The Guitar of Big Bill Broonzy: taught by Woody Mann [Paperback]

Woody Mann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

Big Bill Broonzy's recording career spanned from 1927 until his death in 1958. His repertoire was well recorded, from solos and duets to ensemble playing. He was rediscovered just as the "folk-revival" began in the early 1950's. Broonzy was a master of ragtime and country blues guitar whose playing was highlighted by a strong pulsating bass and melodic lead lines. In this comprehensive new audio lesson, Woody Mann explores the ideas, techniques, and styles of this legendary musician who has influenced generations of guitarists. The CDs contain three full hours of instruction featuring note-by-note, phrase-by-phrase instruction. Selections include: House Rent Stomp; Brownskin Shuffle; Moppin' Blues; Hey, Hey; Worryin' You Off My Mind; Stove Pipe Stomp; and Saturday Night Rub. Written in standard notation and tablature. Inlcudes 3 CD's.

Product Details

• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.; Pap/Com edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786650257
• ISBN-13: 978-0786650255
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,943,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good start, but..., May 25, 2005

By 

James Page - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Guitar of Big Bill Broonzy: taught by Woody Mann (Paperback)

This series of Woody Mann's, where he includes transcriptions and 3 CDs in order to examine the technique of specific artists, are good works for beginners and intermediate players who require slower tuition (i.e. songs slowed down, rehearsal of technique, a measure of technical information).

The major problem is that Mann's instructions on the CDs are sometimes confusing. He makes mistakes and corrects himself, but one can't help but wonder why these mistakes weren't edited out before release? He sometimes takes a second to right himself, and it can be annoying and confusing.

A lesser problem is that the releases are quite 'bare bones'. There's no printed matter besides the (partial) transcriptions - no photographs explaining techniques beyond Mann's narration. This could be a real problem for a beginner.

So, this release is a mixed bag. It will help you play Big Bill's exceptional music, but it can be frustrating at times.