Marr’s Guitars / A stunning photographic presentation of the guitars that defined the distinctive sounds and style of Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr at Coachella on April 19, 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Lovers of guitar great Johnny Marr, as well as guitar and music-related photography will be excited by this news. "Marr's Guitars" is set to be issued as a beautiful hardcover edition in October 2023. I see the book is available for pre-order ($54) via Amazon.com...Robert Kinsler 

Marr’s Guitars

A stunning photographic presentation of the guitars that defined the distinctive sounds and style of Johnny Marr with personal reflections and insights from the legendary guitarist himself. 'Guitars have been the obsession of my life ... they’ve been a mission and sometimes a lifeline' – Johnny Marr The guitarist’s guitarist, Johnny Marr redefined music for a generation. His ringing arpeggios and chordal innovations helped elevate The Smiths to be one of the most influential and important British bands of all time. Tracing Marr's career from his teenage years to his recent work on the Bond soundtrack, Marr’s Guitars showcases the most significant of Marr’s superb collection of electric and acoustic guitars, revealing through them the evolution of his iconic sound and style of playing. Each guitar is identified with a crucial moment, a specific song or a particular sound, and each embodies a key aspect of Marr’s lifelong passion. Renowned photographer Pat Graham presents each instrument as a full portrait, supported by micro shots highlighting the specific details that make each one unique, while Johnny Marr himself reveals in his accompanying commentary on what tracks and at which shows the guitars were played. Many of the guitars are closely associated with Marr, such as the Rickenbacker 330, the Gibson ES-355 and the Johnny Marr Signature Fender Jaguar. Some were passed down to him, including Nile Rodgers’ Stratocaster, Bryan Ferry’s Roxy Music, Hagstrom and Bert Jansch’s Yamaha. Others are guitars once owned by Marr that have since been passed on to the next generation of guitar heroes, including the Stratocaster used by Noel Gallagher on ‘Wonderwall’ and the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop used on In Rainbows by Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien. Punctuating the photography of the guitars and the accompanying commentary are contextual studio, backstage and onstage shots. Together, they make Marr’s Guitars a unique cultural history of modern music and guitar playing told through the prism of Johnny Marr’s experiences and achievements.

NAMM 2023: Day 2 in photos

Action at the Yamaha Booth.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

I spent another great day at The NAMM Show in Anaheim on Friday, April 14, checking out a myriad of products and fun performances happening throughout the Anaheim Convention Center. I was especially impressed by the Breakfast set from classical crossover pianist / composer AyseDeniz Gokcin. 

Saturday (April 15) marks the last day of the 2023 NAMM Show so if you have a pass make sure to get out there today and check out all the action including educational sessions, live performances and the countless manufacturers who have come to Anaheim for the show.

It was also great to run into a number of my good friends throughout the day while I toured the floor. That's my pal TJR with yours truly in the image on the left. You can watch TJR's original music-centered episodes on his popular YouTube channel HERE...Robert Kinsler

AyseDeniz Gokcin performing at The NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Cream Guitars is at Booth #4120. Photo: Robert Kinsler

A performance at Big Johnson Bass (Booth #4601). Photo: Robert Kinsler

Giulio Negrini Guitars. Learn more at:
www.negriniguitars.com.

Visit Lace Music Products at Booth #4837.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Rickenbacker International Corp. has brought a number of fine guitars to Booth #5215.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Saga Musical Instruments always hosts wonderful bluegrass and Americana
performances. Visit the company at Booth #6416.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

2022 NAMM Show recap: performances, product innovations and wonderful instruments aplenty

Before attending NAMM Media Preview Day on Thursday, June 2, 2022, it had been more than two years since the music industry gathered in Anaheim for the NAMM Show (read my recap of the January 2020 NAMM Show HERE). 

Writer Robert Kinsler in front of the Anaheim Convention Center 
on June 4, 2022. Photo: Bob Steshetz 

The sense of eagerness for musicians and music industry representatives eager to get back into the world was palpable across the three days I spent at the event held at the Anaheim Convention Center. I wrote a quick update after attending preview events hosted by Martin Guitar and NAMM on June 2 (you can see that HERE), but here is my in-depth coverage of my experience at the 2022 NAMM Show, including reflections on performances and new products / instruments that caught my eye (and ears). And a very special "thank you" to photographer Bob Stesetz for the use of so many of his incredible photos taken during the NAMM Show!

Photographer Bob Steshetz, left, with saxophonist Mindi Abair.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

New Instruments, Gadgets & Gizmos!

Yamaha is always worth visiting and 2022 was no exception. I was truly impressed by the RSP20, one of the flagships of the second generation of Revstar; the affordable electric guitar (which retails for under $800) features carbon reinforcement in the neck and in the chambered body. It has dual humbucking pickups, combined with a five-position selector and a Focus Switch passive boost. I was able to play it for awhile on Saturday and really fell in love with its sound and the ease to play the instrument up and down the fretboard. The new Revstar series comes in three tiers: Element, Standard and the made-in-Japan Professional. Information: usa.yamaha.com. You can learn more on this exciting instrument HERE.

Yahama's Revstar was front and center
at the 2022 NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

After getting a glimpse of Minarik Guitars' 50th Anniversary Haunted Mansion custom guitar on Media Day, I went back to their booth on Friday to see what other guitars the Las Vegas, Nevada-based company was displaying. The company has really tapped into an area of the market with its custom shop's Art Series guitars. Check out the images below and watch a video on the Haunted Mansion guitar posted by TJR HERE. Information: MinarikGuitars.com.

The 50th Anniversary Haunted Mansion guitar.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

'Alice in Wonderland' is celebrated via Minarik Guitars'
Acoustic Series. Photo: Bob Steshetz

An electric guitar model from Minarik Guitars.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Drummers will want to check out the new EFNOTE 7X (EFD-7X) drum kit courtesy of Artesia. The multi-sensor kit will be released in September 2022, and will retail for approximately $4,500. Information: Artesia-pro.com. 

A close-up view of the impressive EFNOTE 7X. Photo: Bob Steshetz

I'm always excited to see the latest products from major brands such as Taylor Guitars, Martin Guitar, Deering Banjo Co. and Rickenbacker, but it's cool to discover new up-and-coming manufacturers as well.

Take the Orba 2, a follow-up to Artiphon's synth, looper and controller. A truly portable instrument that fits in the palm of your hand, the user can deliver the sounds of electric guitar and upright pianos, as well as collected audio sounds and even vocals. The Orba 2 retails for $149.99. Information: artiphon.com.

The Orba 2 retails for $149.99. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Guitar players who use a slide (or would like to) should check out the Thimble Slide, developed by Hermosa Beach, CA-based inventor Cole Coleman. The Thimble Slide is a mini-slide designed to be worn on the tip of a guitarist's 3rd finger, wit the front edge about halfway to tree-quarters down the fingernail toward the base. When worn there, a guitarist will see that all their fingers are available for fretting. The Thimble Slide is available in several sizes. Information: ThimbleSlide.com.

The Thimble Slide is available now. Photo: Robert Kinsler

I was able to meet with saxophonist-composer/vocalist Mindi Abair who came to NAMM to showcase her new signature Mindi Abair 2 alto mouthpiece produced by Theo Wanne. A celebrated artist and in-demand virtuoso musician since the release of her debut album in 2000, Abair told me that she has worked with Theo Wanne for a number of years to get the perfect mouthpiece and she is thrilled that it is available now. Information: TheoWanne.com.

Theo Wanne, left, with Mindi Abair at the NAMM Show on June 3.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Saxophone great Mindi Abair.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Favorite Performances & Special Events!

The first official performance of this year's NAMM Show was staged early Friday during the Breakfast of Champions event with a set from French duo RoSaWay. Fusing European jazz, world music and pop, the songs were built on flute and percussion with inviting female lead vocals. Information: rosaway.com.

RoSaWay performing at the NAMM Show on June 3, 2022. Photo: Bob Steshetz

RoSaWay, from left, Rachel and SteF. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Not long after RoSaWay finished their winning set, Multi-GRAMMY® winner, composer and performer Kenny Loggins was presented with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) “Music for Life” award by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. NAMM’s highest industry honor, the award was given at the opening Breakfast of Champions session in celebration of Loggins’ lifelong commitment to inspiring music makers everywhere.

Kenny Loggins, left, with NAMM President & CEO Joe Lamond.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

This writer was really impressed by Loggins' commitment to assisting young people get into music, instilling in them a love of music as opposed to seeking empty fame or stardom. “As far as music goes, music is in our DNA," Loggins said. "When I’m working with young artists, we’re talking about the love of music, its role, and its importance in our lives.” 

Kenny Loggins on June 3, 2022.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Michael Ubaldini performing on June 3, 2022.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

My Friday came to a perfect end with Michael Ubaldini's stirring set at the Sheraton Park Stage. As if performing at the NAMM Show wasn't special enough, June 3 also marked the official release date of the celebrated singer-songwriter's new album Rabbit Foot Carnival. Performing to the accompaniment of his acoustic guitar —  as well as his harmonica at times — Ubaldini's 45-minute set allowed him to offer up a mix of classic material and new songs from Rabbit Foot Carnival. Standouts of Ubaldini's 11-song set included the timely "Free Speech Blues," haunting "Song Of Our Time," rockabilly-mining "Don't Say Goodbye" and tender "The General Store." He ended his set with a powerful take on "The Offended," a powerful song aimed at those unwilling to listen or consider anything beyond their own limited view. For more information, visit rocknrollpoet.com.

I'm still not quite sure what to make of the Jam Galaxy Band's performance on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Saturday morning. The ensemble included a cast of real life musicians, as well as a robot named Desdemona — the latter offering up spoken word to a soundscape with layers were progressive rock and jazz meet. I can't say I loved the songs, but it was visually interesting. Information: JamGalaxy.com. 

Desdemona of the Jam Galaxy Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Photo: Bob Steshetz

Much better was guitar great Carl Verheyen's 45-minute outing staged on the same stage. Verheyen — best known for his role as lead guitarist in Supertramp and as a session player recording for the likes of the Bee Gees and Dolly Parton — impressed with a set of songs and instrumentals displaying his top-tier guitar and vocal skills. Verheyen was backed by a stellar trio of musicians who collectively elevated the set (bassist Dave Marotta, drummer John Mader and new keyboardist Troy Dexter). Highlights of his fast-moving set (that attracted a big crowd) included the blues-rock original "Stealing Gasoline," bouncy "Queen Bee" (a new song enhanced by a cool guitar intro) and "Clawhammer Man," the latter a track from his latest album Sundial featuring some especially soulful vocals from Verheyen.  Information: CarlVerheyen.com.

Carl Verheyen at NAMM on June 4.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

From left, bassist Dave Marotta and keyboardist Troy Dexter. Photo: Bob Steshetz

I also enjoyed a short set of wonderful instrumental jazz courtesy of Paul Navidad (alto sax), Edmund Velasco (tenor sax) and Sam Montooth (upright bass). The trio attracted an appreciative crowd while performing at the Dakota Saxophones booth on Saturday afternoon.

From left, Paul Navidad, Edmund Velasco and
Sam Montooth playing a set of jazz.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler

Editor's Note - check out the great interview conducted by the cool folks at MusicUCanSee with WAR founding member Lee Oskar HERE.

You can also watch their interview conducted with Mindi Abair HERE:

2015 Winter NAMM Show: Kenny Howes at Rickenbacker, DigiTech, MUSIC WORTH BUYING episodes, more!

As many of my regular readers know, I am often juggling my duties as co-host of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, while penning concert reviews for The Orange County Register as well as providing album reviews and other coverage for Music News Nashville, Desert Star Weekly and this site.

So it's no surprise while covering the 2015 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, a few interesting things somehow didn't get into either my print-bound or video coverage I was juggling over the course of the (National Association of Music Merchants) NAMM Show last month. Here is a final recap of my 2015 journey to NAMM…

In the past after covering Media Preview Day on Wednesdays and subsequently surviving 12-15 hour marathons on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, I tend to skip Sundays so I can work on writing and posting that day (while giving my feet a break too!). Because I felt I didn't actually get to get out on the floor and actually check out enough of the great gear and instruments this year, I I did spend about eight hours at NAMM on Sunday (Jan. 25).  So now, FINALLY, I will try to fully catch you up on some last-minute news and notes from the show that drew an estimated to the Anaheim Convention Center last weekend.

Kenny Howes at Rickenbacker
Photo: Robert Kinsler

While hanging out at Rickenbacker International Corp, I got to talk to talented singer-songwriter-guitarist Kenny Howes, who is also a substitute bassist for The Smithereens. Based in Atlanta, GA, Howes is one of the leading proponents of the current power-pop scene. I may well be in the minority of music critics, but I believe that The Smithereens were one of the best bands to emerge during the 1980s. Lead singer Pat DiNizio and company would get my vote for a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

In addition to playing part-time with the Smithereens and playing solo shows, Howes told me he is working on a new album too. His last album, 2012's wonderful Tornadoes Here & Past featured special guests Marty Willson-Piper of The Church (another band I love) and aforementioned DiNizio.

"I worked with Rickenbacker for so long and developed tons of friendships," Howes told me during our brief chat. "It's great to reconnect with all those people and see all the fun new stuff. And I make a mini-vacation out of it."

On the last day of NAMM, the day kicked off with the annual "Best in Show" event, and indeed, there was plenty to celebrate via a number of cool products highlighted. 

The DigiTech TRIO Band Creator pedal not only received a "Best In Show Award" but proved to be a lot of fun when I saw the device used up-close by my MUSIC WORTH BUYING co-host TJR on Sunday afternoon. It may sound crazy, but the device allows a guitarist to create the sound of playing along with a bassist and drummer. "Users simply need to plug a guitar into TRIO, press the footswitch to teach TRIO the chords and rhythm, then press the footswitch again to start playing with a customized personal band," according to the accurate description on a media release issued by US Music Corporation on Jan. 25, 2015.

“TRIO is like no pedal ever created – it’s an entirely new type of musical accompaniment device,” said Tom Cram, Marketing Manager, DigiTech. “With TRIO, one musician can now sound like a full band. It’s an incredibly creative and useful performance tool for solo artists, or just a great way to have fun while practicing and jamming.”

The TRIO Band Creator Pedal will be available in March 2015. No band? No problem...


Finally, a special thank you to the aforementioned TJR and Kathy Barrett for their work with me on our four episodes providing a pretty good tour of our NAMM experience. You can watch all episodes via the embedded links below!

credits

NAMM 2014 Roundup: Robby Krieger, JOHNNYSWIM, Blue Öyster Cult, Sony Music Video Recorder, Taylor Guitars Compact T5z, Rickenbacker W Series

Robby Krieger on the GoPro Stage.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Every NAMM Show has its highlights, and the 2014 staging of the world's largest music trade show lived up that hype throughout its fast-moving run. Without exception the number of musicians, music manufacturers and music fans I spoke with throughout the four busy days I spent in Anaheim all found reasons to celebrate the mix of technology and innovations that were showcased at the trade show on Jan. 22 (Media Preview Day) and during the show's regular run (Jan. 23-26, 2014).

Last weekend and earlier this week, I posted some initial coverage, mostly related to the range of strong and sterling concert sets I caught throughout the daytime and evening hours, including Blue Öyster Cult, Jonny Lang, Otis Taylor and from legendary Doors guitarist Robby Krieger. 

But I also caught partial sets from a fantastic young Americana-styled duo JOHNNYSWIM at the Taylor Guitars booth on Thursday; because I didn't know much about the group or their music when I caught their set, I didn't write anything immediately; but when I happened to get a media release earlier this week about the band it was perfect timing since I then had a few details to layer atop my memories of JOHNNYSWIM's strong afternoon set.

JOHNNYSWIM performing at Taylor Guitars.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Fronted by the husband and wife team of singer-guitarist Abner Ramirez and singer Amanda Sudano, JOHNNYSWIM featured songs off a 2013 EP titled Heart Beats and an upcoming full-length debut album Diamonds (set for release on April 29 on Big Picnic Records). Highlights from the group's set included the spirited uptempo "Diamonds" and tender acoustic guitar- and vocal harmonies-layered "Annie."


I would encourage everyone to learn more about this promising new duo that blends rock, soul, folk, blues and roots music by reading George A. Paul's more in-depth review of the show published on his Music Minded blog here.

Sony HDR-MV1 Music Video Recorder

A major part of NAMM continues to be great gear. Both my Music Worth Buying co-host TJR and yours truly were very impressed by Sony's HDR-MV1 Music Video Recorder. Although very compact, the video camera is designed for artists to "shoot and share every performance with superb" full high definition video quality and true studio-quality audio.

More specifically geared for musicians looking to chronicle and share their performances than the wonderful line of Sony bloggie cameras I've been using since 2010 or so, a band can record a performance and immediately distribute that content via their smart phone too courtesy of built-in Wi-Fi.  Boasting a 120-degree X-Y stereo microphone that captures recordings free of distortion, external mics or instruments can also be directly connected to the little device. What's even more amazing the HDR-MV1 retails for a suggested retail price of $299.99. Click here to learn more.

Taylor Guitars' new Compact T5z made its debut at NAMM

What would NAMM be without great guitars? Several caught my eye (and my hands, since the show affords visitors to play the instruments too, including Taylor Guitars' new Compact T5z.

Saturday morning I made it a point to get up to Taylor's booth on the second floor of the Anaheim Convention Center early so I could spend some time playing the new electric/acoustic hollowbody, the latest release in the company's T5 Series. The T5z has a 12-inch fretboard radius (compared to the T5's 15-inch radius), and proved to be significantly easier for me to play than the T5. 

For 2014, both the T5z and T5 are being released in a series of four models.

For more information on any of Taylor's fine guitars, visit www.TaylorGuitars.com/news.

Rickenbacker's Model 360-12W

Another favorite new instrument I caught at the show was Rickenbacker's new walnut-made W Series. It's unusual for the company to release new instruments at NAMM; indeed, as company CEO John Hall noted in a chat at the show, the legendary, Santa Ana, California-based company focuses on making and selling the same fine instruments that first attracted the Fab Four to begin using the guitars more than 50 years ago. 

The new walnut Rickenbackers feature the same full, lush and warm tones that the manufacturer's instruments are known for, while "adding the strength and natural character of walnut polished with an oil finish." The full model lineup for the W Series includes the 330, 330/12, 360, 360/12 and 4003. All are outfitted with necks made of Maple. 

Visit Rickenbacker International's official Web site  at www.Rickenbacker.com for more details.

Finally, here is a full-length performance by Blue Öyster Cult and Alex Skolnick performing (Don't Fear) The Reaper" at the Peavey booth on Jan. 23. Enjoy!