Rites of Spring festival

I meet George Rolden at his home in Coatesville Philadelphia. Thanks to Jill Hughes-Kirtland (editor, usaprogmusic), who drove me to meet this old acquaintance of hers from the Progrock world, I arrive in time for George’s weekly radio broadcast of Prog Rock Cafe; equipment housed in the basement of his home.
George politely and magnanimously welcomed us in on this somewhat chilly December night. Under Jill’s advise we had packed our bags to stay-over at his humble abode; a long drive back up to Jersey just wouldn’t work in the thick snow.
I set up the vidcam on the topmost shelf of George’s bookcase as swiftly as I could so as not to interrupt his radio schedule. We were ready for the simulcast of Prog Rock Cafe and Sonicfreakz’s video interview.

George is an old hand in the progressive rock circle. As the president and promoter of ROSfest – Rites of Spring festival held annually in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he has made ROSfest one of the premier ProgRock festivals on the North-east region of America; this region being New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Delaware. (continue reading…)

Taurus 3 bass pedal (c) Moogmusic

I wrap up my coverage on NAMM 2010 with a special article, special to me for many reasons. I am a music tech buff or geek as some like to call me. I can’t deny it, bad habit. I am also a history buff; I love to listen to treasured stories. I can’t refute that, and I won’t kick the habit. But most of all, I can’t deny that my love for playing music has enabled me to connect with people … and that leaves me eternally grateful.

1st day at NAMM – - I picked up my badge at the will-call station in the lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center. Had to place the printout which bore my name and Moog Music Inc, into the given plastic holder. Also printed on the badge was the letter ‘A’ in white which sat in the middle of a black square designed in the lower right-hand corner. ‘A’ – - stood for ‘artist’.
Why am I telling you all this? That’s because of the strange sensation that washed over me as I realised all curious by-starers would ‘recognise’ me as a Moog artist … and it made me want to get down on my knees.

I visited family when I caught up with the folks at Moogmusic. That’s how I consider them; family.

The name Moog (pronounced like ‘vogue’) is known for technology that has made music history. The home-grown company has stayed true to its roots by continuing to come up with fantastical products while keeping the legacy of its founder alive. Robert Moog’s inventions left an indelible mark in the sound palette of the world (read footnote) and thanks to their strong following, no product stays long as a number on the production line. (continue reading…)

Thom Shepherd & Megan Linville At the Tin Roof, Nashville

Thom Shepherd is one of these down to earth musicians I’ve mentioned in my various articles. The kind so comfortable with themselves and their music they don’t try to please. They are just who they are; comfortable.

Thom wore a perpetual smile on his face for the 45 minutes we chatted in his office just off Music Row, and was accommodating in more ways than one. This two-times cancer survivor is unabashed about his brush with death; which he agreed was fodder for songwriting, his love for country music, and respect for his fellow musician and partner Megan Linville.

I made plans to meet Thom before I left Dallas to join Tom Brislin for the drive down to the music city. It was Rocky Gribble of the Grapevine Opry who suggested I give Thom a tinkle.
My week in Nashville was scheduled to be chock-a-block full, and just as I expected, Tuesday rolled up without so much as a breather. When Tom Brislin, his old school chum Dan Thomas and I negotiated our way to the Tin Roof where Thom and Megan were to do a show, the hands of the clock were about to strike the pose ’7′.
I had already attended a private viewing of the Nashville Symphony at rehearsal that morning, and interviewed three Steinway pianists at separate intervals in the afternoon. But my exhaustion was fleeing. I was to meet the person from whom I would glean a terrible secret. I was to pry from his knowing hands, the secret to writing an award winning song! (continue reading…)

Yamaha at the Marriott ballroom - NAMM 2010

Yamaha occupied an entire ballroom in the Marriott, a short sprint across from the Anaheim Convention Center.

I caught up with long time supporter of Xenovibes, Western Regional Manager, Frank Yardley who gave me a tour of the ‘booth’ beginning with my favourite department; the wonderful world of electronic wiz.

John Anthony Martinez, my Xenovibes partner, and I have toured in confidence knowing that no matter where we landed there was a Yamaha representative. When we arrived in NYC for Moogfest07 at B B King in the rain there was rep Eugeni with a DTXpress III. At the 2004 Xenovibes premier in Singapore, Yamaha Asia had a DTXpress II ready for our rehearsal. An O1X mixer/HUI complete with MLan and two 32-bit multi-effects processors was bought to record the show; an item I’ve since used faithfully on every CD. On the other end of the musical instrument spectrum, a Yamaha C3 concert grand was my instrument in my undergraduate years at the Elder Conservatorium …

John and I (Xenovibes) at BB King Times Sq NYC 2007

But then I digress. What can I say about Yamaha except it is a name associated with innovation and quality.

(continue reading…)

Beegie Adair, Jazz pianist and recording artist

When I sat down with Beegie in the recital hall of the Steinway Piano Gallery in Nashville, I found myself a kindred spirit. I’ve had the privilege of meeting a few such people in my travels.

Within minutes of exchanging pleasantries, including details of each other’s musical aspirations and the such, I noticed we shared similar thoughts on many issues related to music. Beegie became my buddy the instant I found out she had heard the theremin; “they used to make theremin records when I was a little girl!”

Beegie aka Bobbe Gorin (B.G.) Adair, has seen jazz grow from a niche category in a music store to something more egalitarian, thanks to those who have had through generations, massaged their artistic persuasions into the music, much like one would rub spices culled from around the world into their cooking. (continue reading…)

House concert in CA

The idea for house concerts is neither a new fad nor the latest. Most of us are familiar with the concept of patrons of the arts opening their homes to artists of the classical music persuasion.

These patrons host a private event where friends are entertained, and have the opportunity to mingle with the artist(s). The chance to get intimate with the artist(s) while they spin an exotic yarn or two is often the real reason these musical soirées have ample attendance, and why a reply to Répondez s’il vous plaît is never tardy.

House concert in CA

In America, the trend for house concerts by mainstream – pop artists has become a ‘household’ name, to a point where societies in support of this activity have sprung up to provide helpful hints for hosts and artists alike. (continue reading…)

MikTek tube mics

I felt like I had made a lucky find when I finally stumbled on MikTek tucked in a corner at NAMM 2010.
This company from Nashville, TN was founded on the notion that tried and true technology should be at the heart of one of the most important assets of a recording studio.

Many consider appointing the services of a recording studio based on the sound desk or DAW used.
Whatever floats your boat I say, but the consensus from a recent conversation I had with Tom Brislin about the humble microphone was that there is indeed one made for every voice. The asset I am referring to is clearly the microphone and its heart according to MikTek is the vacuum tube.

The knowledge required to select the right directional or polar pattern and frequency response plays a huge part in the use of a microphone when one is particular about recording the voice, and there is a vast range of microphones to chose from. Yet there is no denying that when the right one is placed in front of you, how it enhances your voice is immediately apparent. (continue reading…)

myMix personal monitoring system (pic courtesy Movek LLC)

Just when you thought you had reached a dead end with personal monitoring, myMix appears in the nick of time to save us all from pulling out what’s left of our crowning glory.

The myMix uses a standard ethernet hub (externally powered or using the power-over-ethernet switch), is compatible with the AVB protocol and links up to 8 units on a network at 16 channels each. You can store up to 20 profiles or personal mix settings all viewable on a colour LCD screen. It comes with a mic stand adaptor to mount the unit. Convenient and easy to use so far.

So what exactly could the myMix give that other similar units don’t already? Well let me list just a few that stood out; these are not in order of ‘greatness’.

Each channel (instrument) can be muted or soloed. Many a time I would have liked to have been able to audition my synth, you know, solo my channel to make sure I have all the correct setups, perhaps run through a few tricky lines while waiting for the band to get ready. And to be able to mute instruments I don’t want in my mix without actually turning down their level then having to turn them up again at a later time. Efficient. (continue reading…)

Eddie Jobson who contributed to the design of the VAX77 @ Infinite Response Inc booth, NAMM 2010

As a traveling musician and one of such stature as mine; you know, diminutive  (aha, you thought I was referring to my musical notoriety) I need to think efficient.
With fees now attached to check-in baggage, all musicians big and small have to wonder if it is indeed worth forking out US$20 to $25 buckaroos each piece each one-way trip.

Infinite Response to the rescue!
This firm from Austin’s answer to this dilemma is the VAX77, a midi controller that folds in two, literally right down the middle. They have 2 versions to this keyboard, the standard light-weight keys and the semi weighted one, which weigh in at 35 and 37pounds respectively.

It also comes with a case that is suppose to meet carry-on size restrictions. Dimensions vary with different airlines, so make sure you check with the one of your travel choice before you hit the tarmac.

The VAX77 has the features and functionalities expected of a midi controller, such as a pitch bend wheel that is situated at the left hand vertical panel; placement due to space constraints imposed by the thrust of the design, which is its foldability. The slider situated on the left edge top panel takes the place of the mod wheel.
Though the two are not in close proximity, having polyphonic aftertouch means one could program any kind of modulation/effect to be activated via key pressure; pushing down on the key during the note-sustain stage. One can assign supplementary effects to foot controllers as Eddie Jobson demonstrated during an appearance at the booth. A man after my own heart, Eddie (UK, Asia, Jethro Tull, Roxy Music) who was integral in the development of the VAX77 in 2009, ran two laptops with Mainstage and a myriad of foot switches and controllers; extended synth techniques, baby! (I might try to cover polyphonic aftertouch in a future article.)
(continue reading…)

Westone Elite Series IEM (pic courtesy of Westone)

NAMM 2010 at the Anaheim Convention Center was to be a real treat for me.The last time I attended one was many blue moons ago.

I was ready to reinstate myself as a music technology geek, and for my hidden agenda – to start a wish list for my 2010 Christmas stocking!

Westone, manufacturers of in-ear products, were 1st to catch my attention.

In the business that began in the hearing health industry, Westone has been manufacturing in-ear products for 50 years, with IEM’s since the early 1990’s. They have fitted artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Babyface, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael W Smith, Woody Lee, Cirque Du Soleil and more, and have made IEM systems for some of the top companies in the industry.
As you all know, I have braved all kinds of weather and types of environment in my quest to go wherever my theremin takes me. I also lost my hearing as a teenager for a short period of time to a middle-ear infection. (continue reading…)