The American composer and inventor Harry Partch (1901-1974) had lots of unusual ideas. Dissatisfied with the sounds that Western music could offer, he became interested … Read More “Gearhead: Harry Partch and the Quadrangularis Reversum”
In the Artist’s Choice section of our September issue, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Georgia Anne Muldrow made a comment that kicked my nostalgia circuits into high gear. She … Read More “Gearhead: Memories of the Guitorgan”
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”
If there’s one kind of technological development that every gigging musician likes, it’s the kind that makes one’s gear easier to deal with: smaller, lighter, less … Read More “Downsizing Is Good at Winter NAMM 2020”
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”
