David Torn Presents Imagining the Guitar: an Interactive Weekend Workshop in Woodstock, NY

WOODSTOCK, N.Y. - Nov. 22, 2016 - PRLog -- Woodstock, New York — November 15, 2016. Join visionary guitarist and composer David Torn for an immersive two-day exploration of the guitar as a creative force in the 21st century at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, New York on December 10 and 11, 2016.

The interactive workshop will encompass a constellation of interrelated topics including continually improving tone production and expressivity through attention to playing technique and true gear mastery, effects processing and live-looping strategies, the role of guitar in modern film scoring, applying harmonic concepts, facilitating meaningful improvisation, and the artistic and economic realities of committing oneself to a career in music amid challenging times. "It will be a master class, though with the emphasis on discussion and personal interaction," says Torn. "I want this to be a conversation rather than a lecture."

The workshop will be filmed and all participants will receive a special copy (individuals may opt out of being featured in the publically released version). "I want to update my Painting With Guitar videos from the '90s, but I don't want to do it alone this time," explains Torn. "I want to involve other people, show them things, and let them experiment for themselves. Participants are encouraged to bring an electric guitar with them, but Fryette Amplification and Sound City Amplification will provide amplifiers and cabinets, and I'll have my loopers, key pedals, and other gear on hand as well."

As for who Torn is hoping will attend and what he would like them to take away from the experience, he's fairly explicit: "I would like the participants to be truly interested in their instrument no matter what level they are at," he says. "And I would particularly like to have younger musicians—including those in their 30s and even their early 40s—that are seeking something that might open up new doors for them. My hope is that all of the participants will be edified enough to walk away with optimism and positive energy that will spur them to work further, as well as feeling confident enough to continue applying that work in the real world of making music for people. That would be the whole nut for me."

Fellow guitarist and educator Ken Rosser will assist Torn throughout, and surprise guests will also participate at various points.

Workshop Schedule

Saturday December 10

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Coffee, muffins, and settling in
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Participatory Workshop Part 1
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Late lunch and (more) coffee
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Participatory Workshop Part 2
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Dinner Hang
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm: David Torn performance
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Wrap-up Hang

Sunday December 11

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Morning Hang with coffee and muffins
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: David Torn Performance
12:45 pm - 4:00 pm: Participatory Workshop Part 3 (with snacks and coffee)

Info: woodstocksessions.com

Tickets: davidtorn.bpt.me

Contact: (845) 328-0420 / info@woodstocksessions.com

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About David Torn
David Torn is an American guitarist, composer, producer, and ECM recording artist known for his singular playing style and innovative approach to the use of electric, electronic, and acoustic sounds, especially within the context of live-looping.

Torn has contributed to recordings by scores of major artists such as David Bowie, k.d. lang, John Legend, Madonna, Jan Garbarek, Tori Amos, David Sylvian, Chocolate Genius, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Mark Isham. He has also produced numerous recordings for artists such as Tim Berne, Mick Karn, Matt Mitchell, Donna Lewis, Robby Aceto, Kaki King, and Dave Douglas, as well as a Grammy-winning recording for Jeff Beck. Other credits include co-writing a hit song with Madonna.

Torn's original scores have featured in films such as Friday Night Lights, Lars and the Real Girl, and Everything Must Go, and his studio contributions (guitar, oud, ambient textures, etc.) grace dozens more, including Traffic, the first and last Twilight films, No Country for Old Men, Velvet Goldmine, Three Kings, Adaptation, The Big Lebowski, The Departed, Kalifornia, Tibet, and World of Starcraft. Torn's score for The Order was nominated for a Grammy Award.