Collings Julian Lage Signature OM1 Guitar
This collaborative instrument by Bill Collings and Julian Lage is based on the brilliant young guitarist’s beloved 1939 Martin 000-18, in fascinatingly specific ways. The singular taper of the Martin’s neck, for instance, shaped by years of being played, is faithfully recreated via both technology and handcraftsmanship in the OM1. (The scale length has been expanded to a more robust and accurate 25 1/2 inches.) And the custom satin lacquer finish allows for rustic, classic looks and an airy tone.
Body & Soul: The Evolution of a Tenor Saxophone Standard
As we were assembling last issue’s “Essential Solos” feature, this fairly recent book from Jamey Aebersold Jazz caught our eye and then knocked us out. It’s a simple enough concept but one demanding painstaking work: Saxophonist Eric Allen offers transcriptions and analyses of “Body & Soul” improvisations by an A-team of tenormen, beginning with the musician who defined the tune in a jazz context, Coleman Hawkins, and continuing through Lester Young, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Michael Brecker and Chris Potter (who wrote the forward). Also included is a study of the “Cry Me a River” lick, a compilation of the differing chord changes used, a reproduction of the original 1930 sheet music and an informative introduction. Invaluable. Check the price on Amazon!
Electro-Harmonix Dual Expression Pedal
Many makers of similar guitar expression pedals, which attempt to man more than one stompbox or synth, don’t understand how unique effects can be. Enter this new Electro-Harmonix pedal, made of light yet tough polymer, featuring independent range and reverse controls for each output, along with polarity switches that aim to accommodate any expression-ready box out there. Includes two 6-foot TRS cables. Check the price on Amazon!
The New Vox Continental Keyboard
Improvising keyboardists with an ear for prog, psych, krautrock and ’60s pop and R&B will want to check this one out. Vox has reinvented its trademark transistor combo organ as a stage keyboard featuring a heap of organ sounds as well as electric and acoustic pianos, synths and much more. Stand and expression pedal included. Check the price on Amazon!
Jack DeJohnette HHX Shimmering ‘75’ Ride Cymbal by Sabian
Released to celebrate Jack DeJohnette’s 75th birthday, Sabian’s HHX Shimmering ‘75’ Ride is a medium-weight, dark-sounding triple-hammered cymbal with a heavily hammered bell. The company says it was designed to the drum great’s demanding specs, and describes its sound and response as such: “[T]he tone is rich, the stick is always articulate and the bell is solid without ever being piercing.” Run to your local drum shop to check it out: Only 75 will be produced.
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