AMIN BHATIA DEDICATES NEW ALBUM TO BOB MOOG

"Film Composer / Synthesist Amin Bhatia announces the release of 'Virtuality', the long-awaited sequel to his synth orchestral epic 'The Interstellar Suite', on the anniversary of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog's birthday, May 23 2008.

The album is dedicated to Moog, who was a friend of the composer and is endorsed by the Bob Moog Foundation. Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director and daughter of the late Bob Moog says:

'My father's genius and passion was taking the synthesizer out of the laboratory and making synthesis accessible to musicians, and through them, to the world. Amin Bhatia’s 'Virtuality' is another fine example of that accessibility.'

True to Bhatia’s obsession with orchestral music and science fiction, the first half of the album explores the micro-universe that exists inside the computer. Titles like 'World Wide Web', 'Virus' and 'Second Life' portray aspects of our modern virtual world through music and sound design. Artwork was provided by the award winning digital artist Alexander Preuss.

The second half of the album features 'Bolero Electronica', a one-of-a-kind journey through 75 years of synthesizers through an innovative realization of Maurice Ravel’s 'Bolero'. In Bhatia’s version, instruments as early as the Ondes Martenot and Theremin begin the work, and the piece progresses through generations of synthesizers from Moog, Roland, Yamaha and others chronologically. The work builds in size and power decade by decade ending in present day virtual instruments and technologies. Guest artists include veteran keyboardists Steve Porcaro and Patrick Moraz. Many of the instruments used were from the Cantos Music Foundation. The album was recorded and mixed by award winning producers David Greene and Jeff Wolpert.

Bob Moog had been scheduled to provide a special feature narration track for “Bolero Electronica” but sadly that recording never happened. True to Bob’s mission to document, celebrate and teach innovative thinking, Amin instead employed noted synthesizer historian Mark Vail to create additional liner notes. The result is an illustrated guide which allows the listener to follow along stanza by stanza through Bhatia’s elaborate rendition, complete with a timeline chart of every synthesizer used.

'The Timeline of synthesizers in Bolero Electronica looks like the Moog Legacy to me and I only wish Dad were around to hear this project come to fruition', says Michelle. 'I think he would be delighted in the artistry Amin used to employ so many different instruments.'

Says Amin 'Electronic music to me is like animation. It’s a portrayal of reality through an innovative use of non-reality. When done right it creates beautifully animated images in the mind of the listener. And Bob was the greatest animator of them all.'

'Virtuality' will be released via CD and download on the anniversary of Bob Moog's birthday, May 23rd 2008. A portion of each sale will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation."

My Notes:
I have been fortunate enough to listen to the CD in full. I have to say the experience of listening to "Bolero Electronica" while viewing the "Timeline of Synthesizers" is an extremely rare and satisfying treat. I literally could not stop smiling throughout the piece. I do not want to spoil this track for anyone, but let's just say there is nothing I have experienced quite like it. The intro delivers in a way that is simply beyond cool and it just keeps on giving. It is an absolutely brilliant composition for the synth enthusiast. Trust me, you will be able to appreciate this one like no one else. Be sure to click on the timeline image in this post.

If you know "Bolero," it is a piece that starts with just a few instruments and then builds with layered instruments into a triumphant finish. When you listen to "Bolero Electronica" and watch the timeline, you instantly make the connection and realize that this isn't just Bolero done with synths, but literally a redefinition of Bolero as the triumph of synthesizers over time. "Commercial synths" essentially began with MOOG, Buchla, EMS and eventually grew into the myriad of synths we have today. Click on the image in this post that looks like a track listing. That is the actual progression of the piece. When you listen to it, you can literally listen to the evolution of synthesizers over time. Utterly amazing. There are very few tracks that will go down as pivotal in the history of synths. I honestly believe this will be one of them considering what it conveys, the history it speaks. You simply have to hear it to experience it in full. You will find yourself going back to focus on different synths and sound evolution through time via synthesis. It is simply just brilliant.

You can find more info including clips and how to get this CD via The Bob MOOG Foundation.

Update 4/27/17:

The Making of The Interstellar Suite

Published on Apr 27, 2017 Amin Bhatia Composer

The Making of The Interstellar Suite
Directed and produced by Byron Kent Wong
Additional Interviews directed by Saul Pincus
This 18-minute featurette of Amin Bhatia's epic album The Interstellar Suite features interviews with noted artists and engineers:
Steve Porcaro, Patrick Moraz
Frank Morrone, James Porteous, David Greene and Mark Vail
Roland’s esteemed president, the late Ikutaro Kakehashi
The Carolina Crowns Drum Corps!
and many others…

This video is a bonus feature from the The Interstellar Suite Anniversary Limited Edition
Remixed by Frank Morrone from the original multi-tracks.
Under exclusive license from Capitol Records, Inc.
Publishing Bhatia Music Inc.
DVD & Blu-ray Dual Pack and Companion Guide Book available only until May 7, 2017 at http://aminbhatia.com/is25mayday/

Wall of MOOG

flickr by guiltysin
(click for more)

full size

note the double mini

"This is a shot of part of Canto's collection of MOOG synths.

Visited the Cantos Foundation museum of electronic instruments and keyboards in February 2009 and took a lot of photos and videos.


Confession: when I first saw this, I squee-d in absolute and uncontainable glee."

ARP 2500 and Buchla at Cantos Music Foundation

flickr By Gary-Singh
(click for more)

Update via Wavedeform in the comments: "That's a 200-era cabinet, but it looks like it's mostly filled with 100 series modules."

Buchla 200e System Interface Model 227e module

flickr by guiltysin

full size

Anyone know what swirl is/does?

Note this is another Cantos Synthesizer Museum shot by guiltysin. Click on the link above for more.

Update via guilt1 in the comments: "Swirl in action: FFWD to 1:08 in the video"
YouTube via blindoldfreak.

"say no to social life..." previously posted here.

Buchla Ken Kesey

flickr by guiltysin
(click for more)

full size

According to the description this is at the Cantos Foundation museum in Calgary Alberta and is still working. It was designed for Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters. Note the Ken Kesey's signature.

Update via rick in the comments: "This is the "Sound System" from the bus "Further"..it is made up for 3 stock buchla modules - 190 Dual Reverb, 170 Dual Mic preamp and the 106 6 channel mixer.. the last panel appears to be custom. it was connected to the amps in the bus and allowed the occupants to broadcast their acoustic performances of music, poetry etc. there are no tubes. I assume the transformers on the 170 are what are being referred to... don used transistor based technology on the 100... some ICs were incorporated later on but not on these particular modules."

OBERHEIM XPANDER ANALOG POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

"This unit was recently serviced by the famous analog synth repair Guru John Leimseider (JL) of the Cantos Music Foundation in Calgary Alberta Canada. This is a six voice, VCO-based synthesizer (like the Matrix-12) as opposed to its DCO-based siblings the Matrix-6 and 1000. It is in great condition and sounds wonderful. Very fat and thick as you would expect from a true analog synthesizer. The best part of this unit however, is its flexibility when it comes to programming sounds. It is very similar to a modular synthesizer in that respect. Pretty much anything can modulate anything. This unit is American made in Los Angeles, California."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Wall of KORGS and Two Buchla 200e

flickr by guiltysin
(click for a ton more including captions)

These are from the Cantos Foundation

Buchla 100 Series Analog Modular Synthesizer for Auction

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction
via the seller/listing:

"This particular Buchla system has been thoroughly restored, tested, and calibrated.

Over the last twelve years, I have worked as an analog repair and restoration technician, including an apprenticeship under Don Buchla. I've had the opportunity to restore over a dozen complete vintage Buchla modular systems, and also worked on over a hundred modules from both the 100 and 200 series. Additionally, I have worked on virtually every other Buchla instrument, as well as rare and historic synthesizers from EMS, Moog, Korg, and Sequential Circuits. I 've restored modular systems for reputed institutions such as New York University, Mills College, The Library of Congress, and the Cantos Music Museum, and have worked on Buchlas for notable artists such as Aphex Twin, The Chemical Brothers, Suzanne Ciani, and Morton Subotnick.

Don't miss the opportunity to acquire this extremely rare instrument.

Please carefully read the Auction Details at the bottom of this page and contact me with any questions regarding payment methods and shipment prior to bidding.

This system includes:

101 two-piece 25 Panel Unit Cabinet
115 Power supply
110 Dual Gate (2 VCAs)
160 Dual Noise Source
175 Dual Equalizer (2 Filters)
194 Comb Filter (Filter)
190 Dual Reverberator
171 Dual Instrument Preamplifier
111 Dual Ring Modulator
106 Six Channel Mixer
196 Phase Shifter
192 Dual Lopass Filter (2 Filters - SUPER RARE MODULE)
158 Dual Sine/Saw Generator (2 Oscillators)
158 Dual Sine/Saw Generator (2 Oscillators)
156 Dual Control Voltage Processor
107 Voltage Controlled Mixer (10 VCAs!)
140 Timing Pulse Generator
123 Sequential Voltage Source (8 Stage Sequencer X 3)
180 Dual Attack Generator (2 Envelopes)
170 Dual Microphone Preamplifier (transformers!)
130 Dual Envelope Detector
114 Touchplate

All modules have been cleaned, recapped, and tested, the power supply has been refurbished, and the wood cabinet has been restored. This system has four VCOS, twelve VCAs, several filter varieties including the rare 192 Lopass Filter (which was one of the first Buchla modules with Optos!), an 8 stage sequencer, a number of processors, and excellent stereo reverb. please contact me for specific details and additional high res photos of the restoration prior to bidding.

AUCTION DETAILS :

Photos are of the actual Buchla system for sale.

The instrument has been described as thoroughly and fairly as possible, and is available for check-out before bidding in Vancouver, BC, Canada."

VTS 01 1 - Hammond Novachord Video

YouTube via Screenery | November 30, 2010

via Mitch on the AH list:
"If any of you know of people other than Cantos, Audities, and Phil Cirroco, who have taken on a Novachord restoration, i would love to get their name. Or even if you know people you could recommend who haven't attempted a Novachord restoration but who you think would be capable doing an excellent internal restoration job on one, I would be greatly appreciative (especially if they are in Los Angeles)."

If you can help feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email and I will forward it to Mitch.

Roger Luther - Moog Modular

flickr By rick403

"Large Moog Modular at the Cantos Music Foundation.

Just re-jacked, recapped and fully cleaned and calibrated. it sounds AMAZING"

STAR INSTRUMENTS PS-1 SYNARE PERCUSSION SYNTHESIZER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"THIS THING IS SUPER COOL AND RARE. IT WAS MODDED BY CANTOS ELECTRONICS IN CANADA TO ALLOW FOUR 1/4 INPUTS (SEE BACK PANEL) WHICH IS A PRETTY POPULAR MOD FOR THESE UNITS."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla - Prototype & Buchla Oscillator Burial Ground

flickr By rick604
(click for more)

Below:

"Buchla 258/158 - Oscillator hell

the ancient Buchla oscillator burial ground.

pic of from a few years back, most of these are working again now. Sitting on top of the freshly rebuilt novachord (one of 2 JL and I toiled over for months at Cantos - now the NMC)"

Vintage Oberheim OB-8 polyphonic analog synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Vintage Oberheim OB-8 polyphonic analog synthesizer in EXCELLENT condition with original manual. This synth looks almost NEW. Hard to believe it's nearly 30 years old! You'd be hard-pressed to find a nicer example that this. It was recently cleaned and serviced by Richard Smith of the Electric Music Box (formerly of Buchla & Associates and the Cantos Music Foundation). It is 100% functional and has spent the last several years of its life in my climate-controlled studio. It looks INCREDIBLE and it sounds as good as it looks. This particular OB-8 has FACTORY MIDI and Page 2 graphics. If you're looking for an OB-8, this is THE ONE."

CLICK FOR MORE »

1st Brazil Synth Meet Video by Arthur Joly

CIRCUITO ELETRÔNICO - Encontro brasileiro de síntese analógica from arthur joly on Vimeo.

Googlish translation of the following further below.

Blips, knobs, sweeps, drones! A música eletrônica vive seus dias de glória com o avanço da tecnologia, que vem democratizando e realizando uma verdadeira inclusão cultural, arregimentando uma nova classe de artistas que contam com um arsenal digital sem precedentes, ferramentas de criação e composição hoje disponíveis até para os smartphones mais convencionais. Mas quando foi que tudo isso começou? Como e quando surgiu essa forma tão particular de expressão musical? Pois é, muitos desse
s novos artistas fatalmente desconhecem que a música eletrônica contou com o esforço de grandes personagens, heróis que escreveram uma história de dedicação, empenho e criatividade, mentes brilhantes que deixaram um legado através de suas incríveis máquinas sonoras, e tudo isso muito antes da

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Rhodes Chroma w. MIDI, all upgrades, display, more

via this auction

"All of us synth doods know about the Chroma. Amazingly versatile architecture, the closest thing you can get to the ARP 2500 modular sound, beautiful weighted keyboard, and a nice flat top to stack other gear on as well.

Over the years, the Chroma has got some negative press due to some original design choices. Luckily, the Chroma is without a doubt the most supported vintage synth on the planet. Chris Ryan's www.rhodeschroma.com site has provided owners and potential owners help and support for many years. In addition, dedicated users and techs have come up with some essential upgrades over the years to make the Chroma even better.

This Chroma has all the updates plus more.

MIDI CC+ CPU board - replaces original CPU board (and leak-prone AA batteries) and adds full MIDI support.

SPSU - smaller, lighter, more stable universal power supply

CPS - polyphonic pressure sensor kit

In addition, using the interface provided by the CC+ board and latest OS, I added an LCD display to show you what you're editing!

Face it, one of the knocks against the Chroma is that the complexity of the synth engine is somewhat hidden by the very basic 2 segment LED displays and touch panel buttons. Programming it required you to keep the manual or at least the large parameter chart handy. No more!

Take a look at the display in the picture - you can see you are editing parameter 37 (LP/HP filter), the current value (LP), and all the modulations being applied to the parameter. Excellent!

So, at this point, you have a polyphonic pressure generating analog polysynth with an easy to use interface, stable power, and amazing MIDI capabilities. Where else can you find this? Maybe a Yamaha CS-80 with a MIDI retrofit. Good luck with that one though. More expensive, much heavier, and prone to breakdowns.

In addition, this Chroma has the dual footpedal, complete set of docs (I found the Performance manual after taking the pix), and 2 voice cards. At least one of the cards works (but doesn't pass auto-tune) and both cards are fully populated so you have backups of the CEMs and other stuff. There's a great tech in Canada (JL at Cantos) that fixes up cards for a reasonable price, so if you wanted working spares, you could send them off to him.

You won't find a Chroma with all these upgrades and extras anywhere else, so if you've been on the fence, now is the time to act."

CLICK FOR MORE »

RIP John Leimseider

Update: "A memorial and celebration of life will be held at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, this Sunday, September 30 at 5:00 pm in Studio Bell’s Performance Hall (850 4 Street SE).

More info can be found here.

Pictured: John Leimseider on the right with Malcom Cecil from this recent post on the upcoming event, TONTO Week.

It has come to my attention that John Leimseider has passed away. John was the head synth technician at the National Music Centre in Calgary, Canada, and previously the Cantos Music Foundation. He was recently scheduled to give a presentation on TONTO with Malcom Cecil on Nov 17 as part of TONTO Week. Please note, that talk is still scheduled to go on with Malcom Cecil. According to NMC, "TONTO was one of the last major projects of JL’s, so this event has much more significance now that he’s gone. But there will be an enormous void without him."

John Leimseider's influence spread far beyond the museum. Many of you visiting MATRIXSYNTH likely know him. I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet him in person, however I remember seeing him engage on both the Rhodes Chroma and Yamaha CS80 lists. I still have some of those threads. I was hoping to one day make it out to the National Music Centre and meet him in person.

Below is a short playlist featuring John including his work at the NMC, an introductory video on the Roland System-8 from Roland, a video for The Moog Legacy featuring John, and a fun video featuring Neil Diamond's band paying a visit to the NMC, invited by none other than John Leimseider. He will be sorely missed by the synth community.



Playlist:
National Music Center Mini Doc [be sure to listen in stereo - you can only hear John on the left channel to start]
First Impressions of the Roland SYSTEM-8 with John Leimseider
Virtuality: The Moog Legacy, by Amin Bhatia [John Leimseider comes in at 1:58]
Quarter Note Video Tweet: Neil Diamond's band visits the NMC collection [keep an eye out for John]

You can find a handful of posts mentioning John Leimseider in the archives here. He worked on quite a few synths sold by individuals over the years. It's neat to think each one of those synths were touched by him at some point, and the work he did on them will live on.

Synare percussion synth

via this auction

"Works; recently refurbished by Cantos Electronics - CV brought out to four 1/4" jacks on back panel as depicted. Has unique and fully-controllable sounds not available elsewhere."

ARP 2600 Shots and Mods

In via Loscha. Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

MODIFICATIONS:

"I had this modified by John Leimseider, Electronics Technician at the Cantos Music Foundation in Calgary. JL has had over 20 years experience with Arps and can be Googled

This one has had TL071 op amps installed to replace the old ones which reduced the noise and improved fidelity. This also reduced the DC offset which is like the background voltage which the audio signal rides on. The offset doesnt actually contribute to the wanted signal its just like static so reducing it is a good thing.

The Arp envelopes are known for having inconvenient lengths so I had switches installed that allow you to double the attack, decay and release times.

The power supply was replaced to allow both 240/115V operation, its currently set to 115V but can be changed by disconnecting one wire and soldering another, about 15mins work.

Also added was AC coupling which involved adding capacitors to the circuit again to reduce the the static (DC) components from the input signal to the amplifier.

Finally, John installed an external input for the electronic switch which lets you control the switch from something other than the clock for the sample and hold. This is great because 'you can plug in 2 oscillators to the inputs of the switch and then control it from the square out of an oscillator. When you do this with synched oscillators, you get some amazing new timbres'."