Musician, journalist, and author Emile Menasché has composed soundtracks for Oscar- and Emmy-nominated documentaries. He is jealous that his dog Hudson gets more attention from passersby whenever they’re seen in public together.
Emile Menasché on social media
Music technology changed a lot after World War II. Postwar introductions included the solidbody electric guitar, electric bass, seven-inch single, multitrack tape, transistors, and much … Read More “Gearhead: A Brief History of the Grafton Saxophone”
In 1940, the jazz establishment was just coming to recognize the potential of the electric guitar as a lead instrument. After joining Benny Goodman’s orchestra … Read More “Gearhead: Ralph Towner’s Acoustic Arsenal”
“Manzello & Stritch” sounds like the title of a ’70s cop show, but in the hands of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, these unusual variations on the … Read More “How Rahsaan Roland Kirk Modified Jazz”
Over his 50-plus years on the world stage, John McLaughlin has never been afraid to explore uncharted territory. Yet, as the 78-year-old guitarist jovially admitted … Read More “Gearhead: John McLaughlin Makes MiGiC”
Choosing holiday gifts for the musicians in your life is always a bit tricky. We in the Gearhead department have been known to deliver some … Read More “Gearhead: The Stocking Stuff of Legend”
When your résumé includes recording and touring with the likes of the Pat Metheny Group, John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, the Manhattan Transfer, and many others, … Read More “Gearhead: Danny Gottlieb’s Hot Sticks”
In 1909, Chicago was the site for two events that would forever change the role of percussion in popular music: The brothers Ludwig launched their … Read More “Gearhead: How Gene Krupa Kicked the Drum Kit into the Jazz Age”
For nearly 30 years, Dave Stryker has been nearly inseparable from his Gibson ES-347s. “I saw Marvin Horne playing one at the Village Vanguard with … Read More “Gearhead: Dave Stryker’s Plex-able Guitar Mods”
Combine Cannonball Adderley with Clarence Clemons, pour in a large beaker of R&B, garnish with eye-grabbing stagecraft, and you have the essential ingredients of a … Read More “Gearhead: Mindi Abair Stays Unattached”
