2016 NAMM Show Roundup: Graham Nash, Jake Shimabukuro, Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, more

The Anaheim Convention Center hosts the annual NAMM Show.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I spent the better part of a week at the 2016 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, taking in as many sights and sounds as possible, stretching from Media Preview Day (Jan. 20) through a late night performance from alternative-Americana singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini that wrapped up just before midnight on Saturday, Jan. 23.

Here are some highlights from this year's amazing National Association of Music Merchants show, better known as NAMM.

Media Preview Day, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016
Over the course of a few fast-moving hours, a number of exciting new products were showcased for reporters, photographers and news crews. 

Tribal Tools showcased the new Kadabra at the
NAMM Show during Media Preview Day.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

One of the most exciting debuts on media preview day came courtesy of the Kadabra by Israel-based Tribal Tools. A trio of musicians took the stage and performed on the unique wireless instrument in something that combined world music with sci-fi synth sounds; the ergonomic design also has an adapter and can be outfitted with a microphone so the musician can sing while playing the instrument at the same time. Tribal Tools presenter Moshe Yoffe explained that the Kadabra combines high-tech electronics, motion sensors, a sleek design and smart algorithms to allow players to expand their musical expression. Information: Tribal-Tools.com.

The 660 Guitar weighs in at 7 pounds and has an aluminum body with a carbon fiber/graphite neck. According to the makers of the guitar, it is practically indestructible and has a sound that is as rich as other top-tier electric guitars in the marketplace. It retails for $2,995, and comes in a number of sleek designs and colors. Performing with the guitar was Zebrahead guitarist Dan Palmer. Every order comes with strap locks and a low-profile guitar case. Information: 660guitars.com. 

In celebration of John Lennon's 75th birthday (the Beatle would have turned 75 on Oct. 9, 2015), C.F. Martin & Co. debuted the Martin D-28 John Lennon 75th Anniversary Edition guitar. The legendary guitar maker is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of its iconic Dreadnought model by unveiling the Martin D-222 100th Anniversary Edition acoustic model. Information: martinguitar.com.

Caroline Campbell playing a new Yamaha Electric
Violin at NAMM. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Famed violinist Caroline Campbell (Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Chris Botti) was brought out to showcase a new Yamaha Electric Violin; as impressive as that state-of-the-art YEV series instrument was it was one of only 100 new music-related products introduced by Buena Park, CA-based Yamaha at this year's NAMM Show. New products include high-tech digital mixing consoles, the Disklavier Enspire piano and much more. Get more information on Yamaha's range of new products that made their debut at NAMM here.

Andy Powers with new 12-string
guitar at NAMM.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Taylor Guitars was able to showcase two exciting products. Taylor Master Guitar Designer Andy Powers shared with me about the company's 12-Fret Guitar Revival. "This year (2016) we are re-evaluating and reconsidering our heritage. Some of Taylor's 'first hit singles' were 12-string guitars," Powers said. Taylor set out to offer an expanded suite of player-friendly 12-fret models for 2016 (the design and production of the 12-string revivals has been in the works for approximately 2-1/2 years). This writer had a chance to play the all-Mahogany 562ce 12-Fret guitar and I can attest to its full rich tone, and how easy it is to play. "The guitar was too cool to not build," Powers said.

Looking to the future, Taylor announced the release of TaylorSense®, a revolutionary new technology that puts the health and vital signs of a Taylor Guitar directly into the owner's hands. TaylorSense integrates the guitar's hardware with mobile software to help players better care for their instrument and get the most out of playing it. Anchored by the TaylorSense smart battery box (which replaces the 9-volt battery box in any acoustic Taylor guitar), the box houses sensors that monitor the condition of the guitar and communicates via low-energy Bluetooth to the free Taylor Guitars iOS App. For more information about this product, its release date this spring, visit www.taylorsense.com.

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016

Jake Shimabukuro performs during "Breakfast of
Champions." Photo: Robert Kinsler

Getting to the Winter NAMM Show early is always a good idea. While the Anaheim Convention Center doesn't generally open until around 10 a.m., making a point of hitting the show's opening "Breakfast of Champions" seldom disappoints. On the official opening day of this year's show, the surprise musical guest was Jake Shimabukuro. A true ukulele virtuoso, he blended elements of rock, blues, jazz, funk, classical and flamenco during a set that included reworkings of rock classics and original compositions. Highlights included a jaw-dropping take on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and inspired set-ending arrangement of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

After the stunning performance from Shimabukuro, NAMM's President and CEO Joe Lamond presented singer-songwriter Graham Nash (The Hollies; Crosby, Stills & Nash) with the "Music for Life" award. "The fact is that when music is a part of the school program students are less liely to join a gang, less likely to get into trouble, feel better about themselves and get better grades," Nash said. "So let's keep music in schools."

Mark Johnson, left, and Emory Lester performing
at Deering Banjo. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Thursday saw a number of other solid performances that played out. One of the first performances I caught featured banjo virtuoso Mark Johnson and guitarist-mandolin player Emory Lester playing a satisfying set at the Deering Banjo Company booth. Their long set of instrumentals allowed each to showcase their skills, and a potent version of "Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone."

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber is a regular visitor to the NAMM Show and always attracts good-sized audiences to see him perform a wide range of material showcasing his technical skill on his Martin guitar. Performing at Hal Leonard, he showcased material featured in "DADGAD Solos," a book now available now featuring his original transcriptions. Highlights included a tender version of Del Shannon's "Runaway," the Beatles' "Yesterday" and "Georgia On My Mind." He also performed a shining original, "Cobalt Blue," allowing him to showcase his own skills as a composer.

Chelsea (on far right) and Grace Constable performed 
with Trey Hensley at Taylor Guitars on Jan. 21, 2016.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Taylor hosted a number of concerts each day of NAMM and I made it a point to catch as many as I could. Thursday afternoon featured the one-two guitar punch from siblings Chelsea and Grace Constable, who played a rousing set of bluegrass-meets-gypsy jazz instrumental prowess. Trading leads and displaying an obvious sense of fun throughout their set, highlights included the jazzy "Burning Steam," Americana-styled "Dad's Song" and an incredible version of Dire Straits'"Sultans of Swing." Taking a well-deserved encore, the Constables they were joined by singer-guitarist Trey Hensley for a rousing version of the blues standard "Mystery Train" and a set-ending take on the Johnny Cash classic "Folsom Prison Blues." 

Following the sisters' impressive NAMM debut, Hensley performed a solo set that showcased the Nashville-based artist's love of traditional country music and bluegrass. Highlights of his short set included a beautiful self-penned ballad "That's What Leaving's For" (set to be included on his next album) and an energetic take on Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried." He closed his set with a cover of Jimmy Martin's "Freeborn Man," with his dazzling arrangement even including a bit of John Lennon's "Norwegian Wood" thrown into the solo.

Shane Fontayne, left, and Graham Nash performing at
Winter NAMM Show. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Thursday night, Nash was the featured performer on the Grand Plaza Stage. In addition to featuring some of his best-known hits from the Hollies and CSN, he also played several songs off his forthing album This Path Tonight, set for release on April 15. Nash performed with CSN guitarist Shane Fontayne.

Opening with melodic rendition of the Hollies' 1966 hit "Bus Stop," Nash acknowledged the audience after the song: "That was a long time ago." Nash continued to mine the past and went on to deliver a dream set of material, often providing the background on what led to some of his most famous songs. "Marrakesh Express," "Our House," "Fieldworker," "Immigration Man" and others benefited from the mix of storytelling and song. 

The strongest single performance of the night came when Nash went to the piano and, after recalling how David Crosby got him to come along on an extended sailing trip, he performed "Wind on the Water," a beautiful moment that brought a sense of stirring emotion throughout the crowd standing in front of the stage.

Among the new songs from his upcoming "This Path Tonight" was "Golden Day," a song where he celebrates life now and the everyday joys that overcome the world's obvious challenges. Another new song, "Myself At Last," also tapped into that optimistic tone.


Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016
James Grey is one of several Orange County-based artists I made a point of catching on Saturday. A talented songwriter and guitarist, he sang a number of songs while utilizing the talents of guitar great Bob Hawkins. Grey's songs often blend soul, rock, pop and Americana, with the specific art of songcraft always anchoring his originals. "Seabreeze" and the soulful "Home" were among the standouts featured in his 33-minute set that played out on the Hilton Stage.

John and Jacob tearing it up at Taylor Guitars.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

John & Jacob were impressive when I saw them perform at Stagecoach Festival in Indio in 2015, but the quintet simply blew me away when I caught their set at Taylor Guitars. Somehow coming across as a masterful blend somewhere between Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons and the Everly Brothers, the Nashville-based group includes singer-guitarist John Davidson, singer-guitarist-trumpet player Jacob Bryant, singer-guitarist-keyboardist Austin T. Smith, bassist Jake Thrasher and drummer Trevor Davis. Among the songs that impressed me (along with everyone else yearning for more in Taylor) was the anthemic opener "Coming Back For You," the country-leaning rocker "Done," and driving country-meets-rock harmonies-filled standout "Give It Away" that closed the outstanding set. Learn more about this exciting ensemble here: http://johnandjacob.com.

Michael Ubaldini performing at the 2016 NAMM
Show. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Michael Ubaldini is rightfully considered a leader of the regional Americana scene, having long ago mastered how to blend rockabilly, pop, folk, country blues and other roots styles together in the service of his intelligent songs. Over the course of 45 minutes on the Sheraton Acoustic Stage, Ubaldini used nothing more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and his potent vocals in the delivery of gems such as the rousing "Jean Harlow," pensive "Shadows and Ghosts" and blistering "Scratch My Back." 

Robert Kinsler

NAMM 2013: Squeezing in Yamaha's 125th Anniversary Celebration, Take 6, bumping into Matthew Sweet and more!

Newcomer Isaac Moore at the NAMM Show in Anaheim. Photo: Bob Steshetz, for the Register

Even as late as the eve of this year’s NAMM Show, it appeared as if the only can’t-miss event would be Yamaha’s 125th anniversary concert with Elton John, Sarah McLachlan, Michael McDonald and more on Friday night (January 25, 2013). But once more musicians started gathering in and around the Anaheim Convention Center it was clear that this year was going to be another banner batch of performances from top names in pop, rock, jazz and Americana.

Only a few hours after wrapping up Thursday with an impressive Tower of Power concert, it was time to arrive early on Friday to see what the day had in store. The first great set of the morning came via the Tora Bora Boys, mostly comprising musicians who are with San Francisco’s Saga Music. The band’s 25-minute set of rousing bluegrass was enhanced by 11-year-old guest singer and guitarist Isaac Moore.

Saga president Richard Keldsen led the band through several classics, notably the upbeat “Shady Grove” (with Paul Shelasky tearing it up on fiddle) and even faster “Salty Dog” (kicked off by banjo virtuoso Rick Shubb, of Shubb Capos). When Moore was brought up front (he had been playing guitar throughout the set) to sing on the sixth cut, “I Just Think I’ll Go Away,” he instantly impressed with emotive vocals revealing a depth beyond his years, then sealed the deal with a strong lead solo on his Blueridge acoustic guitar.

After that, I dashed to the Hilton Acoustic Stage for O.C.’s own Fallen Stars, an Americana outfit led by husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Barnes. They attracted a capacity crowd to hear sterling originals like melodic “Massachusetts” (with harmonies evoking the magic of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris), ambitious rocker “Dam” and country-flavored “Part Time Cowboy,” as well as a loose but winning take on AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” to cap their 35-minute showcase.

Later, waiting for award-winning a cappella ensemble Take 6 to appear at the Shure booth, it dawned on me that all six members might not fit onto its relatively small stage. Instead, it was as if the large crowd were watching them in a small rehearsal space, which created palpable energy as the group performed its unique blend of jazz, gospel and R&B in astounding arrangements. The nonstop 15-minute turn included a powerful cover of “Stand by Me” that showcased Joey Kibble’s lead vocals and their own harmony-filled “Spread Love.”

Of course, the highlight of the weekend was my opportunity to attend the Yamaha concert featuring a big cast of legends on Friday night. Over the course of almost four hours, everyone from openers Earth, Wind & Fire to Sir Elton performed brief sets. While it was great to see John's energetic five-song set that completed the night, my favorite sets were actually from McLachlan, the aforementioned EW&F, newcomer Leogun's rocking (as in "hard rocking") blistering two songs and a lengthy jazz piece featuring Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin and some of their pals. You can read Ben Wener's full-length review of the show here on the Orange County Register site.

Saturday is always the busiest day at NAMM, with tens of thousands of conventioneers crowding into the main hall as well as the adjacent Hilton and Marriott hotels, which also host performances.

It was just after 8 a.m. when Ian Ethan Case took the stage to kick off a long day of music-making. Inside the Hilton’s Pacific Ballroom he served up a 20-minute set of his compositions, delivered on both acoustic double-neck guitar and kalimba (a small African percussion instrument often called a thumb piano).

Spotlighting material from his new album The Narrow Way, he admitted to having “this thing for weird instruments” before performing “The Ridge” entirely on kalimba. Plucking at the tiny metal tines and utilizing small holes on the instrument to further ornament the sound with rich vibrato, he concocted rich, involving soundscapes out of an instrument many western audiences view as alien. His finished on guitar, however, for “North by Northeast,” blending harmonics and hammering on the neck with top-flight fretwork.

Deering is one of the industry’s most celebrated banjo manufacturers and the San Diego company always attracts aces to perform at its booth. Mark Johnson (the father of “clawgrass” banjo) and Emory Lester (mandolin) were slated to perform as a duo but were quickly joined by several high-profile friends, including Uwe Kruger (guitar) and Joel Landsberg (bass) of the Kruger Brothers. Jamming in such a casual setting allowed fans to get up close with these picking heroes.

Caught up with singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet, who had stopped by Fano Guitars’ booth to check out the new GF6 guitar and GF4 bass models. He was so impressed, according to company head Dennis Fano, that he ordered one of each and now owns about a dozen Fano instruments. While checking out the various wares, chatting with fans and signing autographs, Sweet did a little jam with his lead guitarist Dennis Taylor, but they opted out of playing a structured set — the hall was simply too loud to get it right.

Among the many celebrated players I ran into on Saturday but missed seeing perform were guitarist Craig Chaquico, lead guitarist of Jefferson Starship, Vicki Peterson of the Bangles and Mike Collins, drummer of Throwback Suburbia. Also spotted but not there to perform were Walter Clevenger and members of his great local band the Dairy Kings, John Borack (of the Popdudes) and singer-songwriter James Grey.

NAMM notes: Deering Banjos' Phoenix, Taylor Guitars, Pick Grips

TJR with Deering Banjos Company Project Manager Jamie Latty at NAMM.

The more I saw across the five days at the 2012 NAMM Show, the more I'm sure I missed.

Through all the great performances, my chats with musicians and music lovers, and interviews with innovative minds who create the products of tomorrow, I'm always reminded why the music trade show is such a rush.

In addition, this year I really made it a point to actually sit down and try out some of the instruments. Believe it or not, I know there was at least one year I attended NAMM that my schedule was so stuffed with appointments I never even plucked a guitar. Now that's a crime.

One of my biggest thrills was jamming with my Music Worth Buying co-host TJR, as I got to play one of Taylor Guitars' GS Mini instruments. The guitar is easy to play, boasts great tones from its rich lows to its high notes and really defies its compact design. The Mini is available with either a solid spruce or mahogany top. Very, VERY nice. Click here for more details on the GS Mini.

I still have great memories of my father playing the banjo when I was a youngster just learning to play guitar. Although I never picked up the instrument, I kind of re-connected with those memories at NAMM on Sunday (Jan. 22) courtesy of Deering Banjo Company's Phoenix. A true banjo-guitar hybrid, it was amazing to sit down and be able to play the Phoenix like I would a guitar, but to hear the lovely tones of a banjo emerge from its beautiful design. TJR (seen here on the left) also was impressed and really created some lovely sounds on the instrument. As I learned in reading some materials from the Spring Valley, California-based company, Keith Urban, John Fogerty, David Hidalgo, Nils Lofgren and even Lee Rocker have all used Deering 6-string banjos. Now I know why!


It's not unusual to find new products at the NAMM Show. But I was truly impressed by a simple, but much-needed invention showcased by a fledgling company out of Mesa, Arizona.

Anyone who has ever played guitar with a pick knows the frustration of either having to dig their through pockets to find one, or being forced to mount them on a stand or even tape them to a prized instrument (and likely damaging their guitar).

No more. Pick Grips really does offer an easy, affordable and winning solution for musicians who play their guitar, bass, mandolin or other stringed instrument using a pick.

"For years, we used to weave the pick through the strings. I always thought there was a better way," said Pick Grips founder Bac Tran. "I thought there needs to be a solution. I was watching an Eddie Van Halen video and he had duct tape on his guitar (holding his picks in place) and I came up with this design."

Tran's Patent Pending-device simply attaches to the surface of an acoustic or electric instrument, with a slot where the pick fits snugly into place. When a musician wants to remove the Pick Grip, no residue (okay, "scum" better fits what happens when using duct tape) remains.

Musicians or companies ordering Pick Grips can select from a number of cool colors and even imprint their own logo or band name into the surface. Both TJR and I were blown away by this product, and just imagine, it doesn't involve electronics, apps or a digital interface!

Visit the Pick Grips Web site for more information on this amazing product!

NAMM - Sunday brings welcome surprises - Americana style!

The Kruger Brothers displayed their amazing musicianship and song craft at NAMM on Sunday afternoon.

With 1,400 or so exhibitors positioned throughout the Anaheim Convention Center and surrounding hotels, the 2012 NAMM Show had plenty to offer visitors trying to take it all in over the course of its 96-hour stay. But the world's largest music products event always hosts an endless number of shows that really are the icing on the cake (much better than spending hours in lines waiting for autographs in my view). While there were no big rock shows scheduled on the music trade show's final day, Sunday (Jan. 22, 20120) offered up magical live performances in the morning and afternoon.


NAMM doesn't come to mind when thinking about a forum to seek modern country-styled artists, but roots and Americana artists were seemingly all over the place on Sunday. Of the acts I saw perform, two really stood out. Another artist, young country music singer Kelly McGrath, was performing in a hall so loud I could not hear her set clearly enough to write an honest review of the performance so I had to move on.


Early in the day, the Tora Bora Boys performed a fun set of bluegrass-styled material in the spirit of the Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe. With a lineup of six players (several of whom sang well and also harmonized sweetly together), the group attracted a big crowd to the Saga Musical Instruments booth. Highlights of the set included a version of Carter and Ralph Stanley's classic "How Mountain Gals Can Love" and a fiery instrumental tune titled "Fireball Mail" showcasing banjo player Geoff Hohwald. Throughout the set, dobro player Rich Ferris, fiddler Paul Shelasky and mandolin virtuoso David Gartland also displayed their skills. Getting the band booked to play at NAMM was likely a cinch since the Tora Bora Boys' outstanding guitarist is Richard Keldsen, president of Saga.


Even more impressive were the acclaimed Kruger Brothers, widely acknowledged as one of the best and most original folk groups performing today. I had missed the trio when they performed at the Deering Banjo Company booth on Friday and Saturday, so I'm glad I didn't make the mistake again on Sunday. The threesome (lead singer-guitarist Uwe Kruger, banjo player Jens Kruger, bassist Joel Landsberg) provided one of the best-ever sets I have caught at NAMM, moving effortlessly between baroque, bluegrass, folk and even Celtic-flavored material. Even a version of Tennessee William Ford's hit "Sixteen Tons" was totally revised, with textures and layers lending uncharacteristic depth to the song.

After being wowed by the terrific trio's full-length set on Sunday, the Kruger Brothers' 2011 release Appalachian Concerto will likely be my next album purchase.