'Pandora is a new form of personalized internet radio that was designed to help you discover new music you'll love, and enjoy music you already know.
Pandora is powered by the most comprehensive analysis of music ever undertaken, the Music Genome Project: a crazy project started over ten years ago to capture the complex musical DNA of songs using a large team of highly-trained musicians.
Here is a description of my 'musical DNA': folk roots, acoustic sonority, major key tonality, a good dose of acoustic guitar pickin' and acoustic rhythm guitars.
My first online video lesson is complete. Click on the Instructor link above for lesson info.
Many Moods Review from Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange - May 22, 2010
"Many Moods is completely instrumental, completely solo, with not one single overdub, and must be considered along with the extraordinary CandyRat label master players. Though the disc produces a great ambient sound for non-simplistic atmosphere and spatial enhancement of a balmy summer's day, attentive listening reveals many facets of surprising acumen alongside seemingly impossible feats. Woolman is of a stripe with Antoine DuFour in that regard: subtle but far deeper than the surface effect appears to expose."
Many Moods Heard Around the World - April 28, 2010
I have added select tracks to the Internet radio station, Jango, and have been enjoying much positive response from listeners around the world. It has been reported that there are some 7 million listeners subscribed to this one particular network. Not bad. In the past few months my music has been played in 48 countries, from the the US to Taiwan, spanning 6 continents. Haven't figured out a way to crack Antarctica yet! Please check out my profile on their site. Raise your thumbs and thanks for listening!
Archived Interview from MPR's Radio Heartland - February 20, 2010
In case you missed it, I was a guest on MPR's Radio Heartland program to promote the CD and the release concert. Me and host Dale Connelly chatted a bit, I played a bit, and we listened to some tunes. Check it out!
Many Moods, the new CD, available now! - January 20, 2010
Floating Feather Music is pleased to introduce, Many Moods, the fourth solo CD by Minnesota based finger-style guitarist, Ben Woolman. His latest effort offers the listener a diverse mix of musical genres ranging from the 1920s through the present century. In a sense, it is a nod to the history of finger-style guitar as well as an example of contemporary development of the style. This cosmopolitan collection features 8 original compositions and 3 arrangements with melodies hinting at the regional influences of: Latin America, Africa, Ireland, Eastern Europe, and the US, and evoking colors of: sunshine, sorrow, soul, funky, energy, joy, drama, and hope. Not since his debut CD, Lost in Density, has there been such a comprehensive representation of his abilities; a pleasant intermingling of diverse musical influences which in turn showcase his virtuosic skill and range of musical expression. It is a fine balance between intellect and intuition. According to Ben, "This project comes the closest to representing the many aspects of who I am as a player. It is a very personal statement with a splash of academia. Get to know this music and you will get to know me."
E-Interview from, 'Guitarist', the latest Minnesota Guitar Society Newsletter - December 28, 2009
Here is a very nice interview from, 'Guitarist', the latest Minnesota Guitar Society Newsletter. The article was published to help promote my CD release concert, part of their Local Artist Concert Series, which is set for: February 21st, 2010. Concert details are on my Calendar page. Enjoy!
Article is in .pdf format and can be found on page 5.
New Blog, "Stepwise Motion", has Launched - December 21, 2009
As I am waiting for my new CD to be released, I have finally launched my new blog entitled, "Stepwise Motion: Music, Processes, Fingerstyle Guitar, and Otherwise". I am planning to add new writings at least weekly with content including but not limited to: days in the life of a working musician, various musical musings, memoirs, and all things finger-style guitar. I hope you check it out, read, and enjoy!
New CD to be Released January, 2010 - November 27, 2009
I have completed tracking the new CD - all instrumental finger-style guitar solos - and I am now in the final stages of artwork and production. It is my most expansive and musically diverse project to date featuring predominantly original compositions with a couple of arrangements mixed in - including a tune by The Police! Fun stuff. Check back here for ordering info and see my calendar for details regarding the release concert set for February 21, 2010.
Soundtrack Work Complete for Wolf Quest 2 - November 4, 2009
I had the privilege of collaborating with the Buzza Brothers (from the band Kangaroo) earlier this Summer on a soundtrack project for the second installment of the online video game Wolf Quest. The official release is set for the later this year brought to you by, Eduweb.
Online Guitar Lessons Now Available! - June 19, 2009
Ben is now available for online guitar lessons using the free, web-based, real-time, video conferencing program, Skype. Visit skype.comto download the software.
Lessons may be scheduled on either a regular or irregular basis. Subject material will be considered at the time of the student's inquiry. Ben will e-mail lesson materials as applicable.
Lesson rates are $20/30min or $40/60min. All payments will be processed securely online through PayPal prior to the lesson. Contact Ben directly at ben@benwoolman.net for more info.
Roots Run Deep was selected as 2008's best Folk/Roots CD by MPLS - St. Paul Magazine. - June 18, 2009
"New Roots Duo, Roots Run Deep. Finger-style guitarists Ben Woolman and Dan Schwarz traded in their traditional guitars for an acoustic baritone and lap-steel guitar, and the result was a new kind of acoustic music that seemed to grow organically out of these strangely paired instruments. By turns fiery and meditative, their first album was, we hope, a hint of even greater things to come." - Tad Simons
Music Licensed for New NPR Program - June 17, 2009
A few pieces of mine were licensed by this guy for this project. The programs are currently being broadcast across the country on over 1000 NPR affiliated stations.
Archived recording of a New Roots Duo in-studio performance on MPR's The Current Morning Show: - June 17, 2009
New Roots Duo Signs Distro Deal with Candyrat Records - June 16, 2009
My other project, New Roots Duo, has signed a distribution deal with CandyRat Records. They are becoming one of the most prominent music labels for finger-style guitarists and general acoustic music at large. We are in good company.
To purchase CDs or DRM free MP3s directly, follow this link: CandyRat Records