Singer-Songwriter Jackson Browne to Receive Les Paul Innovation Award at 33rd Annual NAMM TEC Awards

                         

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Singer-Songwriter Jackson Browne to Receive 

Les Paul Innovation Award at 33^rd Annual NAMM TEC Awards

 

The Section to reunite for on-stage performance and will be inducted into

NAMM TEC Hall of Fame Saturday, January 27 at The NAMM Show

Carlsbad, Calif. (December 20, 2017) – The NAMM Foundation has announced that singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will receive the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award at the 33^rd Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), being held Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Anaheim, CA. The award is given on behalf of the Les Paul Foundation to honor individuals that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of recording technology in the spirit of the famed audio pioneer, inventor and musician, Les Paul.

Browne has written and performed some of the most iconic and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion, and personal politics. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. His debut album came out on David Geffen's Asylum Records in 1972. Since then, he has released fourteen studio albums and four collections of live performances, and has sold over 18 million albums in the U.S. Browne will be on tour in the spring of 2018. Tour dates can be found here.

“Jackson Browne’s success as a singer, songwriter and guitarist has had a prolific impression on the music industry throughout his successful career,” said Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation. “Like Les Paul, Jackson has never shied away from expressing his emotions or thoughts through his music. I have no doubt that Les would have liked to share a few jams with Jackson along the way.”

Dubbed the “Knights of Soft Rock” by Rolling Stone, The Section will also be honored during the evening event as the newest inductees to the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame. Reaching their height in the 70s playing alongside the biggest names in the business, including James Taylor, Carole King, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Section also released three of their own imprints and toured and recorded with Jackson Browne in earlier years. While no longer recording collectively, each artist now actively works in the studio and on tour and consists of Danny Kortchmar (guitar), Craig Doerge (keyboards), Leland Sklar (bass), and Russ Kunkel (drums). They’ll reunite on stage for a rare performance of some of their best-known hits in support of the evening’s celebration.

The NAMM TEC Hall of Fame award was started in 1988 to honor pioneers of audio technology, as well as the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. In 2017, legendary Aerosmith engineer and producer Jack Douglas was inducted into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame, and joined luminaries Skunk Baxter, Ed Cherney, Hal Blaine, Nathan East and others. 

The NAMM TEC Awards, held during the global gathering of music, sound and event technology at The NAMM Show, are bestowed annually in honor of the many individuals, companies and technical innovations used in sound recordings, films, broadcast television and video games. Nominees were announced earlier this year. Purchase tickets on site or in advance here FOR $65 (General Admission) or $195 (VIP). The show begins with a VIP-only reception at 6PM, followed by the awards ceremony at 7PM, held in the Hilton Anaheim Hotel’s Pacific Ballroom. Stand-up comedian and entertainer Demetri Martin will host the ceremony.

Media Contacts:

Chalise Zolezzi | NAMM

760-801-7900 | chalisez@namm.org

Jeanne O’Keefe | The Lippin Group for NAMM

323-965-1990 | jokeefe@lippingroup.com 

ABOUT THE TEC AWARDS

Presented annually by the NAMM Foundation during The NAMM Show, The NAMM TEC Awards recognizes the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and other media in 23 Technical and 8 Creative Achievement Categories. The Les Paul Innovation Award is given at the event in tribute to musical artists and others whose work has exemplified the creative application of audio technology. Through its Hall of Fame, The TEC Awards also honors the pioneers of audio technology and the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. The NAMM Foundation’s TECnology Hall of Fame celebrates innovations and ground breaking technical achievements of the past. For more information, visit www.tecawards.org

Ted Nugent - The Coach House 06/29/2017

Got approval from Tedquarters to photograph

the first of the 2 sold out shows at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano California. It's great to see Uncle Ted "Rock Your face Off" in a small venue of about 500. In a cloud of smoke with a huge America flag as a back drop, Nugent greeted us with his rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" leading right into the Big Joe Williams classic "Baby Please Don't Go". Backed up by Greg Smith on Bass and Jason Hartless on drums the trio blistered through their 15 song set continuing raise the temperature of the room with each song.

This is the same band that Ted toured with when he hit the road last summer. Greg Smith did a fine job handling the vocal on "Need You Bad" and "Hey Baby" almost making me forget that Derek St. Holmes was not present again on this tour. Say what you will about Nugent. Love him or hate him at 69 years young he is still the master of the Byrdland 6 and he proved that again at the Coach House as he fired off classic lick after lick into the crowd with speed and accuracy. The show included a good retrospect of classic Nugent peaking with "Cat Scratch Fever" and "Stranglehold".  Of course the crowd wanted just a bit more before they headed for the doors and Ted obliged ending the evening with "The Great White Buffalo.

I have seen Nugent several times over the years and one thing I can say is that he always seems to find a good unknown to open for him. This time was no exception. Derek Day, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and all around entertainer. He put on a great show. I think you may want to get that name on your radar for the future. Great job Derek. Check out some of his performances.

Click here to check out Derek Day's YouTube Channel

Prior to the Coach House show Nugent along with the Law Offices of Mark Peacock & SafetyHeroes.org hosted the 8^th annual fundraiser benefitting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund to raise proceeds in support of the injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The annual fundraiser welcomed over 100 members of local law enforcement, fire and military personnel including both active and retired members from various LA and Orange County Police Departments, Huntington Beach, Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, Anaheim Police, Garden Grove Police, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, Elite.com, and more. 100% of the proceeds raised will benefit The Semper Fi Fund.

Set List - Coach House 06/29/2017

Star Spangled Banner
Baby Please Don't Go
Gonzo
Paralyzed
Free For All
Good Friends And A Bottle Of Wine
Wang Dang Sweet Poontang
Need You Bad
Stormtroopin
Dog Eat Dog
Hey Baby
Fred Bear
Cat Scratch Fever
Stranglehold
Great White Buffalo

 

A Review of the CD - She Rocks Vol. 1

A while ago I received the announcement about the 2017 She Rocks Awards at Winter NAMM 2017.  Gearing up for its fifth consecutive year, the She Rocks Awards pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry, and has become a standard at the NAMM Show.  I think that it was just matter of time before the powers that be decided to honor them with a CD version to further display the talent of the women.  She Rocks, Vol.1 compilation was released digitally on January 20, 2017 with the CD format being released on February 10, 2017. From track one, Orianthi’s “Transmogrify” to  track 11, Yvette Young’s “Hydra” the performances captured on this compilation  continue to smolder long after you have removed the CD from your device.  When I looked at the list of artists included I recognized a few of the names. What I didn’t know was that I was going to be introduced to several new ones that would totally blow me away.  As expected, Lita Ford’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Lemon Song” is killer. New to me was Yasi Hofer’s  song “Cosmic Stars”. HOLY CRAP!  My ears are still smoking from this little gem! Discovered by Steve Vai around age 14, (now 24) this shredder can only continue to get better. Think I’m going to have to watch the concert listings to see if I can catch her live.  There is just a ton of first class shedding guitar on this compilation. I loved every minute of that. One cut that I really enjoyed was Kat Dyson’s “U Know What I Like”. Not only was the playing solid but her bluesy voice caught my ear and wouldn’t let it go. Beautiful!  Bottom line this CD is a worthy addition to your collection. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed. Looking forward to Vol. 2!

She Rocks, Vol. 1 Track List:

1.   Orianthi – “Transmogrify”

2.   Yasi Hofer – “Cosmic Stars”

3.   Kat Dyson – “U Know What I Like”

4.   Sarah Longfield – “The Taxi Time Travel Task Force”

5.   Lita Ford w/Lez Zeppelin – “The Lemon Song”

6.   Jennifer Batten – “In the Aftermath”

7.   Nita Strauss – “Pandemonium”

8.   Steph Paynes – “The Sun at Her Eastern Gate”

9.   Nili Brosh – “A Matter of Perception”

10. Gretchen Menn – “Scrap Metal”

11. Yvette Young – “Hydra”

Album producer and former Guitar World editor,  Brad Tolinski

Executive Producer: Steve Vai

Mastered by: Alan Douches at West West Side Studios, New Windsor, NY

Cover art & insert: Laura B. Whitmore

Label & Production Management: Steve Vai, Pam Dancy, Lindsey Hess, Frank Hessing, & Sean Carpenter

Purchase now on iTunes!: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/she-rocks-vol.-1/id1186363564

For more information about She Rocks Vol. 1 http://www.favorednations.com/artists/sherocksvol1/

Samson NAMM 2017 News: UHF Wireless System & Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphones

Samson NAMM 2017 News: UHF Wireless System & Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphones

AirLine 88 Wind Instrument UHF Wireless System

Brings True Wireless Freedom to Brass and Woodwind Performers

ANAHEIM, CA – NAMM 2017, Booth #6900 / Hall A, January 17, 2017 – Samson, an industry pioneer in wireless audio technology, today announces the AirLine 88 Wind Instrument UHF Wireless System, offering true wireless freedom without the hassle of a beltpack or cable. Featuring a clip-on transmitter with a shockmounted microphone and adjustable gooseneck, this frequency-agile UHF wireless system provides high definition sound with 300' of wireless operation for saxophones, trumpets, trombones and other wind instruments. AirLine 88 Wind Instrument will be available July 2017.

AirLine 88 Wind Instrument continues Samson's longstanding commitment to wireless innovation. Designed to be an extension of your instrument rather than a separate component, the AW8 transmitter lets you rule the stage with confidence. It provides infrared sync to wirelessly match the receiver and transmitter frequency, easily accessible Gain and Mute controls, a battery life LED indicator and an 8-hour rechargeable lithium ion battery.

Designed specifically for wind instruments, the system’s AW8 transmitter clips directly to your instrument’s bell with no beltpack or cable necessary. It features a shockmounted condenser microphone to minimize any noise caused by mechanical vibration. The mic capsule offers a supercardioid pickup pattern that handles up to 130dB SPL, ideal for handling the sudden attack of wind instruments. The AW8 also offers an 8.5” adjustable gooseneck for optimal mic placement.

Offering frequency-agile operation, the system’s rack mountable CR88 Wireless Receiver provides 16 selectable channels for reliable performance no matter where you are. The receiver’s True Diversity design minimizes dropouts, while tone key technology prevents unwanted noise when your transmitter is off or out of range. Available July 2017 for $399.99.

AirLine 88 Wind Instrument System Features:

·    Frequency-agile UHF wireless system

·    16 operating channels across 24MHz bandwidth

·    Up to eight simultaneous systems per frequency band (region dependent)

·    Rackmount kit included

AW8 Wind Instrument Transmitter Features:

·         Clips directly to instrument (no beltpack or cable required)

·         Shockmounted instrument microphone capsule with supercardioid pickup pattern

·         Handles up to 130dB SPL

·         8.5” gooseneck (with P3 connector) for optimal mic placement

·         Up to eight hours of battery life using built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery

·         Sealed gold contact charging connector for included USB-style charger

·         Low battery LED indicator

·         300’ operating range (line-of-sight)

·         Variable Gain control

·         1-touch Mute

·         Windscreen included

CR88 Wireless Receiver Features:

·    IR sync wirelessly matches receiver and transmitter frequency

·    True Diversity design minimizes dropouts

·    Tone key prevents unwanted noise when transmitter is off/out of range

·    1/4-wave antennas

·    Half-rack receiver design

·    LED display indicates operating channel

·    Balanced XLR, unbalanced 1/4” outputs

# # #

Samson NAMM 2017: Q7x and Q8x
Pro Dynamic Vocal Microphones

New and Improved Handheld Mics Faithfully Capture Live and Studio
Vocal and Instrument Performances

ANAHEIM, CA – NAMM 2017, Booth #6900 / Hall A, January 17, 2017 – Samson, an industry pioneer in professional audio solutions, today announces their new and improved Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphones: Q7x and Q8x. Samson's Q7x and Q8x provide exceptional sound reproduction for live and studio vocal and instrument performances, as well as presentations and podcasting. And with updated body designs and improved capsule shockmount systems, these mics provide reliable performance in even the most demanding environments. The Q7x and Q8x will be available March 2017.

Q7X Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone

The workhorse Q7x offers a wide dynamic range with tailored mid-range presence produced by its neodymium dynamic mic element. Its smooth frequency response and low frequency roll-off provide balanced audio reproduction no matter the application.

Q8X Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphones

Capturing a wide dynamic range with exceptional mid-range clarity, the flagship Q8x provides a linear frequency response via its neodymium dynamic mic element that is flat with a slight lift around 8kHz. This makes the Q8x ideal for fitting vocals in live mixes with minimal EQ adjustments. In addition, its high saturation level audio transformer aids in the rejection of hum and noise.

Both models offer a supercardioid pickup pattern with excellent off-axis rejection, enabling them to pick up all the nuances of any performance with maximum volume and clarity, while reducing feedback and unwanted signals not originating in front of the mics. The Q7x and Q8x feature newly-designed rugged die-cast bodies and hardened steel grilles, along with improved multi-axis (Q7x) and pneumatic (Q8x) capsule shockmounts for minimizing handling noise. Equipped to withstand high sound pressure levels up to 147dB SPL (Q7x) and 150dB SPL (Q8x), these mics allow vocals to sound huge and crystal clear, but can also handle close miking instruments including drums, guitar cabinets and more. Available March 2017 for $79.99 (Q7x) and $99.99 (Q8x).

Q7x Features:

·    Dynamic vocal microphone with tailored mid-range presence

·    Neodymium dynamic mic element for wide dynamic range

·    High output, low impedance design

·    Supercardioid pickup pattern with excellent off-axis rejection

·    Smooth, flat frequency response of 80Hz–12kHz

·    Handles high SPLs of up to 147dB for close miking situations

·    Improved multi-axis capsule shockmount minimizes handling noise

·    Rugged die cast body, hardened steel grille

·    Includes mic clip and carry case

Q8x Features:

·    Premium dynamic vocal microphone with exceptional mid-range clarity

·    Neodymium dynamic mic element for wide dynamic range

·    High output, low impedance design

·    Supercardioid pickup pattern with excellent off-axis rejection

·    High saturation level audio transformer rejects hum/noise

·    Smooth, flat frequency response of 50Hz–16kHz

·    Handles high SPLs of up to 150dB for close miking situations

·    Improved pneumatic capsule shockmount minimizes handling noise

·    Rugged die cast body, hardened steel grille

·    Includes mic clip and carry case

# # #

Samson Technologies began in 1980 as a pioneer in wireless microphone technology. Today, Samson is an industry leader in professional audio solutions whose products are known for their fidelity and reliability. Samson products are preferred by recording artists, performers, educators and audio professionals throughout the world.

To connect with Samson, visit samsontech.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. For more information on Samson’s full line of wireless and audio products, media members may contact the following:

Press Contact

Claire Rocawich

Max Borges Agency

305-374-4404 x110

clairerocawich@maxborgesagency.com