Classic Foreigner showcased on upcoming 'Foreigner Live At The Rainbow '78' multi-format release

EAGLE VISION PROUDLY PRESENTS

'FOREIGNER – LIVE AT THE RAINBOW ‘78'

RESTORED AND REMASTERED RARE EARLY PERFORMANCE

RELEASED ON MULTIPLE FORMATS ON MARCH 15TH 2019

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

PRE-ORDER HERE

FOREIGNER and Eagle Vision have announced the release of the concert film, Foreigner Live At The Rainbow '78, which is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital video from March 15, 2019.

After the band’s self-titled debut album had spent a year in the US Top 20, rock’s conquering heroes played a sold-out show at London’s celebrated Rainbow Theatre on April 27, 1978. Opening with “Long, Long Way From Home,” fans were treated to a magnificent display of musicianship and performance, including hit singles “Feels Like The First Time” and “Cold As Ice,” as well an exclusive preview of two tracks from the upcoming Double Vision album, “Hot Blooded” and “Double Vision.”

Featuring the classic FOREIGNER lineup of Mick Jones (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Lou Gramm (lead vocals, percussion), Ian McDonald (guitars, keyboards, sax, flute, backing vocals), Al Greenwood (keyboards, synthesizer), Ed Gagliardi (bass, backing vocals) and Dennis Elliott (drums, backing vocals), this show captures the essence of a group who would go on to become one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.

Forty years later, this definitive performance by the original band has been restored from the original film reels, remixed and remastered for this release.

“1978 was an absolutely magical time for the band,” remembers Mick Jones, “and to come back over to the UK to play a headline show at the legendary Rainbow really was a dream come true. The audience was amazing that night. We couldn't have wished for a better show.”

As FOREIGNER’s music continues to resonate with fans old and new, the band celebrated their 40th anniversary playing amphitheaters and arenas throughout 2018.

Tracklisting
01. Long, Long Way From Home
02. I Need You
03. Woman Oh Woman
04. Hot Blooded
05. The Damage Is Done
06. Cold As Ice
07. Starrider
08. Double Vision
09. Feels Like The First Time
10. Fool For You Anyway
11. At War With The World
12. Headknocker

Official Foreigner website

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About Foreigner
FOREIGNER is one of the Best-Selling Bands of All Time, with Worldwide sales in excess of 80 million. They have been awarded multiple Platinum singles for digital sales of “I Want To Know What Love Is” and “Juke Box Hero”, while YouTube views of FOREIGNER songs total almost 500 Million.

Jukebox Hero, The Musical is a new musical production built around Foreigner’s peerless catalogue of hit songs, created by prolific British writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais (The Commitments, Across the Universe), with an artistic team led by Foreigner founder, songwriter and lead guitarist Mick Jones and FOREIGNER’s managers Phil Carson and Stewart Young. Jukebox Hero, The Musical will make its world premiere at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre in February. https://www.mirvish.com/shows/jukebox-hero

About Eagle Vision
Eagle Vision is an imprint of Eagle Rock Entertainment, the world-leading producer and distributor of music-related audiovisual content. Founded in 1997, the multi-award-winning company completes over 50 productions a year including concerts, documentaries, scripted formats and specials representing over 2,000 hours of programming. The vast catalogue includes work by award-winning filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Brett Morgan, Paul Dugdale, Stanley Nelson and Bob Smeaton. Eagle Rock has worked alongside a variety of artists including the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Jay Z, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, Frank Sinatra, Black Sabbath and Imagine Dragons.
eagle-rock.com

Your New Favorite Guitar Hero...and he's only 15!

Watch a special episode focused on emerging guitar master Brandon "Taz" Niederauer. The episode includes thoughts from TJR on seeing the guitar great for the first time, as well as an interview where Robert Kinsler speaks with Brandon and his band mate/long-time guitar instructor Mat Godfrey captured at the 2019 NAMM Show on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019:

NAMM 2019 Roundup: Gibson, Yamaha, Brandon "Taz" Niederauer at D'Angelico Guitars, Alice Wallace at Shubb Capos, more!

The 2019 NAMM Show / Photo: Bob Steshetz

Star-studded concert events, intimate booth performances, new music making-related products and educational sessions make the annual NAMM Show an essential destination for those who make or love music.

This year's Winter NAMM Show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center January 24-27, 2019, with this writer also attending the NAMM Media Preview Day on Jan. 23 to get an early, in-depth glimpse at several music-making products on the eve of their debut to the more than 115,000 music enthusiasts who attended the industry event.

Here are some of the standout performances and cool gear I experienced during my long weekend at the 2019 NAMM Show!

Billy F Gibbons at Gibson's
"NAMM Jam" on Jan. 24.
Photo: Bob Steshetz 

Gibson Brands returned to NAMM in a big way in 2019. The iconic Nashville, Tennessee-based guitar maker was a major presence during the show. The company teamed up with Chuck Berry's son and grandson to create Berry's ES-350T (to be released later this year). Gibson also showcased a limited-edition Chris Cornell Tribute Model ES-335; only 250 of the instruments will be available. 

The company staged many live music events, notably the outstanding "NAMM Jam" featuring Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Peter Frampton, Robby Krieger (The Doors) and Nancy Wilson (Heart) staged at City National Grove of Anaheim on Jan. 24. That show was truly spectacular with several emerging artists including Austin, Texas-based Emily Wolfe and Black Pistol Fire adding firepower to the night. Read my full-length review of that show here.

Nathan East performing at NAMM.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage hosted almost continuous music across the event, including three major concerts. Although I missed the Thursday night affair (I was at the aforementioned Gibson "NAMM Jam" that evening), I did catch the Friday and Saturday night headline events. Yamaha's second annual "All-Star Concert on the Grand" featuring Sarah McLachlan, Jonathan Butler, James "J.T." Taylor, Jon McLaughlin, and Loren Allred. The terrific concert event featured Yamaha artist/bassist Nathan East (Fourplay) as musical director. Elle King & the Brethren delivered a strong 80-minute set on Saturday, displaying her unique hybrid of blues, rock, pop and country via a mix of original material and several artful covers (Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and Paul McCartney's "Oh! Darling"). She capped her well-received outing with the pop-rock hit "Ex's & Oh's." Read George A. Paul's full-length review of both concerts here.

Plasmic showcasing "Keytar" at Yamaha booth.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Speaking of Yamaha Corporation of America, the company showcased a number of innovative products during the show. Among the most impressive was the Yamaha Sonogenic "Keytar," an affordable-for-all $299 keyboard that will appeal to those who don't know how to play the instrument as well as those who do! I was able to watch as musician-producer Plasmic demonstrated the ease and fun of using the shoulder-worn Sonogenic SGS-500, which she wore like a guitar while fingering the instrument's 37 mini-keys. The use of the "Keytar" is bolstered by Yamaha's free companion Chord Tracker app that links the user's iTunes music library so the player can accompany their favorite artist. "There are no wrong notes," Plasmic explained. Information: https://usa.yamaha.com/.

Martin's DX Woodstock 50th Anniversary
model. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Ciari Guitars unveiled a premium electric guitar that folds in half. The full-size Ascender Travel guitar is designed to be played like any favorite electric guitar, and then quickly folded and placed into a protective backpack that can be taken on the road and even tucked safely underneath the passenger seat of a commercial flight. Those wondering if the instrument sounds as cool as it looks should watch the amazing video on the company's official website: CiariGuitars.com.


Those looking to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock might want to get the C.F. Martin @ Co. DX Woodstock 50th Anniversary model complete with custom artwork by Robert F. Goetzl that replicates the iconic Woodstock music festival poster from 1969. The X Series D-14 model also includes certified sustainable wood parts. Information: MartinGuitar.com.

Xander Hitzig, left, with Alice Wallace.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

In a recent column I declared that singer-songwriter-guitarist Alice Wallace's "Into the Blue" is one of the first great albums of 2019. Released via Rebelle Road Records on Jan. 18, the 10-track album is a perfect showcase for the Southern California songstress' winning mix of contemporary Americana and traditional country music styles. Performing at the Shubb Capos booth on Jan. 26, Wallace was joined by virtuoso fiddle player Xander Hitzig for a 15-minute set featuring several original cuts as well as an inspired cover of Don Walser's "Rolling Stone From Texas," the latter featuring Wallace's impressive yodeling that mirrored Hitzig's dazzling play on his fiddle. The new original "Santa Ana Winds" was driving and infectious to be sure while Wallace's top-flight vocals bolstered the track. And sure enough, Wallace's capo worked perfectly as she was able to raise the pitch of her acoustic guitar by shortening the neck; "I couldn't play a show without my capo," she said. Information: AliceWallaceMusic.com.


Taylor Guitars always offers a wide range of great concerts in their upstairs booth. I was most impressed by roots rocking trio White Buffalo. The group's energetic set thrilled the Saturday afternoon crowd with a forceful mix of roots, Americana and Southern rock stylings. Information: TaylorGuitars.com or https://www.revelationmgmt.com/the-white-buffalo/.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer performing at D'Angelico Guitars
booth on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. Photo: Bob Steshetz

I can't finish up this roundup of my NAMM experience without sharing my absolute praise for 15-year-old Brandon "Taz" Niederauer, who blew me away again this year. I first caught the young guitar master at the Doheny Blues Festival in May 2015 when the-then 12-year-old emerging guitarist performed with bluesman Otis Taylor; he stunned with his guitar work then – especially on a version of the trance blues Taylor original "Rain So Hard" (read my review of that festival event here). Niederauer was flat out incredible when I caught him at the 2018 NAMM Show (read my recap of that appearance here). 

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Fast forward to the D'Angelico Guitars booth on Friday afternoon, Jan. 25, 2019 and I was only partially prepared for the 40-minute performance featuring Niederauer and his fantastic band. Featuring a mix of original songs and instrumentals, the prodigy's set demonstrated top-tier skills on lead and rhythm guitar, as a songwriter, vocalist and band leader. Among his great songs was the soulful "My Revival" and "Dare," as well as the funk-tinged blues rocker "Paralyzed." Some of the great moments came when Niederauer would trade lead solos with his fellow guitarist Mat Godfrey. 

Information: https://www.tazguitar.com/. 

You can also watch a special episode where I interviewed Niederauer and Godfrey during the 2019 NAMM Show here.


Article written by Robert Kinsler

Photography courtesy of Bob Steshetz

34th Annual NAMM TEC Awards: Peter Frampton, Leslie Ann Jones & more honored

Here is the official media release providing details about the 34th Annual NAMM TEC Awards held at the NAMM Show in Anaheim last  night (Jan. 26, 2019)...

Peter Frampton performing during the 34 Annual NAMM TEC
Awards on Jan. 26, 2019. Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAMM

TECHNICAL & CREATIVE EXCELLENCE WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT THE 34^TH ANNUAL NAMM TEC AWARDS

GUITARIST PETER FRAMPTON PERFORMS & RECEIVES THE LES PAUL INNOVATION AWARD;

SKYWALKER SOUND’S LESLIE ANN JONES INDUCTED TO THE NAMM TEC HALL OF FAME

PRESENTERS INCLUDED HERBIE HANCOCK, STEVE LUKATHER, RAFA SARDINA,

DEREK ‘MixedByAli’ ALI, AT SHOW HOSTED BY COMEDIAN DEMETRI MARTIN

ANAHEIM, Calif. – January 26, 2019 - Winners in 23 technical and eight creative excellence categories were announced at the 34^th Annual NAMM TEC AWARDS, Saturday, January 26, from the global NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Presented by The NAMM Foundation and held annually, the event recognizes the exemplary achievements and innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and multi-media. Comedian Demetri Martin returned as host.

Several companies scored dual wins for Outstanding Technical Achievement: Universal Audio picked up two awards for their OX Amp Top Box under the category of Musical Instrument Amplification & Effects, while their Arrow audio interface won for Computer Audio Hardware. JBL also celebrated dual wins for their

3 Series MkII under the Studio Monitors category, and in Sound Reinforcement Loudspeakers for the company’s VTX A12W Line Array Loudspeaker.

Additional Outstanding Technical Achievement awards were given in honor of companies who excelled in DJ Production Technology, Hardware/Software, Wireless Technology, Microphones Recording, and more.

Creatives behind Game of Thrones continued their encore appearances on the NAMM TEC stage year-after-year, this time under the best in Sound in Television Production winner’s spot, as a part of the projects chosen for Outstanding Creative Achievement. The 60th Annual GRAMMY® Awards (CBS Television Network), picked up another win for Remote Production/Recording or Broadcasting, after sweeping the same category the prior year.

Peter Frampton, left, with Steve Lukather at the
34th Annual NAMM TEC Awards on Jan. 26, 2019.Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAMM

Proving the NAMM TEC Awards is one of the best nights in music, songwriter Steve Lukather was on hand to introduce GRAMMY award-winning guitarist, singer-songwriter Peter Frampton as the newest recipient of the Les Paul Innovation Award. After rocking the hall with several classics that included “I Want You to Love Me,” and “Blackhole Sun,” dedicated to the late Chris Cornell, Frampton remarked, “Les Paul was the godfather of modern recording, the most innovative of guitar players, and the creator of what we do. It’s a debt we all owe him. Whatever I’ve done to win this amazing recognition started with Les. Les showed us that innovation isn’t about high tech or money – it’s about ideas and using the tools at your disposal to make music in ways it’s never been made before.” The award has been presented annually to remarkably-distinguished and accomplished individuals from the music industry, such as Jackson Browne, Joe Perry, Todd Rundgren, Pete Townshend, Lindsey Buckingham and beyond. Read more about The Les Paul Foundation by visiting https://www.lespaulfoundation.org/.

 

Leslie Ann Jones at 34th Annual NAMM
TEC Awards in Anaheim, CA.
Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAMM

Skywalker Sound’s accomplished engineer, producer and director of music and scoring, Leslie Ann Jones, was inducted into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame and earlier in the evening, presented a TEC Award for the 60^th Annual Grammy Awards. Jones was introduced by jazz great Herbie Hancock, and is now among the coveted few inductees fit for the honor, which recognizes pioneers of audio technology, as well as the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. Rose Mann Cherney, Skunk Baxter, Hal Blaine, Jack Douglas, Nathan East, Geoff Emerick and others have also been honored in recent years.

The NAMM TEC Awards were held during The NAMM Show, the global crossroads of the music products, pro audio and sound, and event technology industries. In total, winners in the 31 categories were selected from hundreds of product and project nominees. The final winners were chosen by a group of experts from all facets of the pro audio and sound production industries.

Title sponsors for the show included The Les Paul Foundation, D’Angelico New York, as well as many additional friends and long-time industry advocates. A full list of sponsors can be found here. Many of the evening’s winning products and technologies are available at music and pro audio retailers worldwide both online and in stores.

A complete list of Technical and Creative Achievement winners can be found below and here.

TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

Amplification Hardware/Studio & Sound Reinforcement
Grace Design - m908 Surround Monitor Controller

Audio Apps & Hardware/Peripherals for Smartphones & Tablets
Yamaha - CL/QL StageMix v.7

Audio Education Technology
Produce Like A Pro - Produce Like A Pro

Computer Audio Hardware
Universal Audio - Arrow

DJ Production Technology (Hardware/Software)
Pioneer DJ - DDJ-1000 Controller

Headphone/Earpiece Technology
Audio-Technica - ATH-M60x

Large Format Console Technology
Solid State Logic - SSL Live L100

Microphone Preamplifiers
Rupert Neve Designs - RMP-D8

Microphones – Recording
Neumann - U 67

Microphones – Sound Reinforcement
Sennheiser - HSP Essential Omni

Musical Instrument Amplification & Effects
Universal Audio - OX Amp Top Box

Musical Instrument Hardware
Dave Smith Instruments - Sequential Prophet X

Musical Instrument Software
EastWest Sounds - Hollywood Choirs

Production Essentials
PreSonus - FaderPort 16

Signal Processing Hardware
Eventide - H9000

Signal Processing Hardware (500 Series Modules)
API - 529 Stereo Compressor

Signal Processing Software (Dynamics/EQ /Utilities)
iZotope - Ozone 8 Mastering Suite

Signal Processing Software (Effects)
Soundtoys - Little Plate Plug-In

Small Format Console Technology
Allen & Heath - SQ Series Mixers

Sound Reinforcement Loudspeakers
JBL - VTX A12W

Studio Monitors
JBL - 3 Series MkII

Wireless Technology
Sennheiser - evolution wireless G4

Workstation Technology/Recording Devices
Avid - Pro Tools Ultimate

CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

Film Sound Production
Black Panther (Marvel Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Interactive Entertainment Sound Production
Star Wars Battlefront II (DICE / Electronic Arts)

Record Production/Album
Colors, Beck (Capitol)

Record Production/Single or Track
“This Is America,” Childish Gambino (mcDJ / RCA)

Remote Production/Recording or Broadcasting
60th Annual GRAMMY Awards (CBS Television Network)

Studio Design Project
Sound on Sound Studios, Montclair, NJ (David Amlen)

Television Sound Production
Game of Thrones (HBO / Warner Bros. Television)

Tour Event Sound Production
Man of the Woods Tour, Justin Timberlake (Clair Global)

For more information about NAMM TEC Awards, visit www.tecawards.org. For more information about The Les Paul Foundation, visit https://www.lespaulfoundation.org.

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About the NAMM 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 groundbreaking technical achievements of the past. For more information, visit www.tecawards.org

NAMM 2019: Gibson Guitars is Back!

On a new episode videotaped at the NAMM Show earlier today, TJR, Bob Steshetz and Robert Kinsler report on Gibson's return to the limelight:

Gibson's NAMM Jam brings parade of talent to Anaheim

Billy F Gibbons, left, and Peter Frampton at Gibson's NAMM Jam in Anaheim on Jan. 24, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Gibson Brands, Inc., brought a parade of emerging artists and bona fide superstars to City National Grove of Anaheim on Thursday night (Jan. 24, 2019) to celebrate the guitar maker's return to the NAMM Show.

For just under three hours, an enthusiastic, music industry-filled audience was treated to fast-moving performances that showcased a diverse mix of styles (ranging from country and blues-rock to classic rock), all genres associated in large part with Gibson's signature guitar models. What's more, those styles were performed by the very groundbreaking players who helped popularize the instruments.

Indeed, the amazing bill featured Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Peter Frampton and Nancy Wilson (Heart). And with a house band that included drummer Kenny Arnoff (John Fogerty, John Mellencamp), bassist Daryl Jones (The Rolling Stones), keyboardist Jeff Young (Jackson Browne, Steely Dan) and guitarist Jimmy Vivino (who led the house band for the Conan TV show), attendees knew they were in for a special night. Gibson had promised a night of "Legends and New Icons," and the event fully delivered on that promise.

The future of rock and blues-rock is often debated but it appears to have a solid future, in part, in the hands of 13-year-old Toby Lee. He impressed leading the aforementioned house band before joining forces to rock with emerging guitar great Jared James Nichols. 

Emily Wolfe performing on Jan. 24.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Helping highlight the diversity of players who use Gibson guitars was country songstress Cam, who performed the tender ballad "Palace" (a song she co-wrote with Sam Smith; the track was featured on that artist's 2017 LP The Thrill Of It All).

More impressive was Raleigh, NC native and long-time Austin, Texas artist Emily Wolfe. 

Delivering a knock out blow from the moment she took the stage, the formidable singer-guitarist was riveting as she used rapid-fire fret work and forceful vocals, notably on her 2016 single "Atta Blues."

Also making quite a musical statement on stage was the hard-rocking duo Black Pistol Fire, with a heavy sound and alternative rock style.

Kevin McKeown of Austin, Texas- based Black Pistol Fire going
airborne during Gibson's NAMM Jam at the City National Grove of
Anaheim on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Ray Goren, left, dueling with Doors guitarist Robby Krieger at NAMM Jam in Anaheim on 
Jan. 24, 2019.  Photo: Bob Steshetz

The show's star power really picked up when Doors guitarist Krieger was introduced. His too-short stay was a reminder of his winning skills as guitarist and songwriter, and guest vocalist Lauren Ruth Ward added lead vocal stylings fully in tune with the '60s psychedelic-blues-rock sound developed by the Doors. Performances of "Love Me Two Times" and a 10-minute run through "Roadhouse Blues" were terrific, the latter allowing young Los Angeles guitar player Ray Goren and Krieger to joyfully duel with their electric guitars.

Nancy Wilson at NAMM Jam.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Nancy Wilson delighted and surprised fans with a bluesy acoustic rock-styled take on Paul McCartney's "Let Me Roll It" (a standout cut on 1973's Band On The Run).  Nichols (who Wilson noted was a player she heard about via her 19-year-old son) then teamed up with Wilson for a ferocious take on a Robin Trower song.

Peter Frampton received a hero's welcome, and the crowd was rewarded with a couple of amazing performances. There was a mostly-instrumental arrangement of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" that was one of the magic moments of the night. Frampton's extended "Do You Feel Like We Do" had the crowd on its feet, singing along and videotaping the British artist's guitar work and talk box vocal delivery.

Peter Frampton coming alive
during the NAMM Jam.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Billy F Gibbons capped off the NAMM Jam affair with a 50-minute appearance that culminated with a full-on jam session featuring most of the night's players sharing the Grove stage.

Enroute to that freewheeling and festive close (a rousing performance of ZZ Top's 1973 classic "La Grange"), Gibbons and the house band showcased several old blues classics, as well as an artfully-reworked take on the Jimi Hendrix classic "Foxy Lady."

Billy F Gibbons performing at NAMM Jam in Anaheim.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

One thing that stood out about the night was the true sense of fun being had by all of the musicians. (I think the images captured by photographer Bob Steshetz that are featured along with this writer's review capture that!)

The audience (including yours truly) was basking in the glow while enjoying some truly great music making.


Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography: Bob Steshetz

Celebrating the blues are 13-year-old Toby Lee, left, with Jimmy Vivino at NAMM Jam.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Nancy Wilson Honored with The Music for Life Award at The 2019 NAMM Show

So nice to see Nancy Wilson honored at The NAMM Show today!

Nancy Wilson Honored with The Music for Life Award at The 2019 NAMM Show

Nancy Wilson, left, with Joe Lamond at NAMM. Photo credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images’ ANAHEIM, Calif. – January 24, 2019 – During the opening Breakfast of Champions session at The 2019 NAMM Show, Nancy Wilson, the celebrated guitar virtuoso and co-founder of seminal rock band Heart, was presented with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) “Music for Life” award. The award honors pioneering artists who, through their careers and artistic expression, have inspired others to pursue a more musical world. The award was presented by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, who introduced Wilson with a tribute to her pivotal role in helping to redefine women in rock music, and a legacy of music at the top of the charts: “She is a guitar pioneer, a songwriting pioneer, a legendary singer, a film composer, a Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and has done so much to advance the cause of music-making. And for those reasons and many more, we are honored to recognize her today.”  Nancy Wilson spoke of her early inspiration: “As a kid, when the Beatles happened, it was a lightning bolt that struck us and we were driven to have guitars, to write songs, to be in a band and get up on stage and to just turn it up. We had the work ethic of go get ’em and to not take no. We just went and did it.” Wilson also fondly remember her childhood music store: “There was a little music store I could walk to called Band Stand East near Seattle; it was a mom and pop. They had really good guitars and I got to hang around and play them.” Wilson is celebrated as one of the seminal musicians in the history of rock ’n’ roll from an era when female-fronted acts were scarce. Nancy and sister Ann helped carve out a place for women on the stage and at the top of the charts in the multi-platinum rock group Heart. An ingenious guitar player, gifted vocalist, and songwriter, she has co-written a collection of unforgettable songs that have earned their way into the classic rock canon, including “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda” and “Straight On.” Together, Nancy and Ann Wilson have gone on to sell 35 million records over the course of their career, and nearly 35 years after their first big hit, Heart was back in the Billboard Top 10 in 2010 with the Red Velvet Car album and a Top 5 DVD, “Night at Sky Church,” which documented the act’s return to their hometown of Seattle. In 2012, Heart released Fanatic, spawning two hit singles (“Fanatic” and “Dear Old America”) and debuting in the Billboard Top 25. The band also released a comprehensive CD box set entitled Strange Euphoria filled with rarities and previously unreleased treasures that were met with acclaim from critics and fans alike. In 2012, the pair were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Later that same year, Heart received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Nancy has also built a successful career as a film composer. Her composing credits include scores for top-grossing films, including Say Anything..., Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky and Elizabethtown, for which she has received several critic nominations. The “Music for Life” award is NAMM’s highest honor and recognizes individuals or organizations that exemplify NAMM’s vision of music making as a precious element of daily living for everyone. Past recipients have included business leaders, public officials, and musicians, including Graham Nash, Stevie Wonder, Yoko Ono, Henry Mancini, Smokey Robertson, Robbie Robertson and, in 2018, Bob Weir. It is awarded each January during the global music products gathering, The NAMM Show, held in Anaheim, California. About NAMM The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits ofmusic, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

NAMM Media Preview Day: Sights and Sounds Abound...

Jared James Nichols with his limited
edition "Old Glory" Gibson Les Paul at
NAMM on Jan. 23, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Anaheim Convention Center. Photo: Bob Steshetz

The 2019 NAMM Show got off to a fascinating and fun-filled Media Preview Day on Wednesday, May 23, 2019. I was most impressed by the debut of Ciari Guitars' Premium Travel Guitar (watch the video below!) but there were amazing instruments and music-minded products from a number of music-focused makers on display! 





Thanks to Bob Steshetz for the use of him images along with a few of my own...

Jared James Nichols rocking at NAMM Show on Jan. 23, 2019.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

C.F. Martin & Co. (Martin Guitar) unveiled its DX Woodstock
50th Anniversary model with colorful custom artwork by
Robert F. Goetzl that replicates the original,
famed poster from 1969! Photo: Robert Kinsler

Charles Berry Jr. Showing off the new Chuck Berry
Estate – Custom Shop Chuck Berry Tribute ES-350T.
Photo: Bob Steshetz