2025 NAMM Show brings the full power of music to Anaheim

The 2025 NAMM Show

Where: The Anaheim Convention Center

When: Jan. 20-25, 2025

Next: The Summer NAMM Show will return to Nashville, TN, June 29-July 1, 2025

Information: NAMM.org

Rising violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day at the NAMM Show
in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Article by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz and Robert Kinsler

Major concert events, intimate booth performances, new groundbreaking music making products unveiled for the first time and educational sessions are all a part of the annual NAMM Show.

The year's 2025 NAMM Show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center Jan. 20-25, 2025.

Peter Frampton at The NAMM
Show on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Attending Global Media Day (held on Jan. 22) provided me a perfect chance to get an early, in-depth glimpse at several music-making products, watch a couple of cool performances and even catch recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Peter Frampton discuss his career.

Because he is suffering of inclusion body myositis (IBM) — a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness — Frampton announced his farewell tour in 2019. However, despite the impacts of the disease, Frampton has continued to record and perform.

"Well, I keep saying that's the last one," Frampton said of each tour; he noted he will perform a short series of shows in April and again in June of 2025. "I'm going to keep going as long as my fingers still work. It's getting more difficult now."

The legendary guitar great said he has to work harder to play guitar, and explore different ways so he can keep playing.

"I will keep doing music the rest of my life." 

Scott Mulvahill performing with his "DataBass" at
Global Media Day on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Among the other highlights I caught at Global Media Day was upright bassist Scott Mulvahill, who performed on a one-of-a-kind instrument he invented dubbed the "DataBass." The instrument combines the benefits of an upright bass with the power of MIDI sampling, and the artist showcased its unique magic throughout a strong five-song set.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Yvette Young playing a state-of-the-art
Yamaha TransAcoustic TAG3 C guitar at the NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Another instrument that wowed media was Yamaha's TransAcoustic TAG3 C acoustic guitar. I was able to spend some time playing the 2nd Generation TransAcoustic Guitar and it's a real wonder. It plays like a top-tier acoustic guitar, but comes equipped with Bluetooth allowing the user to connect their smart devices and play their favorite songs directly through the instrument. There is also an onboard looper, so you can record and play back your performances. There is built-in reverb, chorus and delay effects with simple controls. And there is a rechargeable battery and magnetic charging connection providing more than five hours of play time.

In terms of eye candy, Martin Guitars showcased its beautiful one-of-a-kind double-neck instrument, the Grand J-28E DN (see images above). The first double-neck guitar produced by Martin in more than a century, this all-new instrument combines Martin's renowned craftsmanship with modern cutting-edge innovation; it features an acoustic-electric with a 12- and six-string neck. The Grand J-28E DN features two compound dovetail neck joints and unique X bracing. The guitar also includes built-in custom Fishman electronics, making it ready for any stage or studio setting.

Alicia Witt performing at the NAMM Show on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Alicia Witt with Ernest, a rescue dog who accompanies her
onstage during performances. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

In her two 30-minute appearances at the Casio booth, singer-songwriter/pianist Alicia Witt impressed with her winning and sumptuous original songs bolstered by her lovely soprano and virtuoso skills displayed using the "Harmonious Mustard" Privia PX-S7000 Privia digital piano. Among the terrific songs she performed at the NAMM Show was the introspective "Witness," emotional "Friend," the triumphant rocker "What About Me?" and the bewitching "Chasing Shadows" (watch the official "Chasing Shadows" music video HERE). 

Rachael Sage performing at the Casio booth on Friday, Jan. 24.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing at Casio was famed singer-songwriter/pianist Rachael Sage, who I caught when she performed on Friday. Performing her singular blend of pop, rock and  folk, I was particularly thrilled with her dynamic genre-blending cut "Trouble" featuring some finger snap accents.

Harmonica great Lee Oskar blasting away on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

A former member of the band War, Harmonica great Lee Oskar brought his latest project — the Lee Oskar Harmonicas Blues & Beyond Showcase — to the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Jan. 23. The highlight of the troupe's set was a nine-minute version of War's 1975 hit "Low Rider."

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performing on the Martin Stage at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performed at the Martin Stage on Thursday, wowing the crowd with signature instrumental versions of his own compositions and classic rock favorites artfully arranged to be performed solo on his OMC-21 Martin guitar. His wonderful "Cobalt Blue," artful take on Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," a first-ever live performance of his astonishing version of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" and a tender "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (the latter George Harrison-penned gem was dedicated to the Los Angeles community impacted by a number of wildfires over the past few weeks) all thrilled NAMMgoers.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Mary Spender performing at The NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing on the Martin Stage was British singer-songwriter-guitarist Mary Spender, who appeared on Friday afternoon. Armed with her talents as an amazing singer and acoustic guitar player, she treated the crowd to a 30-minute set of infectious originals including the introspective "Darling, You Need Therapy," Baroque folk-flavored "Primrose" and the catchy sing-along closer "Blues Duet."

Jon Batiste performing on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Because I missed Jon Batiste's performance when I attended Coachella in April 2024, I was delighted to catch the Louisiana native's headlining set at the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM on Friday night, Jan. 24. Batiste and his excellent backing troupe performed a thrilling mix of soul, R&B, classical, funk, hip hop, New Orleans jazz and more during their full-length set. I was especially impressed with Batiste's virtuoso skills playing a number of keyboards and piano, as well as behind the drum kit. He is also a top-tier vocalist and band leader.

Jon Batiste performing at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Batiste is a generous performer and seemed to relish every second he was on stage, interacting with his band mates, backing singer and the enthusiastic audience. During one extended segment he led the band in walking through the crowd and performing a high-powered medley, including a sing-along of "When The Saints Go Marching In." 

The highlight for me was an absolutely gorgeous performance of "Butterfly" that he performed alone at a grand piano.

Learn more about Batiste via his official website HERE.

For more information on The NAMM Show, visit NAMM.org. 

And be sure to check out the colorful images taken by photographer Bob Steshetz below capturing so many sights and sounds on display during the NAMM Show!

Jon Batiste performing at the Grand Plaza Yamaha Stage on Friday night,
Jan. 24, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Blues-rock singer-songwriter/guitarist Harris Sweetwater checking out a guitar during
the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

From left, violinist Mia Asano performing on stage with saxophonist Grace Kelly
in the Yamaha booth on Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

The Lee Oskar Harmonica Blues & Beyond Showcase thrilled concertgoers on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Jacob Collier performing during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Grace Kelly performing at the Yamaha booth during the NAMM Show in
Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter to present Jack White with this year's TEC Innovation Award

 Exciting news for those attending the NAMM Show in a few weeks. On a related note, read my review of Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's amazing concert staged at The Coach House back in 2022 HERE...Robert Kinsler

Keep Calm – Jeff “Skunk” Baxter Carries On

Rumors of the iconic guitarist’s retirement have been greatly exaggerated. Baxter begins a jam-packed 2025 by hosting NAMM’s TEC Awards

Baxter to present Jack White with this year’s 

TEC Innovation Award

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter / Photo credit Jay Gilbert Los Angeles, CA (January 7, 2025) - Capping a brilliant and successful 2024, legendary Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is kicking off the new year with a full dance card at the 2025 NAMM Show to be held January 21-25 in Anaheim, California.   On Thursday, January 23, Baxter will serve as host for NAMM’s 40th annual TEC Awards. The virtuoso guitarist, a founding member of Steely Dan who later joined the Doobie Brothers, was inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Hall of Fame in 2016. Says Baxter, “Having been honored by NAMM in the past, it is indeed a special privilege to host this year’s NAMM TEC Awards.”   This year, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, record label founder and one half of the rock duo the White Stripes, Jack White will be honored with the TEC Innovation Award. White personally requested that he receive his award from Baxter. “That was very kind of him, and I appreciate it,” Baxter says. “We’ve never met, but I’m most impressed with Jack. He’s fearless and certainly innovative. I know that he once bought one of my signature Epiphone Firebirds, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity for a good musicians’-style hang with him.” “We are thrilled to honor Jack White at the 40th Annual TEC Awards” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “From the great success of his band to his continuously thriving solo career, his legacy of accomplishments and lasting impact on music inspires many music makers and fans alike.”   Before the TEC Awards, Baxter will participate in a special seminar titled Good Vibrations: The Science of Sound and Music for Healing, hosted by sound therapist Cimcie Nichols (daughter of Roger Nichols, Steely Dan’s iconic engineer), to discuss how music affects people physically, mentally and emotionally. “There’s a close connection between the physics of frequency and vibration and their ability to positively affect living things,” Baxter explains. “For instance, I’ve seen interesting research using focused frequencies to destroy cancer cells. Music, frequency and vibration are deeply analogous, and I’m really delighted to see Cimcie carrying on Roger’s work.”   The next day, Friday, January 24, at 5pm, Baxter and his ace band – drummer Mark Damian, bassist Hank Horton and keyboardist Freddie Ravel – will be performing on the Roland stage.   In addition, on Saturday, January 25, Baxter will join musician, songwriter, record producer and advocate for music creators Larry Batiste for the seminar The Art and Business of Songwriting, which is also the title of Batiste’s recent book that guides readers through the ins and outs of song structure and music marketing. “Larry is an extremely talented cat and a good friend,” Baxter says. “Along with everything else he does, he’s been the musical director for the TEC Awards ever since I can remember. I’m very flattered that he would ask me to be part of his seminar, and I’m honored to be so active at NAMM this year. I have a tremendous place in my heart for that organization.” For more information, please visit: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/sessions   In recent months, Baxter has been highly visible with appearances on multiple media platforms. His extensive and entertaining interview with the popular YouTube host Rick Beato has racked up close to one million views.   Jeff "Skunk" Baxter performing at The Coach House on Aug. 22, 2022. Photo: Bob Steshtez “That interview was very enjoyable and a lot of fun for me,” Baxter notes. “Rick is a skilled musician himself, and he does his homework. Reading the comments online has been most gratifying – people seemed to get a lot out of the conversation.” He laughs. “Some of them say things like, ‘I didn’t know Skunk played that solo,’ or ‘That’s my favorite record – he was on that?’ The reactions to the interview have been most gratifying.” Watch the full episode Jeff “Skunk” Baxter: Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and the Sound of an Era HERE.   Last year, the guitarist recorded and released an expanded version of his acclaimed, first-ever solo album, Speed of Heat, on which he offered listeners a track-by-track commentary and traced the journey of the album through intimate stories and thoughtful anecdotes. Baxter celebrated the release of the album with a livestream interview on TalkShop Live, hosted by Steve Harkins, as well as a rousing concert event for the Public Television series Recorded Live at Analog.   In the episode, filmed at the spectacular Analog club in Nashville’s boutique Hutton Hotel, Baxter and his band performed beloved hits from the guitarist’s storied career including “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and “My Old School,” along with original material from Speed of Heat, and are joined by special guests Rome Ramirez (Sublime), Lauren Morrow, Slim Jim Phantom, and the Nelson brothers Matthew and Gunnar.   “That was one incredible night,” Baxter enthuses. “I always look forward to playing with my band, who are beyond phenomenal, but the chance to play with the guests we brought on made the whole thing one of those rare experiences every musician dreams about. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe their talents. The whole evening just got better and better. After we taped the show, I mixed the episode, and when Lauren Morrow sang ‘Rikki,’ my hairs stood on end. It was that deep. And Rome totally nailed our country version of ‘China Grove!’” The television broadcast of Baxter’s episode of Recorded Live at Analog will be aired nationally via PBS affiliates throughout the year. The full show can also be viewed on Recorded Live at Analog’s YouTube channel – watch HERE.   Since the release of Speed of Heat, Baxter and his band have crisscrossed the country multiple times and come February they will set sail on the (already sold out) Rock Legends Cruise XII. The nautical music festival will travel from Miami to the Bahamas, and the lineup will also include Alice Cooper, Styx, Robin Trower and other rock legends. “I’ve never done a music cruise before,” Baxter notes. “Really looking forward to a week of hanging with old friends and great music!”   Later that month, on February 27-March 2, Baxter will join fellow music greats Stewart Copeland (from the Police), Robby Kreiger (from the Doors) and Darryl Jones (from the Rolling Stones) in Los Angeles at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp’s “Jam with the Masters.” And that’s not all: From March 22-29, Baxter, a surf music fan since childhood, will sail the high seas once again, performing with the Surf City All-Stars, on the 1960s and ‘70s-themed Flower Power Cruise. “I got a call from my old friend Dean Torrance from Jan and Dean, and he asked me if I wanted to be a part of it,” Baxter says. “It was a chance to play surf music with some great musicians, so I said sure. Dean and I are always looking for opportunities to play together, as he knows how much I love surf music, especially the instrumentals! The whole thing sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

For all Jeff "Skunk" Baxter tour information click HERE 

CONNECT WITH JEFF "SKUNK" BAXTER OFFICIAL | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK ABOUT THE TEC AWARDS  Presented annually, the NAMM TEC Awards recognize the individuals, companies, and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games, and other media in Technical and Creative Achievement Categories. The 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 or follow TEC on Instagram and YouTube.    ABOUT NAMM The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $19.5 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM is comprised of over 10,000 global member companies and individual professionals representing a global workforce of over 475,000 employees. In addition to The NAMM Show and NAMM’s member services, The NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan of learning. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter brings 'Speed of Heat' to The Coach House

Who: Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Roselune

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Over the past 35+ years I've been fortunate to see some of the world's greatest guitarists at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. From Buddy Guy to the late Alvin Lee of Ten Years After fame, the long list also includes the far-flung likes of Nils Lofgren, Jason Falkner, Walter Trout, Tab Benoit, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Peter Frampton, Michael Gurley (with Dada), Jim Babjak (with The Smithereens), Joe Bonamassa and countless others.

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter in the zone.

On Thursday night, I checked in at the Coach House to add another notable guitar master to that list; Jeff "Skunk" Baxter came to the venue as part of a West Coast Tour in support of his debut solo album Speed of Heat (BMG/Renew Records). The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is known for his marvelous fret work with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers in the 1970s and with Spirit in the 1980s. Equally impressive are his contributions as a session / studio session guitarist where he has worked with the likes of Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Rod Stewart and Burton Cummings.

"Thank you so much for coming out," the personable Baxter said after coming on stage. "We'll be playing the new record top to bottom."

From left, CJ Vanston, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Mark Damian and Hank Horton.

Indeed, Baxter and his top-tier band — keyboardist CJ Vanston, drummer-backing vocalist Mark Damian and bassist-lead vocalist Hank Horton — proceeded to champion the Speed of Heat track listing while ultimately delivering an opportunity to celebrate Baxter's contributions to popular music over the past 50 years.

Opening with "Ladies From Hell," the quartet took the enthusiastic audience on a sonic trip across the Atlantic with a Scottish-flavored ramble. Baxter is a guitarist able to play with both fire and technical precision, and that was evidenced immediately with the dynamics displayed in the instrumental opener.

Concertgoers were then rewarded with a rousing and truly rocking take on the Steely Dan favorite "My Old School," with Baxter handling both the signature fretwork and lead vocals of the 1973 single. The troupe then turned on a dime to perform the jazzy "Giselle," a beautiful and moody work with a sublime arrangement where all four musicians played gracefully to bolster the beautiful composition.

CJ Vanston at The Coach House.

Throughout the set Baxter and Vanston would provide insights into each of the selections, further elevating the magic of the showcase. 

Hank Horton at The Coach House.

The propulsive, aptly-titled rocker "Speed of Heat," ambitious flamenco-tinged "My Place In The Sun" (with Horton acing the vocal lines that Michael McDonald completed on the album recording) and rollicking surf rock-styled "Apache" (the latter an enduring 1960 release from the Shadows) were among the other early standouts of the night.

Mark Damian behind the drum kit on Aug. 4, 2022.

A completely reworked jazz-soaked version of the 1972 Steely Dan favorite "Do It Again," an amped take on "I Can Do Without," the sly rocker "Bad Move" (a song co-written by Baxter, Vanston and Clint Black) and funky "Insecurity" were among the standouts played later in the two-hour set. 

Before launching into his encore Baxter thanked the crowd for listening to the track listing of songs from his new album, and also noted: "Let's hear it for the Coach House."

The first selection of the encore was an artfully reworked take on "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," with the extended version including a symphonic opening featuring Vanston's keyboards before the 1974 classic's original arrangement was pushed to the forefront. 

Fans of Baxter's work with the Doobie Brothers were rewarded with a particularly interesting take on "China Grove." This version was fully reworked into a countrified reading that served as another reminder how great musicians can create magic in ways listeners may never expect. 

Opening the bill was a promising young area quintet Roselune that played a blend of rock, Americana, surf rock and jam rock with confidence and solid chops.

New Music: Pete Yorn, Linda Hoover, Spygenius, Hank Williams, Jr.

Songcraft and style take center stage on four new must-hear releases.

Artist: Pete Yorn

Title: Hawaii (Shelly Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Pete Yorn, The Postal Service, R.E.M.

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Pete Yorn is back with another fantastic batch of tuneful and enticing folk rock originals via Hawaii. Co-produced by Yorn with Jackson Phillips, the 10-track album is a phenomenal return for the New Jersey native. Standouts include the driving melodic opener "Elizabeth Taylor," sweeping "Never Go" with its burgeoning melodic build, wistful "'Til The End," shimmering dream pop gem "Also Roses" and luxurious closer "Stay Away." The piano-anchored "Ransom" is particularly affecting, Yorn's yearning vocals capturing his emotional pain on one of the disc's high points. Information: PeteYorn.com. 

Artist: Linda Hoover

Title: I Mean To Shine (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Nicolette Larson, Crosby Stills & Nash 

Tell me more: More than 50 years after Linda Hoover's debut album (I Mean To Shine) was recorded in the summer of 1970, the impressive album is finally receiving its commercial release in 2022 (an exclusive vinyl edition was issued on June 18; the audio CD and digital versions are coming June 24). Hoover was only 19 when she cut the album, but the ambitious young singer-songwriter was assisted by first-time producer Gary Katz and a rising songwriting and arranging duo by the name of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (who would soon find fame leading Steely Dan). Not only were four of the album's tracks penned by Becker and Fagen, but future Steely Dan members Denny Dias and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter were among the players on the recordings. Hoover has a beautiful voice that resonates with the diverse material ranging from '70s pop ("I Mean to Shine," "Turn My Friend Away") and uptempo folk rock ("Roll Back the Meaning," "City Mug") to affecting acoustic ballads ("Autumn," "Jones"). The genre-defying "Roaring of the Lamb" and Stephen Stills-penned "4 + 20" are especially poignant. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Spygenius

Title: Jobbernowl (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, The Who, The Hollies

Tell me more: Listening to Spygenius' glorious Jobbernowl is to be transported back to the 1960s. The latest album from the celebrated Canterbury, England-based quartet is a bona fide thrill for lovers of top-tier songcraft, nuanced musicianship, lyrical depth and stylish retro-leaning rock. A follow-up to the foursome's 2020 double LP Man on the Sea and 2021's album of marvelous covers (Spygenius Blow Their Covers), the 11-track album finds the band delivering a mix of propulsive garage rockers, sophisticated baroque pop and timeless power pop — all bolstered by soaring vocal harmonies. The hard charging opener "I Dig Your New Robes, Pierre!," bewitching Baroque rocker "2020 Revision," lovely "All That Is Solid Melts Into Air," power pop swoop "Mandy Rice-Davies Applies" and immersive "Metamorphosis" collectively showcase a band that deserves to be heard far and wide. Spygenius features singer-guitarist/chief songwriter Peter Watts, keyboard player Matt Byrne, drummer Alan Cannings and bassist Ruth Rogers. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Hank Williams, Jr.

Title: Rich White Honky Blues (Easy Eye Sound)

You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Jr., Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Robert Johnson, Lightnin' Hopkins

Tell me more: On his latest album Rich White Honky Blues, country legend Hank Williams, Jr. fully explores the blues with an authenticity and love sure to please his long-time fans as well as blues lovers. Featuring a mix of originals as well as covers from genre heroes ranging from Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters to Lightnin' Hopkins (the latter who used to visit Williams' family home when he was growing up), the album was produced by Dan Auerbach (lead singer and guitarist with The Black Keys) who also contributes his musical talents on the disc. Highlights abound on Rich White Honky Blues, including on the acoustic Delta-styled opener ".44 Special Blues" (penned by the aforementioned Johnson), rollicking "Georgia Women" (featuring some terrific slide guitar work from Kenny Brown), the county-inflused "Short Haired Woman" and buoyant "Fireman Ring The Bell." My favorite track is the Williams-penned "I Like It When It's Stormy," a Southern rock-meets-blues bolt where Williams sings "I like it when it's stormy / because it reminds me of my life." The album is an outstanding excuse to rediscover Williams. Information: EasyEyeSound.com. 

Robert Kinsler