expression and more.
More about Ed Gerhard
This is a very special afternoon/evening for acoustic guitarists and those who enjoy listening to them! Woody Mann and Ed Gerhard will be conducting afternoon guitar workshops – both jointly and separately – starting at 12:30 PM (please note that our kitchen opens at 11). Those who purchase a combined worshop+show ticket will be invited to stay to observe and learn about the "sound check" process, as Woody and Ed get set up for their evening show. Then, after a break at dinner time, there will be an 8:30 PM show for acoustic guitar music lovers of all kinds to enjoy each of these artists! (separate or combined ticket)
8:30 PM Show $25 online/ $30 at the door
12:30 PM Workshop $75 online/ $80 at the door
Combined workshop + show $90 online/ $95 at the door
WORKSHOPS WILL HAVE A LIMITED ENROLLMENT, SO SIGN UP EARLY!
