Day 3 of NAMM 2013 started a little slower than previous days. We didn't have to rush over for breakfast, so we sauntered in shortly before 10 a.m. and went into Hall E to begin our day.
Our first stop was at the Jammit booth, where we learned about their incredible software developed with Line 6. Using the master tracks, you can learn to play most any prog rock, classic rock or blues song, including some pop as well. The program allows the user to isolate out a particular instrument track, slow it down for learning, and then gradually work up to the normal speed. It also uses the Tabular Notation system. The software currently works on iOS and Windows platforms, but plans are underway to expand into the Android platform.
We next checked out The Engle, which is a percussive pic for guitar. It allows for a different sound that strumming or using a pic, and seemed quite creative.
We also stopped to congratulate Tish Ciravolo at the Daisy Rock Girl Guitar booth on our to see my friend, Rich Redmond (drummer for Jason Aldean), who was signing autographs at the Gator Cases booth. We also checked out Kenny Metcalf as Elton John, performing at the Grand Illusions booth.
On our way to the Sennheiser stage, we ran into indie artist VK Lynne and her entourage. Watch for a big announcement coming soon about her next big project.
We spent the rest of the day going from one awesome musical performance to the next. We listened to Debby Holliday at Sennheiser before heading out to the Venue Stage for Kristy Hanson, the latest winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, and also the winner of the competition to write a theme song for the City of West Hollywood.
After Hanson, it was back inside to the Sennheiser stage for Raining Jane and Dilana, who together pulled in the largest crowds ever to Sennheiser's booth. From there we headed over to CAD Audio for the amazing Adjoa Skinner. Skinner performed as part of a quartet of female artists sponsored by LA Women in Music. Other performers were Brooke Ramel, Emily Zuzik and Lisa Nemzo.
On our way up to the Taylor Guitars booth, I stopped by to check out the Peavey Electronics booth, where they had Batman and Wonder Woman to represent the Super Heroes of Sales. Alex Skolnick of Testament was performing on stage as I made my way through the booth. Peavey was also giving away a Stan Lee signed Marvel character guitar.
Our final stop was Taylor Guitars, where we were treated to two amazing performances. The first featured singer/songwriter Allen Stone, who has the voice of a white Stevie Wonder. Stone, who has just been booked for this year's Coachella Festival, was amazing, both with his original songs and his unique cover of a classic Bob Marley tune.
We were unprepared for the incredibleness that followed. Miyavi, from Tokyo, Japan, had flown in just to play the Taylor Guitar stage. With dance moves like Michael Jackson, a voice that killed and the maddest skills on guitar I have ever seen, Miyavi blew up his competition and turned in one of the finest performances I have ever seen. Together with his drummer Bobo, they proved that just two people can generate a wall of sound equal to an entire marching band. Miyavi has such stage presence and charisma, and turned in such a thoroughly entertaining set that I am positive he will soon be as loved in the U.S. as he is in his native Japan.
Still on our Miyavi high, we headed over to the Marriott, where the high just got better with a stellar performance by David & Devine. The highlight of the night was the debut of their new tune Get up Everybody and Dance, which is sure to be a smash radio hit.
What a totally exhilirating but exhausting day. The music today made this the best day of NAMM for us this year.
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