With the launch of the evolution wireless G4 series and two brand-new XS Wireless 1 Dual Sets, audio specialist Sennheiser is bringing a wide portfolio of exciting new wireless solutions to NAMM.
Meanwhile leading studio microphone manufacturer Neumann is presenting a re-issue of the U 67, the quintessential studio workhorse of the 1960s. But it is not all about products: The Sennheiser and Neumann booth (Anaheim Convention Center North, Level 1, Booth No. 14110) is once again continuing its tradition of presenting a diverse and exciting roster of musical talent.
This year’s artists performing on the booth stage include singer-songwriter Rie Sinclair, contemporary roots duo The Talbott Brothers (pictured above), and more (see full schedule below).
Alongside evolution wireless G4 and the XSW 1 Dual Sets, both available from April, Sennheiser will be showcasing upgrades to its acclaimed Digital 6000 wireless microphone system as well as the AMBEO portfolio, with immersive audio workshops also held at the booth (daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Neumann will be demoing its wide range of studio monitors and microphones, including the U 87 Rhodium Edition and the U 67, in dedicated active set-ups.
Stage Program
“It is our pleasure to present four days of live performances on the Sennheiser Stage during this year’s NAMM convention,” said Byron Gaither, Artist Relations, Sennheiser. “While our booth will showcase the latest audio technologies from Sennheiser and Neumann, the Sennheiser Stage provides a great opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the show floor and experience great artists putting these innovative mics into action.”
Thursday, Jan 25th - Day 1
11:30 a.m. - Randell Kirsch and LuAnn Olson
12:30 p.m. - Ronee Martin
1:30 p.m. - Michael Mell
2:30 p.m. - The Talbott Brothers
3:30 p.m. - Rie Sinclair
Friday, Jan 26th - Day 2
11:30 a.m. - Jaq MacKenzie
12:30 p.m. - Astral Queen feat. Nina Storey and Mark McKee
1:30 p.m. - Ari and the Alibis
2:30 p.m. - Marcus Eaton
3:30 p.m. - Julia Othmer
4:30 p.m. - Nu Blu
Saturday, Jan 27th - Day 3
11:30 a.m. - Dixie Jade
12:30 p.m. - Luci
1:30 p.m. - Lola Lennox
2:30 p.m. - Debby Holiday
3:30 p.m. - Chaka Blackmon
4:30 p.m. Chaka Blackmon
Sunday, Jan 28th - Day 4
11:30 a.m. - em rossi
12:30 p.m. - The Talbott Brothers
1:30 p.m. - George Krikes feat. Pretty Polly
2:30 p.m. - Ari and the Alibis
3:30 p.m. - Marina V.Join us for symposiums on wireless technology
Sennheiser will be participating in various events and panels taking place during the AES Pro Sound Symposium.
January 25 to 27, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Anaheim Hilton, Huntington C, Level 4 – Sennheiser will participate in the Wireless Spectrum Update 2018 Expert Panel alongside Lectrosonics, AT/Alteros, PWS and RAD.
January 25 to 27, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Anaheim Hilton, Huntington C, Level 4 – During the Wireless Microphone Spectrum, Technology and Product Discussion Sennheiser’s Eric Reese, Brian Walker, and Thom Salisbury will be hosting sessions to discuss current and future use of wireless microphones, as well as the trade-offs between specific wireless technologies and differing spectrum ranges. The discussion will look at the differences between analog and digital wireless as well as the use of alternate frequency ranges such as VHF, UHF, ISM, DECT, and 2.4G in various applications. This technology discussion will also include specific product innovations across the Sennheiser wireless product lines and exciting new products announced at NAMM.
January 25 to 27, at 5:00 p.m., Anaheim Hilton, Huntington C, Level 4 – Sennheiser will participate in the Entertainment Wireless Technology Q&A Panel, an open-format question and answer panel with leading industry experts on various entertainment wireless topics.On Sunday, January 28, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., AES and TEC Tracks join forces for a special Silent Jam session, where participants using Sennheiser wireless headphones will be able to audition the specific monitor mix that each musician has requested onstage. Engineering this session will be Eagles’ monitor mixer Mark Frink, and the performing musicians will include Brian Hardgroove, John Kurzweg and Jono Manson, as well as special guests. The session will take place at the Anaheim Hilton, Manhattan, Level 4.
Visit Sennheiser and Neumann at the NAMM Show, January 25 to 28, Anaheim Convention Center North, Level 1, Booth 14110.
Note: The NAMM Show is not open to the public.
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| photo: Armando Brown |
I covered The Cranberries' reunion tour in Dec. 2009 for the OC Register. It ended up being the final time I caught them live, having seen several shows in the 1990s and early 2000s. The review is below...
Family has always played an important role in the Cranberries’ lives and music.
So it’s no surprise that the seeds for their reunion tour were planted last January when singer Dolores O’Riordan received an honorary doctorate from Trinity College in Dublin. She invited former bandmates Noel and Mike Hogan (guitar and bass, respectively) to help with an acoustic set at that event. It was the first time they’d played together in six years.
This past summer, the brothers and drummer Fergal Lawler also attended a confirmation ceremony for O’Riordan’s son. After meeting their collective 11 children, she realized time had passed too quickly and decided the perfect time to regroup was now. A tour for her just-released solo album No Baggage was scrapped and the Irish band decided to start up shows in America.
It was during the mid-’90s that the Cranberries’ mix of dreamy yet raucous and Celtic-tinged rock, often heightened by politically charged lyrics, made the biggest impact here. A mainstay on KROQ, the quartet racked up eight Top 20 singles on modern-rock radio and three multimillion-selling discs, including their second effort, No Need to Argue (1994), now certified seven times platinum.
Before doors opened for Friday night’s sold-out gig at Club Nokia, one usher mentioned that some rabid fans had waited in line at the L.A. Live entertainment complex since early afternoon. Talk about dedication and pent-up demand.
The last time the Cranberries played the area, at the Greek Theatre in July 2002, they seemed to go through the motions. Not this time around; there was a distinct joie de vivre that informed O’Riordan’s performance.
Taking the stage to ominous intro music like what you hear inside Space Mountain, the band launched its 21-song, 85-minute show with the frantic “How.” The pixie-esque vocalist, her hair back to black (she’s a redhead on the cover of No Baggage), wore a sheer black outfit and high-top sneakers.
Half of Friday’s set list was drawn from the Cranberries’ first two releases, including their beloved 1993 debut Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? The rest of the selections touched on everything except (oddly) 2001’s winsome Wake Up and Smell the Coffee. Before a dramatic “Animal Instinct,” O’Riordan, 38, noted how time flies – she wrote that song in grade school.
The gorgeous “Linger,” one of the breakout tracks from the band’s debut, was dashed off early. Tour keyboard/guitarist Denny DeMarchi triggered the swelling orchestration and provided welcome background support all evening by bolstering the sound and enriching vocals. An Irish flag was hoisted by people in the crowd and everyone swayed along.
Although O’Riordan had no trouble hitting the high trills and Celtic-influenced vocal runs, she occasionally relied on the old annoying habit of strongly prodding fans to sing verses or choruses. Moving from acoustic to electric guitar, she and the band followed the lush, entrancing “Dreaming My Dreams” and doo-wop-styled “When You’re Gone” with the intense “Daffodil Lament.” Though heightened by her banshee wails and Lawler’s militaristic drums, it gave way to a jangly finish.
Among the concert’s many highlights were the plaintive “Ode to My Family” and a tension-filled “Pretty,” the latter inspiring the singer to indulge another sprightly dance. Keeping with the family theme, O’Riordan frequently extolled the joys of motherhood and procreation between songs.
The Hogan Brothers basically kept stock-still until a set-closing trio of rockers: the frenetic “Salvation” whipped the crowd into even more of a frenzy; O’Riordan sang “Ridiculous Thoughts” flat on the stage floor, then ran across it a few times; and the big hit “Zombie” still packed quite a grungy wallop.
Come encore time, the band changed things up a bit with an acoustic “Empty” (Lawler played bongos) and “The Journey,” the second solo tune of the night from the impressive No Baggage. O’Riordan recalled how 1996 was a dark year for her, but luckily people “pulled me out of the hole; love is to be cherished.” The Arabian-accented tune and soaring vocal vaguely recalled John Farham’s 1986 Australian chart smash “You’re the Voice.”
Finally, the band ended on a fun, shimmering note with “Dreams,” with O’Riordan doing a jig and impressing with her amazing vocalizations based on the traditional Irish sean nos style. All told, the Club Nokia gig was a welcome return. Let’s hope the band’s promise of new songs in the future materializes.
My review and the photo originally appeared at ocregister.com
Legacy Recordings has released Lady Bird - Soundtrack from the Motion Picture as a digital album today, with a physical CD edition available Feb. 2 and a 2LP 12" vinyl edition coming March 16, with Barnes & Noble offering a special 2LP 12" colored vinyl version of the album. Pre-order available here: https://lnk.to/LadyBirdSdtk
Lady Bird, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in early September and was released theatrically in November. She disclosed last fall that she'd written personal letters to artists she had in mind for the film—including Dave Matthews and Alanis Morissette—to expressly ask for their blessings to use their songs in Lady Bird (which is set in 2002).
The film—starring Saoirse Ronan in the title role and Laurie Metcalf as her mother—won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, while Saoirse Ronan took home the award for Best Actress, Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. The New York Film Critics Circle named Lady Bird 2017's Best Film and Ronan the year's Best Actress, while the National Board of Review placed Lady Bird in the year's Top 10 Films, named Gerwig Best Director, and named Metcalf Best Supporting Actress.
Track listing:
1. "Prayer of St.Francis" +
2. "Hand in My Pocket" - Alanis Morissette
3. "Little of Your Love" - HAIM
4. "Panis Angelicus" - Adolf Fredrik Girls Choir
5. "It's given to me - by me" +
6. "Days of Steam" - John Cale
7. "As We Go Along" - The Monkees
8. "Center of Attention" +
9. "Overture (from "Merrily We Roll Along")" - Original Broadway Cast and Orchestra
10. "Crash Into Me" - Dave Matthews Band
11. "Happy Birthday" - Altered Images
12. "City College" +
13. "Snoop Dog, Baby" - Reel Big Fish
14. "Always See Your Face" - LOVE
15. "Waltz of the Flowers" - St.Louis Symphony
16. "This Eve of Parting" - John Hartford
17. "Wrong Side of the Tracks" +
18. "Little Plastic Castles" - Ani Di Franco
19. "Tha Crossroads" - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
20. "Rosa Mystica" - The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir
21. "Let's Just Sit" +
+ Audio taken from the film Lady Bird
The Neighbourhood just released its new EP, to imagine, via Columbia Records. It follows the Hard EP from last September. The band also announced a headlining North American tour, with more dates to be announced soon.
Track listing:
1. Dust
2. Scary Love
3. Heaven
4. Compass
5. Stuck With Me
Tour Dates:
4/6 - Denver, CO @ The Ogden
4/7 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
4/9 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
4/10 - Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre
4/11 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
4/13 - Indio, CA @ Coachella
4/20 - Indio, CA @ Coachella
6/18 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
6/19 - Richmond, VA @ The National
6/20 - Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
6/22 - New Haven, CT @ College Street
6/23 - Albany, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
6/25 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall6/26 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
6/27 - Cincinatti, OH @ Bogarts
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| photo: Steve Keros |
World'’s Strongest Man, the third solo album by Gaz Coombes, was inspired by Grayson Perry'’s autobiography “The Descent of Man,” Frank Ocean'’s Blonde, Californian weed, British woodlands, unchecked masculinity, Neu! and hip hop.
Stream/Share New Track “Deep Pockets” Here
It is the follow up to 2015'’s critically-acclaimed Matador. Following its release, Gaz evolved from “Former Supergrass Frontman” to hugely respected Mercury Prize nominated solo artist in the space of just ten months. That album spawned five singles, was described by Q Magazine as “his masterpiece” and labeled an “instant classic” and awarded 5/5 stars by MOJO Magazine.
Like Matador, World’s Strongest Man was written, recorded and produced by Gaz Coombes at his home studio and at Oxford’'s Courtyard Studios (with co-production from long time studio partner Ian Davenport in a working process Gaz compares to what it must be like “editing a novel”).
The first track from World'’s Strongest Man – “Deep Pockets” – is out now and available to stream and purchase here. Worlds Strongest Man will be released May 4, 2018 via Gaz's Hot Fruit label through Caroline International.
Pre-Order Gaz Coombes - World's Strongest Man Now: https://gazcoombesuk.lnk.to/WSMPRPR
Track list:
1. World's Strongest Man
2.Deep Pockets
3. Walk The Walk
4. Shit (I’ve Done It Again)
5. Slow Motion Life
6. Wounded Egos
7. Oxygen Mask
8. In Waves
9. The Oaks
10. Vanishing Act
11. Weird Dreams
Ovation Guitars has announced the release of the Glen Campbell Signature Model acoustic/electric guitar.
Working in cooperation with the Campbell Family, Ovation has meticulously hand-crafted a precise recreation of Campbell's iconic “1771” model guitar with a AA solid Sitka Spruce top, 5-piece mahogany/maple neck with ebony fingerboard & walnut bridge and a center sound hole design with inlaid maple leaf rosettes.
In addition, the fretboard is adorned with classic diamond inlays and a mother of pearl Glen Campbell signature. Handcrafted in Ovation’s Custom Shop located in New Hartford, CT – the Glen Campbell Signature Model features ‘70’s vintage-style electronics to recreate the identical guitar tone of Campbell’s original six-string. The collectable guitar comes in a 9158-0 deluxe molded case.
”Ovation has been honored to be associated with Glen Campbell and his incomparable legacy for nearly 50 years,” said Ovation Guitars Brand Manager, Bill Xavier. “Working closely with the Campbell Family we have been able to faithfully recreate his most iconic guitars with modern updates that make the Glen Campbell Signature Model the best-sounding guitar Ovation has ever made.”
The Glen Campbell Signature Model also features a shallow, "Vintage Style Lyrachord" body used on early Ovations from the 60's and 70's which was designed to deliver a strong mid-range and bright high-end which helps every note stand out in an arrangement and is ideal for stage and studio alike. The shallow bowl is extremely durable and maintains the outstanding string-to-string balance of original Ovation designs.
This diminutive depth provides extraordinary playing comfort ideally suited to smaller players and those who prefer a slim-profile instrument. Designed to reduce hum and line noise, the FET preamp delivers stunning stereo output, and waist-mounted individual volume and tone controls are quick and easy to adjust while performing. A contemporary version of the electronics that launched the Adams acoustic/electric line in 1979, the FET preamp is an Ovation classic. The model is available in a choice of hand-sprayed Natural or Sunburst Nitrocellulose lacquer.
In 1969, Glen Campbell became one of the first-ever Ovation Guitars endorsers and via his nationally syndicated television program, “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” he brought an Ovation guitar directly into millions of Americans households on a weekly basis. Over the next four decades, Ovation worked closely with the multi-Grammy® Award-winner and Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee to create many of his iconic guitars. In fact, it was Campbell’s desire to be more mobile on stage which inspired the development of Ovation’s acoustic/electric piezo pick up system. “I didn’t like having the mic in front of the camera,” said Campbell in an interview. “I kept pressing Ovation to come up with a solution.
“These guitars are both a celebration of our father’s music as well as a commemoration of the nearly half century relationship between Glen Campbell and Ovation Guitars,” said Cal Campbell. “Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail in order to faithfully recreate the sound of our Father’s original guitar and it’s our hope that they will inspire future generations of artists to play, write, perform and create.”
In addition to the USA-made models, Ovation will also offer high-quality, mid-priced models that will be offered in cutaway and non-cutaway.
ABOUT OVATION GUITARS
Founded in 1965, Ovation Guitars is an American manufacturer of acoustic-electric guitars, basses, mandolins and ukuleles. Known for their distinctive parabolic-shaped, composite backs, multi-wood epaulets and integrated electronics, Ovation guitars have been played by such legendary artists as Glen Campbell, Melissa Etheridge, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Richie Sambora, Jimmy Page and Kevin Cronin among others. For more information, visit www.ovationguitars.com
Note: The NAMM Show is not open to the public.
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| photo: Matt Masin |
I caught the band when it played LA last year (see the review here: https://newwavegeo.blogspot.com/2017/03/concert-review-bon-jovi-in-los-angeles.html) and they still put on an energetic show...
Newly announced Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 inductees Bon Jovi have announced the spring leg of their This House Is Not for Sale Tour, set to kick off in Denver in March and run into May.
The Grammy-winning band will also celebrate their return to the road with the re-release of This House Is Not For Sale as a new version, containing two brand new songs, “When We Were US” and “Walls,” available via all download and streaming partners on February 23.
“Backstage with Jon Bon Jovi” Fan Club tickets and VIP Experience Packages go on presale beginning January 16 at 10 a.m. local time (Denver Fan Club ticket and VIP Experience Package presales begin January 15 at 10 a.m. local time).
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning January 16 at 10 a.m. local time through January 18 at 10 p.m. local time (except St. Paul, which will be February 13 to 15).
From January 12 to 14, ticket holders to Bon Jovi’s cancelled spring 2017 Denver concert will have access to an exclusive “Previous Purchasers” presale to buy tickets to the March 14 Pepsi Center concert for 50% off (while supplies last).
Live Nation presales will begin January 18 at 10 a.m. local time and end at 10 p.m. (except St. Paul, which will be February 15). General public tickets will be available for purchase starting January 19 at 10 a.m. local time (except St. Paul, which will be February 16) at Ticketmaster.com and through participating venue Box Offices. Each online ticket purchased will include a CD of the original This House Is Not For Sale. Visit www.bonjovi.com for updated tour and ticketing information.
The This House Is Not For Sale Tour has already received fan and critical acclaim, with its first North American leg grossing an estimated $47 million and its South American leg grossing nearly $40 million.
That tour was Bon Jovi’s first outing since the band’s 2013 Because We Can World Tour. 2013’s was their fourth in six years to be ranked the No. 1 top-grossing tour in the world (a feat accomplished by only The Rolling Stones previously) with a total of $259.5 million. Bon Jovi also earned the No. 1 grossing worldwide tour in 2010 for The Circle Tour, with $201 million total, and 2008’s Lost Highway tour, which earned $210.6 million. Bon Jovi’s touring legacy was recognized with the “Legend of Live” award at the Billboard Touring Conference & Awards prior to the kick-off of The This House Is Not for Sale Tour.
Bon Jovi released This House Is Not for Sale (Island Records) on Nov. 4, 2016 which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, giving the rock band its sixth U.S. No. 1. Worldwide, the album hit No. 1 in Australia and Austria; No. 2 in Spain and Switzerland; No. 3 in Canada and Germany; and hit the top 10 in Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland and the United Kingdom.
This House Is Not for Sale was Bon Jovi’s first major release since What About Now (2013), the band’s third consecutive multi-platinum album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 (Lost Highway in 2007, and The Circle in 2009).
Concert Dates:
Wed., Mar. 14, 2018
Denver, CO
Pepsi Center
Fri., Mar. 16, 2018
Salt Lake City, UT
Vivint Smart Home Arena
Sat., Mar. 17, 2018
Las Vegas, NV
T-Mobile Arena
Tue., Mar. 20, 2018
Little Rock, AR
Verizon Arena
Thu., Mar. 22, 2018
San Antonio, TX
AT&T Center
Fri., Mar. 23, 2018
Houston, TX
Toyota Center
Sun., Mar. 25, 2018
New Orleans, LA
Smoothie King Center
Mon., Mar. 26, 2018
Dallas, TX
American Airlines Center
Mon., Apr. 2, 2018
Boston, MA
TD Garden
Wed., Apr. 4, 2018
Montreal, QC
Bell Centre
Sat., Apr. 7, 2018
Newark, NJ
Prudential Center
Sun., Apr. 8, 2018
Newark, NJ
Prudential Center
Wed., Apr. 18, 2018
Orlando, FL
Amway Center
Fri., Apr. 20, 2018
Atlanta, GA
Philips Arena
Sat., Apr. 21, 2018
Charlotte, NC
Spectrum Center
Tue., Apr. 24, 2018
Raleigh, NC
PNC Arena
Thu., Apr. 26, 2018
Chicago, IL
United Center
Sat., Apr. 28, 2018
St. Paul, MN
Xcel Energy Center
Sun., Apr. 29, 2018
Milwaukee, WI
BMO Harris Bradley Center
Wed., May 2, 2018
Allentown, PA
PPL Center
Thu., May 3, 2018
Philadelphia, PA
Wells Fargo Center
Sat., May 5, 2018
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Arena
Mon., May 7, 2018
Ottawa, ON
Canadian Tire Centre
Wed., May 9, 2018
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
Thu., May 10, 2018
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
Sat., May 12, 2018
Toronto, ON
Air Canada Centre
Mon., May 14, 2018
Washington, DC
Capital One Arena
