News

‘McKechnie & de Benedictis’ Re-release 1980s “Inside Your Head”

“A dream-state assemblage of otherworldly musical landscapes.”

The album is a reissue of live-to-tape synthesizer music, originally issued as a cassette tape in 1984, now
re-mastered for digital and available on major streaming and download platforms…

The path to partnership can be instantaneous or a journey. In the case of McKechnie & de Benedictis, it was a journey. From teacher and student to colleague and partner, developed over years in the studio programming synths and experimenting with recording and mixing, and after getting Rhodes Chroma synthesizers in 1982, (serial numbers 104 and 105). The duo starting making music and playing live together, first as “New Logic”, then McKechnie & de Benedictis, and ultimately as partners in “The San Francisco Synthesizer Ensemble.” Today, they re-release “Inside Your Head”—a 60-minute work of extended live-to-tape synthesizer improvisations and compositions, re-mastered for digital and available on streaming services including Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music, and download platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

John Ginty Rocks with Vintage Vibe

John Ginty plays rock keyboards for top artists and his own band and always features his Vintage Vibe Electric Piano and Hammond B3 organ for a full-on roots-rock experience

Keyboardist John Ginty is a seasoned rock player, laying down tracks and playing live with the likes of Ryan Adams, Robert Randolph, Citizen Cope, Santana, Matthew Sweet, Jewel, Smashing Pumpkins, and recently a reformed rock-focused Dixie Chicks. As a bandleader, Ginty’s masterful use of Hammond B3 organ and Vintage Vibe Electric Piano take center-stage in his classic roots-of-rock sound. With four award-winning albums to their credit, including Bad News Travels, Rockers, and No Filter, Ginty and company’s songs have graced the charts of both Billboard and the Roots Music Report.

Gaîté Lyrique Theater Upgrades to Amadeus DIVA M2 (M-Squared)

Amadeus recently upgraded its original speaker install at the famous Paris Gaîté Lyrique Theater to include the newly released DIVA M2 (M-Squared) speakers

Amadeus, based in France, one of the premiere manufacturers of high-end sound reinforcement systems and custom studio speakers, has announced the install of the company’s newest array speaker, the DIVA M2, at the prestigious Paris Gaîté Lyrique Theater digital arts and modern music center. Initially equipped by Amadeus for the theater’s 2011 re-opening with the company’s EtherSound-enabled speakers, DIVA XS and XL Series, among other Amadeus models, La Gaîté Lyrique decided to upgrade its Front of House speaker system in the facility’s Large Hall and naturally has chosen the newest Amadeus DIVA M² array speakers (pronounced ‘M Squared’). Along with the fourteen DIVA M² loudspeakers, Amadeus has also installed four new DIVA M² SUB bass complements, paired with Lab.gruppen amplifiers and LAKE controllers.

Peter Levin Brings ‘Vintage Vibe’ to Muscle Shoals

Gregg Allman and Blind Boys of Alabama keyboardist Peter Levin records his solo album at Muscle Shoals FAME Studios

Keyboardist Peter Levin made the trip back to Muscle Shoals and FAME Studios to record his solo album-and he brought along his own Vintage Vibe. That is, the Vintage Vibe Piano and Vibanet, modern takes on Rhodes and Clavinet keyboards designed and manufactured by Vintage Vibe (www.vintagevibe.com). Levin is no stranger to FAME Studios having recorded keyboards on the recent Grammy-nominated album, Southern Blood, Gregg Allman’s musical farewell. Levin has also recorded keys at FAME with alternative country/southern rockers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and the gospel-flavored Blind Boys of Alabama.

SPL Expands Mastering Series

SPL debut new stereo mastering console, 16-channel mastering monitor controller, and highly updated passive mastering EQ

SPL of Germany announced they are expanding their Mastering Series hardware line with three new devices, all to be demonstrated for the first time in their US distributor’s booth, Audio Plus Services. The three new units are the updated PASSEQ, passive mastering equalizer, the DMC, stereo mastering console, and the 16-channel analog mastering monitor controller, MC16 – a first of its kind. Spring 2018 is the target release date for all three products.