I went to NAMM in 2005 and found it very enjoyable. This year was my second visit. It was overwhelming and not very engaging on any level. I ran into Paquito D'Rivera and Mononeon, which was fun. Eleven years ago there were a lot more small-scale instrument makers; now many of those have either been absorbed by corporations or given up. Others, like Modulus, had no presence at NAMM. Meanwhile there were a dozen earbud companies, twenty-odd Asian low-budget horn manufacturers, and probably ten thousand pedals, 2/3 of which are functionally identical. I did attempt to go a second day, but with the heavy rain and traffic the fifth-mile drive just wasn't worth it.
Ha! Someone asked me recently if I ever considered going to NAMM. No I really hadn't, but I wasn't sure why. Now I know!
BTW, Joel, when are we releasing that Big Ears recording of In A Silent Way? Seems like the lead up to the next Big Ears would be as good a time as any?
Went several years ago - similar experience overall. Had dinner with Lee Ritenour and some friends off campus so glad I went. Scoped out the Jazz and “near-jazz” stuff which still existed, but sounds nearly extinct at this point. Thanks for writing this piece! You’re safe now 😎
Thank you for the column on NAMM Joel. As a long time jazz player, you've satisfied my curiosity about the show. I've got enough unused pedals and certainly don't need more amps or guitars(although one more couldn't hurt). In today's crazy out of control world, who needs yet another experience of feeling overwhelmed. Less shred more substance.
interesting
well, I've heard much the same from others
The unintended consequence of this story! Somehow, I find this very amusing. I wish somebody else had written this before I went.
Huddle up, Team!
WORD! Think of the money I save you haha
I went to NAMM in 2005 and found it very enjoyable. This year was my second visit. It was overwhelming and not very engaging on any level. I ran into Paquito D'Rivera and Mononeon, which was fun. Eleven years ago there were a lot more small-scale instrument makers; now many of those have either been absorbed by corporations or given up. Others, like Modulus, had no presence at NAMM. Meanwhile there were a dozen earbud companies, twenty-odd Asian low-budget horn manufacturers, and probably ten thousand pedals, 2/3 of which are functionally identical. I did attempt to go a second day, but with the heavy rain and traffic the fifth-mile drive just wasn't worth it.
Ha! Someone asked me recently if I ever considered going to NAMM. No I really hadn't, but I wasn't sure why. Now I know!
BTW, Joel, when are we releasing that Big Ears recording of In A Silent Way? Seems like the lead up to the next Big Ears would be as good a time as any?
Thanks for your commentary. Not surprised. Feel like the heyday was probably in the 90s.
Went several years ago - similar experience overall. Had dinner with Lee Ritenour and some friends off campus so glad I went. Scoped out the Jazz and “near-jazz” stuff which still existed, but sounds nearly extinct at this point. Thanks for writing this piece! You’re safe now 😎
And I too wanted to go to NAMM and live in the West Coast but I won't be going now. Thanks for saving me time and money!
Fabulous story Joel. I loved every word and feel you wrote. Glad I am part of your/the tribe! Feels right.
Thank you for the column on NAMM Joel. As a long time jazz player, you've satisfied my curiosity about the show. I've got enough unused pedals and certainly don't need more amps or guitars(although one more couldn't hurt). In today's crazy out of control world, who needs yet another experience of feeling overwhelmed. Less shred more substance.