RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver

The legendary George Duke has passed away. Pictured here is George with the Clavitar [image via Legacy Recordings]. It was his main instrument when performing live for much of his early career.  It was featured on the album cover "Dream On" released in 1982 (pictured below).

He was very active in the music and synth community and featured numerous times here on MATRIXSYNTH.  He was on the recent NAMM 2013 Panel discussion on MIDI.  He performed in the 2009 Bob Moog Foundation benefit "Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog" (featured here and here).  Below is an image with Michelle Moog-Koussa and the Bob Moog Foundation's comments on his passing.

via wikipedia: "George Duke (January 12, 1946 – August 5, 2013)[2] was a multi-faceted American musician, known as a keyboard pioneer, composer, singer and producer in both jazz and popular mainstream musical genres. He had worked with numerous acclaimed artists as arranger, music director, writer and co-writer, record producer and professor of music. He first made a name for himself with the album The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio. He was known primarily for thirty-odd solo albums as well as for his collaborations with other musicians, particularly Frank Zappa."

You'll find Goerge Duke's official website here: http://www.georgeduke.com.

He had just released a new album "DreamWeavers" dedicated to his late wife who passed away in July, 2012.

"ARTISTS ARE DREAMWEAVERS
We take tangible and intangible elements from the known world and combine them with elements from the spiritual world in order to reach deeper levels of understanding between the two. We spin undeveloped yarn of ideas into reality - it is the ultimate act of creating something from nothing in this world. In short, we are the storytellers and conduits of possibilities. The best of us are those that weave deeper levels of yarn thus giving the fabric more depth. That doesn't necessarily mean that more complexity is better for many times the simplest fabric conveys the strongest meaning. The important thing is intent, message, execution and honesty of design and in that I have always tried to hold my stead. Thus my musical fabric is diverse with multiple levels. That is the way of life and definitely the way I roll, so enjoy the ride … as Cannon used to say - 'Ahoom'.." click here for more.

Pictured: Michelle Moog-Koussa with George Duke via The Bob Moog Foundation on Facebook

"We are saddened by the sudden passing of jazz legend George Duke, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family. He was taken too soon. The world needs more people with the kind of big talent and big heart that George shared so generously.

The photo below of Michelle Moog-Koussa and George Duke was taken on November 6, 2009, at the Museum of Making Music during the exhibit "Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog". George performed a benefit concert that evening to an enraptured audience."

George Duke - Reach Out

Uploaded on Apr 14, 2009 JedYuseco01·361 videos

"Put your hands together for George Duke,Louis Johnson,Steve
Farrone and Paul Jackson and the GD Band for a seriously slammin'
set live in Tokyo in 1983. A fantastic journey back to a time when REAL musicians played REAL funk before studio created groups and overly choreographed boy bands took center stage."

George Duke Studio Tour 2013

Published on May 23, 2013

"Fusion, funk, and rock keyboard legend George Duke gives us a tour of his home studio, 'Le Gonks West.' Look for a major feature in Keyboard soon on his upcoming new album 'Dreamweaver.'"

George Duke - Shine On

Uploaded on Aug 3, 2009 smoothworld01·228 videos

"From album "DREAM ON" 1982.　

George Duke:Vocals,A.Piano,Fender Rhodes　
Byron Miller:Bass　
Leon "Ndugu" Chancler:Drums　
Michael Sembello:Guitar　

Jerry Hey,Gary Grant:Trumpet　
Bill Reichenbach:Trombone　
Larry Williams:Tenor Saxophone"

George Duke - DreamWeaver

Published on Jun 25, 2013 concordrecords·323 videos

"Order on Amazon: http://smarturl.it/DreamWeaver_amzn

OUT OF DEVASTATING PAIN COMES DREAMWEAVER FROM KEYBOARDIST/COMPOSER/ARRANGER/PRODUCER GEORGE DUKE

Out of devastating pain comes DreamWeaver, the new disc, which GRAMMY Award-winning keyboardist/composer/arranger/producer George Duke considers his "most honest album in several years." The making of DreamWeaver occurred after his wife, Corine, passed away. Struck with grief, he found it difficult to work during that period. "I didn't feel like creating any music, which was odd, because normally that's the easiest thing for me to do," he says, "Sometimes, I would walk into the studio and say, 'Nah. It's not going to happen.'"

Duke's mojo returned while on a Capital Cruise. During the first couple of days, he didn't play any music, but did check out some of the other bands. "By the third day, something happened," he remembers. After returning to his cabin around 4 a.m. from listening to music, inspiration ignited. "I went back on the deck and watched the sun come up. A couple of songs started coming to me; I got out my pen and paper, and started writing."

With the assistance of an illustrious cast of musicians that includes bassists Christian McBride and Stanley Clarke; singers Teena Marie, Lalah Hathaway, Rachelle Ferrell, and Jeffrey Osborne; guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. and the late Jef Lee Johnson; among others, DreamWeaver, set for release July 16, 2013 on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, finds Duke emphasizing more instrumentals than in the past as well as concentrating more on his mastery on various synthesizers.

Like the bulk of Duke's discography, DreamWeaver accentuates eclecticism with 15 tracks that range from swinging jazz and sweat funk to gospel-inflected pop and sensual R&B ballads. As the title implies, Duke likens mixing all of the idioms to weaving a sonic fabric. He also compares that stylistic dynamism to life. "Everything is in transition -- from hot to cold, from life to death," he philosophizes, "I wanted to incorporate that kind of thing and include a lot of things that are a part of my life."

The disc begins and ends with allusions of nothingness, starting with the title track, a sparse etude, and finishes with "Happy Trails," a misty ballad that was at first just dedicated to Duke's wife, but later gained more emotional poignancy because of the sudden passing of Johnson, whose distinctive guitar work fades out the conclusion. In between, the disc unfolds with the evocative, mid-tempo modern jazz composition, "Stones of Orion," showcasing Duke's crystalline piano improvisations along with longtime collaborator Clarke on upright bass; the feisty 15-minute workout, "Burnt Sausage Jam," a track that Duke refurbished from his 2002 Facing the Music sessions with Johnson, McBride, and drummer Lil' John Roberts; the frisky gangster-leaning groover, "Round the Way Girl;" the feet-friendly burner, "Jazzmatazz;" and the heartfelt ballad, "Missing You," another direct tribute to Duke's wife."

You'll find a number of posts featuring George Duke here. RIP DreamWeaver. You were a true inspiration us all.

George Duke and Quartet To Perform Benefit Concert

"Jazz, Funk and R&B Legend George Duke and Quartet To Perform Benefit Concert for the Bob Moog Foundation and the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA

CARSLBAD, CA/ASHEVILLE, NC

On Friday, November 6, 2009 at 7 PM, George Duke—whose very name is synonymous with funk, R&B, pop, soul and jazz and who is heralded as a world class keyboardist, synthesizer pioneer, composer and Grammy award winning producer—will perform an intimate concert with his quartet at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California.

Proceeds from the concert directly benefit The Bob Moog Foundation and the Museum of Making Music, two organizations whose sympathetic missions and
like‐mindedness have kindled the exhibition, Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of
Moog, a first‐ever look at the life and work of synthesizer innovator, Dr. Robert Moog.

In addition to the proceeds from the concert, several items will be auctioned off during the evening of the concert to raise additional funds for the two organizations.

Tickets to the concert are $75 for the general public and $65 for museum
members. Optionally, for $100 guests can enjoy both the concert event AND a
special VIP after‐party reception with George Duke that will take place following
his performance. Attendance is limited.

For tickets and information, please contact the Museum at 760‐438‐5996 or visit
www.museumofmakingmusic.org The Museum is located at 5790 Armada Drive
in Carlsbad, California, just north of San Deigo.

GEORGE DUKE
George Duke is a highly acclaimed keyboardist, synthesist and vocalist who has enjoyed a prolific career as an R&B, funk, jazz and rock musician and as an accomplished composer and producer. He has worked with an array of artists, including: Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham, Dianne Reeves, George Clinton, Anita Baker, Miles Davis, Denise Williams, Jeffery Osborne, Regina Belle and others.

In the past 40 years, Duke has released over 30 albums as well as appearing on countless other albums. Most recently Duke released Dukey Treats (2008), which highlights his skills as a jazz/funk master and song writer. Duke talks about the album in this video.

George Duke EPK

YouTube via HeadsUpRecords

George Duke has also worked as musical director at numerous large-scale musical events, including the Nelson Mandela tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London in 1988. In 1989, he was the interim musical director of NBC's late-night music performance program Sunday Night.

THE EXHIBIT
Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog focuses on Bob's Moog's work and the impact that he had on the world of music. It features rare vintage synthesizers and other related Moog instruments and memorabilia from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives and from various private collections. The exhibit explores the numerous musicians, engineers and colleagues who played a vital role in the evolution of the Moog sound and the relationship between and the inventor/toolmaker and the musician, as well as the genesis of a variety of musical interfaces.

Bob Moog (1934-2005) was a pioneer in the field of electronic music, inventing the Moog synthesizer in 1964. His invention made synthesis accessible to musicians for the first time and in doing so provided them with new realms of sonic expression. The instrument revolutionized the face of music and was used by such early synthesists as Wendy Carlos, Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Jan Hammer, and more.

“The Moog synthesizer defined the sounds of progressive rock and was regarded as the best sound in synthesizers. ” – Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake and Palmer)

The Moog synthesizer is widely used today in almost every genre of music and continues to be coveted for its rich, warm analog sound and high level of expressiveness.

“Bob Moog was one of the great visionaries of our time. His ideas far transcend just music, and to this day continue to have impact on everything from rock to rap to quantum physics” – Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins)

Moog's career spanned over 50 years and his work left an indelible impact on music, musicians and music-lovers alike. Bob Moog's unique legacy is one of expanding musical expression through innovation and inspiring musicians to explore the boundaries of sonic reality. Tens of thousands of musicians worldwide were, and continue to be, inspired by Moog's work, and the sonic palette it provides.

Bob Moog was awarded two GRAMMYs for his work: the NARAS Trustee's Award in 1970 and Award for Technical Achievement in 2002. He also won the Polar Music prize in 2001 from the King of Sweden and numerous other prizes that recognized his contributions.

THE MUSEUM OF MAKING MUSIC
The Museum of Making Music, a division of the NAMM Foundation, explores the multifaceted history of the American music products industry from its beginnings in the 1890s to today. Located in Carlsbad, California (north San Diego county), the Museum tells stories of hard work, challenge, inspiration and pioneering innovation, and reveals the profound relationship between the industry, popular music, and global culture. For information, please visit www.museumofmakingmusic.org.

THE BOB MOOG FOUNDATION
The Bob Moog Foundation is a non-profit organization founded upon Moog's passing in August 2005. The mission of the foundation is to educate and inspire children and adults through the power and possibilities of electronic music and through the intersection of science, music and innovation. The foundation has three main projects: preserving and protecting Bob Moog's archives, creating a Student Outreach Program that brings electronic music into the schools, and its hallmark project, the creation of a Moogseum in Asheville, NC, for which it was recently awarded a $600,000 lead grant by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. The Moogseum is planned to open late 2012.

For more information, see www.moogfoundation.org."

Billy Cobham & George Duke Band - Stratus (1976)

Uploaded on Sep 19, 2010 Asim Siddiqui

"Billy Cobham & George Duke Band live at Montreux Jazz Festival in 1976.

Billy Cobham - Drums
George Duke - Moog Synthesizers
John Scofield - Guitars
Alphonso Johnson - Bass

One of my priceless collection..

Enjoy!"

And if you have an hour twenty to kill:

Billy Cobham & George Duke Band - Live At Montreux Jazz Festival (1976)

Published on Aug 7, 2013 Moy Sánz

"Featuring George Duke, Billy Cobham, Alphonso Johnson, John Scofield,
1976 Montreux Jazz Festival"

Who's Morley? Note drummer Billy Cobham has a Minimoog next to him as well.

George Duke Soul Treasures - Keyboard Phrase Instrument by Native Instruments

YouTube via NativeInstruments | October 26, 2010

"See what this unique phrase instrument is about and how it integrates effortlessly into any production workflow.

Full details under http://www.native-instruments.com/sou..."

George Duke Soul Treasures - Behind the scenes with George and Erik

NativeInstruments | October 26, 2010

"Keyboard legend George Duke and sound wizard Erik Zobler talk about the creation of the new Kontakt phrase instrument "George Duke Soul Treasures"."

Frank Zappa & George Duke at The Roxy Theatre - 1973

Frank Zappa at The Roxy Theatre - 1973 Video concert

Published on Sep 21, 2012

This one in via Brian Comnes. Rhodes jazz funk at 10:55 followed by ARP Odyssey at 12:42.

RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver

"Frank Zappa at The Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California on December 8, 9 and 10, 1973.
While waiting for the "Roxy DVD" (a trailer is contained in the Baby Snakes DVD), this is what is available at now:

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Massive Moog Giveaway via the Museum of Making Music

"The Museum will be hosting an opportunity drawing to win one of several great prizes donated by Moog Music, Inc., The Bob Moog Foundation, the Museum of Making Music, George Duke and others:

* A private look at The Bob Moog Archives in Asheville, North Carolina with The Bob Moog Foundation Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa and Mike Adams, President/CEO of Moog Music Inc.

* A VIP tour and luncheon at the Museum of Making Music on January 18, 2010 with Moog exhibition advisor Brian Kehew, Moog Foundation Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa, Moog Music Inc. President/CEO Mike Adams, Museum Executive Director Carolyn Grant and Curator Tatiana Sizonenko.

* Moog Little Phatty Synthesizer autographed by George Duke and Moog luminaries (including Brian Kehew, Michelle Moog-Koussa and others).

* Two (2) tickets to the George Duke & Anita Baker concert at the Nokia Theatre on November 7, 2009.

Starting October 15, 2009 the Museum will offer opportunity drawing tickets for $1 per ticket. Additionally, for every 25 entries purchased, the Museum will provide 2 complimentary entries."

Full details at the Museum of Making Music
via twitter.com/MuseumMaknMusic

November 2009 Bob Moog Foundation Newsletter

"November 2009:
Making Waves this Month: Umphrey's McGee Ebay Auction, George Duke Performance, BMF Calendar, Tape Preservation...

Umphrey's McGee Launches Ebay Auction Today
to Benefit the Bob Moog Foundation!
Beginnning November 2, 2009 at 2pm, Umphrey's McGee will hold a week-long auction on eBay to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation. The band is auctioning two signed concert posters from their archives and a signed Mantis Deluxe Edition Box Set. Read more about it here Thanks to Umphrey's McGee for your continued support!

Here are links to the items:
Mantis Delux Ediiton Box Set [LINK]
Poster 1 [LINK]
Poster 2 [LINK]

George Duke to Perform Intimate Concert
and Host VIP Reception Museum of Making Music Exhibit
Funk, jazz and synth legend George Duke and his quartet will perform at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA on November 6th, 2009. The up close and personal concert will be followed by a VIP reception. Click here to learn more about the event and purchase tickets.

Presenting Our 2010 Bob Moog Foundation Calendar!
With photos, quotes and information taken directly from Bob's archives, our calendar explores pivotal points in Bob's career as well as many key figures who served as Bob's inspiration. This calendar serves as both a fulfillment of our mission to share Bob's archives and a fundraiser for our projects. Find out more about the calendar here and purchase it on our brand new online store -- it makes a great holiday gift item for the Moog enthusiast in your life.

Preservation of Tapes from Bob's Archives Begins
Thanks to generous funding from the GRAMMY Foundation the Bob Moog Foundation has begun the preservation and transfer process on over 40 of the reel-to-reel tapes in Bob's collection. With the generous $15,000 grant, our preservationist Seva David Ball of Souncurrent Mastering has begun the work at hand, which involves mold remediation, baking and transferring. Read more about Seva's progress here.

Support the Work of the Bob Moog Foundation
Thanks to your ongoing support, the BMF is taking on three major goals. The first is to empower young people to learn science by playing electronic instruments and to inspire them to be innovators at the intersection of science and music. Just like Bob Moog. The second is to preserve and protect Bob's archives to share with present and future generations. The third is to create a Moogseum--a place where people can experience Bob's Archives and join a community of innovators. Please contribute today to help us make an impact on people's lives through electronic music."

schooldays - Stanley Clarke / George Duke

YouTube via elimk.
Guess the keys. Keytar solo about halfway in.

Update: And one more.
billy cobham george duke band red baron

YouTube via hossenff.
"billy cobham george duke alphonso johnson and john scofield 1976"
Minimoog solo comes in about 4:20 into it.

“MIDI Creators and Innovators” Panel Coming to NAMM

"MIDI Creators and Innovators Alan Parsons, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, Jordan Rudess, George Duke and Craig Anderton to Discuss Past, Present and Future of MIDI at 2013 NAMM Show H.O.T Zone Session

Who:

Alan Parsons is British-born audio engineer, musician, and record producer. Parsons has been involved with some of the biggest recordings of all time, including The Beatles Abbey Road and Let It Be, in addition to Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. He has been involved in all aspects of the music business and is well known for his own work, The Alan Parson's Project. When not engineering and producing, Mr. Parson's is a highly sought after guest lecturer, product and technology consultant and is the co-creator of the highly- acclaimed educational DVD series called The Art & Science of Sound Recording.

Tom Oberheim is a synthesizer pioneer having created several legendary synths, effects processors, and drum machines as the founder of Oberheim Electronics, Marion Systems, and SeaSound. Oberheim was a key contributor to the original MIDI specification and was an early evangelist of the technology.

Dave Smith was the co-author of the original MIDI specification with Roland's CEO and founder Ikutaro Kakehashi. Mr. Smith was the founder of Sequential Circuits while developing the MIDI specification, and has since developed dozens of synthesizers, drum machines, and effects processors. His current company, Dave Smith Instruments, continues to develop cutting edge MIDI-based instruments that enjoy a worldwide following.

Jordan Rudess, is an American keyboardist, clinician, composer and software entrepreneur best known as the keyboardist in the band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment. Rudess is a graduate of the Julliard School of Music and is an extremely well respected consultant to many music instrument companies, and has his own music software company called Wizdom Music, which designs innovative tablet- based musical instruments.

George Duke is a legendary musician, keyboard pioneer, composer, singer and producer in both jazz and popular mainstream musical genres. Duke has composed, produced, and played on dozens of gold and platinum records, received numerous GRAMMY awards, and has toured extensively as a band member, music director, and as a solo artist.

Craig Anderton, is a musician, author and music magazine editor/writer who is well known to anyone who has ever picked up a music technology magazine. As the editor of Electronic Musician and author of hundreds of articles on music technology, Anderton is an esteemed journalist and expert in all aspects of MIDI and MIDI technology.

Tom White, (MC) is the President of the MIDI Manufacturers Association, and a highly- regarded contributor and consultant to several industry trade and technology groups including but not limited to CES, USB, IEEE, AES, IASIG, and as long-standing president of the MMA. White has had a long career in the music industry, including a lengthy period in marketing and business development for Roland Corporation.

What: Panel discussion “MIDI Creators and Innovators” For 30 years, MIDI has been always been at the forefront of music technology even as musical trends changed. Come hear from a star-studded panel of MIDI creators and innovators -- stories and opinions about the past, present, and future of MIDI.

When: Sat. Jan. 26, 2013 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: The NAMM Show, Anaheim Convention Center Room 204B (Inside NAMM H.O.T. Zone)

Presented by the MMA

The MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1985 to encourage companies implementing MIDI to make their products interoperable through compliance with MMA Recommended Practices. MMA publishes the official MIDI Specification, provides education about MIDI, licenses MIDI trademarks, and promotes the use of MIDI technology for new applications and in various industries. For more information, please visit www.midi.org"

Tribute to Mr. George Duke, by Danielle

Published on Aug 9, 2013 TheSynthFreq·200 videos

TheSynthFreq will be performing at this year's Knobcon.

"Upon hearing the very sad news of Mr. George Duke's passing, I wanted to offer a short tribute song I composed just for him. This composition is of a "jazz style" (which is a rare style for me to play in, please pardon any incorrect structures). I used a simple fret-less bass/electric piano split mode on the Yamaha Motif-6. The jazz drum pattern is 'performance' pattern that is running in the background. The bass and the ep are improvised.
I am very inspired by Mr. Duke for his amazing talent and wonderful music he has given the world. May you rest in peace. :)

:) Danielle"

Herbie Hancock and George Duke Signed Little Phatty up for Auction

via this auction
"This Little Phatty® synthesizer was donated to the Bob Moog Foundation and the Museum of Making Music by Moog Music, Inc. pursuant to their joint exhibit, Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog, which was on display at the Museum of Making Music until April 2010. The Bob Moog Foundation and the Museum of Making Music both convey inspiration from music, history, and innovation. They will share the proceeds from the auction.

George Duke signed the back of the synthesizer after his November performance at the exhibit with the inscription “Keep Playing” and his signature. Herbie Hancock signed the iconic curved side panel of the instrument. Duke and Hancock are both considered synthesizer pioneers, making heavy use of the innovative instruments in the 1970s and 1980s.

This Little Phatty will be a unique conversation piece in your studio or music room. After all, who else has a synthesizer signed by two legendary synth players?

This is truly a one-of-a-kind piece!

50% of the sale price will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation and 50% will be donated to the Museum of Making Music.

From the Moog Music site:
Like the Stage and Tribute Edition before it, the Little Phatty Stage II puts the performer in control of a 100% analog signal path, two ultra stable Voltage Controlled Oscillators, a Voltage Controlled Filter and other versatile features like an external audio input, CV and KB gate inputs and a full MIDI controller.

“The Little Phatty not only has it’s own signature killer sounds, but the ability to use it’s innovative interface as a versatile general MIDI controller make it an incredible tool for both performance and the studio.”
-Cyril Lance, Engineering Manager

Additionally, the Stage II boasts great new features including; MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an Arpeggiator, Tap Tempo and a stylish New Black Finish.

The addition of MIDI over USB makes this performance and sound sculpting tool even more powerful. Combined with its warm analog sound, ability to process external audio and its intuitive performance, sound design and control features, the Stage II makes a great addition to any rig... from full-on analog, to a laptop/softsynth setup. You can also connect it directly to a computer running the Little Phatty Editor/Librarian.

MIDI Clock Sync allows you to synchronize the LFO and arpeggiator rate to the tempo of your MIDI sequencer, drum machine or software. Sample and hold, triangle, square, sawtooth and ramp wave modulations can now be perfectly timed with your rhythm tracks and the arpeggiator.

The arpeggiator is a great new performance feature with applications for musicians in all genres. Its wide variety of uses is sure to find a place in any style, and of course it also syncs to MIDI clock. Tap Tempo brings LFO and arpeggiator tempo sync functionality to situations in which there is no MIDI clock.

“The new features in the Little Phatty Stage II bring true analog synthesis to contemporary performance and production.” says Cyril Lance, “USB, MIDI Clock Sync, Tap Tempo and the Arpegiator make it a modern music powerhouse.”

The Bob Moog Foundation
www.moogfoundation.org

The Bob Moog Foundation honors the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog through its mission of igniting creativity at the intersection of music, history, science, and innovation. Its projects include Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, which brings electronic musical instruments into the schools to teach children science through music; the Archive Preservation Initiative, an effort to preserve and protect the inventor’s extensive and historical archive; and the future Moogseum, an innovative educational, historical, and cultural facility that will bring Bob Moog’s spirit alive. It will be located in Asheville, NC, in the years ahead, pending necessary funding.


The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent, donor-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is not formally affiliated with Moog Music, Inc.

The Museum of Making Music
www.museumofmakingmusic.org
The Museum of Making Music's mission is to celebrate the rich history and encourage the future of music making.

The Museum's vision is to preserve, communicate, and advance the tradition of innovation and excellence in the music products industry and to help ensure that music making processes, in their broadest sense, continue to thrive.

To achieve this vision, we engage people of diverse backgrounds in the exploration of the creation, design, distribution and use of musical instruments and tools, and provide opportunities for people to develop their personal connections with music."

George Duke and E-Mu

Published on Mar 16, 2014 mcmike100·22 videos

"George Duke at the E-Mu Systems booth, 1997 Winter NAMM Show. While extolling the virtues of the E4 sampler, some friends show up."

ARP Odyssey MkIII Shots

via this auction

One pretty "interesting" detail below; well to me at least. : )

Details from auction:

"Reconditioned by Than Muir, this rare & classic synth is in immaculate condition, cosmetically and functionally. Serial # 2825 0005. The Odyssey is a duo-phonic, fully analog synth developed in the 1970's. It is a simplified, non-modular yet more gig-able version of their famous 2600 modular mono-synth (sharing many of the same components). This is the mark 3 version, distinguishable by its orange and black facia detailing. It is considered the superior revision of the Odyssey for its sound (-24db filter), technical capability, reliability and service-ablity (see: http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2006/01/why-white-arp-odyssey-is-not-always.html). Includes colour spiral-bound copy of user manual and patch sheets. Electronic copy of service manual also available. Famous users include ABBA, Depeche Mode, Bomb The Bass, Ultravox, Gary Numan, Vince Clark, LTJ Bukem, Air, Tangerine Dream, 808 State, Apollo 440, Nine Inch Nails, Astral Projection, Chick Corea, George Duke, Josef Zawinul, John Foxx, Vangelis, Elton John, Jethro Tull, Jimmy Edgar, DEVO, R.E.M. and Herbie Hancock. Please don't hesitate to contact me for more info. Includes colour spiral-bound copy of user manual and patch sheets. Electronic copy of service manual also available. Famous users include ABBA, Depeche Mode, Bomb The Bass, Ultravox, Gary Numan, Vince Clark, LTJ Bukem, Air, Tangerine Dream, 808 State, Apollo 440, Nine Inch Nails, Astral Projection, Chick Corea, George Duke, Josef Zawinul, John Foxx, Vangelis, Elton John, Jethro Tull, Jimmy Edgar, DEVO, R.E.M. and Herbie Hancock. Please don't hesitate to contact me for more info."

Yep, my first "reference" on the *bay. That shot of Pete pretty much captured my reaction when I saw it. And no, I don't mind being referrenced to one bit.

Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog Exibition Updates

"Exhibition features Keith Emerson's Legendary “Monster Moog” Modular Synthesizer through October 18th, 2009

CARSLBAD, CA/ASHEVILLE, NC – The Museum of Making Music (Carlsbad, CA), in partnership with the Bob Moog Foundation, has opened Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog exhibition, to run through April 30, 2010. The exhibit is the first of its kind, marking the first public display of the artifacts from Bob Moog’s archives and an examination of the impact of his work on the world of music.

MONSTER MOOG INSTALLATION
On August 30th, Keith Emerson's (Emerson, Lake and Palmer, The Nice) mammoth “Monster Moog” modular synthesizer was added to the exhibit after it was featured the previous evening in a musical celebration of the exhibit opening by Emerson and Erik Norlander. Emerson used this remarkable instrument on numerous recordings over the past 40 years, including his solo in “Lucky Man” (1969), possibly the most popular synth solo in history. He also used the synthesizer on countless world tours and is generally credited with pioneering the use of the Moog modular as a touring musician.

The “Monster Moog” began as a modest system, but grew over time as Emerson
requested that Moog create custom additions for his touring instrument, including extra modules, custom sample-and-hold, and several pre-sets, an innovative addition for that time. The synthesizer grew into a massive cabinet of five sections and over 75 modules. It stands more than four feet above its special base – almost 8 feet high. Its sound is noticeably clearer and stronger than any other keyboard Emerson plays – it is an instrument of significance and legend, and arguably the most famous synthesizer of all time.

Bob Moog and Keith Emerson enjoyed a special relationship of toolmaker and musician that grew in to a lifelong friendship. Moog is noted for listening to musician's needs and technical specifications which he then used to improve his instruments: This dynamic is explored throughout the Waves exhibit.

KEITH EMERSON

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Clavitar, The Moog Liberation, and the first Keytars

via this auction

Anyone know when the Clavitar was released? Here's a pic of George Duke in 1980 with one.

BTW, on the last page of the current September issue of Keyboard magazine (with Devo on the cover) is a one page feature on "Keytars Past and Pressent." I was under the impression that George Mattson's Performance Music Systems Syntar (1980) was the first keytar, before the Moog Liberation (1981). It looks like Roger Powell's Probe may have preceded it in 1977. Anyone know if it was just a controller or if it had a built in synth like the Syntar? Jan Hammer apparently also had a newer Probe, which you can see in this video and this video. Before everything was the Orphica from 1795.

Roger Powell image via audioholics

Orphica image via realsamples where you'll find a sample set of it. This might be a newer model though. The image or the Orphica in Keyboard looks much older and more like a mini harpsichord with neck attached.





Update via plaztec in the comments: "The Probe, as invented by Powell (& Jeremy Hill) and refined by Jan Hammer in the area of the pitch & mod wheels (note the left-hand sides of their respective keyboards are quite different, Hammer preferring the Minimoog-style wheels), was a controller and not a self-contained synthesizer. Both had custom rigs; Powell had a bank of Oberheim SEMs, IIRC - and Hammer the same, blending the SEM sound with the Minimoog in order to get his signature lead tone. Jan also experimented with a cruder, squarish remote in order to get the placement and angle of the wheels exactly right for him, prior to the building of his custom Probe. IMHO, those two guys in their heyday were, and remain, the single most credible-looking and compelling rock keyboardists to use remote keyboards on stage, especially considering the musicians they shared the stage with..."

Update via Jimmersound in the comments: "There's also info on the Probe in this Synapse issue."

Duke Slammer - Triple 7" Set Made with the Teenage Engineering OP-1

via lunksanger

"These records makes their intentions clear from the outset, raw swung-out

drum machine beats and squelchy Moog basslines combine with sleazy pads and wiggly worm lead synths, all the necessary elements for a tasty funk formula!

Immediate comparisons have been drawn with early 80’s synth-funk stars

such as Parliament, George Clinton and Zapp, as well as ‘new school’ disco producers from Dam-Funk to Space Dimension Controller.

All tracks were created on the Teenage Engineering OP-1 and uploaded straight from the synth direct to the mastering house!

This collectable set will be only available direct from lukesanger.com and selected independent retailers."



BONUS7_001 by Duke Slammer

BONUS7_002 by Duke Slammer

BONUS7_003 by Duke Slammer

Ultra Rare SYNAPSE May1977 BOB MOOG,HERBIE HANCOCK,DUKE

via this auction
See the seller's other items for more.

You can find an online copy on the Cynthia site here. Fun to look through the ads.

"SYNAPSE - THE ELECTRONIC MUSIC MAGAZINE - dated MAY/JUNE 1977 featuring interviews with Bob Moog, jazz great Herbie Hancock and Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention keyboardist George Duke. Also many other interesting synthesizer-related articles and really cool advertisements showcasing what are still the best synthesizers ever made. Synapse was the first and best synthesizer magazine. As it catered to a then very small audience, it was probably doomed from the start. They produced perhaps a dozen different issues over a three year period before their demise and is still considered a great publication by those musicians and analog synthesizer enthusiasts that are hip enough to be aware of its' existence. Each issue was produced in a very small press run and alas, very few remain so GRAB THIS NOW WHILE YOU CAN WITH THE "BUY IT NOW" OPTION.

This ultra rare issue features a deluxe silver ink cover with a great illustration of the great late BOB MOOG. I purchased this off the newsstand thirty-four years ago and it has some minor wear and has been stored for three decades in an archival plastic bag in a smoke-free environment."

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Everything ARP Symposium Coming to Berklee College of Music

via Berklee

"David Friend Recital Hall

921 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115, United States

The David Friend Recital Hall.

The Electronic Production and Design Department announces the 2015 Everything ARP Symposium. The panelists for the event will be founder Alan R. Pearlman and former ARP employees, industry representatives, scholars, musicians, and producers.

ARP Instruments, active from 1969 to 1981, was a pioneering company in the development of the electronic musical instrument industry. The ARP 2600 and ARP Odyssey helped define the sound of pop and jazz fusion music from that time, with major artists such as the Who, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and George Duke using ARP instruments to develop their signature sounds. This symposium will serve as a forum to discuss how these important instruments were developed, marketed, and used by artists. With software emulations of the 2600 and Odyssey, and Korg's recent release of a new hardware version of the Odyssey, the early achievements by ARP Instruments remain relevant to contemporary artists.

Admission: Free"

Update:

Here is the program for the Everything ARP Symposium:

10:00-11:00: Doors open for socializing with light refreshments witch ARP instruments on display.
11:00-11:45: Opening remarks and keynote address from Dr. Richard Boulanger.
11:45-12:00: 15 minute break
12:00-12:45: Interview with Alan Pearlman, founder of ARP Instruments.
12:45-1:00: 15 minute break
1:00-1:45: Panel Discussion: Creating the Market for Electronic Instruments
1:45 - 2:00: 15 minute break
2:00-2:45: Panel Discussion: ARP in Education
2:45-3:00: 15 minute break
3:00-4:00: ARP Players Panel

Update2: videos from and of the event:


Published on Nov 7, 2015 Pirx Modular

"The Everything ARP Symposium at David Friend Recital Hall, Berklee College of Music in Boston on November 7, 2015.

Wonderful opportunity to meet Alan R. Pearlman, founder of ARP Instruments, and many other ARP legends."

And streams of the event:

Everything ARP Symposium; Keynote and Interview


Everything ARP Symposium: Creating a Market for ARP Synthesizers


Everything ARP Symposium: ARP in Education


Everything ARP Symposium: ARP Players

George Duke - Dukey Stick - Plexi Minimoog

YouTube via wetdragoon
"Plexiglass Rhodes, Clavinet & Minimoog Customs.
Musicians share really Good Vibes on stage :)
"Lemme know, we want your mind to blow"
(And I want the same kind of drummer in my band :)"

Roland's Single Knob Synth for Cars

ZZ_FOS2015 from GLM on Vimeo.
ZZ First Glance - Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015

What you are looking at is an actual synthesizer for cars, specifically for the GLM Model ZZ electric sports car in the video above and pictured below. Electric cars do not have traditional engines that produce the rumble you translate into raw power so the audio has to come from somewhere. In this case it will be coming from Roland's SuperNATURAL synthesizer engine. Hopefully they'll make an iPad editor for it so you can program in your own sounds. :) Map the pedals, wipers, windows, turn signals, etc. to different MIDI CC values and you are good to go, freaking this shit out of people. Imagine that? No wobble bass please...

The official press release:

"Japanese Auto Maker and Musical Instrument Manufacturer Partner to Co-Develop Electric Sports Car Driving Sound

Roland and GLM creating neo-futuristic driving sound system using world-leading synthesizer technology

Hamamatsu, Japan, August 18, 2015 — Roland Corporation and GLM Co., Ltd., have announced an agreement to co-develop a neo-futuristic driving sound generation system for GLM’s electric sports car. In this unprecedented collaboration between the world’s leading electronic musical instrument maker and the manufacturer of Japan’s first mass-marketed electric sports car, the driving sound system will be designed using Roland’s renowned SuperNATURAL® synthesizer technology.

Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Page, George Duke and many more of the world’s most talented musicians have relied on Roland synthesizers to create music. The new driving sound system for GLM’s ZZ model will use this same professional synthesizer technology to produce sonically rich, studio-quality sounds. In addition to refined sound quality, the system will have the ability to change with each driver’s real-time driving experiences. GLM and Roland are committed to creating a driving sound generation system that provides a one-of-a-kind driving experience that rivals anything currently on the market.

Roland’s innovative SuperNATURAL* synthesizer technology will power the ZZ model’s sound generation system with dynamic and dramatic sounds that seamlessly change depending on real-time driving situations like acceleration, deceleration, and motor load variances on sloping roads. This exclusive technology is based on responsiveness, which is especially important when recreating the subtleties of acoustic musical instruments electronically. That same technology will be used to create ingenious neo-futuristic sounds that will give sports car enthusiasts the experience of driving a space ship on the road. Electric sports cars are more popular now than ever, and as environmental concerns escalate, some drivers are learning to appreciate quieter electric engines. Driving sounds are still crucial for many, however ­– especially drivers of high-performance vehicles and those who want to have a fun and fulfilling driving experience.

For decades, the industry standard for reproducing the sound of traditional musical instruments was PCM sampling. The challenge with sampling is that most acoustic instruments respond differently to how hard they are struck, blown or bowed – most acoustic instruments grow brighter as they get louder, for example. By meticulously modeling the subtle characteristics and responsiveness of acoustic instrument sounds, Roland was able to create the most realistic electronic music sounds. Roland’s SuperNATURAL technology makes it possible to recreate these nuances electronically, and will be used to create the best driving sounds possible in the electric sports car.

Main features of the Roland sound generation system:

Generates driving sounds depending on the driving situation (e.g. acceleration, deceleration, and motor load variances)
Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL synthesizer technology is used to synthesize dynamic, neo-futuristic sounds, then reproduce them through the car’s stereo speakers
Driving situations are detected by the system in real time through a car-mounted network that measures the car’s speed, pressure on the accelerator pedal, and load to the power system
Drivers can select from several driving sound types based on their personal preference, including neo-futuristic options
The driving sound system option for GLM’s ZZ model featuring Roland’s sound-making technology will be available this fall.

*Adapted sound engine of Roland’s flagship digital synthesizer."