Jazz musicians are a treasure trove of sensational anecdotes and idiosyncratic characters. In this quiz, test your knowledge of some of the lesser-known facts about the people who pioneered this wild genre.
Videos
Hammond SK1: A Vintage Lover’s Dream Toy
The Hammond SK1 is a vintage lover’s dream machine. It’s a B3 first and foremost, but comes loaded with other built-in sounds, from Wurlitzer to Fender Rhodes and grand piano. You’ve got to hear this thing to believe it. Which is why we made this video! Video stars Todd Hobin; produced by Drew Roberts
Hughes Family Band
“My parents were very musical, so it was natural when we were kids to sing together all the time,” says second eldest son Jason, 42. The family performed at church functions and small events around their hometown of Taylorsville, Utah. “My mom always had a way of making whatever it was sound like the biggest […]
Our August Issue: Banjo and Beyond
With Bela Fleck as the cover story, a History of the Banjo two-page spread, and a banjo contest we’re running until August 15, our August issue is sure to please any banjo lover. But don’t worry: we haven’t forgotten about the rest of you! Other stories include Antique Piano Restoration tips for anyone interested in […]
Intro to Lap Steel Guitar
The lap steel guitar has a unique sound, and is a lot of fun to play! Check out this video demo to hear it for yourself.
Musical Families
When I met the remarkable Hughes family in Branson, Missouri, I was intrigued by how talent seems to run in the family. They were one of the closest families I’ve ever met, and they say that performing together brings them closer. It made me wonder how many families around the country have had that same […]
Denton Music Scene
Denton, Texas, is a city that lives and breathes music. Stay here a few days, and you’ll see that it’s a community-wide phenomenon. Every other person you meet is a musician, and those that aren’t, have a love and respect for music that borders on obsession.
Evans Level 360: New Drumhead Technology
Evans Level 360 Drumheads garnered a lot of buzz at winter NAMM 2013. They’re not so much a new product as new technology. Evans Level 360 fits flush with the drum’s bearing edge, resulting in faster, easier tuning, and maximum sustain across their entire line of drumheads.
New Instruments, Vintage Sounds
In the age of hi-fidelity, lo-fi seems to be making a comeback. Vinyl records, for example, have become all the rage once again, with many artists releasing special edition LPs, in addition to standard MP3 and CD formats. It’s the warmth associated with analog, which doesn’t exist in the digital realm, that appeals to these […]
You Rock Guitar: More Than a Toy
The YouRock Guitar is not a replacement to your regular guitar, but rather an addition to your collection. There are no strings on the neck, but rather raised ridges where sensors detect finger placement and respond virtually the same way as a regular guitar. It’s compatible with MIDI devices, and you can use it for […]