The Guitar Player's Resource
Fingerstyle guitarist Ben Woolman entitled his new CD Wisdom / Delusion, his third independently released album of concise and inspiring melodies. Woolman has merged every musical influence he has had over the years into what he calls 'instrumental story songs', depicting impressionistic images in the listener's mind. The eleven tracks on Wisdom / Delusion shiver and surge with melodic and rhythmic intensity, involving and engaging the listener on several levels at once. Tunes such as "Sunday Shine" and "Chasing A Melody" are rhythmically buoyant numbers that can be heard numerous times, reflecting the artist's experience and maturity as a songwriter and guitar player. Wisdom / Delusion was produced by prominent Twin Cities musician Dan Schwartz, and represents Woolman's personal evolution, as well as a collection of totally listenable, folksy yet dynamic themes.
Ben first picked up the electric bass at age 14, and developed his skills in rock/punk garage bands. He later became enthralled with the power of the solo folk musician, developing a love for the singular expressiveness of the instrument. Ben then pursued a BFA in Amercian fingerstyle guitar at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee/Wisconsin Conservatory Of Music. His music has been featured on two international CD compilations released by Narada Media, as well as a Compass Productions compilation produced by Billy McLaughlin. Ben was also a guest columnist for Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine's October 1997 and April 1998 issues. He contributed to a soundtrack for the documentary film "Before I Sleep" and composed an original soundtrack for "Match Quest", an independently produced animated short. Ben's music can be heard around the world and among programming for Minnesota and National Public Radio.
Woolman hopes to continue to spread his music around the world, and his ultimate goal is to improve his skills to such a high degree that one day he will inspire other young players in the same way that the great players inspired him.
Benjamin Woolman
United States
Web site: www.floatingfeather.com