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On the Digital Edge

The DiGiCo SD5 console with Waves Soundgrid integration.

Touring: It Really Does Take Planning

Although our touring schedule does not resume until later this spring, there are always off-the-road research tasks to be accomplished and proposed modifications to be discussed in preparation for the next run of shows. This year’s itinerary will include several gear transitions outside the U.S. Reproducing our extensive gear spec overseas will require detailed advance planning. That process begins with publishing a precise description of the sound system elements that will be provided by Clair Global for the spring and summer U.S. shows.

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The Earthworks SV33

Bringing a Studio Mic to the Stage

About 10 years ago, I started exploring Earthworks’ complete microphone product line in greater detail. The live sound industry has long relied on the company’s excellent precision measurement mics, but I was only marginally acquainted with its widely acclaimed series of small diaphragm omnidirectional studio mics. And I was completely uninformed about Earthworks’ products designed the live sound market. At that time, there was an increasing word-of-mouth buzz within the live sound community regarding a new family of Earthworks products suited for live sound applications. I was especially interested in the new drum mics that received great user reviews. This marked the beginning of a relationship with Earthworks that has remained beneficial and strong for the past decade.

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In Memoriam

The Passing of Two Masters

Somehow, 2017 brought the loss of so many legendary and influential musicians. Among those taken from us were South African guitarist/vocalist/writer/producer, Ray Phiri, and Cameroon’s celebrated guitarist/writer/arranger, Vincent Nguini. It was my immense honor and distinct artistic pleasure to have worked literally hundreds of shows with these gentlemen while both were members of Paul Simon’s touring band. Ray joined the aggregation for the 1987-89 Graceland tours after co-arranging and co-producing much of the landmark, scene-changing Graceland album. Vincent joined the tour in 1990 after collaborating heavily on what may be Paul Simon’s most intricate and luxuriant musical endeavor, The Rhythm of the Saints.

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The author began by mixing Fiona Apple at California’s Ohana Festival, followed by a private event in Boston with Stevie Nicks.

A Tale of Two One-Offs – Mixing Fiona Apple and Stevie Nicks

This past fall, I had the pleasure of participating in two one-off shows that each turned into the kind of magical experience that sustains us all in the fiercely competitive music business.

The first was a unique and exquisite performance by Fiona Apple at the beachfront Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA. The second was a private event in a small hotel ballroom that included an outstanding set performed by Stevie Nicks and her virtuoso band.

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