Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime

video upload by PAUL McCARTNEY

"Official music video for 'Wonderful Christmastime' performed by Paul McCartney."

Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and I believe a Hohner Clavinet D6 in the video.
Some say a Yamaha CS80 was used in the recording for the lead pluck sound.

Yamaha CS-80

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

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NAMM Museum of Making Music ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact. Update

This is a follow-up to this post.

Additonal details on the upcoming two day event via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation follows:

ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact Opening August 9

We invite you to step into the world of innovation with our new exhibition "ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact." The impact of ARP synthesizers and the legacy of their innovator Alan R. Pearlman (1925-2019) was vast and deeply influential. From progressive rock and jazz to pop, film, and experimental music, ARP instruments helped shape the sound of a generation and inspired countless artists.

Curated by Brian Kehew, the exhibition brings together a stunning array of instruments, vintage media, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Guest Curator: Brian Kehew

Brian Kehew is a Los Angeles-based producer, engineer, and co-author of Recording The Beatles. Kehew’s deep expertise as a synthesizer programmer and performer with artists such as The Who and The Moog Cookbook brings a uniquely informed perspective to this presentation.

Exhibition Events
Day 1: Opening Reception and Concert Celebration
Saturday, August 9 @ 6 pm
Join guest curator Brian Kehew and Dina Pearlman-Ifil, daughter of Alan R. Pearlman, for an in-depth look at the exhibition. Stay for special performances by renowned synth artists Rupert Greenall, Robin Hatch, and Steve McQuarry. This event is free for museum members, and $30 for non-members.

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Top 86 Greatest Intros and Tunes on Sequential Prophet 6

video upload by jami.m

"Not all these were originally played on Prophet synths. These video clips are just for amusement - Enjoy -"

00:00 The Final Countdown - Europe
00:27 Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
00:52 Save a Prayer - Duran Duran
01:19 Blinding Lights - The Weeknd
02:02 Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche mode

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Wonderful Christmas Time ☃️🌲 Paul McCartney ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation ~ RetroSound

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-24 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

One of my favorite christmas songs from the late 70s.
Wonderful Christmas by Paul McCartney and The Wings
Written by Paul McCartney (1979)

Featured the Moog Source and the Oberheim OB-X.
(Original SC Prophet5)

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks. My intention is not to create covers that sound exactly like the original (if you want to hear identical sounds, please listen the original). It's more of an inspiration with my sounds from the old synthesizers from the past and of course the great appreciation for the original performers and producers. Check out the original songs with the original artists here on YouTube. Thank you. RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007. Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise stuff or my music. Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/ Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/album..."

The Amazing Recording History of Here Comes the Sun

video upload by You Can't Unhear This

"Here Comes The Sun has become one of the most popular and treasured Beatles songs, a gateway into their music for many new fans. This 3-minute gem of unforgettable songwriting is also packed with intriguing anomalies, production quirks and even a mystery. Unlike the vast majority of Beatles songs, Here Comes the Sun was not written by the main songwriting duo of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, but rather by George Harrison, the youngest member of the quartet, who contributed two memorable pieces to the Abbey Road album - an endearing love song called Something, and the effervescent Here Comes the Sun.

I’m going to take you on a journey through the song’s creation and point out some of these surprises. As a fair warning, You Can't Unhear This.

Special thanks to Devin Ellis, Alex Gittleson and Eli Rosen
Credit: ‪@isolatedstems‬ for isolated track stems

00:00 The Most Popular Beatles Song
00:30 Writing 'Here Comes the Sun'
01:23 Dissecting the Recording
04:36 The 'Lost' Guitar Solo
05:35 Adding The Moog
08:07 Post-Production Anomalies
10:26 Sun King / Here Comes The Sun Mystery
12:35 Appreciation and Legacy of Here Comes the Sun"

Yamaha CS80 - The Ultimate Famous Songs Collection

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Whitmore takes the iconic Yamaha CS80 & meticulously replicates 36 famous songs to create a wonderful landscape of classic 70s 80s & 90s songs, stings, themes & intros by artists including Vangelis, Dr Who, Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, Prefab Sprout, Genesis and more.
The licks are played to the original recordings so they are in time - true to the original, effects are duplicated too & the camera set up is made so you can duplicate the sounds yourself on emulation plug ins or the original.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Bruce Springsteen Born in the USA Intro Synth Chordal Melody
00:19 Prefab Sprout If You Don't Love Me Intro Brass
00:37 Genesis Duchess String Glide
00:49 Genesis Duchess Pluck Line
01:03 Genesis Turn It On Again Brass line
01:14 Paul McCartney Wonderful Xmas Time Middle 8 Lick
01:23 Kate Bush Babooshka Intro Lead
01:44 Vangelis To the Unknown Man Intro Melody
02:11 Vangelis Chariots Of Fire Brass Melody
02:44 Paul McCartney Ebony and Ivory Intro Brass
02:57 Dr Who Signature Sting
03:05 Dr Who Theme Bass
03:40 Toto Takin' It Back Sine Glissando Pad
03:50 Toto Africa Brass pad
04:34 Toto Rosanna Brass pad
04:56 ELO Time - Prologue String Intro
05:30 Vangelis Blade Runner Brass line
06:37 Genesis Behind The Lines Intro Brass
06:53 10cc Tokyo String Pad
07:11 10cc Tokyo Flute line
07:28 ELO Twilight Brass Line
07:45 Michael Jackson Human Nature Brass pad
08:05 Paul McCartney Wonderful Xmas Time CS80 Solo
08:16 Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder Ebony and Ivory Lead Synth
08:46 Vangelis Blade Runner String Pad
09:46 Jon & Vangelis I Hear You Now Main Theme
11:21 Vangelis Chariots Of Fire Brass Lick
11:57 Kate Bush Babooshka Flute Glide
12:24 10cc Dreadlock Holiday Lead line
12:45 10cc For You And I String Pad
13:22 ELO Yours Truly, 2095 Flute Line
13:41 Quincy Jones Betcha' Wouldn't Hurt Me Lead Synth
14:09 Michael Jackson Billie Jean String Part
14:43 10cc For You And I Flute Line
14:59 Vangelis Blade Runner Flute Intro Line
16:25 Vangelis Blade Runner Brass line-no bass

Thank you KSR for doing such a complete restoration on this CS80 - that had been stored in a garage for 25 years!
In this video, take a look at the legendary CS-80 with Andy Whitmore. This beloved eight-voice analog synthesizer with great controls like polyphonic aftertouch and a ribbon controller. Its extremely fat sound makes it an honourable member of the hall of fame of synthesizers. The CS80 was produced between 1977 and 1980.

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ARP 1601 Sequencer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"The legendary ARP-1601 Sequencer. One of the very first analog sequencers ever made. Used by Paul McCartney on ‘Temporary Secretary’ and John Carpenter on countless film scores.

This particular example is in very good shape. All sliders cleaned by the top synth tech in Toronto a few years back. One fader cap replaced. Custom Black Walnut Sides. Some minor scratches on the bottom front of the panel. A beautiful example of an iconic piece of synth history. A perfect pairing for your ARP 2600 or modular setup.

16 Step Sequencer
16 x 1 or 8 x 2
3 seperate gate buses
2 Quantized outs
2 Unquantized outs
4 mix outs"

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McCartney's Weird Sequence

video upload by Alex Ball

"I thought it would be fun to look at one of my favourite uses of the ARP Sequencer, which is in Paul McCartney's 'Temporary Secretary' released in 1980.

I also thought it would be interesting to see what the song would sound like if everything was done on synths, rather than guitars, bass and drums.

0:00 Temporary Secretary
2:00 Let's do our own version
6:01 The Result"

1970's ARP Demo featuring Tom Piggott & Conversations with Tom Piggott & Greg Phillinganes

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"PLEASE NOTE: The beginning of the video is glitchy... both the sound and video will resolve at between 1:30 and 2:07.

Originally aired on WOVB-TV, in association with The Ohio University Telecommunications Center, this is one of several UMATIC demo tapes found in a box when d'ARP (Dina Pearlman-Ifil, Alan Pearlman's daughter) was going through her father's effects.

Tom Piggott was one of several educators that worked at ARP Instruments in the 1970s. He worked closely with Al, helping write the classic: 'Learning Music with Synthesizers' David Friend, Alan R. Pearlman, Thomas D. Piggott)."

A Conversation with Tom Piggott


"d'ARP had several conversations with Tom over the past few years. This interview highlights some recent footage.

Tom Piggott has been a product specialist and clinician for numerous companies, including ARP, CRUMAR, SYNERGY and more, and worked with Peter Nero, Stevie Wonder, Nyle Steiner, Linda McCartney, Vangellis, John Entwhistle, Klaus Schulze,T Lavitz, Wendy Carlos, Dr. Richard Boulanger, Mike Bergeman, Donald Fagan, Edgar Winter, Tom Coster, Jimmy Page, Roger Powell, Jerry Kovarski, and many others.

Tom Piggott was one of several educators that worked at ARP Instruments in the 1970s. He worked closely with Al, helping write the classic: 'Learning Music with Synthesizers' David Friend, Alan R. Pearlman, Thomas D. Piggott)."

A Conversation with Greg Phillinganes


"D'ARP has a conversation about ARP Synthesizers with Greg Phillinganes, who has recorded or toured with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Anita Baker, George Benson, Karen Carpenter, Eric Clapton, Donald Fagen, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, Paul McCartney, Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Nicks (whew!)!"

EMU Emulator II - Shining Moments 80's

video upload by Jason Never Sleeps

"The legendary sampling synthesizer keyboard that defined pop music of the 1980's to present.
0:00 - Intro
0:08 - Ferris Bueller
0:40 - Depeche Mode
2:49 - Paul McCartney
3:01 - Tears For Fears
3:12 - Pet Shop Boys
4:35 - New Order
5:00 - Mr. Mister
5:22 - Front 242
5:54 - OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)
6:07 - Laura Branigan
6:14 - Michael Cretu (Enigma)
6:53 - Midge Ure / Ultravox
7:28 - Jason Mysteria (formerly Adrian Star)
8:51 - Alan Wilder of Depeche Mode Demonstration
* Sorry I forgot Tony Banks of Genesis, Herbie Hancock, Rush, and lots more."

Alan R. Pearlman Foundation Interview with Greg Phillinganes

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"D'ARP has a conversation about ARP Synthesizers with Greg Phillinganes, who has recorded or toured with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Anita Baker, George Benson, Karen Carpenter, Eric Clapton, Donald Fagen, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, Paul McCartney, Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Nicks (whew!)!"

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

Live Stream ARPchives LIVE! EPISODE 20 with Shawn Johnson

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"ARPchives LIVE! is back for another season! Join d'ARP and Shawn Johnson as they discuss wind controlled synthesizers, plugins, and the music of Brazil

Shawn Johnson is a synthesist/saxophonist whose influences include ambient, jazz, pop, rock, soul jazz and the warm tropical sounds of Brazil. His interest in electronic music production led to the creation of the All Things VST facebook group where all aspects of music creation using Windows, Mac, and iOS devices are discussed.

His love of synthesizers dates back to his earliest musical experiences with classic records by Elton John, Paul McCartney and Wings, Steve Miller Band, and progressive rock bands like Genesis, Rush, and Styx. While studying Music Education in college Shawn performed with local rock bands on saxophone and synthesizer. After relocating to the Chicago area, he gained additional experience performing acoustic jazz and Brazilian music for several years. He eventually became interested in home recording and synthesizer performance using the first wind controller he acquired in early 2018.

In addition to the demos and musical works published as a hobbyist musician on his own YouTube and Soundcloud sites, Shawn has recently appeared on recordings with Benedict Roff-Marsh
Lands with Shawn Johnson | Benedict Roff-Marsh with Shawn Johnson | Benedict Roff-Marsh (bandcamp.com) YT for Lands:"

Lands with Shawn Johnson

video upload by Benedict Roff-Marsh

"New album which features saxophonist Shawn Johnson playing EWI on the two main tracks. His playing style is quite different from mine so we compliment each other very nicely. His input really lifted these tracks.

If you enjoy the music, please be sure to purchase the album over at Bandcamp for only $5: https://benedictroff-marsh.bandcamp.c...

This album grew from what I was trying to do for the visual side of "Red Skies Yellow Sand" but just couldn't get started with at that time. What you see here are the first attempts at building world fly-throughs that managed to 'make it' to completion. The purchased version of the album contains three more tracks (total 40 mins) that also accompanied early render trials."

Yamaha CS-80: The Ultimate Synthesizer (Blade Runner Tribute)

video upload by Syntaur

"Syntaur's Ron Peter's shows us the majestic Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizer. Starting with a brief history lesson to famous artists who used it like Vangelis, Micheal Jackson, Paul McCartney and Toto. Even newer artists like Empire Of The Sun, Phoenix, Aphex Twin have used the CS80. In every aspect the Yamaha CS-80 is a true analog synthesizer."

Also see Synth Wizards Episode 9: Holy Grail: The Yamaha CS-80

EMS Founder Peter Zinovieff Has Passed Away

Update: Image of Peter Zinovieff (previously in via Brian Kehew).

"Circa 1975: A photo from the Frankfurt Music Fair

Peter Zinovieff in the EMS synthesizer booth.

They are featuring the rare SYNTHI P model, just announced on the left side and stand. Underneath the board listing EMS musical artists is a SYNTHI HI-FLI effects unit is barely seen. Another unusual/prototype model is next to the Hi-Fli."

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Arturia Emulator II V vs Original

video by Sense Music & Media

"A while ago french company Arturia released its software emulation of the famous Emulator II Sampler by E-mu Systems, an iconic piece of hardware which has left a big mark in music history.

The Emulator II was very popular in the 1980s and heavily used by the likes of Front 242, Depeche Mode, 808 State, New Order, ABC, Genesis, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Herbie Hancock, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Yes, OMD and many many more. Its famous ‘The Loon Garden’ preset for example was used in classic club tracks like Sueno Latino and 808 State’s Pacific State.

Our friend, Dresden based artist, Jacob Korn who is a proud owner of the Original Emulator II wanted to know if Arturias’s Software emulation can compete with the famous 8 Bit sound of the original, so he did this little comparison for us.
Put your headphones on, take a listen and decide for yourself how close the software comes to the original."

Patch of the Week Ep.90 - Wonderful Christmastime Synth with Delay on the SV-2

Korg

"In full holiday swing, watch how we recreate an iconic sound from Paul McCartney’s song Wonderful Christmastime by using both the SV-2’s front panel controls and the SV-2 editor."

Paul McCartney Rabbit Hole - Swedemason

swedemason

Some Paul McCartney "techno". Spot the synth.

Paul McCartney with a Yamaha CS80

Erica Synths Garage special - PetrosGT, Platon Buravicky & Multilux

Published on May 11, 2020 Erica Synths

"Concert ‘’Future Follows Us’’ took place on 4th of February 2020, in the concert hall Hanzas Perons in Riga, Latvia. In the second part of the concert PetrosGT (Pedro Eustache's electronica project) in collaboration with Platon Buravicky and Multilux performed an improvisation on synthesisers and a diverse array of woodwind instruments.

In his artistic and professional path of more than 40 years, Pedro Eustache has developed a highly eclectic, richly unique yet personal voice of artistic expression both as a woodwinds player, composer and researcher. He has contributed as the lead woodwinds player for the original scores of movies like Blood Diamond, War Horse, The Passion of the Christ, Kung Fu Panda, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones 4, Munich, The Lion King 2, to name a few, as well as recorded, toured and performed with artists like John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Paul McCartney, Gustavo Dudamel and Yanni among others. Eustache’s work goes from East to West, from ancient to modern and has brought him several prestige awards and global exposure as a mutlidirectional woodwinds soloist. In addition to acoustic woodwind instruments Eustache is also a wind synthesist - both analog & MIDI- with more than 40 years of experience. in this concert He plays the Lyricon Wind Driver, (vintage analog wind controller) and the Genki Wave/Wavefront ring controller to play a powerful Erica Synths multi-modular system designed by Girts Ozolins, which included prototype modules.

Platon Buravicky is a classical composer, pianist and improviser who can be considered one of the most notable contemporary composers in Latvia. His creative work is dedicated not only to symphonic and chamber music but also extends to electroacoustic music often using sound synthesis as the central tool of composing.

Multilux is the live electronic music output of Emīls Dreiblats.. Sound-wise his solo project covers genres from dark ambient to at times dark & industrial, at times playful techno the fundamentals being flowing between different perceptions. In his live performances Multilux embraces darker shades of dance music and creates the sonic environment using analogue synthesizers and drum machines.

Special thanks to Kaspars Kaplis & Skatuves Tehnika, Deniss Pashkevich & Riga Room, Hanzas Perons, Latvijas Koncerti"

E-mu Emulator II - Shining Moments (see description)

Published on Apr 17, 2017 Adrian Star Official

In '84-'86, it cost more than an average new car in the U.S.
* Intro - 0:00-0:08.
* Ferris Bueller - 0:08-0:38.
* Depeche Mode - 0:44-2:48.
* Paul McCartney/Chevy Chase - 2:49-3:00.
* Tears For Fears - 3:01-3:11.
* Pet Shop Boys - 3:12-4:35.
* New Order - 4:35-4:59.
* Mr. Mister - 5:00-5:22.
* Front 242 - 5:22-5:53.
* OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) - 5:54-6:06.
* Laura Branigan - 6:07-6:14.
* Michael Cretu - 6:15-6:52.
* Ultravox/Midge Ure - 6:53-7:27.
* Adrian Star - 7:28-8:51.
* Alan Wilder of Depeche Mode (Demonstration) - 8:51-9:56.
* People Are People Drums - 9:56-End.