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…)

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…)