“I have seen the midnight sun shining.” – The Strawbs, “Midnight Sun”
Too many music greats have passed on in the past few months. Yet their music lives on, and we will remember them through their art, and through the wonder of recorded music.
In this issue: I interview musician, composer and record label maven David Chesky. Octave Records releases Tangent by Simple Math and pianist Charles Blenzig, and I talk with him about his jazz reinterpretations of contemporary songs. Wayne Robins goes to see legendary producer and musician Peter Asher. B. Jan Montana contemplates the nature of Man and freedom. I ponder some implications of AI for the future of music and audio. Rich Isaacs notes that you can learn a lot from LP inner sleeves. Ray Chelstowski talks with acclaimed singer/songwriter Freedy Johnston about the reissue of what has been called a perfect album, “Can You Fly.” Harris Fogel has a photo essay from T.H.E. Show 2025 SoCal.
EveAnna Manley sells her audio company, Manley Labs. Joe Caplan has thoughts about quantum computing. Paul McGowan offers an excerpt from The Audiophile’s Guide with more advice on optimizing a listening room. I ask the question: how much do rock bands get paid? Rudy Radelic delves into the origins of the 12-inch single in The Vinyl Beat. Harris Fogel attends NAMM 2025's Roni Lee Rooftop Jam. In a guest appearance, AAA Magazine offers a fascinating look into the career of opera singer Maria Stader. PS Audio’s StellarGold DAC makes The Absolute Sound’s list of best DACs under $5,000, and the Stellar DAC gets rave-reviewed in Best of High End. Ken Kessler checks out vintage reel-to-reel tapes. The issue wraps with a radiotrician, a bedtime story, and a harmonious path.
Click here for information on how to post comments in Copper.
Contributors to This Issue:
Joseph Caplan, Ray Chelstowski, Frank Doris, Harris Fogel, Stephan Haberthuer, Rich Isaacs, Ken Kessler, Paul McGowan, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, Peter Xeni
Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico
Editor:
Frank Doris
Publisher:
Paul McGowan
Post-publication Nitpicker:
Rich Isaacs
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
