It is just before midnight and I am standing on the tacky floor of the Sunset Strip tourist trap known as the House of Blues, wondering about my purpose in life. Why am I in this oversize dive, I ask myself. The HOB has long been a clip joint where every surface has a layer of grime and every employee has the haunted look of a carnival grafter looking for ways to bilk the next mark, the next rube, the next chump.

At last, the background music fades out, the house lights dim, and the soiled curtains part to reveal a tuxedo-clad conglomeration of soul-bop funk ‘n’ rollers who have whipped themselves into a frenzy. Whether they are truly possessed by the spirit or are simply acting up a storm is something we will never know; either way, the effect on the audience is considerable.

The group is epic, starting with a ten-piece brass section that is punching and swinging at the same time. Their sound alternates between superb and something slightly better than that. There are also two keyboard players plus a rhythm guitarist, bassist, drummer, and five backing vocalists. They are wound up tighter than a skinflint’s purse strings and they conspire to lay down an irrefutable beat that shakes the entire square block of Sunset Boulevard.

I glanced at the crowd and saw people bobbing and weaving, often with awestruck expressions or big smiles on their faces. Many on the dance floor appear to have lost some control of their hips which are now undulating in a manner that is suggestive, to say the least.

High NPM (Notes Per Minute)

Insinuating its way over and under this churning, burning, and finger-poppin’ sonic stew is the electric guitar of Sam Mayfield, a musician who seems to defy the laws of physics when playing his axe. His approach to the instrument might be looked at in this manner: while strumming an eight chord progression is all well and fine, listeners might find it interesting if the player picked out each individual note in each of the chords, all in the same amount of time it would take a regular performer to simply strum. Mayfield is positively phenomenal. You know about high MPH (miles per hour), Mayfield has high NPM (notes per minute).

The Man

After three high-energy numbers from this powerhouse band, the time was ripe for the big guy, the main man, the true king, the prime shouter of the soul review, the legend, Doctor Solomon Burke. He emerged from the wings slowly, regally, all three hundred pounds of him. His royal badness entered wearing a floor-length ermine robe, seemingly floating through an aura of rarefied air.

His presence alone caused a visceral change in the crowd. Clad in a blinding gold suit, he made his way to the edge of the stage and created a near-riot when he began handing out roses which he gently kissed in between delivering lines of one of his slower (read “still pretty damn fast”) songs. I was nearly trampled once and several times knocked off balance by whooping or crying females who rushed forward to obtain one of those flowers.

Burke was in full voice and he had come forth to take no prisoners. He was an unstoppable force of nature and one of those acts of God for which there is no possible insurance policy. All the while, Burke’s very big band slammed out the chunka-chunka-ka-pow-pow beats and Mayfield worked his Fender six-string in an attempt to perform at a never-before-heard rate of speed. But it was the big guy who controlled everything. After all, Burke is larger than life in every possible way.

Throughout the concert, he thundered, he crooned, he coaxed, he demanded, he talked sweet, he talked funky, he made you dance, he made you sweat, he made girls cry, and he made us all dizzy. Let’s face it: Solomon Burke conquered.

Commercial Tie-In

The whole grand affair was part of the promotional launch for one of the greatest collections of bompin’ stompin’ rockin’ music ever recorded. I am speaking of the Rhino Records product, the superlative “Beg, Scream & Shout: The Big Ol’ Box of ’60s Soul.” I love mine (please note my dutiful helpful hype) and have enjoyed every one of the 144 (count ‘em!) tracks containing some of the thickest, nicest, and nastiest soul grooves you’ll hear anywhere.

Coda

Led by Burke, the entire ensemble performed with exuberance, ebullience, and exaltation. They played like this was the very last concert anybody was ever going to hear and it was absolutely magnificent. I left the venue on such a high that I almost didn’t notice my shoes sticking to the floor with each step.

Such was the state of our music temples in the nineteen nineties; I have returned to the HOB on several occasions in the last decade-and-a-half and the grime has always been apparent and annoying. Some things never change.

For more information: http://thekingsolomonburke.com/

Video of “Cry to Me”

Article is Copr. © John Scott G, and originally published on MusicIndustryNewswire.com – all commercial and reprint rights reserved. IMAGE CREDIT: ”Best of” album cover from Rhino Records.

ControlBLADEs are all-in-one music production stations complete with piano keys, drum trigger pads, knobs, sliders, thousands of sound presets and software for live and studio use. They allow users to compose, record, mix, and master songs that are ready for radio or direct Internet distribution.

The new Gen2 ControlBLADEs are powered by high-performance computer cores utilizing Intel® Core i-series® third-generation (Ivy Bridge) processors that are perfect for today’s demanding musicians and the virtual instruments and software application they use. Options include i5 and i7 quad core versions. The Windows 7 (64-bit) operating system is pre-configured for music production and can run virtually any software application or plug-in. Capable of running over 500 plug-ins at once, sequencing thousands of tracks simultaneously, and storing millions of sound presets, the ControlBLADE packs a serious punch for the money.

ControlBLADEs are also available for Mac OS X, which are powered by the latest Mac® mini from Apple®. Both i5 and i7 processor options are also available as well as a variety of RAM, hard drive, SSD drive, and other upgrades.

“At Music Computing, we strive to bring the latest technologies to our users.” Said Victor Wong, CEO, Music Computing. “The release of the new ControlBLADE Gen2 models reinforces that fact and our commitment to being the very best at what we do.”

The ControlBLADE is available as 25-Key and 61-Key models. About the same size as a typical keyboard controller and weighing only 22-lbs (61-key) / 13-lbs (25-key)…FULLY LOADED, the ControlBLADE brings true portability to the keyboard production station world.

New with the Gen2 models is the option for the ProTouch™ piano keybed. The new ProTouch keybed brings higher levels of playability and better feel to the ControlBLADE line via high quality semi-weighted keys with after-touch. The optional upgrade is priced at: $199.

ControlBLADEs all come with built-in Wi-Fi standard. This mean the user can be online anywhere there is a hot spot. Send and retrieve files, log into remote servers, collaborate with others, or download new software and sounds directly into the ControlBLADE. Users now have the freedom to create virtually anywhere they like.

Upgrades for Gen1 models to the new Gen2 versions are available. Complete ControlBLADE information and images are available at: http://www.musiccomputing.com .

GEN 1 VIDEO:

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, Gregory Alan Isakov has been traveling all his life. Songs that hone a masterful quality beyond his years, tell a story of miles and landscapes, and the search for a sense of place. His song-craft lends to the deepest lyrical masterpieces, with hints of his influences, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen. He has been described as “strong, subtle, a lyrical genius” but the source of his writing often remains a mystery to him.

“My songs have nothing to do with me; they have a life of their own. A lot of times I won’t know what a song is about when I’m writing it. It just has a certain feeling about it,” says Isakov.

Gregory is now back in the studio recording a new album with anticipation of a release in the summer/fall of 2012.

About Grades of Green VERTE Event:
“VERTE,” which translates to green in many languages, was created to recognize environmental champions who have grown a local program in just two years to reach over 66,000 students in over 100 schools across 19 states, Canada and Australia. The event, now in its second year, will also raise money and awareness for Grades of Green’s vision to make environmental protection second nature in young minds.

Environmental advocate and former educator, Ranae DeSantis, will be honored for her unwavering support of Grades of Green and the environment. Grades of Green will also honor Wells Fargo for bringing Grades of Green’s program to numerous inner-city schools and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for sponsoring a Trash Free Lunch Challenge that will result in 10,000 bags of trash being diverted from landfills annually.

JD Roth, executive producer of ABC Daytime’s “The Revolution,” as well as long-running television series “The Biggest Loser” and “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” will host the evening’s festivities. Grades of Green students and educators will provide live demonstrations at “Eco-Stations” that highlight Grades of Green key programs, such as In-Class Composting, Trash Free Lunches, and Walk to School Wednesdays, and will explain how guests can take Grades of Green’s free and easy to use templates to bring to their own schools.

“The impact Grades of Green has had on our school is profound,” stated Dawnyell Goolsby, principal of Warren Lane Elementary. “Since launching Grades of Green’s Trash Free Lunch activity, our school has reduced the number of lunch time trash bags from eight to four. Its educational activities are also teaching our students how to compost, which will reduce the number of trash bags even more!”

For more information on the event, or to purchase a ticket, go to https://gradesofgreen.ejoinme.org/?tabid=339232 .

About Grades of Green:
Grades of Green is an international nonprofit 501(c)3 that provides parents, students and educators with free instruction on its website. Anyone wanting to implement sustainability programs can register their school online – at no cost – to get tips and measure their success on reducing trash, emissions, harmful classroom chemicals, plus dozens of other ways to help the environment. Grades of Green has been honored with many awards, including the U.S. EPA’s prestigious Environmental Award. The nonprofit is growing rapidly, with over 66,000 students enrolled across 19 states and Canada and Australia, including many low-income schools.

Additionally, Grades of Green recently partnered with Republic Services to provide environmental education on recycling and composting to nearly 1,100 schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Grades of Green’s goal is simple – to enroll thousands of schools with millions of kids- all caring for the environment and collectively making a difference.

For more information about Grades of Green, please go to http://www.gradesofgreen.org . For more information about Isakov, visit: http://gregoryalanisakov.com .

VIDEO:

Filled with more than 200 presets inspired by records from Pink Floyd to Supertramp to the Beatles, the Wurlitzer V is also able to reach new sonic heights and generate unheard sounds thanks to the modeling engine.

According to Arturia: “The Wurlitzer V allows the musician to interact with the sound, by bringing in-depth parameters right on the main panel. These parameters allow for deep sound design capabilities, and let you tailor the sound you are looking for in unique ways. This is why the Wurlitzer V is not only great at offering an accurate recreation of the legendary Wurlitzer keyboards, but also ideal for sound-design experiments and creations.”

Pricing: Download: USD 99.00 / EURO 99.00 – Box: USD 129.00 / EURO 119.00.

Full info: http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/products/wurlitzer-v/details.html .

VIDEO:

Delve into Iris’s spectrogram to extract, layer, manipulate, and discover new sounds from within any audio file. With extended synthesis features, hundreds of presets, and 4GB of source material, Iris is an impressive tool for sound design, musical inspiration, and sonic experimentation.

Iris Key Features:
Discover what’s hidden: Bring any audio file into Iris and isolate the most interesting spectral portions with a comprehensive set of easy-to-use selection tools. Play your completely custom sound instantly from any MIDI controller.

Become a mad sonic scientist: Create new textures and dramatic soundscapes by layering multiple sounds from similar or completely diverse audio sources.

Stay musical: Rely on intelligent root note detection to help shape musical material from noise, ambient textures, and soundscapes, then use advanced controls to tweak, modulate, and add effects to taste – all powered by iZotope’s award-winning DSP.

Start playing immediately: A world of sound design is at your fingertips, with hundreds of presets from world-class sound designers and 4 GB of audio samples, including recordings of insects, animals, machines, vintage synthesizers, musical instruments and much more.

Even More Sounds:
In addition, iZotope has released two complementary sound libraries designed exclusively for use with Iris: Glass and Wood. A bundled version of Iris, Glass and Wood, Iris+2, is also available at a special price.

Glass ($49 MSRP) is a shimmering collection of glass ambiences, reimagined via Iris’s spectral selection capabilities. A lyrical study in lush chords, shining leads, and soothing basses, Glass transforms sonic experiments into accessible musical inspiration. Within the 100 patches of Glass, you’ll hear exploits with bottles, mirrors, marbles, glasses, shards, and even glassblowing torches. The resulting sounds are inviting, uplifting, and unusual. This library is for players exploring original sound design in a musical and meaningful context.

Wood ($29 MSRP) is an adventurous assortment of creatively-recorded samples, all produced from our friends, the trees. Made entirely of unusual wooden encounters, Wood fully embodies the creative potential of Iris’s visual selections. From basket smashing to door slamming, from drumming on guitars to grandma’s creaky deckchair, Wood pushes musical boundaries as each texture evolves. Blending dense and earthy tones into complex layers, Wood’s 100 patches sound like an avant-garde composition right out of the box.

Pricing and Availability:
Iris is available now for a special introductory price of $149 through April 30, 2012, a $100 savings off the MSRP of $249.

Iris+2 (including Glass and Wood Sound Libraries) is available now for $199, a $100 savings off the MSRP of $299.

Glass ($49) and Wood ($29) are also now available for individual purchase, and compatible exclusively with Iris.

For more product information, demos, and ordering information, visit www.izotope.com/iris.

About iZotope:
iZotope is a research-driven audio technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its award-winning products and audio technologies are in use by millions of people in over fifty countries, from consumers to musicians to major film, TV, and radio studios. Some of the diverse clients include musical giants like BT, Depeche Mode, and RZA of WuTang Clan; radio stations like Boston’s iconic WGBH; and TV programming like CBS’s Survivor, the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, the World Cup broadcast, and the GRAMMY(R) awards. Through an extensive licensing program, iZotope technology is also directly integrated into products made by industry-leaders such as Adobe, Avid, and Sony; video games from companies like Harmonix and Ubisoft; as well as a growing number of mobile phone applications. For more information on iZotope products, visit www.izotope.com.

VIDEO

The new 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection models the Bill Putnam Sr.-designed FET limiter’s entire electronic path from stem to stern — including its transformers, FET and bipolar transistor amplifiers, and input/output distortion — and boasts improvements to its gain reduction nonlinearities and Attack/Release fits.

“While our original 1176LN plug-in is still the closest software emulation of the original hardware available, we’ve learned a lot in the ten years since its release. That knowledge has produced the 1176 Collection,” says Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “The results are simply stunning, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this to our UAD-2 customers.”

The 1176 Limiter Plug-In Collection provides three distinct 1176 revisions, representing over 40 years of design iterations. The Rev A “Bluestripe” represents the original Putnam FET limiter design, complete with its higher distortion and unique FET gain amplifier characteristics. The Rev E “Blackface” covers the early 70’s / Brad Plunkett “LN” (Low Noise) era of the 1176 circuit lineage, with a more linear compression response, transistor gain amplification, and a change to the program dependency. The 1176AE emulates UA’s rare 1176 40th Anniversary Edition, complete with exclusive “hot-rod” mods — including its lower 2:1 compression ratio and a fixed “super slow” 10ms attack mode.

Also included in the 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection are handcrafted presets from some legendary 1176 enthusiasts: Ed Cherney (Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt), Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, The Killers), Carl Glanville (U2), David Isaac (Marcus Miller, Luther Vandross), Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones), Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Norah Jones), Hugo Nicolson (Radiohead, Björk), Vance Powell (The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs), and Andrew Scheps (Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers).

The 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is now available as part of the new UAD Software v6.2 release, and can be purchased for $299 via UA’s Online Store, or for $149 for current owners of the original 1176LN Limiting Amplifier Plug-In.

1176 Classic Limiter Collection features include:
•Faithful emulation of legendary M.T. “Bill” Putnam-designed classic FET Limiter, the most popular compressor ever made
•Includes three famous versions: Rev A, Rev E, and AE — each with their own specific features and sonic attributes
•Models entire electronic path, including transformers, FET and bipolar transistor amplifiers
•Compression circuit model includes improved gain reduction nonlinearities and Attack/Release fits
•Famous ultra fast attack time – 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
•New “No Ratio” or Attack “Off” provides popular amplifier-only mode Input and Output amplifier distortion
•All multi-button ratio combinations now available — including famous “All-Buttons”

More information on the 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection here:
http://www.uaudio.com/1176-collection.html .

UAD Software v6.2 is available as a FREE download for Mac and PC users worldwide:
www.uaudio.com/support/uad/downloads .

VIDEO:

This generator is the first of its kind and allows for extraordinarily detailed control over the dynamic spectrum of the noisy part of sounds. Despite its complexity it’s pretty easy to use and integrates naturally into the sound design philosophy of Addictive Synth.

According to the company, “With the integration of a high-end reverb we closed the last gap to get fully addicted.”

One more thing…
…the revised GUI is now compatible to the retina display of the new iPad !

It was never so easy to create beautiful sounds and driving loops. The unique dynamic wavetable synthesis allows you to explore an unprecedented wide range of sonic territory. From acid loops, crystal clear percussions, realistic human choirs to complex musical sound scapes nothing seems impossible with only a handful parameters to tweak.

New in version 2
* Spectral noise generator with dynamic filter structure.
* Hi end reverberation unit.
* revised GUI with retina support for new iPads
* 32 new sound presets.
* Many MIDI controllers added.
* revised PDF Manual.

The version 2 is free for all users of 1.x.

This update provides the following new features, fixes and improvements:
1. Mid/Side Splitter: Split the signal into mid and side channels for a whole new approach to stereo processing.
2. Global Sidechain: This global component applies sidechaining to the whole signal chain. Essential for frequency-specific compression and more.
3. Favorites Tab: Fast access to the components you use most. This new tab automatically groups the components and presets you use regularly.
4. New Demo Mode: Just drag the effect you want to try into your rack and take it for a spin. No re-starting, no need to change modes.

To install the update, please start the NI Service Center. Open the ‘Update’ tab, make sure the checkbox for GUITAR RIG 5 PRO is checked, and click the ‘Download’ button. When the download is finished, unzip the files and run the installer.

http://youtu.be/bWXjRj3AUWg

The JUPITER-50 houses over 1500 SuperNATURAL synthesizer tones found in the flagship JUPITER-80, plus all of its SuperNATURAL acoustic sounds (with Behavior Modeling) and many of its Live Sets. In fact, you can conveniently import the JUPITER-80′s Live Sets into the JUPITER-50 via USB flash memory. To achieve the same supreme sound quality as the JUPITER-80, the JUPITER-50 employs the identical analog audio components as its big brother, including the high-resolution D/A converter.

The JUPITER-50 is packed with over 1,500 SuperNATURAL synthesizer tones, plus over 70 SuperNATURAL acoustic instruments, each with its own dedicated sound engine. Choose, stack and edit any combination of four tones to create custom Live Sets.

Tipping the scales at just 11 kg (24 lbs. 5 oz.), the JUPITER-50 is one of the lightest professional instruments in its class, while still offering a top-quality 76-note weighted keyboard. With its powerhouse features, sounds, and travel-friendly design, the JUPITER-50 is a dream for gigging musicians on the go.

The JUPITER-50′s built-in audio recorder/player lets you capture musical sketches and full performances instantly to USB memory. By pre-loading a USB stick with WAV, AIFF, and/or MP3 files, you can use them as live backing tracks onstage and control them from the JUPITER-50. You can even simultaneously record your performances on the keyboard along with audio file playback from USB.

MORE INFORMATION:

Players such as Nathan East (Eric Clapton, Fourplay, Toto), Charles Cave (White Lies), Michael Shuman (Queens of the Stoneage), Gail Ann Dorsey (Lenny Kravitz, David Bowie, Seal), Mark King (Level 42), Roscoe Beck (Leonard Cohen, Robben Ford) and many more – all free of charge. In other words, this loud, light and open-design amp will surpass everything that is to be expected from a bass combo.

BG250 comes packed with 250 watts of power, delivered through TC’s cutting-edge, lightweight Class D amp technology that helps bringing the total weight of BG250 down to an extremely portable 16 kg / 35 lbs., making it one of the lightest yet loudest combos in its class. The preamp features an ultra-fast, integrated 5-string bass tuner, TubeDrive and intelligently contoured Bass Tone controls that create anything from crispy, modern slap tones over grungy, cranked-tube-like tones for classic rock to tight and funky Jaco tones with ease.

Further, an Auxiliary input and headphone output cater for any playback and rehearsal situation, while a balanced XLR output makes recording and live performance a breeze, all of which is underpinned by the cornerstone of great bass amps: superb tone. But coolest of it all is the white TonePrint® knob…

What is TonePrint?
TonePrint is a flexible effect slot that lets the user decide exactly which effect the amp should use at any given time. BG250 comes loaded with TC’s legendary SCF Chorus as default, but numerous new bass effects can be downloaded from TC’s website, replacing the chorus with other effects such as Octaver, Compressor, Overdrive, Distortion, Flanger and Vibrato. To make the deal even sweeter, TC had some of the best bass players in the world tailor their own personal effects tones for anyone to grab, and best of all – these Bass TonePrints are completely free of charge.

To load new types of effects or the artist-made Bass TonePrints, users can simply hook up their amp to a computer via the included USB cable. Or even cooler: beam directly from their smartphone straight into BG250 using the mind-blowing TonePrint App for iOS and Android. Quite simply, it is an ever-expanding effects joyride, as new TonePrints will be added constantly in the future. This is merely the beginning.

BG250 Main Features:
• TonePrint – The Power to Choose effects and Artist
• 250 Watts of Power
• Weight: 16 kg / 35 lbs
• Built-in Bass Tuner
• TubeDrive – Tube Pre- and Power Amp Emulation
• World-famous TC Bass Chorus Pre-loaded
• Bass Contoured Tone Controls
• Rehearsal Input – Playback in Speaker or Headphones
• Balanced out – Seamless Recording or PA Output
• High-power Headphone Output – for Silent Rehearsal
• Footswitch Control of TubeTone, Tuner & TonePrint (optional)
• 15” Custom TC Driver, Custom TC Tweeter.

Available May 2012 in the EU, June 2012 in the US.

Price
USD 399 MAP
EUR 399 SSP
GBP 329 SSP.

MORE INFORMATION: