Copper

“I kicked off my shoes and felt the good earth under my feet/I loosened my tie and felt what it feels like to breathe” – the Association, “Time for Livin’”

In this issue: I interview Nick Getz, son of sax legend Stan Getz, and Abey Fonn of Impex Records about the new Getz/Gilberto LP reissue of the bossa nova classic. Jazz trumpet virtuoso Gabriel Mervine talks about his new Octave Records albums: the Brazilian- and European-flavored I Wish You Love, and the improvisational See Somethin’. PS Audio’s Paul McGowan chooses his favorite microphones. What’s it like to run an audio show? We talk to Bart Andeer of Florida International Audio Expo and find out. Wayne Robins hears much great music at the Folk Alliance International festival. Rudy Radelic finds out how much vampire power his audio system, computers and other stuff are sucking out of his electric service.

Rich Isaacs listens to…test records. Ray Chelstowski talks with Inveniem founder Brad Mindich about the future of preserving artists’ legacies. We visit CanJam 2024 and check out a lot of headphones and gear. Guest articles from FIDELITY and PMA offer a visit to German speaker maker Pure Emotion by AW, and a look at treasures from the vinyl vault. Howard Kneller digs an unusual WAVAC amplifier and vibration control devices from Symposium Acoustics. PS Audio enjoys positive reviews of new StellarGold and other components. We revisit The Mindful Melophile and his musical big bang theory. The issue concludes with a global tour, wireless wonders, and a walk in the right direction.

Contributors to This Issue:
Carsten Barnbeck, Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Rich Isaacs, Don Kaplan, Howard Kneller, Claude Lemaire, Paul McGowan, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, James Schrimpf, Peter Xeni

Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

“Just because I wrote the song doesn’t mean I know what it means.” – Lou Reed

In this issue: I talk with Steve Morris of Streamline HiFi, who hand builds stereo consoles for the modern age. I offer my memories of audio reviewing legend Anthony H. Cordesman. Paul McGowan makes time for music. B. Jan Montana covers the 2024 NAMM Show and Thomas Fogel goes behind the scenes at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards. Octave Records has two new releases. Reason by pianist Erik Deutsch, vocalist Theo Bleckmann and instrumentalist Sly5thAve is a live excursion into adventurous post-modern jazz. Audiophile Masters Volume IX is the latest in Octave’s series of sonic reference discs. Wayne Robins contemplates music for growing minds.

Ken Kessler visits the Warsaw Audio Video Show. I fall in love with Korean TV show soundtracks. Ray Chelstowski interviews New York rocker extraordinaire Steve Conte on his upcoming album, The Concrete Jangle. Jay Jay French relistens to his past with the Youngbloods’ reissue of Elephant Mountain. Ted Shafran has high praise for live music. Ken Sander remembers when Alice Cooper caught a ride hitchhiking. PS Audio wins a bunch of Editor’s Choice awards. We conclude the issue with synesthesia, job opportunities, and winds of change.

Contributors to this issue:
Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Thomas Fogel, Jay Jay French, Ken Kessler, Paul McGowan, B. Jan Montana, Wayne Robins, Ken Sander, Ted Shafran, Peter Xeni

Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

Tony Cordesman was a great friend to those of us at PS Audio and to so many in the industry, and we deeply mourn his passing on January 29 at the age of 84. Anthony H. Cordesman’s “day job” was as a national security analyst, but his avocation was reviewing high-end audio gear, which he did brilliantly over a long career. I will have much more to say in a tribute to him in the next issue.

In this issue: I enter the musical world of the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, a band unlike any other. Paul McGowan considers the unmeasurable aspects of high-end audio. I remember the late Jim Winey of Magnepan, makers of Magneplanar loudspeakers. Wayne Robins talks about the girl genius of boygenius. Rudy Radelic goes hunting for vampire power, the energy used by our electronics. I cover two new releases from Octave Records: Live at Nocturne II by jazz group the Tom Amend Trio, and the folk-and-soul-meets-bluegrass of Sturtz: Live at Roots Music Project. Harris Fogel wraps up his coverage of Capital Audiofest 2023. Roy Hall listens to Handel’s Messiah.

John Seetoo sits in on an immersive audio jazz recording session with trumpeter Franco Ambrosetti. I visit the new Billy Joel exhibit at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Ray Chelstowski talks with Terry Adams of NRBQ on the reissue of Terrible, an album that’s anything but. B. Jan Montana hangs out with the Top Dog. Howard Kneller sits in The Listening Chair with the VAC Statement 452iQ amplifier. We have a guest article from AAA Magazine and Ernst Müller on the symphonies of Jean Sibelius. PS Audio wins a 2023 Brutus Award – a good thing. As we wrap up the issue we’re all dolled up, listening to birds, and born to be wild.

Contributors to this issue:

Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Harris Fogel, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Howard Kneller, Paul McGowan, B. Jan Montana, Ernst Müller, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, John Seetoo, Peter Xeni

Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

Happy New Year everyone, from all of us!

Copper contributor Howard Kneller, founder of The Listening Chair, has launched a new Facebook group. As he notes, “This group is a civil place for audiophiles to discuss gear, learn about audio, and make friends. Our group is comprised of an eclectic mix of audiophiles, industry members, and music lovers.” You can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/share/zJd2cfMLCbFQQQ8R/?mibextid=5OmYkq

In this issue: PS Audio’s own Paul McGowan looks at streaming services and sound quality. Rudy Radelic offers his favorite albums of 2023. Ken Kessler covers the Paris Audio Video Show, while Harris Fogel and I report on Capital Audiofest. I listen to the Analogue Productions 45 RPM vinyl edition of the landmark Genesis album, Selling England by the Pound, as well as some excellent vinyl reissues from Rhino High Fidelity. John Seetoo talks with musician/lawyer Alan Chapell, who has a singular perspective on the music business. Ray Chelstowski talks with Ari Teitel and Trenton O’Neal of New Orleans funk band The Rumble.

I report on the debut of the Stenheim Alumine Two.Five loudspeaker at New York’s fabled Power Station recording studio. Wayne Robins reviews Jeff Tweedy’s books, a concert, a Wilco album, and more. We have guest articles from AAA, FIDELITY and PMA magazines on Walter Stutz and a remarkable ReVox and Studer museum, the Audio Video Show Warsaw, and some classic vinyl recordings. Anne E. Johnson looks back at the music of Dan Fogelberg, and Alón Sagee revisits a sublime musical moment. PS Audio gets some positive reviews and best of 2023 nods. We close the issue with culture shock, late night entertainment, and the road not taken.

Contributors to this issue:
Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Harris Fogel, Anne E. Johnson, Ken Kessler, Claude Lemaire, Paul McGowan, B. Jan Montana, Sebastian Polcyn, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, John Seetoo, Markus Thomann, Peter Xeni 

Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

– FD

All of us at Copper wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and new year, and peace on Earth in these difficult times.

Beginning with this issue you’ll see some changes to Copper, including more coverage of industry news, and new music releases. Things will continue to evolve over the next few months.

A Copper reader asked if I could create a Qobuz playlist for the “200 of Your Editor's All-Time Favorite Songs” article in Issue 200. I misplaced his e-mail – if you're reading this, please contact me and I’ll give a shout out in the next issue. Click here for a link to the playlist. Seven songs aren’t on Qobuz, so I added replacements at the end of the playlist.

In this issue: Well-known audio luminary Michael Fremer has produced his first album, Rufus Reid Presents Caelan Cardello, and I interview him about the debut from the legendary bassist and up-and-coming jazz piano sensation. We talk with Charlie Calv and Bruce Pucciarello of Deko Entertainment about the future of the music business. AES New York 2023 show reports are here from yours truly, John Seetoo, and Harris Fogel. Octave Records has not one but two holiday albums, the jazz-tinged Charlie Brown Goes to the Nutcracker by the Ron LeGault quintet, and virtuoso guitarist Alfredo Muro’s The Spirit of Christmas.

The Kinks have released The Journey – Part 2 career retrospective collection, and it’s sure to delight Kinks fanatics as well as newcomers to the band. Anne E. Johnson looks back at the career of German composer and opera singer Johann Adolph Hasse. B. Jan Montana ponders an audio comedy of errors. We host a look at Tokyo jazz joints from FIDELITY magazine. I pay a visit to Long Island retailer the Audio Den and check out an impressive loudspeaker. PS Audio has received some recent accolades. The issue concludes with rockin’ the holidays, a high-end audio guide, and a winter wonderland.

Contributors to this issue: John Seetoo, Harris Fogel, B. Jan Montana, James Schrimpf, Anne E. Johnson, Peter Xeni, Hans von Draminski

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

It’s Copper’s 200^th issue! We’ve had a fantastic run of more than seven years of publishing every two weeks. It’s happened thanks to the incredible talents and efforts of our writers, contributors, artists, and past editorial people. I cannot begin to thank everyone enough.

But after 200 issues, it’s time for a change. Beginning with Issue 201, Copper will become a monthly publication. It will also go in a somewhat different direction, becoming more involved in industry news, interviews with audio industry people, and articles of that nature. 

Because of a variety of personal and professional factors, I need to back off the frenetic pace of the last four years. (Have I really been editor for four years? And that doesn’t count all the other stuff I’ve been doing.) The new Copper format will be less demanding on my time, while enabling me to still oversee the magazine, and remain an all-around goodwill ambassador for the audio industry.

I thank every reader of this publication with the deepest and most heartfelt feeling. Your participation with Copper means a great deal to me, and to all of us.

In this issue: Russ Welton interviews composer/musician Steve Thompson of 1201_Alarm, a band whose album is about to be the first-ever sent to the Moon. I list 200 of my favorite songs, and cover Octave Records’ latest, The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 03: Percussion. Wayne Robins reviews the recently published Steely Dan book, Quantum Criminals. Tom Lane asks: can one year in music change your life? Ray Chelstowski talks with music and entertainment pioneers Deko Entertainment. Jay Jay French finds an audio bargain in the Vanatoo Transparent Encore One+ desktop speaker system.

Rich Isaacs covers the 2023 California Audio Show, and Harris Fogel has a photo essay on T.H.E. Show 2023. Howard Kneller has a look From The Listening Chair at the Synergistic Research Network Router UEF. We present the first installment in PMA Magazine’s series, Treasures from the Vinyl Vault, by Claude Lemaire. J.I. Agnew wraps up his series on how records are made. Ken Kessler revisits his reel-to-reel roots. Anne E. Johnson digs the music of Miles Davis. John Seetoo concludes his interview with June Millington of pioneering female rock group Fanny. We wrap up the issue by getting into the groove, listening to future sounds, ending the tape, and viewing a Halloween head shot.

Contributors to this issue: J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Harris Fogel, Jay Jay French, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Ken Kessler, Howard Kneller, Tom Lane, Claude Lemaire, Wayne Robins, James Schrimpf, John Seetoo, Russ Welton, Peter Xeni, James Whitworth

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

“The songwriter can make you laugh or cry
He’s pumping gas at night just to survive
And all he asks of you is to sing his songs
And put his name in lights where it belongs” – “Songwriter,” the Good Rats

In this issue: I ask: are imperfect audio systems a bad thing? Anne E. Johnson covers the career of jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges, and listens to unusual madrigals. J.I. Agnew continues his examination of how records are made with a look at record plating and pressing. Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan enjoys a little knight music. Ken Kessler keeps spinning his reel-to-reel tales. Jay Jay French has his life changed by guitarist Mick Ronson. John Seetoo continues his interview with June Millington of pioneering female rock group Fanny.

FIDELITY magazine offers some loudspeaker crossover design basics, while PMA magazine looks at the contributions of audio pioneers Chester W. Rice and Edward W. Kellogg. Roy Hall goes on a boat trip. Russ Welton considers the effects of listening rooms and speaker performance. Ivan Berger revisits the legendary Acoustic Research AR XA turntable. We round out the issue with freedom from choice, separation anxiety, audio realism, and a free electron.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Steve Kindig, Ted Shafran, 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, Frank Doris

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

“Wo-oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?” Issue 198 is the 100th issue of Copper I’ve edited. Whoa! I want to thank all the wonderful people on the Copper staff who have provided inspiration, encouragement, constructive criticism, life advice, moral support, friendship – and such exceptional writing and artwork. And of course, Copper’s readers, who I consider to be an extended family. I thank everyone profusely for helping us get to such a monumental milestone.

If the opening lyric doesn’t ring a bell (I’m sure it does for many of you), it’s a line from “Uncle John’s Band” by the Grateful Dead, asking a question that gets no less weighty as time goes on.

In this issue: I interview world-renowned classical guitarist Ana Vidović about her new Octave Records release, Ana Vidović Live at Hampden Hall. Wayne Robins chronicles the Invasion of the Steely Dan Stans. Anne E. Johnson covers the career of jazz pianist Marian McPartland. J.I. Agnew looks at how records are made. FIDELITY magazine pays a visit to Swiss loudspeaker manufacturer Piega. Rich Isaacs’ musical journey starts with a 45. Steven Bryan Bieler listens to an indestructible audio component.

Tom Gibbs has a tutorial on SACD and DSD ripping. John Seetoo revisits his interview series with June Millington of groundbreaking female rock group Fanny. Jay Jay French is mesmerized by blues guitarist Albert King. Ken Kessler revisits his reel-to-reel roots. Professor Larry Schenbeck ponders Henry Purcell’s opera King Arthur. Alón Sagee attends a life-changing classical concert. We wrap up the issue with wedding belle blues, the healing power of music, portable audio, and an unexpected opening. 

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Steve Kindig, Ted Shafran, 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, Frank Doris

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

Feet on the ground
Head in the sky
It's OK, I know nothing's wrong... nothing

– Talking Heads, “This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)”

In this issue: I write a tract about my experiences with cataract surgery. Rudy Radelic continues his series on tré-cool singer/songwriter Michael Franks. Harris Fogel has more scenes from the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society. B. Jan Montana considers the advantages of listening at home rather than the concert hall. The Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan enjoys some A-sides. We feature part two of PMA Magazine’s advice on improving your audio system with your mind.

Ken Sander remembers a 1960s Thanksgiving at the Fillmore East. Roy Hall crashes some parties. J.I. Agnew analyzes the sound of recorded music. Anne E. Johnson delves into the music of Native American singer/songwriter Pura Fé. Ken Kessler spins further down into his reel-to-reel roots. Jay Jay French continues his series on guitar influences with guitar god Eric Clapton. Russ Welton has more advice on subwoofer setup. We conclude the issue with a shaky start, a generation gap, a starter stereo system, and subwoofer artistry.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Steve Kindig, Ted Shafran, 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, Frank Doris

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

I could feel at the time
There was no way of knowing
Fallen leaves in the night
Who can say where they're blowing? – Roxy Music, “More Than This”

In this issue: Harris Fogel and the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society visit AudioQuest, and two California dealers. I pay a visit to the audiologist, and have to face the music. Jay Jay French talks about a few of his major guitar heroes. Anne E. Johnson likes Brooklyn indie band Sunflower Bean and virtuoso composer/harpsichordist Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre. B. Jan Montana contemplates Zen and the art of sound reproduction. We rewind Ken Kessler’s series on reel-to-reel tape. John Seetoo finishes his interview with legendary mastering engineer Steve Hoffman.

We have two international guest articles: Canada’s PMA magazine offers advice on improving your sound system with your mind, and Germany’s FIDELITY celebrates the 140^th anniversary of turntable legend Thorens. Russ Welton offers advice on subwoofer setup. Professor Larry Schenbeck concludes his series on the role of the violin in the orchestra. J.I. Agnew creates a strange electrochemical synthesizer. We end the issue with a sow’s ear, the look of love, a high-ranking stereo system, and a confusing perspective.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Steve Kindig, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

“When you’re not afraid to do it wrong the first time, you’ll eventually get it right.” I hadn’t seen an inspirational fortune cookie in a while, until I came across that one.

We mourn the passing of Robbie Robertson, who went across the great divide at age 80. A Canadian who created much of the foundation for Americana as a member of the Band and a solo artist, and who earlier played with Little Caesar and the Consuls, Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, Bob Dylan, and others. His contribution to rock music can be appreciated just by noting some of the songs he wrote: “The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” ‘The Shape I’m In,” “Stage Fright, “Acadian Driftwood”…songs that are woven into the fabric of our lives. 

In this issue: I cover two new releases from Octave Records, the remastered Say Somethin’ by jazz trumpeter Gabriel Mervine, complete with bonus tracks, and Off the Cuff – Live at Meadowlark by the radiant jazz/funk/fusion guitarist Enmanuel Alexander and his remarkable band. I interviewed Mervine and Alexander, who have some interesting things to say about music, and life. Australian author Tony Wellington has musical memories. Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan gets into cool jazz. Andrew Daly talks with Josh Caterer of indie titans Smoking Popes.

Anne E. Johnson revisits singer/songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou, and lute music of the 16^th and 17^th centuries. J.I. Agnew has a look at an extremely refined home audio system. B. Jan Montana ponders simple acoustics and complicated spouses. We re-run one of our favorite articles from professor Larry Schenbeck, on the role of the violin in the orchestra. Jay Jay French looks back at one of his major guitar influences: Mike Bloomfield. John Seetoo interviews mastering engineer extraordinaire Steve Hoffman. The issue wraps up with a singing stranger, a sound pension plan, goin’ to the bank, and shadow photography.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Steve Kindig, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

Beginning next issue, your editor is going to take a little bit of a break. We’ll still be publishing every two weeks, but through the rest of the summer and early fall Copper will have a greater percentage of legacy content along with some new articles, including material written by yours truly. The wonderful Copper staff and myself have worked extremely hard to make it the publication you enjoy today, and I haven’t taken a vacation in over 10 years, so it’s time to take the foot off the accelerator for a lap or two.

In this issue: PS Audio’s very own Alvaro Reyes went to a Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert, and was impressed – to say the least. Stuart Marvin talks with writer/director/producer Bill Pohlad about the Dreamin’ Wild movie, the story of Donnie and Joe Emerson and their rediscovered album of the same name. Ray Chelstowski interviews Juliana Hatfield about her new album of Electric Light Orchestra songs. Jeff Weiner pays another visit to the Musical Instrument Museum. Harris Fogel looks back at CES 2023, with lots of photos as usual. The Cable Doctor, Ken Sander, makes more house calls.

J.I. Agnew restores a classic Thorens TD160 turntable in his quest for accurate record reproduction. Larry Jaffee has grown to like his parents’ music. Andrew Daly talks with Mandy Clarke, bassist extraordinaire for Bombskare and KT Tunstall. Anne E. Johnson enjoys the versatility of bluegrass fiddle legend Vassar Clements, and channels England’s musical history with Benjamin Britten. We run Part Three of FIDELITY magazine’s coverage of the Munich HIGH END 2023 show, with a focus on loudspeakers. Cut, print, it’s a wrap for Issue 194 with a not-so-modern engineering marvel, avian and canine Elvis fans, and…Bert Lahr in Carbonite?

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Steve Kindig, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

R.I.P. Tony Bennett, one of the most legendary figures in popular music. Bennett had such an iconic presence that t's impossible to sum up his 96-year life in a couple of sentences, but, some highlights: he received 20 Grammy awards including Best Solo Performance, Male for "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" in 1963. He was a Kennedy Center honoree. Aside from his many albums as a solo artist he worked with Bill Evans, Lady Gaga, Billie Holiday, guitarist and musical director Chuck Wayne, Amy Winehouse, Billy Joel, and many others. He left an indelible imprint.

In this issue: I cover Octave Records’ latest, Decades, by the extraordinary jazz pianist Erik Deutsch. Wayne Robins has a historical interview with the Kinks’ Ray Davies about an underappreciated album in their catalog, and Jay Jay French rediscovers an underrated gem, the Beach Boys’ Sunflower. J.I. Agnew sees that there are limits to getting sound onto analog and digital media. B. Jan Montana ponders the question: which audio system is best? I speak with USound engineer Andrea Greco about their MEMS microminiature speaker technology and its implications. The Cable Doctor Ken Sander makes more house calls.

John Seetoo interviews Victor Janacua about the new Silent Zoo Studios and the last days of United Recording. Anne E. Johnson looks at the career of soul legend Raphael Saadiq. We offer Part Two of FIDELITY magazine’s Munich HIGH END 2023 show report. Ray Chelstowski talks with guitar titan Monster Mike Welch, and Andrew Daly puts his head together with Guitar World editor and Maebe maven Michael Astley-Brown. Rich Isaacs recommends another desert island disc. We conclude the issue with crunch time, dog ears, selective hearing, and another Copper audio experience.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Russ Welton, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

This just in: Stop Making Sense, the iconic Talking Heads live concert film, will be re-released on August 18 in a restored 4K version courtesy of A24, in tandem with 2-LP, digital, and Dolby Atmos releases from Rhino. That’s news in itself, but there’s more: these versions will for the first time include the complete concert, with two previously-unreleased songs, “Cities” and “Big Business/I Zimbra.” Heaven is a place where something sometimes happens.

In this issue: Don Lindich has another look at AXPONA 2023. I cover Octave Records’ The Art of Hi-Fi Volume 02: Soundstage, and talk with Paul McGowan about the topic. Andrew Daly talks with indie rocker Joe Cannon of Resurrectionists, and Gideon King of New York City’s soulful Gideon King & City Blog. Russ Welton asks: can we expand the ways in which we listen to music? J.I. Agnew pushes the limits of recording audio.

Harris Fogel visits high-end headphones maker Audeze. We run Part One of FIDELITY magazine’s Munich HIGH END 2023 show report. Howard Kneller dreams about an $8,200 power cord. Anne E. Johnson grooves to jazz bass legend Ron Carter, and recent recordings of pre-Baroque composer Tomaso Albinoni. We close the issue with a seal of approval, heavenly blues, and a stairway to knowledge.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

“I know what I like, and I like what I know” – Genesis, “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)”

Well, there’s comfort in the tried and true, but as an audiophile we can’t stop seeking new listening experiences. I'd forgotten how much of a rush it can be to upgrade your audio system, in this case with my recent acquisition of a new CD transport. I had written off the medium as an also-ran to high-res streaming audio, but now I look forward to rediscovering my CD collection anew. How cool is that? My records aren’t going anywhere, though.

In this issue: Ken Kessler has an exclusive on a revival of a legendary Lowther loudspeaker. Anne E. Johnson listens to Living Colour break rock music stereotypes. The Cable Doctor, Ken Sander, calls on Miloš Forman. Adrian Wu brings us more coverage of the Munich HIGH END 2023 show. The Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan presents a Playbill for an imaginary musical. Ray Chelstowski dials in with New York rockers The Midnight Callers. Howard Kneller takes The Listening Chair for a session with Matrix Audio’s X-SABRE 3 DAC. J.I. Agnew restores vintage SME tonearms.

I cover Octave Records’ latest release, Thom LaFond’s Lawless – a musical love story between a human and an alien, and encounter an unusual chat about audio writing. Andrew Daly talks with Barb Hendrickson and Allan Vest of indie duo doubleVee. B. Jan Montana covers T.H.E Show 2023, an audio show that’s growing in importance – and fun factor. Rudy Radelic covers the music of Michael Franks, “some old jazz guy.” We conclude the issue with solitary listening, reel life, a surrealistic audio zone, and Trixie the Ticket Taker.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

Astrud Gilberto – the voice of an angel, the Girl From Ipanema. Sadly, she left us at 83, but the timeless gift of her music lives on.

For sheer musical and sonic bliss, listen to Getz Au Go Go.

In this issue: I cover Octave Records’ latest, Ancient Rhythms by guitarist Bill Kopper, who blends Brazilian, African, jazz and other musical influences into a compelling new sound. J.I. Agnew asks: original vinyl pressings vs. re-pressings – how do you choose? Adrian Wu pays a visit to legendary audio designer and writer Jean Hiraga, then heads to the Munich HIGH END 2023 show. Russ Welton concludes his interview with Dr. Sean Olive, acoustic researcher at Harman International. Ted Shafran reconsiders the work of conductor James Levine. Jay Jay French boogies with Canned Heat. Ken Kessler continues his investigation into the cassette…revival?

Don Lindich tells us what he saw at AXPONA 2023, and B. Jan Montana has a report from the 2023 NAMM show, where musical instruments and gear of all types are on exhibit. Tom Methans checks out the new documentary, Personality Crisis: The Story of David Johansen. Andrew Daly talks with jazz/funk bassist Mitchell Coleman Jr. Anne E. Johnson tells us about jazz vocalese virtuoso Kurt Elling, and Maurice Ravel’s piano and chamber works. Howard Knelling sits in The Listening Chair to audition the Technics EAH-A800 headphones. We run an interesting article from FIDELITY magazine about an unexpected evaluation of loudspeaker tonality and imaging. We end the issue on an astral plane, by a test bench, and with a view of walking in Bisbee.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

Copper’s Dan Schwartz was a true friend – the kind who told you what you needed to hear, not what you wanted to hear. Sadly, he left us on May 16, 2023 at age 66. He will be deeply missed. My tribute to Dan is in this issue.

We mourn the loss of Tina Turner. Where do we begin about this musical force of nature, the Queen of Rock and Roll? Beginning her career with Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm in 1957, they scored major hits with “Proud Mary,” River Deep – Mountain High” and others – and then Tina Turner went on to an even more dazzling solo career. 1984’s Private Dancer yielded multiple hits, including the smash, “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” She sold more than 100 million records, and received 12 Grammy awards and numerous additional accolades. RIP to a legend.

Also in this issue: Anne E. Johnson appreciates Alan Jackson keeping it country. Ken Kessler has thoughts about the cassette tape…revival? Wayne Robins reviews Paul Simon’s latest album, Seven Psalms. Tom Gibbs gets excited about the Topping E70 Velvet DAC, and Andrew Daly is wowed by If… David Heatley’s new album. I review the new Kinks anthology, The Journey – Part 1. Rudy Radelic drives through another road rally for lemons.

Russ Welton interviews Dr. Sean Olive, senior fellow, acoustic research at Harman International. J.I. Agnew restores a Presto record lathe cutter head. Rich Isaacs picks another desert island disc. Howard Kneller spends time with the Linn Magik DAC in The Listening Chair. Ray Chelstowski talks with singer/songwriter Parker Millsap. We conclude the issue with audio shelving, a request to be seated, a disconnect, and some old timer rock and roll.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

I’m delighted to say that the ability to add comments to articles is back. Readers really missed this, as did I. However, since Copper is using a new platform, Disqus, you will have to do a one-time registration as a user (if you aren’t already registered). Let the conversations resume!

In this issue: Roy Hall meets a most interesting man. Harris Fogel saw a lot of people and gear at the CanJam 2023 headphone show. J.I. Agnew looks at the importance of good AC power. I review Octave Records’ latest, Conversations by composer Gustav Hoyer (and have quite a conversation with him), and Impex Records’ 1Step 2-LP 45 RPM release of Patricia Barber’s Nightclub. B. Jan Montana visits the automotive 2023 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. We feature FIDELITY magazine’s visit to D’Agostino Master Audio Systems. Larry Jaffee is happy about the rebirth of Tower Records.

Noted audio writer Brent Butterworth sits in and asks: does surround sound have a future in jazz? Andrew Daly chats with noted Americana artist Dan Montgomery and his return to his rock roots. Anne E. Johnson looks at the career of Latin music titan Tito Puente, and new recordings of medieval vocal music. John Seetoo talks with George LaGrange and Joe Vitale of rockers American Nomads. Howard Kneller sits in The Listening Chair to enjoy an integrated amplifier from Tsakiridis Devices. We conclude the issue with pipedreams, a heap of audio bargains, and a copper audio experience.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

Audio Expo North America, better known as AXPONA 2023 was a roaring success. The mood was upbeat, the exhibitors (including PS Audio) were plentiful, and from the looks of it, the attendees had a great time. Copper had three of us on the scene – myself, Rudy Radelic, and Jay Jay French. Our observations are in this issue here (Frank), here (Rudy), and here (Jay Jay).

We mourn the loss of Harry Belafonte (96). He began his career in the 1950s singing calypso music and soon branched out to become an international popular music sensation as a singer and actor. One of the few people to have ever won EGOT accolades (for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards), he also became an important activist during the civil rights movement and beyond. It’s no exaggeration to say he was one of the greatest performers who ever lived.

Also in this issue: Anne E. Johnson rhapsodizes about another great singer, Darlene Love. J.I. Agnew restores a Rek-O-Cut lathe (you can guess what it’s used for). Ken Kessler visits the annual Tonbridge AudioJumble. Harris Fogel gets educated at an Audio Engineering Society (AES) convention. John Seetoo interviews legendary recording engineer Bill Schnee. Ray Chelstowski talks with New Orleans music great Ivan Neville.

Russ Welton notes that when it comes to brick-and-mortar retailers, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Andrew Daly interviews up-and-coming guitarist Nick Lisanti. Howard Kneller enjoys the Waversa Systems WBridge Standard DAC. We wrap up the issue with alternate reality, a ripping encounter, a timeless meter, and a view from the sky.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

As noted in the last issue, Copper’s gone to a new web platform. Though there’s still a bit of a learning curve, we’ve worked out a lot of the kinks (in my case, while listening to the new The Journey, Part 1 collection by the Kinks). For example, hyperlinks now appear in blue, you can now click on the images in the Table of Contents page to get to the articles, and the Download PDF button works, although the navigation and formatting need tweaking. (Click on the Download PDF button, then right-click inside the PDF when it appears, and click on Save As to get an HTML page on your desktop.) We continue to work hard on making this and other aspects of Copper as good as they can be.

In this issue: I cover Octave Records’ latest, the jazz-flavored Bishop’s Lair by the Tom Amend Octet. Rudy Radelic continues his series on CTI Records with a listen to the label’s prominent keyboard players. As part of our article exchange program with Germany’s FIDELITY magazine, we present a tour of Wilson Audio. Adrian Wu has more confessions of a tube collector. Andrew Daly interviews Australian guitar alchemist Luke Stamenkovich. Tom Methans has something to say about today’s concert ticket pricing. Jeff Weiner takes another tour through Arizona's' Musical Instrument Museum. 

Anne E. Johnson explores the chamber music of Gioachino Rossini, and digs jazz bass master Christian McBride. Howard Kneller gets comfortable in The Listening Chair with the xDuoo TA-30 headphone amp/DAC. Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan enjoys more music for solo and duo artists. Steven Bryan Bieler has tips for stereo buying for audio newbies, while J.I. Agnew conducts an audio crime scene investigation. Tom Gibbs attempts to improve SACD playback with an inexpensive device. The issue concludes with a meeting of the minds, singin’ in the studio, and parallel lines.

Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s gone to a new web platform, as many of you have undoubtedly noticed. We’ve got new features like a search bar (yay!), and others – but there are also some bugs. We are aware of these growing pains and are working mightily to fix them. One thing in particular to point out: you can now download the issue as a PDF again (yay again!) but for now the navigation is clunky. Here’s how to do it:

Click on the Download PDF link at the top of the issue’s opening page (under the issue number). This will take you to a new screen. However, there’s no obvious Save or other button. You will need to go to Print on your browser, and then choose Save as PDF, or in some browsers, Print as PDF. On Chrome, in the Print menu, go to Destination, then choose Save as PDF from the drop-down menu. For Safari, go to the Print menu, then click on the PDF button and choose Save as PDF from the drop-down menu. We promise we’re working to make this easier!

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson listens to the Bangles. John Seetoo reports on CanJam 2023, the specialty headphones show. Wayne Robins has thoughts on the Rolling Stones’ pivotal Between the Buttons album. J.I. Agnew repairs a vintage Western Electric record lathe cutter head, and Rich Isaacs has an easy fix for off-center records. I conclude my interview with Dave Rusan, audiophile and maker of Prince’s Cloud guitars. Ray Chelstowski talks with the brilliant indie-folk-rock songwriter Eric D. Johnson of Fruit Bats.

Larry Jaffee remembers legendary producer Phil Ramone on the 10^th anniversary of his passing. Harris Fogel tells us why digital asset management is important, and not just for music. Russ Welton concludes his interview with Scott Smith and Tadd Swanlund of eartip maker Comply Foam on how to get the best sound from in-ear headphones. Andrew Daly checks in with up-and-coming Canadian guitarist Sierra Levesque. Howard Kneller sits in The Listening Chair to admire an Acoustic Signature turntable. We wrap up the issue with box speakers, tailor-made listening, vestibular vertigo, and a window into the past.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Mike Kuller, former writer for The Absolute Sound, has a new book, The Lucky Audiophile. It’s the story of Mike’s lifelong journey through music and audio, and has lots of details about high-end gear, bands, and some of the people involved in our audio world. (Full disclosure – I received an advance copy and have a blurb on the back cover.) It’s available at Amazon via this link.

The Audiophile Society, founded by David Chesky of Chesky Records and HDtracks, is offering Copper readers a free hi-res audio download of The Hi-Fi Collective album. It’s produced in The Audiophile Society’s 3D Mega-Dimensional Sound, a proprietary immersive audio process that offers mixes tailored for both speakers and headphones. Copper readers can get their download here. It’ll be available for 90 days.

In this issue: B. Jan Montana is back with a new series, Pilgrimage to Europe. Tom Gibbs concludes his report on Florida Audio Expo 2023. Anne E. Johnson looks at the lives of saxophone great Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and Heinrich Schütz, who composed the foundation for German classical music. J.I. Agnew tells us about a clever record centering device. Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan begins a new series, “And a One, and a Two…” on unique music written for solo or duo performers. Jay Jay French has thoughts about the movie Tár.

I interview Dave Rusan of Rusan Guitarworks, builder of Prince’s “Cloud” axes, and cover Octave Records’ latest release: Gabriella by Miguel Espinoza Fusion, with a conversation with Espinoza about the group’s heady mix of flamenco, Indian, world and other music. Tom Methans offers a tribute to the late guitarist Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Andrew Daly has a conversation with Michael Jurin of underappreciated indie band Stellastarr. Howard Kneller puts Bache Audio in The Listening Chair. We conclude the issue with some wordplay, magnetic attraction, and a slow ride.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Jack Flory, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

“The band in Heaven, they play my favorite song
Play it once again, play it all night long.” – Talking Heads, “Heaven”

In this issue: John Seetoo talks with Grammy-winning engineers Jim Anderson and Ulrike Schwarz to find out how they recorded Jane Ira Bloom’s new album live in high-res audio – without the musicians being in the same room. Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan enjoys music from around the world. I cover Octave Records’ latest release, Clandestine Amigo's Pinnacle. J.I. Agnew examines the evolution of analog reverberation devices. Harris Fogel has more from Capital Audiofest 2022. Howard Kneller spends time with the Esoteric Grandioso G1X Master Clock Generator. Tom Methans says the best Yes album is…Drama. Ray Chelstowski asks Foreigner frontman Kelly Hansen about the band’s upcoming farewell tour.

Ken Kessler wraps up his series celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the classic Linn Sondek LP12 turntable. Rich Isaacs hears some unusual cover versions of favorite songs. Russ Welton checks out in-ear headphones. Rudy Radelic continues his series on CTI Records. Andrew Daly asks indie producer/musician Butch Vig about his time with Nirvana, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins and others. Steven Bryan Bieler aces his musical stress test. Anne E. Johnson covers the careers of folk-rock pioneers the Byrds, and Jutta Hipp, the jazz piano virtuoso who disappeared. The Copper A/V squad gets spaced out, encounters the X-factor, has an empty feeling, and travels the road not easily taken.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Jack Flory, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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: No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy: Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

– FD

Sadly, we’ve lost a lot of great artists, but this one hit particularly hard for a lot of us: Jeff Beck passed away on January 10, 2023 at the age of 78. His prominence as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time cannot be overstated: no one else sounded like him or ever will in his ability to effortlessly and astoundingly bend the electric guitar to his musical wishes.

We’re also saddened by the death of singer/songwriter Lisa Marie Presley at 54. The only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie had worked in the music industry and released three albums. RIP to someone who left us far too soon.

In this issue: Jay Jay French remembers Jeff Beck. Anne E. Johnson enjoys new interpretations of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and the men behind the masks of Daft Punk. Wayne Robins re-listens to Stephen Stills’ Manassas. Andrew Daly talks with influential indie label producer and Garbage drummer Butch Vig. J.I. Agnew reads Passion for Vinyl as he goes around the world in 80 (record-cutting) lathes. I cover the launch of Octave Records’ new The Art of Hi-Fi series and its first release, Volume 01: Bass. Harris Fogel makes the scene at Capital Audiofest. Howard Kneller checks out xDuoo’s MT-604 headphone amplifier. Ken Kessler continues his 50^th anniversary look at the fabled Linn LP12 turntable, and has a tense encounter with founder Ivor Tiefenbrun.

Rudy Radelic continues his exploration of CTI Records with a look at some of the label’s subsidiaries. Ken Sander puts a borrowed Porsche through the paces and encounters Miles Davis. Tom Methans covers Philly’s record store scene. Ray Chelstowski talks with Wicked Cool Records rocker Ryan Hamilton. Larry Jaffee looks at home entertainment formats over the past 50 years. John Seetoo interviews “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life” Academy award-winning songwriter John DeNicola. Russ Welton begins a series on in-ear headphones. Tom Gibbs gets his new listening rooms in order. We conclude the issue with ephemeral music, naming a newborn, a tough decision, and a message from the street.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, Harris Fogel, 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, Jack Flory, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Ted Shafran, 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:

No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy:

Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

– FD

We are saddened by the loss of Loretta Lynn (90), one of the most iconic and groundbreaking country music artists of all time. Immortalized in the movie Coal Miner’s Daughter, Lynn worked her way from hardship to becoming the most awarded female country artist ever, with 24 number 1 singles and 11 number 1 albums. RIP to a true legend.

I recently became a member of Club 19. That, and a couple of other curveballs have meant that I haven’t been writing as much as usual lately. But I’ll be swinging for the fences again soon.

In this issue: John Seetoo continues his interview with the masterful mastering engineer Piper Payne. Harris Fogel wraps up his NAMM 2022 coverage. B. Jan Montana delves further into his journey. I cover Octave Records’ new speaker setup book and disc, The Audiophile’s Guide: The Loudspeaker, with an interview with PS Audio’s own Paul McGowan. Dan Schwartz remembers instrument maker Rick Turner. Ken Sander evaluates the Best of CES. Russ Welton strives for a good phantom center channel. Ken Kessler visits AudioJumble and sees evidence of a reel-to-reel revival. Rich Isaacs has another installment of Complete Recovery, unusual takes on cover songs.

J.I. Agnew digs into Lyrec record cutting lathes. Ted Shafran offers Part Two of his desert island classical discs series. Tom Methans considers rock and roll merchandising. The Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan has a scary tale about Dracula. Andrew Daly has some long-term perspective on Neil Young’s Ditch Trilogy. Rudy Radelic continues his 50^th Anniversary series of A&M Records with a look at some jazz releases. Ray Chelstowski talks with Jim Kerr of Simple Minds. Larry Jaffee says the music of the 1980s is unfairly maligned. Anne E. Johnson covers the careers of psychedelic rock pioneers Buffalo Springfield and jazz guitar virtuoso Pat Metheny. The issue concludes with clean sound, a geometric progression, good prospecting, and unlikely beauty.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Andrew Daly, 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, 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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

Copper’s Comments Policy

Please be aware that Copper’s comments sections are moderated. While we encourage thoughtful and spirited discussion, please be civil.

The editor and Copper’s editorial staff reserve the right to delete comments according to our discretion. This includes: political commentary; posts that are abusive, insulting, demeaning or defamatory; posts that are in violation of someone’s privacy; comments that violate the use of copyrighted information; posts that contain personal information; and comments that contain links to suspect websites (phishing sites or those that contain viruses and so on). Spam will be blocked or deleted.

Copper is a place to be enthusiastic about music, audio and other topics. It is most especially not a forum for political discussion, trolling, or rude behavior. Thanks for your consideration.

 – FD

For though your ship be sturdy
No mercy has the sea
Will you survive on the ocean of being?

– Genesis, “Watcher of the Skies”

As long as I gaze on
Waterloo sunset
I am in paradise

– The Kinks, “Waterloo Sunset”

In this issue: Rich Isaacs finds audio nirvana. B. Jan Montana has time to ponder on his epic journey. Anne E. Johnson finds the essence of bossa nova in Astrud Gilberto and looks at the all-too-brief but remarkable career of Amy Winehouse. Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan enjoys more jazz. Ray Chelstowski talks with unstoppable rockers Collective Soul. Alón Sagee concludes his interview with synesthetic artist Melissa McCracken. Stuart Marvin examines audiophilia. We have two reports on the new Sphere Immersive Sound (SIS) live-audio system, from Tom Methans and Jay Jay French.

Russ Welton recognizes excellent customer service. Andrew Daly asks Sophia Marie what it’s like to start out as a young artist. I have a conversation with Dan Mackta of high-res audio provider Qobuz. J.I. Agnew takes a close look at more Japanese record cutting lathes. Ken Kessler says noodge and ye shall receive when it comes to reel-to-reel hardware. Rudy Radelic gets to the finish line of the Rust Belt Ramble lemons rally, and remembers the late jazz producer Creed Taylor. The Copper A/V department gets tapped out, analytical, tries to connect, and goes to the movies.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

Through good times and bad, we always have the memories. Until we forget them. I hope I haven’t used that one before.

In this issue: Ray Chelstowski interviews the spellbinding guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. Tom Methans goes through Amoeba Music’s What’s in My Bag? YouTube series. B. Jan Montana’s epic journey forges ahead. Rudy Radelic drives on another Lemons auto rally. Jay Jay French reviews a recent Dead & Company concert at Citi Field. Ken Kessler reviews Richard Colburn’s new book, Adventures in Hi-Fi. John Seetoo looks at music stars who have embraced supporting roles. Rich Isaacs meets Brazilian musical superstar Sergio Mendes. Jeff Weiner revisits the Museum of Musical History.

I continue my Confessions of a Setup Man series with some thoughts on avoiding audio burnout. Harris Fogel reports on T.H.E. Show 2022. J.I. Agnew contemplates cutting lathes and cameras. Andrew Daly talks with folk/Americana artist Lilli Lewis. The Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan listens to all that jazz. Russ Welton tells of thieves, golden boys and trust in the retail sector. Guest contributor Sameer Verma sneaks away from a wedding to visit the legendary jazz recording mecca Van Gelder Studio. Anne E. Johnson covers the career of jazz trumpeter Roy Eldridge, and…oh no, it’s Devo! The Copper A/V squad caps the issue with blues and greens, a tale of the tape, musical divergence, and a Kloss encounter.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

As a fortune cookie connoisseur, this one caught my eye: “We all live under the same sky, but we don’t see the same light.” Quite a profundity from the usually prosaic, sometimes humorous, and often inscrutable Golden Bowl company. And what’s up with this eBay fortune cookie auction?

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson tells of glorious music from Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, and grooves on the queen of country, Kitty Wells. Wayne Robins enjoys Grupo Rebolú's Afro-Colombian breakthrough. I cover Octave Records’ new country/Americana/rock release, Nightmares by Gasoline Lollipops. Jeff Weiner takes us inside Arizona's Musical instrument Museum. B. Jan Montana is deeply affected by music. J.I. Agnew delves into the work of cutting lathe artisan Jędrzej Kubiak. Ted Shafran tells us where to buy high-quality classical music downloads. Tom Methans visits Steinway & Sons and finds an interesting piano development.

Ken Sander sets the Wayback Machine to CES, and gets Technomania. Rudy Radelic covers A&M Records during the 1980s and 1990s. Ken Kessler gives reel-to-reel tape labels some stick. John Seetoo takes us through the evolution of in-ear monitors. Ray Chelstowski talks with Cincinnati favorites The Harlequins. Steven Bryan Bieler explains his dogs…by album titles. Andrew Daly likes women who rock. I conclude my interview with Larry Jaffee of Making Vinyl. Russ Welton ponders vinyl, and the world’s best stereo system. The issue concludes with dog’s ears, stubborn audiophiles, high fi, and a big sky.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

We are pleased to say that audio reviewer and photographer Howard Kneller has launched a YouTube channel called “The Listening Chair.” Howard is a regular contributor to Copper and his work has appeared in publications including The SoundStage! Network and Sound & Vision. He’s traveled the world and you can enjoy his audio adventures by clicking on this link.

In this issue: Roy Hall is back, and he has memoirs. Anne E. Johnson finds much to admire in the music of blues giant Paul Butterfield and the decades-long career of jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi. J.I. Agnew has a look at more record cutting lathe artisans. Tom Gibbs has an in-depth look at the new Saturday Night in San Francisco album, featuring guitarists John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucia. B. Jan Montana encounters an extraordinary woman. Tim Riley reviews the new Elvis movie featuring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. I interview Copper contributor Larry Jaffee of the industry trade organization Making Vinyl. Ken Kessler keeps on plugging when it comes to reel-to-reel decks.

Harris Fogel visits the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society. John Seetoo covers the Audio Engineering Society’s Europe Spring 2022 convention. Jay Jay French tells us when domestic bliss is an audio miss. Audio meets fine art when Tom Methans attends Devon Turnbull's listening exhibition. Steve Kindig visits the music of Madagascar. Ray Chelstowski talks with Buffalo Springfield and Poco founding member Richie Furay about his new album. Rudy Radelic isn’t buying new vinyl. Andrew Daly interviews experimental musician Billy Yfantis. Russ Welton gets more out of Yamaha’s online receiver setup utility. Rich Isaacs is fond of cats (and dogs). The Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan can’t get earworms out of his head. The issue concludes with some bottled up feelings, a hard day’s night, a system that has everything, and some big horns.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

I’ve noted before that I’m a connoisseur of silly fortune cookie sayings. I read one that said, “To truly find yourself, you should play hide and seek alone.” Maybe finding the end of a Möbius strip would be easier.

In this issue: Tom Methans visits DeVore Fidelity. Rudy Radelic continues his series on A&M Records, going back to the Eighties. I cover the latest from Octave Records, Mini Brazilian Beasts by jazz pianist/composer Carmen Sandim. J.I. Agnew continues his series on record cutting lathes with a look at specialist maker FloKaSon. Ken Kessler gets his tape deck really hooked up. Anne E. Johnson delves into the music of singer/songwriter extraordinaire Rufus Wainwright, and Marin Marais’s works for viola da gamba. When it comes to A/V receiver setup, Russ Welton finds that the web is your friend. Ken Sander remembers the good old days of CES. Tom Gibbs auditions more XTC reissues in high-res and surround sound. B. Jan Montana moves ever onward in his epic journey.

John Seetoo finds more audio knowledge at the Audio Engineering Society’s Europe Spring 2022 convention. Ray Chelstowski goes back to Manhattan jazz landmark Arthur’s Tavern and talks with the Blue Note Entertainment Group’s Tsion Bensusan. I finally get around to my next installment on 150 favorite rock albums. Stuart Marvin is happy to be going to concerts again, especially the Climate Pledge Arena, while Jack Flory continues his series on favorite concert venues with a big one: Madison Square Garden. Rhythm guitarists are essential to rock and roll, and Andrew Daly tells why. Ted Shafran finds a way to organize a classical music collection. The Copper A/V squad concludes the issue with an incredible shrinking man, a nightmare at 20,000 feet, a plug and play character, and far above Cayuga’s waters.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

As a bandmate likes to say, a day without the Beatles is like a day without sunshine. Saturday, June 25 is Global Beatles Day (yes, it’s a thing) and was founded in 2009 by Beatles fan Faith Cohen. To celebrate, the website advises us to listen to the Beatles, spread love and popularity, and watch a Beatles movie.

We are saddened to learn that Peter Breuninger, founder of audio website AV Showrooms, passed away on June 14. Peter was an indefatigable presence at audio shows and industry events, seemingly everywhere at once, well-known to everyone in the industry. His videos of exhibit rooms had become, in my mind, a kind of audio tradition. I met Peter and his wife Terry countless times at over the decades and we always had a good time talking about all things audio at shows and events. Our deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends.

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson gives us eight great tracks from saxophone legend Zoot Sims, and covers the career of soul originators the Staple Singers. J.I. Agnew checks out classic Scully record cutting lathes. Tom Gibbs listens to high-resolution reissues from pop iconoclasts XTC. Jay Jay French has warm memories of summer songs. B. Jan Montana keeps riding on. Ken Kessler offers Part Two of his coverage of the recent UK Tonbridge AudioJumble. Craig Burgess follows up on his experiences with aging ears. Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan wants to play it again, Sam. Tom Methans digs the poetry of John Cooper Clarke.

John Seetoo reports on some interesting findings at the Audio Engineering Society’s Europe Spring 2022 convention. Steven Bryan Bieler uncovers further secrets of tribute albums. Jack Flory continues his series on favorite concert venues, taking in some noteworthy Colorado music stops. Ray Chelstowski talks with Colin Blunstone, singer for British Invasion Hall of Famers the Zombies. Rich Isaacs has a fond look at cats and dogs…well, mostly cats. Rudy Radelic continues his series on A&M Records with a look at some of the label’s R&B and funk releases. Andrew Daly ponders the perennial question: who's better, the Beatles, or the Stones? Russ Welton concludes his interview with vinyl mastering engineer Lewis Hopkin. We wrap up the issue with reincarnation, deflation, millinery, and patience.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

Sometimes, music is good. Other times, silence is good.

It is with sadness that we report that Mr. Atsushi Miura, the founder of high-end tube electronics company AIR TIGHT, has passed away at the age of 88. Recipient of a High-End Audio Hall of Fame award from The Absolute Sound, Miura was the creator of a number of superb-sounding, impeccably built vacuum-tube components, many based around triode tubes. Before founding AIR TIGHT, Miura had spent many years at Luxman, eventually becoming president of its US division. Another audio legend has left us.

In this issue: Ivan Berger remembers the late Bascom H. King, with comments from Paul McGowan and myself. I conclude our coverage of AXPONA 2022 (lots of photos!) and Ken Kessler reports on the recent UK Tonbridge AudioJumble (lots of photos!). Wayne Robins reviews albums from Arcade Fire and Jon Batiste. Anne E. Johnson considers countertenors, and New Orleans songwriting legend Mary Gauthier. John Seetoo concludes his series on another Southern songwriting great, Shelby Lynne. Tom Methans spends some quality time with the Grado RS1x headphones. Jack Flory begins a series on his favorite concert venues: first stop, Colorado. Andrew Daly takes Solace in the album of the same name by Held By Trees, and interviews the band.

Adrian Wu continues his series on the joys of monophonic LPs. I cover two new releases from Octave Records: the “Gypsy Grass” group TIERRO Band with Bridget Lee’s Everlasting Dance, and Audiophile Masters, Volume VI. Ray Chelstowski interviews Lawrence Gowan, keyboardist and singer with rock titans Styx, celebrating their 50^th anniversary. Rudy Radelic makes the finish line at the 24 Hours of Lemons road rally. Steven Bryan Bieler begins to reveal the secret history of tribute albums. B. Jan Montana’s monumental journey continues. J.I. Agnew finds hardware that makes the cut with his continuing series on record lathes. Tom Gibbs concludes his series on singer/songwriter Nick Drake in high-resolution audio. Russ Welton begins a two-part interview with vinyl mastering engineer Lewis Hopkin. We round out the issue with a pressing decision, undercover listening devices, nothing short of a miracle, and a skyward ascent.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

Thanks, mom. For everything.

“La, la la la, la la la, la la la,
Sing a simple song,
We all belong,
Only to Time…”

– Jim Dawson, “City Song/Simple Song" (click below to listen)

[audio mp3="https://www.psaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/city-song-simple-song.mp3"][/audio]

Audio designer and reviewer Bascom King recently passed away at the age of 84. He was chief engineer for Infinity Systems and did design work for Marantz, Constellation and many others including PS Audio, whose BHK Series electronics bear his initials. RIP to a true audio legend and an inspiration to so many. We will have a full tribute to him in Issue 164.

In this issue: I continue our coverage of AXPONA 2022, and talk about new vinyl releases from Octave Records. Ken Kessler keeps spinning reel-to-reel tape tales. Ray Chelstowski interviews Ronnie Barnett of the Muffs in celebration of the reissue of their landmark Really Really Happy album. Rich Isaacs ponders live versus recorded music. Tom Methans gazes into the heaviness of Slayer. Rudy Radelic races…or maybe putters…through the 24 Hours of Lemons road rally. Ken Sander gets pranked on public access TV. John Seetoo begins a two-part series on an American original, singer/songwriter Shelby Lynne.

Our Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan ponders some percussive performances. J.I. Agnew continues his in-depth (groove depth, in this case) series on record cutting lathes. Anne E. Johnson looks at the careers of jazz pioneer James Reese Europe, and the Everly Brothers, and B. Jan Montana admires a Big Brother. Andrew Daly talks with Cathal Coughlan of Telefís, Microdisney and other Irish bands. Russ Welton has an unusual customer. Guest writer Ted Shafran concludes his interview with Andrew Rose of the Pristine Classical label. We conclude the issue with some hot jazz, lightning, ambient music, and continental geography.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

As you might have seen or heard, AXPONA 2022, Audio Expo North America, was a big success. Literally, with more than 7,500 attendees visiting more than 150 rooms. It felt good to see everyone again and be immersed in audio gear, even though we're not out of the pandemic woods yet.

In this issue: I offer my first AXPONA show report installment. Tom Gibbs searches for information about the reclusive singer/songwriter Nick Drake. Anne E. Johnson triangulates on recordings of Beethoven’s Archduke trios, and the music of Warren Zevon. Ken Kessler not only wants his reel-to-reel tapes, but everything that came with them. Ray Chelstowski interviews legendary songwriter Jack Tempchin, composer of the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and hundreds of others. The question of hearing loss becomes personal for Russ Welton. J.I. Agnew looks at jewels of the record lathe cutter head world. Alón Sagee has a good-natured look at a really, really budget-friendly turntable.

Adrian Wu begins a series on favorite monophonic LP recordings. B. Jan Montana enjoys some camaraderie on his long journey. Rudy Radelic continues his series on A&M Records as the label moves into the 1970s. Andrew Daly interviews rocker Mickey Finn of glam-rock survivors Jetboy. John Seetoo covers legendary producer/engineer Phil Ramone’s book, Making Records: the Scenes Behind the Music. We have two readers sitting in this month: Ted Shafran looks at the Pristine Classical label and its restorations of historic recordings, and Jeff Weiner laments the loss of Jerry Garcia, Rick Danko and Richie Havens. Our issue concludes with separation anxiety, sticker shock, crowning achievements, and a tiny dancer.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

AXPONA, Audio Expo North America, is happening as you are reading this and we’ll be reporting on it in upcoming issues.

A drug that reverses hearing loss? I haven’t dug deeply into it yet, but for now, this article in SciTechDaily about biotech company Frequency Therapeutics certainly caught my attention. The regenerative treatment is said to stimulate the growth of hair cells in the inner ear – the cells that enable us to hear.

In this issue: Rich Isaacs went to a lot of concerts in 1977. Tom Gibbs reviews some outstanding high-res music downloads. Larry Jaffee attends the Fest for Beatles Fans. Ken Kessler gets re-educated about reel-to-reel tape. Tom Methans considers the current and future state of vacuum-tube availability. Ray Chelstowski discovers Bonnie Pointer’s lost-and-found Like a Picasso album. J.I. Agnew takes a close look at record-cutting lathe cutter heads. B. Jan Montana looks for the right tools for the journey. Jay Jay French finds happiness in a surprisingly modest audio system. Don Kaplan, The Mindful Melophile, enjoys more singing, talking and dancing.

John Seetoo reviews Geoff Emerick and Howard Massey’s book on recording the Beatles. Anne E. Johnson covers the careers of progressive rock giants Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and the President of Jazz, saxophonist Lester Young. Russ Welton talks speaker setup with Audio Advice’s Scott Newnam. Rudy Radelic continues his survey of A&M Records. Andrew Daly interviews singer/songwriter Chris Haddox, who proves that perseverance pays off. Our A/V department flies with the Pilot, has a wardrobe malfunction, takes a reality check, and grazes in the grass.

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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

According to a recent article in The Hearing Review, acoustics researchers at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland have come up with an improved method for measuring room acoustics. The new method, called the Rule of Two (no relation to Star Wars), takes multiple measurements using a short-duration sine wave frequency sweep (rather than a longer sweep, which could add uncertainty to the measurements). When two test runs pass the “cleanliness” criterion and correlate strongly, the results are considered valid. The article notes that the new approach will make it easier and faster to design for spaces where speech, announcements, or music have to be clearly audible; for example, concert halls, movie theaters and train stations.

In this issue: Ken Kessler continues his reel-to-reel odyssey, and some of it is messy. Anne E. Johnson sings the praises of Handel’s Semele, and country music superstar Marty Stuart. Alón Sagee thinks audiophile societies are a good idea. J.I. Agnew keeps his tales of record-cutting lathes spinning. Tom Gibbs finds that the Beatles have generational appeal. I cover the two newest releases from Octave Records: the swing music of Jeremy Mohney’s Dreams of You, and the vinyl LP release of Audiophile Masters, Volume I. B. Jan Montana’s epic journey continues. Ray Chelstowski gets really enthusiastic about rock band The Handcuffs. Ken Sander talks about the eye-opening early days of public-access TV.

Rudy Radelic begins a series on A&M Records, one of the biggest independent-label success stories of all time. Tom Methans has one last encounter with Frank Sinatra. Andrew Daly talks with Maiah Wynne and Andy Curran of Envy of None, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson’s new band. Reader Craig Burgess has some thoughts about musical realism and hearing loss. John Seetoo reviews books by legendary recording engineers Al Schmitt and Bill Schnee. Russ Welton discovers an extremely useful speaker setup resource. We conclude the issue with some second thoughts, bird song, tube experts, and a license to boast.

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, Andrew Daly, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, 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

Advertising Sales:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of WL “Woody” Woodward, one of Copper’s most beloved writers, and director of operations at PS Audio. His singular writing style and wit were unmistakable. He will be greatly missed.

A heads up: beginning with Issue 160 on April 11, Copper will be publishing on Sunday rather than Monday mornings. This way everyone will be able to get a jump on reading a new issue on the weekend instead of at the beginning of a busy work week.

In this issue: I remember Copper’s WL “Woody” Woodward and cover Octave Records’ new Audiophile Masters, Volume V. Ray Chelstowski interviews the Knack’s bassist Prescott Niles about his career and the upcoming Knack live album. Tom Methans meets Frank Sinatra a second time. Jack Flory remembers a day when his musical life changed. J.I. Agnew looks more closely into the workings of a classic Neumann lathe. Anne E. Johnson writes about Everything But the Girl, and eclectic clarinetist Don Byron. B. Jan listens to some relationship advice. Tom Gibbs does some sleuthing and discovers the story of the New York Audio loudspeaker company. Rich Isaacs recommends 10 more outstanding music documentaries.

Rudy Radelic enjoys his SweetVinyl SugarCube SC-1 Plus noise removal unit. Stuart Marvin sees through the murky landscape of music creation and ownership. Ken Kessler investigates high crimes and misdemeanors in reel-to-reel tapes. John Seetoo concludes his series with immersive audio’s power couple, Jim Anderson and Ulrike Schwarz. Andy Schaub takes Time for a Pink Floyd sendup. Andrew Daly interviews veteran rocker John Sloman about his new Two Rivers solo album and long career with Uriah Heep, UFO and others. Russ Welton concludes his thoughts on parametric equalization and loudspeakers. Copper reader Craig Evans shares his journey through music and audio. We wrap up the issue with an impatient audiophile, surrounded by memories, with something for everyone, and a silver lining.

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, Andrew Daly, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

For me, music always has been, is, and will be, solace. Even during, and perhaps because of, the toughest times.

In this issue: Wayne Robins sometimes sits and listens to Courtney Barnett. Tom Methans hangs out with Frank Sinatra – for real. Our Mindful Melophile, Don Kaplan, isn’t afraid to listen to classical music. Anne E. Johnson looks at the career of Yusuf/Cat Stevens and finds that composer Francisco Guerrero is catching on again – five centuries later. Tom Gibbs covers the 2022 Florida Audio Expo. Jay Jay French doesn’t take solace in audio these days. John Seetoo talks some more with Grammy Award winning producer/engineers Jim Anderson and Ulrike Schwarz. Ken Kessler makes a reel-to-reel discovery linked to his dad.

Ray Chelstowski interviews Heart and solo artist Ann Wilson about her upcoming album. J.I. Agnew keeps our heads spinning with his continuing series on record-cutting lathes. Ken Sander experiences the ups and downs of touring. Jack Flory builds his first speakers. Rudy Radelic digs deeper into the music of saxophonist John Klemmer. B. Jan Montana continues his epic journey. Andrew Daly interviews Kevin Whelan of indie rockers the Wrens, and Aeon Station. Russ Welton greets us with, how do you Q? I ask if I have what it takes to be an audio reviewer. We put the curtain on the issue with the meaning of life, springtime radio, and a fabled doorway.

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, Andrew Daly, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

Sometimes I forget that people actually read this magazine. Just kidding! Copper’s circulation has been rising since its inception and we thank you for reading, commenting, complimenting, criticizing, prodding, participating, and for being the reason why we’re here.

We are proud to welcome a new writer, Andrew Daly. Andrew is the founder and editor of VWMusic (vmusicrocks.com), a site featuring “music, culture and more,” with interviews, reviews and a lot of other good stuff. Andrew’s favorite artists include KISS, Oasis, ACϟDC, Elvis Presley, Ace Frehley, The Rolling Stones, Rush, and many more.

In this issue: J.I. Agnew spins more tales of record-cutting lathes. Jay Jay French reviews MJ: The Musical, the new Broadway show about Michael Jackson. Anne E. Johnson looks at the careers of neotraditional country hitmaker Patty Loveless and jazz violinist Regina Carter. I cover Octave Records’ latest release, Hothouse Flower by Scabaret. John Seetoo continues his interview with audio’s Grammy-winning power couple, Jim Anderson and Ulrike Schwarz. Rich Isaacs concludes his series on the inimitable music and culture critic John Wasserman. Alón Sagee ponders the audiophile’s brain. Tom Gibbs checks out the AudioEngine S6 subwoofer and HD4 home music system.

In a Copper exclusive, Andrew Daly talks with esteemed writer and musician Greg “Ironman” Tate in what, sadly, is Tate’s last interview. Ken Kessler gets into a mystic reel-to-reel mood. Russ Welton has a speaker-shopping myth busted. Ray Chelstowski reviews the new documentary The Beatles And India. Stuart Marvin considers the two sides of keyboardist and sideman extraordinaire Billy Preston. B. Jan Montana meets some philosophical anglers. Don Lindich concludes his CES 2022 show report. Rudy Radelic begins a series on saxman John Klemmer. Tom Methans reflects on the music of Puerto Rico. Andy Schaub visits McGowan Park. The Copper A/V department gets fazed, loses control, encounters timeless elegance, and finds love.

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, Andrew Daly, 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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD

The English rock band Everything Everything announced that their upcoming album Raw Data Feel was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence software. You can hear the results in the first single, “Bad Friday.” I actually think it's pretty good. But who gets the publishing royalties?

In this issue: Ken Sander has to learn stage lighting – on the spot. Ken Kessler keeps his reel-to-reel tapes spotless, and Adrian Wu keeps his reel-to-reel deck maintained. J.I. Agnew checks out the rare and remarkable L.J. Scully LS-76 record-cutting lathe. Tim Riley reviews rocker Lenny Kaye’s new book, Lightning Striking. I talk about the latest release from Octave Records, Audiophile Masters, Volume IV. Ray Chelstowski interviews the great Duke Robillard about his new album, They Called It Rhythm And Blues. Tom Gibbs has a polished piece on the importance of clean connections.

John Seetoo begins a series on audio’s Grammy-winning power couple, Jim Anderson and Ulrike Schwarz. The Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan has an all singing! Some talking! A little dancing! review of noteworthy classical and other recordings. Russ Welton concludes his in-depth examination of Spinorama loudspeaker measurement. Rudy Radelic covers the career of Brazilian music pioneers Luiz Eça and Tamba Trio. Andy Schaub offers another audiophile song parody with “Nelson Pass Blues.” B. Jan gets traction in his pilgrimage to Sturgis. Anne E. Johnson says yes to the Big Apple avant-punk of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the melodic touch of classic composer Alessandro Stradella. The issue concludes with a store with limited choices, buyer’s remorse, 45 degrees of separation, and a good image.

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:
No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free.

 – FD