Woody Mann received his first musical schooling in the living room of Rev. Gary Davis, the now legendary blues, gospel, and ragtime guitarist. Though Davis died in 1972, his guitar mastery proved to be an indelible influence on his young student and friend. The passion, energy and artistry of Davis’ early work became a lasting touchstone for Mann as he embarked on his own musical journey. 
                                                                     Photo: Stan Jay

Mann soon went on to perform with modern day blues musicians John Fahey, British great Jo-Ann Kelly, as well as early masters of the genre, such as Bukka White and Son House. 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, which ranges from playing with jazz great Attila Zoller, accompanying songwriter Dori Previn, and teaching guitar to legendary recording artist Paul Simon. Mann has recorded extensively and performed everywhere from the orchestra pits of Broadway to festivals, clubs and concert stages worldwide. Mann’s reach as a teacher, producer, and writer has been just as sweeping; he has been a faculty member at the New School in New York City, conducted master workshops throughout the world, founded International Guitar Seminars and Acoustic Sessions Inc, and schooled countless guitarists through his acclaimed books and DVDs including the series “The Art of Acoustic Blues Guitar,” “The Complete Robert Johnson,” “The Blues Fakebook,” and the recently published “Lisboa – the Guitar Of Woody Mann,” a collection of his original compositions.

Mann’s remarkable ease and grace with which he blends a wide pallet of influences was summed up in a recent Acoustic Guitar Magazine review of his recent recording “Road Trip”… “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...”

Mann 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 story tellers - updating the past with his own unique contemporary improvisational style. “Don’t miss the 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

For more information, please visit the Press Kit page.

" A brilliant convergence of guitar and song... completely original."
- Village Voice, New York

"This is one of those names that schould be uttered only in hushed tones. Not only was he taught by the peerless guitar picker the Rev Gary Davis, but Mann has played with Son House, Bukka White and John Fahey... In between giving lessons to Paul Simon and accompanying Dori Previn, he has also managed to cut some dazzling music...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.

"...Mann is a masterful player with a distinctly contemporary perspective in his songs."
- Acoustic Guitar Magazine

 Attempts to categorize his music simply misses the point. This is brilliant playing that demands to be heard." -Sing Out Magazine

If there was a category simply called "Great Music," Woody's C.D. would belong there. - John Fahey

"Mann is simply Spellbinding."
-Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine
 

Woody's DVDs and Videos

Woody's Published Books

Workshops/Teaching

Selected Recent Appearances

“Road Trip”
Acoustic sessions Rec.

“Waltz For Joy”
with Susanne Vogt
Acoustic Music Records

“Heading Uptown”
Shanachie Entertainment

“Stairwell Serenade”
Acoustic Music Records

“Stories”
Greenhay’s/Rounder Records

“Together In Las Vegas”
with John Cephas and Orville Johnson
Acoustic Sessions Recordings

“When I’ve Got The Moon”
with Susanne Vogt
Acoustic Sessions Rec.

“Been here And Gone”
with Son House, Joanne Kelly
Acoustic Music Records

“Get Together”
with Bob Brozman
Acoustic Music Records

“Cat Burglar”
Lee Haywood Recordings

“International Guitar Festival”
Acoustic Music Records

“First Takes”
Acoustic Sessions Rec.