A neurological disorder called dystonia is estimated to have ended the careers of at least one member of every major American metropolitan orchestra. Dystonia has claimed the livelihoods of musicians across genres including the acclaimed pianist Leon Fleisher of the Peabody Conservatory of Music, former first oboist of the Chicago Symphony Alex Klein, acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin, classical guitarist Liona Boyd, keyboard player Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, and others.
Radim Zenkl, the Czech-born, California-based magician of the mandolin has been on the road and onstage since he arrived in the USA more than twenty years ago. He recently swung through my hometown of Portland, Oregon and performed his eclectic solo show to a packed house of enthusiastic fans.
Rio Con Brio started out to make one CD. As they recorded tracks, they realized they had two albums on their hands. One is their third choro album, the other is the debut of fado singer Alexandra Coutinho.
The NAMM Show, one of the largest music products trade shows in the world hosted by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), opened today at the Anaheim Convention Center, welcoming an expected crowd of 90,000 musical instrument manufacturers, retailers, associates and their invited guests from all over the world to the industry's annual gathering.
If you were there, you’ll agree that the Baltimore host team put on an excellent convention for our quarter-century landmark. With so many people attending, the energy level was high. If you weren’t there, you want to know what you missed. Here are some highlights.
Old News
The 2nd European Mandolin and Guitar Academy took place in Trossingen from Nov. 7th - 11th, 2011. Michael Reichenbach was there. This is his report.
Deutsche Grammophon is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive recording agreement with Avi Avital, the first mandolinist to be signed by the label.
Sony Masterworks celebrates another record-breaking week in cellist Yo-Yo Ma's career with the sales and chart success of The Goat Rodeo Sessions. The newly released recording, featuring the talents of cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer, mandolinist Chris Thile and fiddler Stuart Duncan, debuted at #1 on the Classical, Classical Crossover and Bluegrass Billboard chart.
The MOMENTO RIO BANDOLIM 2011 will be held between November 12th and 16th in Rio de Janeiro at the Federal Justice Cultural Center and the School of Music of UFRJ. It is the first meeting in the country while placing the mandolin at both academic and in the universe of workshops and concerts, a common practice in Europe, Japan, Australia and the United States.
MerleFest 25, slated for April 26 - 29, 2012, announces the initial lineup for the music festival's 25th year. The four-day event, which USA Today described as a "happy, family friendly festival that's loved by musicians who come to play and those who come to add their energy by listening, as well," will once again take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
The final day of the 8th International Festival Mandolines de Lunel brought on the International aspect. Here are a few photos.
With the diversity from last night still ringing in the ears, the festival continues to explore the mandolin map. How about solo mandocello concert and a world premiere concerto for two mandolins and orchestra? Here are some photos.
The festival is in mandolin overdose mode. The concerts spans from classical to rock to choro to improvisational Brasilian jazz. Here are a few photos.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced today that it has joined the Lacey Act Defense National Consensus Committee, a newly-formed group made up of companies, associations and organizations impacted by the Lacey Act, and leading environmental groups, with the purpose of creating a new standard designed to provide a defense to Lacey liability.
The 8th International Festival Mandolines de Lunel opened last night. Here are a few photos.
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the landmark film and soundtrack that sparked a cultural phenomenon. To this day it still has a significant influence and impact on modern pop as evident in some of today's top acts, from Neo-traditional Americana bands from The Secret Sisters, The Civil Wars and Carolina Chocolate Drops to alternative mainstays Mumford & Sons, and Fleet Foxes.
Chris Acquavella annouces the release of his new solo album called Praeludium. This project is a musical journey of solo classical mandolin repertoire dating from the baroque period to contemporary.
One of the important annual mandolin happenings is coming up. Artists from the United States, Brasil, Ireland, Israel, England, India, Italy, Sweden, and of course France, will meet in Lunel, putting the city in the center of the world of mandolin.
Alison Stephens' main instruments are to be sold. This is an opportunity to own and play exceptional instruments owned and loved by an exceptional musician.
Mel Bay presents a book focused on mandolinist and "Father of Bluegrass Music" Bill Monroe. The book is called Play Like A Legend - Bill Monroe Tunes & Songs for Mandolin.
Solly Burton participated in the 2011 National Mandolin Championships, featured by the 40th Annual Walnut Valley Festival. He is not a first time winner.
Back when the annual Walnut Valley Festival was just a teenager, Bob Redford and Performing artist Andy May had a conversation about the future of the festival. Part of that conversation included discussion about how the kids that were being brought to the Walnut Valley Festival were a part of the future of the festival.
William Smith Monroe was born on September 13, 1911, on a farm just outside the town of Rosine in Ohio County, Kentucky. Today is his 100th birthday, and the celebration has started.
Future of Music Coalition launches a first-ever Survey for musicians and composers, asking "How do you make money from music?" Project seeks wide-ranging input from artists across the music landscape.
The 23 String Band will celebrate the release of their second album Catch 23 with a CD Release Party at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville, KY, on Sept. 16.