This workshop on the guitar music of Reverend Gary Davis (1896-1972) will examine his sacred and secular repertoire, the many technical and interpretive aspects of his playing, and connections between his life and art. Favorite keys and singing approaches will be covered as will such songs as “Oh Glory, How Happy I Am,” “Samson and Delilah,” “Devil’s Dream,” and “Light of This World.” Ellis has performed Davis’s music for decades, has taught his music at Fur Peace Ranch, and has written on the Rev including instructional books with Ernie Hawkins for Stefan Grossman, liner notes for Davis historical reissues, and a Ph.D. dissertation on Davis’s music (“I Belong to the Band”).

Intermediate level guitarists are recommended but beginners are welcome (tips on how best to play with fingerpicks, for example, are also addressed).