In the late 1970's a student of mine, Andy Pitt, called to say he'd just heard an amazing guitarist named Woody Mann. Andy's next door neighbor, a pianist, had told Andy to come over to meet a guitarist that he was working with.
Both of them were studying jazz improvisation with Lennie Tristano. Andy became an immediate fan, especially when he heard Woody play Reverend Gary Davis pieces.
He really was an otherworldly talent, and an exemplary human being.
Here's a perfect example of what, no doubt, grabbed Andy's attention:
I don't remember when I first met Woody, but it was most likely at John Monteleone's shop or house. Woody's passing has touched John very, very deeply.
Some shots from The Jazz Loft in Stonybrook, NY Sept.2019
RIP Woody.
HE