Digital in an Analog World
We are greatly saddened to report the passing of Chris Sommovigo on August 15, 2022, from a cardiac event. He was most recently associated with Black Cat Cables, and had done work for Kimber Kable, Stereolab and others, and worked in audio distribution, and publishing. He was highly regarded in the industry and I had only met him once, at a show a few years ago, yet we hit it off immediately. For more information, please read David W. Robinson’s heartfelt tribute in Positive Feedback.
In this issue: J.I. Agnew delves into an ultra-rare Japanese portable (!) record cutting lathe, and reports on the cessation of operations of HD Vinyl, with some thoughts on vinyl manufacturing. Larry Jaffee remembers getting hooked on CDs in the 1980s. Tom Methans encounters a high-end audio system – in clubland. Harris Fogel concludes his report on T.H.E. Show 2022, once again with lots of photos. B. Jan Montana continues his pilgrimage. John Seetoo interviews David W. Hewitt, a pioneer of remote recording. Andrew Daly has a conversation with rock journalist Elise Krentzel. Ken Kessler attends the best private members club ever.
Anne E. Johnson talk talk talks about the Psychedelic Furs, and appreciates the magnificent vocal music of Orlande de Lassus. Ken Sander floats over CES. Alón Sagee talks with synesthetic artist Melissa McCracken in a mind-opening interview. Rudy Radelic keeps driving through a lemons road rally. Adrian Wu ponders the sonic attributes of tape versus vinyl. I report on the Octave Records LP release of Zuill Bailey’s The Complete Bach Cello Suites. Ray Chelstowski talks with songwriter and Broadway composer Duncan Sheik about his new album, Claptrap. Russ Welton encounters a tough customer. Tom Gibbs has to move his audio system. We wrap up the issue with world music, pure distortion, unfortunate timing, and a nameless destination.
Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Stuart Marvin, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu
Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Andrew Daly, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, David Snyder, Bob Wood
Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico
Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni
Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)
Audio Anthropology Photos:
Howard Kneller, Steve Rowell
Editor:
Frank Doris
Publisher:
Paul McGowan
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– FD