It is with great sadness that we report the loss of two of the industry’s most knowledgeable and most well-loved people. Robert Heiblim (69) was an expert in product development and management, and founder of consulting company Bluesalve Partners. He was a former president of Denon’s US operations, and chairman of the Audio Division of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Robert was a friend, and I had the pleasure of working with him when he contributed a number of articles to Copper. He was universally liked and one of the smartest people around.
Mel Schilling (88) was an audio-industry veteran who established one of the first high-end stores, Music and Sound, in 1968. He later founded Camelot Technology, and most recently, Xhifi. Ken Kessler has a tribute in this issue.
And the world will never be the same without the towering musical talent of Meat Loaf, who left us at age 74.
In this issue: Ken Kessler remembers audio pioneer and all-around mensch, Mel Schilling. Anne E. Johnson appreciates Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Irish rock legends U2. I conclude our interview with Gordon Stanley of the Spreckels Organ Society with a look at recording the incredible instrument, the world’s largest pipe organ in an outdoor venue. J.I. Agnew continues his exploration into record-cutting lathes. John Seetoo covers the career of under-appreciated rockers Be-Bop Deluxe and guitar wizard Bill Nelson. Harris Fogel has a CES 2022 show report and so does Don Lindich. Tom Methans is a good influence on those around him. Russ Welton looks at speaker measurements using Spinorama.
How much control do artists have over the use of their music? Jay Jay French explains an important aspect. B. Jan Montana receives further enlightenment during his epic journey. Rich Isaacs remembers John Wasserman, the San Francisco Chronicle’s irreverent music and cultural events critic. Tom Gibbs recommends more demonstration-quality musical selections. Ray Chelstowski admires Gideon King & City Blog and their dazzling blend of creative musical virtuosity. Stuart Marvin digs into a landmark album: The Blues Project’s Projections. We conclude the issue with an open and shut case, backwards priorities, sweet spots, and a tip of the hat to Meat Loaf.
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, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu
Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Andy Schaub, 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
Advertising Sales:
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– FD
