NAMM 2017: “A Showcase of Different Musical Styles” Believe In Music

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Michael Hepworth

NAMM 2017 “A Showcase of Different Musical Styles”

By Michael Cohan, Music Journalist

Anaheim, CA (Perfect Music Today) 1-26-2017– Music, technology and awards again intertwined at the 32^nd annual NAMM international trade show this past weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California. At the core, the Power of Music, as it is evidence of the growing popularity of using technology to further the musician by synthesizing musicianship and furthering the evolution of technological advancements. But along the way we don’t want music metamorphosing into an all – electronic sound or the opposite which would be a digression into a tribunal feel. Music has come way too far to even harbor that kind of thinking. Those demographics exist and so does all the other kinds of music; jazz, classical, rock & roll, heavy metal, etc. positioned somewhere in between. To even think that kind of assumption of merging two styles that are completely at either end of the spectrum is not the way the World of Music exists. So, without due, let’s go to NAMM!

Thursday morning started day 1 off with President Joe Lamond awarding the highest honor at NAMM, the Music for Life Achievement Award to Robbie Robertson. The 73 year old Robbie always says he feels like a “kid in a candy store” for years while at the Anaheim Convention Center. Robertson is best known for his writing with The Band penning such staples as “The Shape I’m In” and “Up On Cripple Creek.” He has also composed works for such films as “Raging Bull,” “Casino,” and “The King of Comedy.” The epic rockumentary “The Last Waltz” solidified The Band’s place in music history.

The kickoff main event concert outside on the Nissan Grand Plaza Stage was none other than Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi and his new partner in life and rock Australian singer Orianthi who has also performed with Prince and Michael Jackson on his ill-fated “This Is It” tour and was also a member of Alice Cooper. Their collaboration, aptly titled RSO, showcased classic material from his 30 year career with Bon Jovi. Included were classics “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Lay Your Hands on Me,” “Wanted Dead or Alive/Midnight Rambler,” and “Making History,” a new song from their first album together which is coming out before their September tour. Orianthi laments, “We make music to make people happy and help people get through life.” What a beautiful statement to express her “Sweet Emotion” that fulfills their musical goals together. They will be performing songs from their collective categories.

Friday, Day 2 began wet and wild here in normally sunny Orange County. Instead of last year’s clear and warm temperatures, it poured all morning. My first stop was to go see my buddies with the Pianoarc. Always on board and ready for some romping on the keyboard, I corralled over to watch and listen in awe again to the circular electronic piano extraordinaire Brockett Parsons. More on the Pianoarc, Brockett Parsons, and further descriptions of his beautiful creation in another article at Perfectmusictoday.com.

The focus of tonight’s special 6 pm concert was the smooth jazz and blues of returning most valuable musician from the New York Yankees Bernie Williams & his All Star band with special guests Poncho Sanchez on the congas and Keb’ Mo’bluesman extraordinaire. The inclement weather forced them inside settling into the more intimate Hilton Pacific Ballroom. This became evident quickly as the band pulsed the crowd with their soulful brand of jazz and blues. Everybody was swaying to the music from his two albums, “The Journey Within” from 2003 and “Moving Forward” from 2009. This year also saw him nominated for a Latin Grammy award. He and his dynamic band are working on album three which they also performed throughout the night. They put their Latin-y jazz feel to the classics from Steve Miller’s “Fly Like An Eagle” and “Imagine” by John Lennon.

His achievements have been many and his love of music shines more as he works closely in music education to further children’s careers through “Little Kids Rock,” a national non-profit organization that delivers instruments and teaches them about life outside their disadvantaged school districts. In 2011, he came out with his aptly titled book, “Rhythms of the Game” with a forward by Paul Simon. In the same year Williams was featured on the cover of Making Music Magazine to discuss his life and career in music. On May 13, 2016 he received his Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music.

After all the clouds cleared from my ears I was Bernie-satiated as I have been before when I had the pleasure to interview him and hear his band outside two NAMM years ago. See all my NAMM articles and rock concert reviews at http://www.perfectmusictoday.com. Back then the only Bernie Williams I knew was a baseball player. He has certainly graduated from “Centerfield to Center Stage.” Visit Bernie’s world at http://www.bernie51.com.

Now it’s time to meander my way back down to the first floor main bar where the Hilton Front Stage is getting ready to showcase local talent for the NAMM-A-HEADS. The GrooveSessions trio of Sarven Manguist on keyboards, and brothers Ronnie and Manny Sanchez respectively on bass and drums are about to hit the stage. These guys are extremely talented as they performed their multi-faceted sound of what they call “Movin’ groovin’ music.”

Their quest is to achieve a rebirth, a renaissance of sorts, of encompassing an innovative flowering new blend of musical styles. GrooveSessions are dynamic and magical and have the ability to make fire with music. They are a true throwback to the good old fashioned rock band with a funky flare and a positive message. Check out their new album “California Hurricane” from 2015 and experience all things at http://www.GrooveSessionsmusic.com.

From jazz to rock to blues, to gearheads, to musicians, to producers, NAMM continues to prove that it’s only their show that facilitates the largest continuum every year. This year saw over 100,000 music products professionals congregate here at the Anaheim Convention Center for their “Family reunion.” In fact, this was the largest NAMM show in its 115-year history. Can’t wait for 2018 to break the 2017 records!