via AudioMIDI
"If the Musical Instrument industry had rock stars, there's no doubt that Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, and Dave Smith would be in the Hall of Fame. These men are as beloved by electronic musicians as Les Paul and Leo Fender are to guitar players. The recent death of industry legend Bob Moog brings into even greater focus the impact these men have had on music in the last three decades. And as interest in these "retro" instruments grows it seemed like a great time to bring together these "Synth Legends"; to speak about their accomplishments, tell some stories, and talk about what they have planned for the future.
Russ Jones, owner of audioMIDI.com, brought together his longtime friends, former competitors, and former partners to create a memorable night. The panel was moderated by Roger Linn, a synth legend in his own right and he set the warm, lighthearted tone for the evening. Each presenter spent about 15 to 20 minutes giving a brief history of their respective careers and how they initially got involved in creating the products that changed the MI business and what they are doing presently as well as their views of the future. Then the Q&A panel was formed and Marcus Ryle, former design engineer at Oberheim and co-founder of Line 6, joined in.
See the video and hear from these "Synth Legends" as they offer insights into music making past, present, and future. Also see the warmth and humor that was Bob Moog in his last public appearance."
Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith and Roger Linn going left to right, top down.
Update via Brent Hoover in the comments:There was some mixup and Kevin finally got a hold of us and we are straightening it out. Russ never got an email from Kevin (which I am probably to blame for since I'm the IT guy too). The cover was done by Axel Hartmann (of the Hartmann Neuron and art design of most Waldorf synths) who I don't believe would knowingly use copywritten material without taking care of it, he hates having his stuff stolen too. So apologies to Kevin and I am sure it will get worked out to his satisfaction.
As to why its American-centric is because the event was really made up of people that Russ knew personally. He worked at Oberheim in the beginning and thus came into contact with Roger, David, Tom, Bob, and Marcus. Marcus, David, Roger and Bob (until he passed away) we still dealt with all the time cuz we still sold their products. So it was not so much American-centric as Russ-centric. And not being a rich company I don't know if we could have afforded to fly and house someone from Japan (everyone else came on their own nickel). But we are all very much aware the contributions the Japanese have made to electronic music.
The point being that this was a labor of love and we are so in the hole on this we will probably never make a profit, but that was never the point. It was to contribute in our own way since we don't make synths and utilize Russ' unique relationship with all these guys.
So I sincerely hope people enjoy the DVD though we wish the sound was better (its a long story) but its a unique opportunity to really see and hear the people behind the famous gear. I know its easy to be cynical about a retailers motivations (and I certainly would) but if you spend all your times at big retailers, you might be suprised about how many others of us are in it for the love of music, because it's certainly not making me or Russ rich men (although I do have a very nice studio).
Brent Hoover - Webmaster - audioMIDI.com
These views expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone elses including Russ, audioMIDI.com, or Fox Television.
ps. I heart Matrixsynth and read it almost every day. I don't know how you do it."
Thanks! : )
I had a chance to go, and I didn't just because my burnout friend didn't want to go with me. Stupid me. Little did I know Bob Moog would die only a few months later.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lesson to never rely on buddies to accompany you to sometning are truly interested in. Go by yourself if you have to.
I saw this video. Also saw where they used at least one copyrighted pic of mine with no permission or credit. Wrote to Russ Jones and received no reply.
ReplyDeleteI paid a professional photographer to take that particular pic.
You'd think that a marketing genius like Jones would consider obtaining copyright clearance before he offered other's work for sale. Guess not.
That's unfortunate Kevin. I updated the post with your comment for others to see.
ReplyDeletePhloem, yeah, I think I missed a show or two way back in the late 80s and 90s because friends didn't want to go. I realized I was going to continue missing things, so I just started going alone. Friends were always upset to hear what they missed out on after the fact. : ) I also discovered that doing things alone is actually kind of fun - there is a certain sense of freedom about it.
Yet another American-centric production. Where's Kakehashi?
ReplyDeleteI concur, wiglaf. A Minimoog is all the Moog anyone ever needs, but you can't make the same statement about any single Roland product (System 700? Jupter 4? 8? The x0x's?). They all bring something unique to the table. Funny that Roland, from a country which people often claim has a corporate culture which stifles creativity, was such an incubator of charming & highly useful instruments. They didn't just take one idea & run it into the ground.
ReplyDeleteOf course none of it would be possible without the Minimoog, the Prophet or the SEM, but still...
Props to Mr. Kakehashi for some great products but think about why you first see Japanese products on the retail market in 1973. It's because Moog and Arp had products that were proven to be viable. Oberheim was key (with Dave Rossum) in making real polyphony and memory storage viable amongst other things and Dave Smith set the standard with the Prophet 5 that nearly all polysynths even the virtual ones follow and got the MIDI ball rolling.
ReplyDeleteSad that Tom Oberheim, despite occasional rumors hasn't done a synth himself in the last decade.
Thanks Brent. Post is updated with your comments.
ReplyDelete