Copper

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of two of the industry’s most knowledgeable and most well-loved people. Robert Heiblim (69) was an expert in product development and management, and founder of consulting company Bluesalve Partners. He was a former president of Denon’s US operations, and chairman of the Audio Division of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Robert was a friend, and I had the pleasure of working with him when he contributed a number of articles to Copper. He was universally liked and one of the smartest people around.

Mel Schilling (88) was an audio-industry veteran who established one of the first high-end stores, Music and Sound, in 1968. He later founded Camelot Technology, and most recently, Xhifi. Ken Kessler has a tribute in this issue.

And the world will never be the same without the towering musical talent of Meat Loaf, who left us at age 74.

In this issue: Ken Kessler remembers audio pioneer and all-around mensch, Mel Schilling. Anne E. Johnson appreciates Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Irish rock legends U2. I conclude our interview with Gordon Stanley of the Spreckels Organ Society with a look at recording the incredible instrument, the world’s largest pipe organ in an outdoor venue. J.I. Agnew continues his exploration into record-cutting lathes. John Seetoo covers the career of under-appreciated rockers Be-Bop Deluxe and guitar wizard Bill Nelson. Harris Fogel has a CES 2022 show report and so does Don Lindich. Tom Methans is a good influence on those around him. Russ Welton looks at speaker measurements using Spinorama.

How much control do artists have over the use of their music? Jay Jay French explains an important aspect. B. Jan Montana receives further enlightenment during his epic journey. Rich Isaacs remembers John Wasserman, the San Francisco Chronicle’s irreverent music and cultural events critic. Tom Gibbs recommends more demonstration-quality musical selections. Ray Chelstowski admires Gideon King & City Blog and their dazzling blend of creative musical virtuosity. Stuart Marvin digs into a landmark album: The Blues Project’s Projections. We conclude the issue with an open and shut case, backwards priorities, sweet spots, and a tip of the hat to Meat Loaf.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Stuart Marvin, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Andy Schaub, David Snyder, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Audio Anthropology Photos:
Howard Kneller, Steve Rowell

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

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

 – FD

The audio world has lost another legend with the passing of Max Townshend at 78. Born in Perth, Australia, he was the head of UK-based Townshend Audio and designer of a wide range of high-end products, including cables, the Seismic series of isolation products, the Allegri preamplifiers, plus loudspeakers and other creations. I had the pleasure of speaking with him one last time about a year ago in conjunction with an article he wrote for Copper Issue 124, “The ‘Sound’ of Speaker Cables: An Analysis,” and as always he was generous with his knowledge, unflinching in his beliefs, and a blast to talk to. RIP to one of the industry’s true titans.

In this issue: Wayne Robins finds the Neil Young Archives to be a very deep resource. I cover Octave Records latest musical sampler, Audiophile Masters, Vol. III. Russ Welton asks: how loud will your speakers go? Don Kaplan chronicles his quest to find his Goldilocks audio system. B. Jan Montana becomes more enlightened on his journey to Sturgis. Ken Sander goes on tour with Wishbone Ash. Jack Flory ponders the power of Ohm’s law. Ray Chelstowski talks with folk-pop artist Eddie Berman about his exceptional new album, Broken English. Don Lindich tells us what CES 2022 was like. Ken Kessler comes clean with reel-to-reel tape hygiene.

I talk with Gordon Stanley of the Spreckels Organ Society about one of the world’s most remarkable musical instruments. J.I. Agnew digs deeper into the world of record-cutting lathes. Andy Schaub has some audiophile plans for the new year. Rudy Radelic checks out a SweetVinyl record-noise reduction system. Anne E. Johnson enlightens us on the music of classical artist Carl Maria von Weber, and Motown pioneer Mary Wells. Tom Gibbs shows off audio demo tracks. John Seetoo pays another virtual visit to AES Fall 2021 and the psychology of hearing, and a listen to some heavyweight producers. Our A/V department caps off the issue with shrink wrap misadventures, a jittery audiophile, space-age audio, and green transportation.

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, 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, Alón Sagee, 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

Happy New Year! I have a perhaps selfish New Year’s wish – that 2022 will be an easier year.

The Grammy Awards are coming up on January 31, 2022. But if it wasn't for the people behind the scenes – the engineers, mixers, tape ops and others – none of the music would happen. Yet they barely get recognized. For example, Jim Anderson, past president of the AES whose recordings have earned 28 Grammy nominations (including the recently-nominated Patricia Barber album Clique! reviewed by Tom Gibbs in Issue 144), told me the Recording Academy didn’t even nominate an award for Best Immersive Audio Album in 2020. (The stated reason was that COVID-19 didn’t allow the judging committee to meet. The winner will be announced this year, along with the 2021 honoree.)

Here’s to the unsung heroes of the audio world. They may not get the wardrobe consultants, makeup artists and airtime, but they are vital in creating the music that’s such an important part of our lives. (In an upcoming issue we’ll be profiling Jim Anderson and his partner in life and music, producer/engineer Ulrike Schwarz, who have more than 60 years of combined experience in audio.)

In this issue: Cliff Chenfeld gives us his favorite songs and albums of 2021. Anne E. Johnson profiles jazz drumming legend Elvin Jones, and pop/country songstress Bobbie Gentry, who walked away from fame at the height of it all. Ray Chelstowski interviews pop songwriting powerhouse Marshall Crenshaw. Tom Gibbs improves the optics of his streaming audio system. Rudy Radelic concludes his epic series on Burt Bacharach. I cover the latest Octave Records release, The Moon Leans In by singer/songwriter Thom LaFond. Tom Methans indulges in a Dirty Weekend – the Zu Audio speaker, that is. Alón Sagee misses a trusted listening companion.

Rich Isaacs finds some mind-blowing YouTube videos, of music…and more. J.I. Agnew provides Part Three of his series on record-cutting lathes. Andy Schaub proffers a parody for vinyl enthusiasts. B. Jan Montana continues his long journey. John Seetoo offers more coverage of AES Show Fall 2021 with a session with St. Vincent and a look at audio archiving. Russ Welton asks: when it comes to speakers, how much power is enough? Adrian Wu goes audio system shopping with two very different customers. Ken Kessler unravels more information about reel-to-reel tape. We kick off 2022 with a New Year’s resolution, the future sound of London, magnetic attraction, and a pleasure dome.

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

All of us at Copper once again wish all of you happy holidays. The past two years have been tougher than anyone could have imagined, but this is a season of hope and renewal after all. Keeping the holiday spirit, however we choose to do so, is perhaps more important than ever. Here’s to a happier, brighter and better 2022.

Just a few days ago, Emiko Carlin, marketing director for audio show T.H.E. Show, announced a new offshoot organization, T.H.E. Group. It’s a membership-based program, and participants will get free passes to T.H.E. Show, access to studio tours, artist performances, an Audio University program, and events including wine tasting, supercar and racing experiences, and other activities. Carlin noted, “Music is for everyone, so hi-fi and audio are for everyone, and we want T.H.E. Group to be an ecosystem people can be part of who love all different genres of music, have different experiences in listening and lifestyle, and who share the same goal: keeping our industry moving forward!” For more information visit www.thegroup.life.

In this issue: In a first for Copper, or maybe anywhere we have a trifecta of contributing editors weighing in on the Beatles Get Back documentary: Tim Riley ("Nobody Told Me There'd Be Days Like These"), Larry Jaffee ("Let It Be: Director Peter Jackson's Get Back Provides Much-Needed Context"), and Jay Jay French ("Get Back, Let It Be and the Boredom of Excellence"). Continuing what has become a Copper tradition, WL Woodward offers a holiday story and a poem, while The Mindful Melophile Don Kaplan deals with not-in-the-spirit shoppers. I cover Octave Records’ latest, Levelland by country-folk duo Bonnie and Taylor Sims. Russ Welton asks – do we really need video for audio streaming? Tom Methans considers the collector as minimalist. Rudy Radelic continues his series on Burt Bacharach with a look at some artists who had him covered. Tom Gibbs digs more deeply into the Gustard X16 and PS Audio Stellar GainCell DACs, and Roon.

Ken Kessler has some advice on buying reel-to-reel tape. Anne E. Johnson gives us the real story, not the movie version, on Antonio Salieri, and the career of soulful hitmakers Hall and Oates. Ray Chelstowski talks with Hollis Brown front man Michael Montali about In the Aftermath, their track-by-track homage to the Rolling Stones album. Andy Schaub serves up a lunch menu. John Seetoo continues his coverage of the Audio Engineering Society’s AES Fall 2021 virtual show. J.I. Agnew spins Part Two of his series, Around the World in 80 Lathes (of the record-cutting variety). B. Jan forges on ahead through South Dakota. Ken Sander has a few laughs at Dangerfield’s. We wrap up this holiday issue with seasonal advice, a fabled midrange, an adventure in sound, and a visit to Louie Lee’s.

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, 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, Alón Sagee, 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

Happy holidays, everyone. We at Copper wish all of you the very best. The past couple of seasons have obviously been tough on everyone, but we also have plenty to be thankful for.

Show us your vintage, and maybe not-so-vintage gear! In the more than two years of doing Copper’s Audio Anthropology column, I’ve been surprised at how little photographic documentation exists for many audio components. If you have interesting gear and would like to share it with us, please send photos to frank@psaudio.com.

In this issue: Tom Methans pays tribute to the great Stephen Sondheim. Wayne Robins reviews Adele’s new 30 album. Anne E. Johnson finds great music from soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom and respects the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. J.I. Agnew begins a new series, Around the World in 80 Lathes, of the record-cutting variety, that is. Harris Fogel has a lot more photos from Capital Audiofest 2021. Unusual record covers? Rich Isaacs has them, well, covered. I ask: just what makes music good or bad, and offer some mini-reviews, for better or worse. Ken Kessler has another installment in his reel-to-reel tape series. Ray Chelstowski covers Eric Clapton’s new album, done during the lockdown.

John Seetoo begins his coverage of the AES (Audio Engineering Society) Fall 2021 virtual show. WL Woodward asks: is rock and roll missing in action? Ivan Berger considers the knob with the misleading name. (It’s the Loudness control.) Andy Schaub revisits audiophile heaven. Rudy Radelic continues his deep dive into the music of Burt Bacharach. Russ Welton offers part two of his look at getting an ideal blend between speakers and subwoofers. B. Jan Montana continues his epic journey. Jack Flory goes to shop class. We round out the issue with some music therapy, easy listening, a Magic Brain, and an artistic nightingale.

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, 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, Alón Sagee, 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

This is the 150^th issue of Copper! We are thrilled to have reached this milestone. It would not have been possible without our exceptional staff. I am honored and more than a little humbled to be working with such a talented group.

Putting out a magazine every two weeks isn’t easy. Well, our writers and artists are the ones who make it possible for us to keep Copper rocketing ahead, and you, the readers, are the ones who inspire us. I am continually delighted at what our writers contribute, at the covers by Cartoon Bob D’Amico that give Copper such a distinctive visual identity, at James Whitworth’s and Peter Xeni’s wry cartoons, and the images taken by our Parting Shot photographers.

Naturally, credit has to go to Paul McGowan, our enabler-in-chief, along with previous editor Bill Leebens and editorial superwoman Maggie McFalls, who were gracious beyond words in helping me climb aboard more than 50 issues ago.

You might have noticed that Jay Jay French has been absent the last few issues. That’s because he’s on a promotional tour for his new book, Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life In Rock ‘n’ Roll. Jay Jay will be back and rocking these pages again soon.

In this issue: Rudy Radelic asks: what’s in a number? 150, that is. In The Mindful Melophile, Don Kaplan offers 150 of his favorite recordings, and I list my favorite 150 rock and pop albums. Steven Bryan Bieler looks at a ranking of the best 150 albums made by women. Anne E. Johnson considers 150 years of Aida, and has an overview of multifaceted rocker David Bowie. We have two Capital Audiofest 2021 show reports from Harris Fogel and Steve Kindig. Tom Gibbs finds a new attractively-priced DAC. Ray Chelstowski interviews Don Airey of Deep Purple about their new Turning to Crime album, and I talk with saxophone master Frank Catalano.

Adrian Wu continues his series on exceptional analog recordings. Tom Methans has a conversation with Shannon Parks about the ultra-flexible Parks Puffin phono preamp. John Seetoo concludes his series on Christian music innovator and super-guitarist Phil Keaggy. Russ Welton asks which is better when it comes to speakers and subs: large or small? New contributor Jack Flory remembers when he was a boy fascinated with all things audio, and Stuart Marvin has a fond look at the 1960s musical magic of the Fillmore East and other New York venues. Ken Sander sets the wayback machine to two San Jose, California music festivals. B. Jan Montana rides ahead. J.I. Agnew concludes his series on the dazzling direct-metal-mastered DMM Dubplate, Vol. 1. We wrap up the issue with a rotating Staar, a cheesy situation, some vinyl aeronautics, and magnificent mesas.

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, 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, Stuart Marvin, 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

“Sail away, away/Ripples never come back.” – Genesis, “Ripples”

Remember the past, live in the present, welcome the future.

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson has someone to talk about: rock legend Bonnie Raitt and jazz singer extraordinaire Joe Williams. J.I. Agnew continues his examination of direct metal mastering and Stockfisch Records’ DMM Dubplate, Vol. 1. Ivan Berger builds his first stereo system. Russ Welton finds a good value in streaming audio, and has more speaker shopping tips. Octave Records has two new releases: the Audiophile Masters, Volume II compilation disc and a vinyl LP edition of Clandestine Amigo’s Temporary Circumstances. Ken Sander joins the Los Angeles Free Press. Tom Methans hangs out by the stage door.

Ken Kessler has more to say about reel-to-reel listening. B. Jan Montana continues his epic journey. Rich Isaacs says they don’t make ’em like they used to – album covers, that is. Ray Chelstowski talks with Michael Jahnz of Richrath Project 3:13 about rediscovered songs by REO Speedwagon guitar titan Gary Richrath. John Seetoo celebrates more joyful noises from Christian music pioneer Phil Keaggy. Rudy Radelic makes way for more Dionne Warwick. Tom Gibbs simplifies his audio setup. The Copper A/V crew gets to the heart of the matter, a well-oiled rig, really portable audio, and music in hyperspace.

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, 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, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, 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

"A dream goes on forever." – Todd Rundgren

I've been dreaming more than usual lately, especially after seeing Todd Rundgren in concert the other week and being taken into musical dreamland. At times, especially these days, it can be tough to keep the flames of a dream alive, but ultimately, I agree with Rundgren. After all, a dream doesn't have to be shackled by reality. And reality is often born from dreams.

In this issue: WL Woodward offers Part Three of his series on Tom Waits. Don Kaplan is thrilled by some appropriate music for Halloween. Stuart Marvin asks: are musicians’ brains wired differently? Wayne Robins reviews It’s a Good, Good Feeling: The Latin Soul of Fania Records: The Singles. J.I. Agnew digs more deeply into direct metal mastering and the DMM Dubplate, Vol. 1. Tom Gibbs reviews the new Johnny Cash at the Carousel Ballroom, recorded by none other than Owsley “Bear” Stanley. Ken Kessler continues his personal journey into reel-to-reel tape. I wrestle with an engineering inferiority complex. Anne E. Johnson profiles under-recognized composer Louise Ferrenc, and new folk revivalists Mumford & Sons.

Dan Schwartz ponders the role of imagination in listening to audio systems. Tom Methans finds an audio component he’ll never part with. John Seetoo continues his series on Christian music icon Phil Keaggy, and Andy Schaub wonders what audiophile heaven would be like. Ray Chelstowski investigates the case of the return of NRBQ and talks with guitarist Scott Ligon. B. Jan Montana moves on ahead towards Sturgis. Russ Welton continues his quest for better computer audio without spending a lot. Rudy Radelic looks at Burt Bacharach’s music for the big and little screens. We close out the issue with noise reduction, the need for speed, stereosonic sound, and Halloween spirits.

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, 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, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, 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

Readers may know I’m a fan of weird fortune cookie sayings. Here’s another one: “Do it now! Today will be yesterday tomorrow.”

There’s simply nothing I can add to that.

We’re saddened by the passing of George Frayne, aka Commander Cody, at 77. Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen (named after a 1951 science fiction movie) were one of the first bands to blend country music with rock, and earned their place in the pantheon of musical greats with their blazing 1971 version of “Hot Rod Lincoln.” We salute you, Commander.

In this issue: I cover the premiere of the first two vinyl releases from Octave Records: jazz trumpeter Gabriel Mervine’s Say Somethin’ and Out of Thin Air by pianist Don Grusin. Anne E. Johnson looks at rock icons the Pretenders and jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. David Snyder brings us Part Two of his comprehensive guide to Roon. Tom Gibbs sees Red – the King Crimson album of the same name, that is. Rich Isaacs has a laugh about 1970s comedy troupes. J.I Agnew is dazzled by direct metal mastering and the DMM Dubplate, Vol. 1. Tom Methans brings us Sevdah, the traditional folk music of Bosnia-Herzegovina. B. Jan Montana rides closer to Sturgis.

Ken Sander revisits Summer Jam at Watkins Glen – and an innovation that changed live concert sound forever. Russ Welton begins a series on getting better sound from computer audio with the least expenditure, and another on choosing speakers. Rudy Radelic surveys the landmark Dionne Warwick recordings with Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Ray Chelstowski interviews rocker Joe Grushecky on the eve of the 25^th Anniversary reissue of American Babylon. Steven Bryan Bieler grooves to train songs. Stuart Marvin remembers Sixties rock hype victims Rhinoceros. Andy Schaub has a personal look at FM radio. Larry Jaffee digs Big Bill Broonzy live in Nottingham. The Copper A/V squad concludes the issue with an avian audiophile, this year’s model, multichannel women, and a hole in the wall.

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, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, 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

“Writers write.” – Dave Kindred.
“Nuff said.” – Stan Lee.

Ken Kessler is back! He started with Copper Issue 2 and returns after a long absence with the beginning of a series on the open-reel tape revival.

We are proud to welcome two new contributors. David Snyder plays a leading role in the Atlanta Audio Club and Arizona Audio/Video Club and co-leads the Digital Audio Focus Group for the San Francisco Audiophile Society. David describes himself as a "network audiophile." He is excited about helping others to navigate this relatively new aspect of high-performance audio.

Steve Kindig recently concluded a 36-year career at electronics retailer Crutchfield. He wrote and edited articles and product descriptions for their catalogs and website. Steve has also been a DJ for more than 30 years at radio station WTJU in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he’s the host of an American folk program as well as a world music show.

In this issue: J.I. Agnew wraps up his interview with Martin Theophilus and the Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording. I interview Jay Jay French about his brand-new book, Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life In Rock ‘n’ Roll, and cover Octave Records’ latest release, Clandestine Amigo’s Things Worth Remembering. Tim Riley reviews a new disc of Leoš Janáček music by pianist Lars Vogt. Rudy Radelic begins a series on the music of Burt Bacharach. John Seetoo continues his in-depth look at Christian rock innovator Phil Keaggy. B. Jan Montana keeps riding to Sturgis. Ray Chelstowski interviews former Spirit band member-turned-lawyer Al Staehely about some rediscovered recordings.

Anne E. Johnson gives insight into the music of soul icon Isaac Hayes and 18^th century French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. Ken Kessler begins a series on getting back to his reel-to-reel roots. Tom Gibbs reviews Bob Dylan’s new Springtime in New York: The Bootleg Series Vol. 16/1980-1985 set. Russ Welton concludes his interview with dazzling guitarist and film composer Michael Baugh. Ken Sander revisits the 1973 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen. David Snyder demystifies Roon. Steve Kindig gets into music from the Analog Africa label. We wrap up the issue with a groovy guy, a praiseworthy achievement, some questionable system upgrades, and a wizened tree.

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, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, 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

Recently we received an e-mail stating that “Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF) as we have all known it will be no more.” I felt sadder and more disappointed than I thought I ever would be, though I suspected the news was coming. The show was a wonderful celebration of high-end audio and emblematic of why audiophiles do what we do. Show organizers Marjorie Baumert and Marcie Miller said, “Thank you for 17 years of friendship and support. It has meant more than you can possibly imagine.” The feeling is mutual.

Copper is proud to introduce new contributor Larry Jaffee. He’s the author of the upcoming book, Resurrection: How Record Store Day Led to the Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century, slated for April 2022. Larry is also co-founder of Making Vinyl, a B2B conference on the rebirth of the vinyl manufacturing industry.

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson profiles jazz violin legend Stuff Smith and the bedrock country music of Lefty Frizzell. Wayne Robins gets enthusiastic about some new New Orleans sounds. Ray Chelstowski interviews the masterful folk singer-songwriter Dar Williams. J.I. Agnew offers Part Two of his interview with Martin Theophilus and the mind-boggling Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording. Russ Welton ponders the principle of acoustic levitation. John Seetoo gives us Part One of his series on Christian music pioneer Phil Keaggy. Ken Sander enjoys some down time between tours. Rich Isaacs can’t live without more self-help records.

Tom Gibbs reviews SACD remasters from King Crimson. B. Jan Montana moves ahead with his motorcycle journey to Sturgis, and Rudy Radelic continues his retrospective of keyboard wizard Lyle Mays. Cliff Chenfeld recommends some sweet summer songs. Ed Kwok concludes his comprehensive overview of achieving high-quality computer audio. Larry Jaffee rebuilds his vinyl collection. Russ Welton interviews the astoundingly talented guitarist and film composer Michael Baugh. Our Mindful Melophile, Don Kaplan, considers Mister Mister and the Misses. We conclude the issue with raw power, dancing daze, and dogged determination, and get to the point.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, 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 and so many of us are saddened by the passing of Nanci Griffith at 68. Some singers are good, some are truly great, and the rare few can move you to tears. Nanci Griffith was one of the rare few.

Charlie Watts is no longer with us. To say we lost a giant (at age 80) would be to seriously understate the man’s titanic talent and influence. Watts was the Rolling Stones' driving force, a rock-steady powerhouse, yet one who also played with an inimitable sense of jazz-informed swing. The rock world will never again be the same.

We are honored to announce a new contributor: Ed Kwok. Ed spent his formative years taking things apart. He subsequently trained as an electrical engineer at Imperial College London in the 1980s, and got caught up in the high-end wave. His early ambition was to be an analog audio designer, but he ended up in digital military electronics. Ed then retired from engineering and relocated back to Hong Kong to concentrate on a financial career. He enjoys the computer audio space, considering it partly science and partly high-end art.

Ed founded the Asia Audio Society (asiaaudiosoc.com) with some like-minded friends, with the aim of crystallizing the essence of high-end audio reproduction. In this issue: Ray Chelstowski interviews Stephen Duffy, whose post-Duran Duran band the Hawks has been an undiscovered gem – until now. J.I. Agnew begins an interview series with Martin Theophilus and the remarkable Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording. Michael Walker offers a tribute to Nanci Griffith. I interview the members of rock band Augustus about Ragtime World, their new Octave Records album. Anne E. Johnson can’t get enough J.S. Bach, or Creedence Clearwater Revival. Russ Welton delves deeper into subwoofer placement. John Seetoo considers the record-at-home revolution of multitrack cassette recorders. Ken Sander works at The Psychedelic Supermarket. B. Jan Montana continues his pilgrimage to Sturgis. Jay Jay French and Joe Rock wrap up the question: what do radio stations consider classic rock? Stuart Marvin ponders the future of jazz clubs. Adrian Wu continues his series on notable analog recordings. Tom Gibbs reviews new SACD releases. Rudy Radelic begins a series on keyboardist and composer extraordinaire Lyle Mays. Ed Kwok gives us the first part of a comprehensive overview of computer audio. The Copper A/V squad hits home with some Uber upgrades, gets no respect, makes a splash, and sits in the cheap seats.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Ed Kwok, Stuart Marvin, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:

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

– FD

One of the features readers like Randy Vogel and others have asked for is to add a navigation link at the bottom of the page to get to the next article, so that when you finish reading an article you don’t have to scroll all the way back up to the top of the page to go to the “NEXT” and “PREV” article links. Thanks to our man Kevin Briggs, additional “NEXT” and “PREV” navigation buttons have been added at the end of the Comments section for each article.

I am a connoisseur of silly fortune cookie messages. Like, “to truly find yourself you should play hide and seek alone.” I may be going around in circles for a long time. For now I think I’ll go with a different fortune: “You will be rewarded for being a good listener.”

In this issue: Adrian Wu reports on the recent Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show 2021. Ray Chelstowski interviews singer/songwriter Joshua Radin, whose album The Ghost And The Wall breaks boundaries. Russ Welton considers the audio butterfly effect and concludes our interview with iconoclastic cellist Jo Quail. Don Lindich gets away with the Sota Escape turntable. Jay Jay French interviews FM radio DJ Joe Rock as they ask: what exactly is classic rock? Don Kaplan enjoys a little knight music in the latest installment of “The Mindful Melophile.” Ken Sander encounters the Music Revolution.

B. Jan Montana begins a pilgrimage to Sturgis, while John Seetoo pays a virtual visit to the legendary Capitol Studios. J.I. Agnew talks with mastering engineer Mike Papas of Australia’s XL Productions about the magnificent Telefunken M15A tape machine. Rich Isaacs looks at 10 great music documentaries. Stuart Marvin asks: are the proliferation of anniversary classic rock reissues worth it? Tom Gibbs offers an exploration into digital file compression. I seek some clarity about the audio concept of transparency. Anne E. Johnson considers the career of bass wizard Stanley Clarke and digs through Garbage. We conclude the issue with looks at media ownership, endless love, big Macs and special delivery.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Stuart Marvin, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

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

 – FD

Is there a reader among us who doesn’t dig ZZ Top? We mourn the passing of Joseph Michael “Dusty” Hill (72), bassist, vocalist and keyboardist for the tres hombres. Blending blues, boogie, bone-crushing rock, born-for-MTV visuals, humor and outrageousness – they once took a passel of live animals on stage as part of their 1976 – 1977 Worldwide Texas Tour – Hill, drummer Frank Beard and guitarist Billy F. Gibbons have scorched stages worldwide. As a friend said, “it’s amazing how just three guys could make that much sound.” Rest in peace, Mr. Hill.

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson gets inspired by the music of Renaissance composer William Byrd, and understands The Animals. Wayne Robins reviews Native Sons, the superb new album from Los Lobos. Ray Chelstowski interviews The Immediate Family, featuring studio legends Waddy Wachtel, Lee Sklar, Russ Kunkel and others, in an exclusive video interview. I offer up more confessions of a record collector. Tom Gibbs finds much to like in some new SACD discs. John Seetoo winds up his coverage of the Audio Engineering Society’s Spring 2021 AES show.

Ken Sander travels through an alternate California reality. WL Woodward continues his series on troubadour Tom Waits. Russ Welton interviews cellist Jo Quail, who takes a unique approach to the instrument. In another article, he ponders what's needed for sustaining creativity. Adrian Wu looks at more of his favorite analog recordings. Cliff Chenfeld turns us on to some outstanding new music in his latest Be Here Now column. J.I. Agnew digs deeper into the extraordinary Telefunken M15A tape machine. B. Jan Montana faces the music. Rudy Radelic continues his definitive survey of jazz legend Cal Tjader. We fill out the issue with some modern-day blues, incredibly rare loudspeakers, the ages of plastic and an organ donation.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Stuart Marvin, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

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

 – FD

I recently had the honor of attending an event in memory of Art Dudley, who sadly passed away on April 14, 2020. Art was the deputy editor of Stereophile, had a long career as an audio writer and reviewer, and was loved and admired by everyone who knew him, which included almost everyone in the high-end audio industry as well as many musicians, friends and family members. I share the event with readers here.

Also in this issue: Octave Records announces a landmark recording: renowned cellist Zuill Bailey performing The Complete Bach Cello Suites. Don Kaplan returns with another installment of The Mindful Melophile and more favorite recordings. Tom Gibbs delves into the nitty gritty of using an I²S connection for improved streaming audio sound. Wayne Robins has radio dreams. Anne E. Johnson offers insight into the careers of Erykah Badu, the queen of neo-soul, and trumpeter Art Farmer. John Seetoo continues his survey of the recent AES Show Spring 2021. Rich Isaacs hears music and has some pointed opinions. Adrian Wu looks at the vinyl-making process and a favorite analog recording.

J.I. Agnew’s Giants of Tape series gets into the rare and renowned Telefunken M15A. B. Jan Montana takes control of his life and Ken Sander makes a transition from Army to civilian life. Russ Welton concludes his interview with film and TV composer and YouTube educator Guy Michelmore, and Ray Chelstowski talks with musician and composer Will Van Dyke as he moves from Broadway to a solo breakout. Rudy Radelic continues his series on under-recognized jazzman Cal Tjader. Copper’s A/V department gets amped up, has a bad hair year, ponders the ephemeral and looks through the eye of the...donkey. 

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Stuart Marvin, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:

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

– FD

We’re proud to announce that Copper writer Alón Sagee, chief troublemaker of the San Francisco Audiophile Society, has received the society’s first Founder’s Award. It happened in a surprise ceremony during the Society’s June 27 Zoom meeting. Here’s a picture after his wife gave him the award, with yours truly witnessing the event online. Said Alón: “Here’s a shot my wife took seconds after she handed me the award. I look like I’m in shock, which I was. Good to have you on the screen being witness to what my sneaky and wonderful board members did for me.” Congratulations!

WL Woodward will be back soon with Part Two of his Tom Waits series.

In this issue: Ray Chelstowski interviews John Lynskey, the Allman Brothers historian, about the release of the Brothers 50^th anniversary concert. Stuart Marvin takes us behind the scenes of Metallica’s WorldWired tour with a talk with road warrior Mike Washer. Jay Jay French has a tale of two systems. Anne E. Johnson goes country with Tanya Tucker and sets the Wayback Machine for the 18^th century and Luigi Boccherini. John Seetoo delves into the AES Show Spring 2021 and the psychology of audio. Alón Sagee has some Chinese food for thought. Rudy Radelic continues his series on the music of jazz great Cal Tjader. Adrian Wu considers present day iterations and restorations of the classic Garrard 301 turntable.

We welcome new contributor Harris Fogel, a photographer and journalist who gives us a look at some of the people behind The Home Entertainment (T.H.E.) Show. B. Jan Montana meets someone with a charmed life. Tim Riley reviews a different take on Brahms’ piano concertos by András Schiff and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. J.I. Agnew’s Giants of Tape series moves ahead with a look at the rare Telefunken M15A. Ken Sander remembers the Ramones’ early years. Russ Welton interviews film and TV composer Guy Michelmore, who also does uniquely entertaining YouTube videos. Steven Bryan Bieler asks: what’s the B.F.D. about R.E.M.? We close out the issue with a trained ear, slim pickings at the record store, twice the listening pleasure, and a tough golf course.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Writers:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Stuart Marvin, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs, Rudy Radelic (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:

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

– FD

Copper’s writers and I strive for excellence, and work hard to ensure that articles are carefully proofread. But errors occasionally slip by, and when they appear, they’re typically just flat-out brain freezes. For example, “passed” instead of “past,” “flare” rather than “flair” and “peel” in place of “peal.” (What is the correct spelling of “Aaagghhh?”) Responsibility for any such grammatical gaffes rests squarely on the shoulders of yours truly, although I do have the following excuses: by my rough estimate Copper publishes around 150 or more pages of ad-free content every month, and that’s a lotta words to look over; my in-house staff consists of me and Gary the pug; and I’ve had rotator cuff surgery.

In the background, for the past year Rich Isaacs has been helping me catch and fix errors post-publication, and a third set of eyes – yours – may spot things we missed. If you see something, say something – we can fix flubs after they’re published. Now you see ‘em, now you don’t!

In this issue: audio shows are returning, and B. Jan Montana reports on California’s T.H.E. Show. Before YouTube, how did people learn stuff? Why, with self-help records, as Rich Isaacs points out! J.I. Agnew continues his series, The Giants of Tape, with a look at the MCI JH-110. Russ Welton interviews the extraordinary acoustic guitarist Gordon Giltrap, and looks at the effects of standing waves in rooms. Wayne Robins reviews Soberish, Liz Phair’s new album, and her Horror Stories memoir. Anne E. Johnson covers the careers of Elvis Costello and the all-female International Sweethearts of Rhythm. WL Woodward begins a series on Beat storyteller Tom Waits. Are they still relevant? Adrian Wu begins a new series on vintage (and new) Garrard turntables. I cover Octave Records’ brand-new release, The Nature of Things by rock band Foxfeather. John Seetoo reports on the recent AES Show Spring 2021. Rudy Radelic continues his series on jazz musician Cal Tjader with a look at his Verve Records years. Ken Sander finds himself between tours with Kid Creole and the Coconuts. Ray Chelstowski interviews Thierry Amsallem, producer of The Montreux Years, a new series of recordings celebrating the famed jazz festival with initial releases from Nina Simone and Etta James. Tom Gibbs continues his series on high-resolution remasters from prog-rock legends Yes. We round out the issue with James Whitworth contemplating a small eternity, Peter Xeni pondering rotational accuracy, Audio Anthropology salivating over a big MAC and a well-traveled Parting Shot.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Writers:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Stuart Marvin, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

Advertising Sales:

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

– FD

Since moving to the new Copper platform, there have been some glitches. We’ve fixed many, but others remain to be addressed, from temporarily-disappearing articles to random fuzzy-looking images and other hiccups. If you see something odd, please let me know at frank@psaudio.com.

Copper writer Wayne Robins has a new subscription newsletter called Critical Conditions by Wayne Robins. We encourage you to read it – I’ve been enjoying it a lot. You can read it and subscribe (it’s free for now) at waynerobins49.substack.com. In this issue: We launch a new column, Speaker Builder, with an interview with PS Audio’s head speaker designer Chris Brunhaver. Anne E. Johnson gives insight into opera composer Jean-Baptiste Lully and the Indigo Girls. Ken Sander gets a job at Elektra Records. Don Kaplan begins another new column, The Mindful Melophile, covering recommended recordings. J.I. Agnew’s The Giants of Tape series features the rare and mighty MCI JH-110. Russ Welton concludes his interview with producer, film composer and musician C.J. Vanston and continues his explorations into subwoofer optimization. Stuart Marvin looks at the iconoclastic musical career of Chris Whitley. Richard Murison asks: DSD; Is it PCM, or isn’t it? Tom Gibbs explores various reissues from progressive rockers Yes. Ray Chelstowski covers the new Herbie Hancock anthology from Vinyl Me, Please. Alón Sagee goes up against a not-so-great-Wall. John Seetoo ponders: how much do we really hear when we listen? Rudy Radelic begins a comprehensive series on the music of Cal Tjader and Cliff Chenfeld gives us more recommended new music in the latest installment of Be Here Now. Our audio/visual department wraps up the issue with unwanted surface noise, nearfield listening, a reel swingin' party and a nightingale’s song.

Staff Writers:

J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu

Contributing Writers:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Stuart Marvin, Bob Wood

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

Publisher:
Paul McGowan

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

 – FD

When you’ve been paying your dues, after a while you want to start drawing on your account!

******

We warmly welcome our newest staff member, Tim Riley. He’s an NPR critic, Emerson College professor of journalism, and author. Tim reviews music for NPR’s Here and Now and On Point. His reviews appear in The New York Times and the Los Angeles Review of Books. In 2016, he won the LA Press Club's award for Best Book Critic for his truthdig.com essays. As a popular presenter, he's given hundreds of multimedia lectures on censorship in the arts, and on rock history. His most recent book, with Walter Everett, is What Goes On: The Beatles, Their Music, and Their Time (2019).

In this issue: Rudy Radelic concludes his series on the jazz music of Henry Mancini. Ken Sander hits the road with the touring company of Superstar. John Seetoo interviews Dr. Fang Bian of HIFIMAN and Russ Welton talks with producer, film composer and musician C.J. Vanston. Tim Riley offers a definitive take on the new John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection. J.I. Agnew continues his The Giants of Tape series with a look at the Ampex ATR-104 at David Glasser’s Airshow Mastering. B. Jan Montana has a strategy for accomplishment.

Are you a hard-core record collector? I begin a series that asks the question. Anne E. Johnson covers the careers of the Doobie Brothers and reed man Illinois Jacquet. Tom Gibbs digs deeper into streaming audio. Ray Chelstowski talks with pop songwriter extraordinaire Richard X. Heyman, and Rich Isaacs concludes his interview with synthesizer pioneer Dr. Patrick Gleeson. Russ Welton looks at subwoofer setup. We conclude the issue with orchestral manoeuvres, vertical integration, a head trip and some reflection.

******

Staff Writers: J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu Contributing Writers: Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Robert Heiblim, Ken Kessler, Stuart Marvin, Bob Wood Cover: “Cartoon Bob” D’Amico Cartoons: James Whitworth, Peter Xeni Parting Shots: James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others) Editor: Frank Doris Publisher: Paul McGowan Advertising Sales: No one. We are free from advertising and subscribing to Copper is free. – FD

I was hanging at the assisted living facility and an elderly Puerto Rican woman came up to me and said, “wisdom is wasted on the old!”

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson stirs our souls with pieces on Sam Cooke and Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Wayne Robins reviews Van Morrison’s Latest Record Project, Volume 1. Ray Chelstowski interviews Marc Ribler, musical director for Steven Van Zandt. Dan Schwartz considers whether to leave audio gear on or off. John Seetoo concludes his story about the early days of digital film sound. I interview Copper’s Cliff Chenfeld, co-founder of indie label Razor & Tie, Kidz Bop and the WonderBus and WonderStruck music festivals. Tom Gibbs dreams of effortless audio streaming, and Andy Schaub has a look at some of the streaming services out there. J.I. Agnew continues his series on legendary tape machines with an interview with Greg Reierson of Rare Form Mastering. Jay Jay French offers an appreciation of British rockers the Move.

Rudy Radelic continues his series on the jazz side of composer Henry Mancini. I look at Octave Records’ latest release, the Audiophile Masters, Volume 1 compilation. Stuart Marvin spotlights the roles of the other two members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell in particular. Russ Welton talks with musician/producer/engineer Tom Newman about Mike Oldfield and Tubular Bells, the early days of Virgin Records and more. Russ also looks at the relationship between musical tone and audio systems. Ken Sander gets revved up and takes in a JVC Jazz Festival. Wendell Diller of Magnepan asks: how can manufacturers connect with customers in today’s world? Our audio/visual department rounds out the issue with cheap entertainment, critical listening from Peter Xeni, a little traveling music from James Whitworth and a prickly Parting Shot.

Found inside a fortune cookie: "Because of your melodic nature, the moonlight never misses an appointment." Well, OK then! I try not to miss any either. in this issue: Ray Chelstowski has a heart-to-heart talk with Ann Wilson. Tom Gibbs tells you what you need to know about ripping DSD from SACD (yes, it can be done). Russ Welton interviews guitarist, historian and author Paul Brett, and wraps up his interview with Yamaha UK. WL Woodward gets hit by the Wrecking Crew. J.I. Agnew continues his series on classic tape machines with a look at the Ampex ATR Series. B. Jan Montana tells a tale of camaraderie. Don Lindich encounters the legendary London “Decca” Super Gold phono cartridge. John Seetoo looks back at the Wild West days of 1980s digital film sound. Ray profiles Deko Entertainment, a company that knows legacy rock artists are still vital. Rudy Radelic begins a series on the jazz side of Henry Mancini. I review a metal record – literally, a DMM dubplate from Stockfisch Records made of copper-plated steel. Anne E. Johnson covers the career of country music pioneer Roy Acuff and picks eight great tracks from saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins. Ken Sander hangs with David Crosby and Jethro Tull. Peter Xeni flies with unconscious power, James Whitworth shreds, Audio Anthropology gets tangled up in 8-track and our Parting Shot has growth potential.

With Copper’s new format, long “Opening Salvo” intros take up a lot of space when viewed on a phone, so we’ll keep them short from now on.

This line from Gary Wilson from his song “I Wanna Take You On A Sea Cruise” seems appropriate for the times: “Hey baby, there’s only two more days till tomorrow!”

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson offers retrospectives on cinematic storyteller Randy Newman and on troubadours ancient and modern. Tom Gibbs reviews new releases from Frank Zappa, Charles Lloyd and Dr. Lonnie Smith. J.I. Agnew begins a series on historic tape recorders with a look at the Studer A80 and interview with Paul Gold of Salt Mastering. Roy Hall has memories of "Hey Jude.” Wayne Robins digs Rita Indiana. Steven Bryan Bieler realizes it’s all about the bass. Ken Sander celebrates Thanksgiving at the Fillmore East. Jay Jay ponders streaming audio quality.

What’s it like to suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity? We ask Dav Bedi of RadiAsian.London to find out. Stuart Marvin interviews groundbreaking music promoter Eppy Epstein of My Father’s Place, Russ Welton interviews Yamaha UK, and Ray Chelstowski wraps up his talk with keyboardist extraordinaire Chuck Leavell. Alón Sagee gets high at Mount Everest. Don Kaplan tells us about more favorite recordings. John Seetoo interviews iconoclastic producer/engineer Sylvia Massy. Adrian Wu continues his series on open reel tape. James Whitworth loses ground, Peter Xeni avoids social stigma, Audio Anthropology is on the beam and our Parting Shot looks further on.

Copper has a new look! So does the rest of the PS Audio website, the result of countless hours of hard work. There's more functionality and easier access to articles, and additional developments will come. There will be some temporary glitches and some tweaks required – like high-end audio systems, magazines sometimes need tweaking too – but overall, we're excited to provide a better and more enjoyable reading experience.

I now hand over the column to our esteemed Larry Schenbeck:

Dear Copper Colleagues and Readers,

Frank has graciously asked if I’d like to share a word or two about my intention to stop writing Too Much Tchaikovsky. So: thanks to everyone who read and enjoyed it – I wrote it for you. If you added comments occasionally, you made my day.

I also wrote the column so I could keep learning, especially about emerging creatives and performers in classical music. Getting the chance to stumble upon something new and nourishing had sustained me in the academic world – it certainly wasn’t the money! – and I was grateful to continue that in Copper. 

So why stop? Because, as they say, there is a season. It has become considerably harder for me to stumble upon truly fresh sounds and then write freshly thereon. Here I am tempted to quote Douglas Adams or Satchel Paige, who both knew how to deliver an exit line. But I’ll just say (since Frank has promised to leave the light on), goodbye for now.

The door is open, Larry, and we can’t thank you enough for your wonderful contributions.

In this issue: Larry Schenbeck delves into the Bach's St John Passion. Ken Sander makes friends with Roye Albrighton of Nektar and beyond. Ray Chelstowski interviews Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones and Sea Level keyboardist extraordinaire Chuck Leavell. Alón Sagee scales the heights of Nepal. Adrian Wu gets even deeper into reel to reel tape. I try some unsuccessful audio experiments. Rudy Radelic gets his Hampster Dance on with Four80East.

Anne E. Johnson appreciates the legendary jazz singer Dinah Washington and one of Canada’s greatest, The Band. John Seetoo visits the storied United Recording Studios. Tom Gibbs looks at reissues from the under-appreciated Ronnie James Dio-era Black Sabbath. J.I. Agnew continues with the biggest move of his life. Cliff Chenfeld recommends some contemporary rock artists. Russ Welton ponders how musical experiences influence gear purchases. Audio Anthropology gives a lot of sound for a nickel, while Peter Xeni undergoes environmental impact, James Whitworth experiences auditory masking and our Parting Shot from Rich Isaacs gets up close and personal.

You can only put so much of an input signal into an amplifier before it won’t deliver any more output. The amplifier starts clipping. If you look at a sine wave on an oscilloscope, instead of having nice rounded peaks at its highest amplitude, the top of the wave literally looks like it’s clipped off. The result: distortion.

My brain acts the same way. We’re all subjected to endless phone calls, e-mails, text messages, commercials, robocalls and other distractions. When I get overloaded with the endless bombardment, my brain starts clipping. It simply won’t accept any more input! The solution – although easier said than done, avoid situations where I know I’ll run out of headroom.

In this issue: Wayne Robins reviews the landmark Bob Dylan – 1970 collection. Ray Chelstowski interviews Jorma Kaukonen. Anne E. Johnson covers the careers of Alicia Keys and Josquin des Prez. Octave Records offers its first jazz release, Gabriel Mervine’s Say Somethin’. Russ Welton contemplates transparency in audio, while Alón Sagee ponders Mount Everest. Adrian Wu takes a deep dive into reel to reel tape. Ken Sander picks up an interesting hitchhiker (his name is Alice). Tom Gibbs covers new music from Mogwai, Tindersticks and The Pretty Reckless.

WL Woodward delves further into the career of John Mayall. Rich Isaacs continues his interview with synthesizer pioneer Dr. Patrick Gleeson and I talk with Andrew Hoffman of Audiophile Archive and Grading Services. Galen Gareis concludes his series on cable design. J.I. Agnew is in the middle of a very big move. Nils Lofgren bounces by John Seetoo and Stuart Marvin celebrates unsung musical hero Nicky Hopkins. Rudy Radelic embraces music streaming. Jay Jay French was there when many live concerts were recorded. Our AV squad encounters a seeker, expensive audio gear, free audio gear and a high-performance driver.

I wonder if artificial intelligence is the natural result of human evolution. It’s not a unique thought; science fiction author John W. Campbell’s short story “The Last Evolution” looked at this in 1932, and Ray Kurzweil’s 2005 book The Singularity Is Near suggests it may not only be inevitable but closer than we think. Should it be feared or embraced? Read Kurzweil’s book – I won’t give any spoilers here. I find the subject fascinating. We’ve lost two more titans: keyboardist and composer Chick Corea (79), whose influence on the birth of jazz fusion cannot be overstated. WL Woodward offers a tribute in this issue. It’s safe to say that everyone reading this has heard the work of Rupert Neve (94), a designer of pro audio equipment that shaped the sound of music as we know it today. His recording consoles, found in Abbey Road Studios and facilities worldwide, are prized. Also in this issue: we’ve got a trifecta of interviews, as John Seetoo talks with Nason Tackett of Hear Technologies, Don Lindich goes Rogue with Mark O’Brien of Rogue Audio and Rich Isaacs interviews musical synthesizer pioneer Patrick Gleeson. Larry Schenbeck considers Bach’s monumental Passion settings. Adrian Wu considers the unending analog vs. digital debate. Tom Gibbs reviews new releases from Steven Wilson, the Staves and a solo album from Hayley Williams of Paramore. Ken Sander spends time in Peter Tosh’s Jamaica. Anne E. Johnson gets down with Mary Chapin Carpenter and jazz drumming legend Max Roach. Jay Jay French dives into streaming audio, and Andy Schaub starts a series on the technology behind music streaming software. Galen Gareis of ICONOCLAST and Belden continues his deep exploration into audio cables. J.I. Agnew makes a very big move. Russ Welton gives us more speaker setup tips. I speculate about whether audio systems can ever attain perfection. We wrap things up with James Whitworth racking them up, Peter Xeni contemplating the sound of silence, leisurely listening and a rave new world.

Clickbait has become pervasive. It’s not hard to see why, especially if you’re a media insider – editors, publishers, websites, forums, cable news stations et al are all are under some degree of pressure (like, say, 2,000 atmospheres for some outlets) to draw eyeballs. Sensationalistic and curiosity-piquing clickbait is really effective at doing that. Once upon a time in screenland, there were three US TV networks and they were regulated by the FCC. Along came the internet, and Pandora’s Box opened.

We won’t use clickbait here. Sure, Copper aims to be entertaining, informative and thought-provoking and I love a good pun, especially when it comes to headlines. And we do want you to read our articles! But I’m here to tell you (as my friend from Texas likes to say) that personally, clickbait is far more distasteful than amusing to me, and in worst cases it's misleading, irresponsible and/or flat-out malicious. (Data mining, anyone?) We don’t and never will stoop to using clickbait as a way to get attention. We’re good enough to be above that.

We’re proud to announce our new contributor, Russ Welton. He’s an international music journalist, former editor of UK Acoustic magazine and was in musical instrument retailing. He’s also an English teacher, qualified assessor, photographer and a quintessential audio dweller.

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson covers the musical heights of Kate Bush and Johann Christian Bach. Octave Records announces a new reference audio test disc and system setup book. John Seetoo incorporates the tale of Koss Corporation. Adrian Wu goes deeply into tube testing, and Galen Gareis of ICONOCLAST and Belden goes really deep into an important yet overlooked aspect of audio cable design. Russ Welton gives some tips on speaker setup. J.I. Agnew gets his dream piano playing!

WL Woodward gets the blues with John Mayall. Tom Gibbs reviews new releases from Death Cab for Cutie, Steve Earle and the Dukes and the enigmatic jazz singer Judy Stuart. We have part two of my interview EveAnna Manley of Manley Laboratories. Ken Sander meets Grace Slick, Jefferson Airplane and other characters. B. Jan Montana gets an education, and Stuart Marvin schools us on the economics of streaming. Ray Chelstowski has fond memories of French Kiss. We round out the issue with James Whitworth feeling lost in translation, Peter Xeni finding the third time’s the charm, having our buttons pushed and going back down where cool water flows.

It’s hard to believe – or maybe not – that we first heard about the pandemic a year ago. A year. No wonder many of us are feeling more stressed out than ever, and look at the losses we’ve suffered. I recently found out that a few family members and friends have tested positive and it scares me. But a healing thought popped into my head as I was lying awake in bed the other night: keep your eye on the prize.

When my wife was going through two difficult pregnancies, it was one of the toughest things we’ve ever dealt with. She was on bed rest for weeks. But her OB-GYN kept telling us, keep your eye on the prize. Meaning, thinking about the joy of finally having children would get us through the most difficult times of feeling like there would be no end to the uncertain waiting. The doc was right. Twice. Now, as the prospect of getting back to the "prize" – an end to the pandemic – is within closer reach, it’s my mantra once again.

In this issue: Don Kaplan offers 21 of his favorite recordings to kick off 2021. Wayne Robins considers the making of Taylor Swift’s folklore. J.I. Agnew looks for a vintage piano. John Seetoo takes us on a virtual tour of the legendary Abbey Road Studios. B. Jan Montana experiments with unconventional speaker placement. Roy Hall goes to school. I interview EveAnna Dauray Manley of Manley Laboratories. Larry Schenbeck listens to serenades. Ken Sander wrestles with rock and roll.

Rich Isaacs gets a once in a lifetime chance to live with a $90,000 pair of speakers. Anne E. Johnson rocks it with the Beastie Boys and Herbie Hancock. Ray Chelstowski interviews flexi disc mega-collector Michael Cumella. Cliff Chenfeld turns us on to some contemporary women artists. Tom Gibbs goes crate digging and finds music from Henry Mancini, Roger Waters and New Order. Our audio/visual department lines up, finds half-price hi-fi, gets interrupted and basks in glorious symmetry.

Things change with time, as my very close friend likes to say. Here’s my New Year’s wish: that things change for the better in 2021. A new year brings new possibilities. We’re saddened by the loss of Gerry Marsden (78) of British Invasion legends Gerry and the Pacemakers. Their first single, “How Do You Do It,” hit number one on the British charts in 1963 – before the Beatles ever accomplished that feat – and they went on to have other smash records like “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying,” You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “I Like It” and “Ferry Cross the Mersey.” These songs are woven not just into the fabric of the 1960s, but our lives. In this issue: Anne E. Johnson covers the career of John Legend and rediscovers 17^th century composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Larry Schenbeck gets soul and takes on “what if?” Ken Sander goes Stateside with The Stranglers. J.I. Agnew locks in his lockdown music system. Tom Gibbs looks at new releases from Kraftwerk, Julia Stone and Max Richter. Adrian Wu continues his series on testing in audio. John Seetoo mines a mind-boggling mic collection. Jay Jay French remembers Mountain’s Leslie West. Dan Schwartz contemplates his streaming royalties. Steven Bryan Bieler ponders the new year. Ray Chelstowski notes that January’s a slow month for concerts – with a few monumental exceptions. Stuart Marvin examines how musicians and their audiences are adapting to the pandemic. I reminisce about hanging out with Les Paul. We round out the issue with single-minded listening, the world’s coolest multi-room audio system, mixed media, and a girl on a mission.

Goodbye 2020 and here’s to a better 2021. Anything else I could say would pale in relation to what Ray Davies of the Kinks sings in “Better Things.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs6G9tisVdU

Copper announces a new contributor, Cliff Chenfeld. Cliff has been a music business executive for 30 years. He was the co-founder and co-CEO of indie label/publisher Razor & Tie and of Kidz Bop. He was also the executive producer of a number of films and is a partner in the WonderStruck and Wonderbus music festivals.

The interview Steve Guttenberg aka "The Audiophiliac" and I did in Issue 125 and Issue 126 is on Steve's YouTube channel here. It's edited a little differently with material not in the Copper interview and vice versa.

Sadly, the closing days of 2020 took three more giants. On December 17 we lost Tim de Paravicini, one of the finest audio designers ever to walk the planet. Dan Schwartz pays tribute in this issue. Leslie West of rock band Mountain passed away on December 23. His roaring guitar tone and voice on songs like "Mississippi Queen" and "Theme for an Imaginary Western" inspired legions of guitarists. On December 25 we lost guitarist/vocalist Tony Rice, one of the greatest bluegrass flatpicking acoustic guitar players of all time.

Also in this issue: Larry Schenbeck, Ray Chelstowski and Cliff Chenfeld reveal their best of 2020. Anne E. Johnson digs into the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and pathbreaking trumpeter Toshinori Kondo. Rich Isaacs concludes his tale of interviewing with Genesis in the 1970s. John Seetoo looks into the making of the Elvis recording Where No One Stands Alone. Ken Sander reflects on the end of a Hollywood era. Tom Gibbs covers new releases from Booker T & the M.G.’s, Steven Wilson, Tori Amos, and Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams.

J.I. Agnew wants a tube amp during a lockdown. I wonder if an audio system can be too good. Adrian Wu continues his series on testing in audio with tips on doing it yourself. Steven Bryan Bieler ends his war on LPs. Don Lindich interviews Mark Mawhinney of record cleaner company Spin-Clean. Peter Xeni visits analog aliens. We wrap up the year and the issue with cutting-edge technology, hipster music and a welcoming robot.

The term “Happy Holidaze” has become a cliché, the progenitor of silly memes and cards – and has also taken on a new meaning in 2020. What a year it’s been, and I doubt that there’s a single one of us who doesn’t feel dazed by it. But the holiday season is a time of rejoicing, and my holiday wish is that we can find renewed spirit, togetherness, hope, and, yes, joy during the season and in 2021.

I want to again take the opportunity to thank everyone at Copper for making this magazine possible. It has been, in the words of Paul McGowan, a “shining beacon,” certainly in my life, and it has helped me get through some tough times this year. Perhaps Copper has made your lives a little brighter also.

In this overstuffed holiday issue: John Seetoo recommends some Christmas songs you might not have heard before, and WL Woodward looks at favorite holiday movies. Wayne Robins reviews Dave Alvin’s From an Old Guitar: Rare and Unreleased Recordings. Jay Jay French ponders Zen and the art of criticism. Larry Schenbeck examines the bel canto work of Rossini. Ken Sander tells about his time with Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Don Kaplan asks: what happened to honk, bonk, boing and blomp? Dan Schwartz reflects upon Keith Jarrett’s retirement. J.I. Agnew concludes his series on vertical tracking angle and stylus rake angle.

Anne E. Johnson finds that Bach and Beck are where it’s at. Steven Bryan Bieler ponders chess and music. Adrian Wu continues his series on audio testing. Tom Gibbs reviews new releases from Smashing Pumpkins, David Bowie and Seasick Steve. I review the new book, Audio Research: Making the Music Glow and conclude our interview with The Audiophiliac, Steve Guttenberg. Ray Chelstowski has an inside look at when Clarence Clemons toured with the Grateful Dead. Stuart Marvin contemplates the many and varied cover versions of “Hey Joe.” Our audio/visual department looks at late arrivals, audiophile wedding rings, days gone by, musical holiday gifts of yore, and more.

Thanksgiving has come and gone in the US (and Brazil and elsewhere) and it was perhaps the strangest any of us have ever experienced – or maybe the most meaningful. Though all of us have had moments of deep despair in 2020, it’s not trite to note that there are also many reasons to be thankful and appreciate what we have all the more. I believe the human spirit is indomitable.

In this issue: Jay Jay French remembers John Lennon on the 40^th anniversary of his passing. Ken Sander finishes his road trip with Split Enz. J.I. Agnew launches a two-part series that takes a close look at vertical tracking angle and stylus rake angle. Larry Schenbeck listens to naughty and nice holiday music. Wayne Robins reviews Oasis’ remastered 25^th anniversary reissue of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? John Seetoo concludes his AES Show Fall 2020 report and pays a virtual visit to Nashville’s Blackbird Studio. Adrian Wu begins a series on testing in audio. Steven Bryan Bieler battles LPs.

I interview Steve Guttenberg, YouTube’s “The Audiophiliac.” Dan Schwartz has bad and good audio news. Alón Sagee concludes his visit to Mongolia. Rich Isaacs offers Part One of a 1970s interview series with Genesis. Tom Gibbs reviews new releases and reissues from Joni Mitchell, Pink Floyd and The War on Drugs. Ray Chelstowski looks at the history of rock T-shirts. Anne E. Johnson gives insight into British folk legend Joan Armatrading and piano jazz great Mary Lou Williams. Peter Xeni’s audiophile gets off to a shaky start. The issue concludes with James Whitworth’s exasperated listener, vintage holiday LPs and kit-building, and a concert hall visit.

We have a new president and vice president-elect. I and any other person in an editorial position might be expected to comment about it. However, I don’t do politics in these pages. The Octave Records “Column to be Named Later” now has a name: “Octave Pitch,” courtesy of reader and name the column contest winner Mark Mazur. Read about Octave’s new release, Hey Joe Opus | Red Meat by Otis Taylor here. Elsewhere in this issue: Larry Schenbeck initiates a series on bel canto singing and I experience an audio initiation. John Seetoo continues his AES Show Fall 2020 report with a look at some of the 7 Audio Wonders of the World. Ken Sander deals with Split Enz. Anne E. Johnson looks at the career of the Country Gentleman, Chet Atkins, and celebrates the 600^th birthday of Johannes Ockeghem. Tom Gibbs waxes nostalgic about four holiday reissue LPs. Jay Jay French is buying a stairway to heaven. Roy Hall invests in an Isle of Arran distillery. J.I. Agnew gets his head around coils in audio. Tom Methans re-lives boogie wonderland. Robert Heiblim examines advances in assistive hearing. In our “Sitting In” section, Max Townshend of Townshend Audio offers a test for determining speaker cable differences, and cartoonist Peter Xeni lets off steam. Ray Chelstowski offers a decidedly different holiday songs playlist. Don Lindich concludes his interview with Krell Industries’ Walter Schofield. We wrap up the issue with streaming audio, unstable speed and the shapes of things.

Every day is an opportunity to learn something. Even when there are days when we feel like we’re wading through molasses, we can still expand our knowledge, even if it’s just learning how to get better at wading through molasses. Being obsessed with all things audio, and lacking a degree in engineering or acoustics, I’ve spent a lifetime learning from others and by exploring, experimenting and doing stuff.

One aspect of this is putting together each issue’s “Audio Anthropology” column. In the process, I look through old audio and electronics textbooks and find information I didn’t know before. It’s a reminder that if we want to expand our horizons in audio, or music, or anything, the journey is never-ending. Yogi Berra noted, “life is a learning experience, only if you learn.” Keep an open mind and open ears. Because of scheduling conflicts (in other words, there aren’t enough hours in a day for everyone concerned), the conclusion of our interview with Walter Schofield of Krell will run in the next issue.

In this issue: Wayne Robins has a must-read review of Bruce Springsteen’s new album, Letter to You. Larry Schenbeck considers musical prize winners. Dan Schwartz tells what he’s been up to. WL Woodward has a review of the upcoming Zappa movie. J.I. Agnew gives perspective on the Loudness War. Tom Gibbs looks at new releases and reissues from Japandroids, the Replacements, Blue Note and Khatia Buniatishvili. Roy Hall visits distilleries in Scotland and Alón Sagee journeys to Mongolia. Rich Isaacs turns us onto 10 more great guitar solos.

John Seetoo contributes Part One of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) virtual Fall 2020 show. Steven Bryan Bieler considers Glenn Danzig covering Elvis. Don Lindich interviews Tom Hannaher of ZVOX Audio, a company with an individual approach to sound and hearing, and I ponder hearing loss and the need for high-end audio. Jay Jay French gets to the soul of guitar tone. Anne E. Johnson has two shining articles on Earth, Wind & Fire and the Judge, bassist Milt Hinton. Ken Sander goes on the road with British prog-rock band Renaissance. Adrian Wu asks: truth or dare? Ray Chelstowski collects cassettes and James Whitworth's character worries about them. Finally, in Audio Anthropology we have twice the fun and our Parting Shot finds B. Jan Montana under an Arizona sky.

The music world has lost an icon with the passing of Eddie Van Halen at 65. The man was one of the greatest and most influential rock guitarists of all time and burst upon the scene with his technical brilliance, swagger, oft-overlooked sense of rhythm and swing, influencing generations to come. Tom Methans and Jay Jay French offer tributes.

Our Name That Column Contest goes through October 31. We’ll be running a new column about PS Audio’s Octave Records label, and we need a name. The winner will receive a 16 x 24 photo on canvas of Copper photographer James Schrimpf’s photo of musicians Dale Watson and Chris Crepps, used as Issue 105’s Parting Shot. Please submit your suggestions for the column name to letters@psaudio.com.

In this issue: Larry Schenbeck returns! Have things changed for him? John Seetoo review’s Neil Young and Phil Baker’s book about the rise and fall of the Pono hi-res music player. Tom Methans and Jay Jay French remember Eddie Van Halen. We have interviews with Krell Industries’ Walter Schofield (Part One) and Eikon Audio’s Gayle Sanders (Part Two; these guys have a lot to say). Anne E. Johnson looks at the career of Dame Ethel Smyth and deep cuts from Echo & the Bunnymen. Ken Sander gets big attitude from Little Esther.

Tom Gibbs covers new releases from Roger Waters, Drive-By Truckers and Sufjan Stevens. Wayne Robins goes crate digging...for MP3s? Steven Bryan Bieler has fond musical memories of his dad. Roy Hall visits a dude ranch and WL Woodward revisits Frank Zappa.

J.I. Agnew ponders the dynamic range of records. Ray Chelstowski has an inside look at the making of Bob Seger’s Against the Wind (he had some unexpected help). Rudy Radelic offers some suggested demo recordings. Readers Adrian Wu and Stuart Marvin tell us about an Olympian listening experience and a close encounter with the Rolling Stones. Our audio/visual department encounters a hair-raising experience, gets testy with tubes and visits the Badlands.

Do you sometimes feel like we’re living in an alternate universe? After all, alternate realities and parallel universes are not uncommon concepts in pop culture, let alone physics – just watch the Netflix series Dark or DC Comics’ “Crisis on Infinite Earths” or read Ray Bradbury’s short story “A Sound of Thunder,” which gave birth to the phrase “the butterfly effect.” But we’re not really living in the Matrix, or a changed history created by meddling with the time stream...are we?

I am certain of one thing – time travel does exist. All we have to do is put on a record like Giant Steps or Songs for Swingin’ Lovers or Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or The Fame, and we can be transported back to the time when the album was recorded and our memories of when we first heard the music. Any time we want.

Reminder: our Name That Column Contest runs through October 31. We’ll be running a new column about PS Audio’s Octave Records label, and we need a name. (For now it’s “The Column to be Named Later.”) The winner will receive a 16 x 24 photo on canvas of Copper photographer James Schrimpf’s photo of musicians Dale Watson and Chris Crepps, used as Issue 105’s Parting Shot.

Please submit your suggestions for the column name to letters@psaudio.com.

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson gets into Otis Redding and his deep soul, and free-jazz trailblazer Sam Rivers. Tom Methans isn’t with the band. We interview MartinLogan and Eikon Audio founder Gayle Sanders, and the Audio Engineering Society’s Gary Gottlieb. Roy Hall takes a trip to Copenhagen and one of the world’s greatest restaurants. Todd Rundgren’s Nearly Human album changes Ray Chelstowski’s life. We have an inside look at Octave Records’ new release, Temporary Circumstances by Clandestine Amigo. Rudy Radelic digs The Mavericks’ En Español.

J.I. Agnew asks: how hi would you like your fi? Jay Jay French revisits the Grateful Dead’s Workingman’s Dead on its 50^th anniversary. Rich Isaacs revives some unusual cover versions in the latest installment of “Complete Recovery.” Steven Bryan Bieler knows what it’s like to be cool. Ken Sander goes one step beyond with Madness and the Go-Go’s. Tom Gibbs finds great new music and reissues from John Coltrane, Cat Stevens/Yusuf, Thelonious Monk and Gillan Welch. Reader Adrian Wu’s audio journey takes him to the present. We conclude the issue with hittin’ the note, spending money and socially distancing.

PS Audio recently launched its record label, Octave Records. (Read about Octave’s first release, Don Grusin’s Out of Thin Air, in Issue 113.) Octave will be releasing records regularly in audiophile-quality DSD and SACD stereo discs. Octave’s business model also ensures that artists retain a greater portion of earnings than standard record label deals. Copper will give you a head start on upcoming releases (starting with Clandestine Amigo, our next one), the stories behind the artists and the technical details of the recordings – in a column yet to be named. That’s where you, the readers, come in! Octave Records is having a contest to name the column. The winner will receive a 16 x 24 photo on canvas of Copper photographer James Schrimpf’s photo of musicians Dale Watson and Chris Crepps, used as Issue 105’s Parting Shot. James’s work has been featured in many galleries, shows and publications and he has worked for more than 30 years as an artist, photojournalist and photographer. Simply submit your suggestions for the column name to letters@psaudio.com. The contest will run from now through October 31. Then we’ll choose the lucky winner! In other news: we welcome a new staff member, writer Steven Bryan Bieler. Steven is a novelist living in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, his dogs, and his CD collection. He blogs about music at rundmsteve.com. Bob Stuart, inventor of Meridian Lossless Packing digital audio technology and MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) digital audio encoding has been awarded the Prince Philip Medal. The medal is given biennially by the Royal Academy of Engineering to an engineer who has made an exceptional contribution to engineering as a whole through practice, management or education. Congratulations Bob! In this issue: Don Kaplan takes a fresh approach on how to listen. Roy Hall looks back on the Munich HIGH END show. J.I. Agnew concludes his interview with acoustic design consultant Philip Newell. Jay Jay French drinks in British blues singers. Anne E. Johnson considers the music of Thomas Tallis and ZZ Top. Alón Sagee tells a story of two hands clapping. Don Lindich interviews Bill Voss of Technics, and John Seetoo wraps up his series with Quilter Amps/QSC Audio founder Pat Quilter. Tom Gibbs is thrilled to hear a good-sounding Stones reissue, among other new releases. New contributor Steven Bryan Bieler hears voices. WL Woodward is home for the pandemic. Robert Heiblim concludes his series on bringing products to market. Ray Chelstowski has an explosive look at K-tel Records. Ken Sander offers a Stories story. I find that audio systems are consistently inconsistent. Reader Adrian Wu takes us on an audio journey encompassing continents, and decades of gear. We round out the issue by staying in our room, experiencing changing weather and going to Nepal.

This is my 22^nd issue of editing Copper. 22 issues of fun, hard work, passion, power outages, a moment of panic or two and many other feelings. Deadline pressure and occasional writer’s block aside, I think I speak for all of us when I say we love doing this.

So what’s the occasion for marking my 22^nd issue? Well, I forgot that Issue 117 was my 20^th anniversary, duhh! And number 22 is double deuce, and “The Deuce” was my nickname in college (and still is to some long-time friends). In college a bunch of us played cards. As any card player knows it’s usually advantageous to pull a high card like an ace, king and so on. But I would usually draw a deuce whenever I needed a good card. To the point where my frequency of pulling a deuce went far beyond the laws of chance. Way beyond. Seriously. After a while, when I pulled a deuce everyone at the table would exclaim, “The Deuce!” in astonishment. The name stuck.

Our group has been playing for more than four decades. So the number 22 has meaning to me and also a kind of symmetry, don’t you think?

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson digs The Incredible Jimmy Smith and finds true purpose in the music of Patty Griffin. J.I. Agnew interviews acoustic design consultant Philip Newell, who worked for Virgin Records among many others. Rich Isaacs gets into record collecting, while Rudy Radelic offers an alternative opinion on Record Store Day. Wayne Robins plays on Themes From a Summer Piece. Things get too hot to handle in “Confessions of a Setup Man, Part Eight.”

Tom Methans rocks out with Motörhead! Ken Sander and singer/actor Carl Anderson take us to the Forty Thieves Club in Bermuda. Roy Hall visits Israel, and it’s no ordinary journey. Tom Gibbs reviews new releases and re-issues from Walter Trout, Angel Olsen, Elliott Smith and The Allman Betts Band. John Seetoo continues his series on unusual artist collaborations and cameos, and his interview with Quilter Amps/QSC Audio founder Pat Quilter. Ray Chelstowski ponders when Dire Straits made a Springsteen record. Our A/V department rounds out the issue with a groovy girl, a disappearing act and a Chicago get-together.

I recently got a fortune cookie that said, “Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together.” Whaaaat? I’ve read fortunes that were uplifting, meaningless, silly or even depressing, but never anything like that. I just figured it was something that got lost in translation or the product of a very stoned fortune cookie writer.

Then I Googled it and was amazed to see that it’s a 1939 quote by Anaïs Nin. I think, as music lovers, we know the feeling – total immersion to the point where you feel like your body doesn’t exist and you are at one with the music.

Staff news: our beloved Larry Schenbeck will be taking a short sabbatical. He’s in this issue but is going to lay out for a bit to relax and recharge, and will be back sometime in October.

In this issue: 118 has something of an interview focus with Tom Methans’ piece on punk label Snubbed Records’ Ron Saccoccio, John Seetoo’s conversation with Quilter Amps/QSC Audio founder Pat Quilter, and my interviews with sublime songstress Rumer and Steve Rowell of retailer Audio Classics. Larry Schenbeck speaks of symphonies and social movements. Tom Gibbs reviews new releases from Jaga Jazzist, Washed Out, Deep Purple, Isobel Campbell and Aubrie Sellers. Ken Sander relives the Peace Parade and a Superstar production.

Anne E. Johnson goes from making noise about Sonic Youth to waxing poetic about Schumann’s Dichterliebe. WL Woodward tells us about The Music Lesson, bassist Victor L. Wooten’s remarkable book. J.I. Agnew ponders self-released album psychodrama. Jay Jay French goes for the absolute sound without spending absolutely head-spinning money. John Seetoo launches a series on unusual artist collaborations and cameos. Ray Chelstowski tosses a Rolling Stone Hail Mary pass. We conclude the issue with getting Mirandized, listening to insensitive speakers, and busking for fun and profit.

This was the hardest issue I’ve ever had to put together. Not because the writers were late on copy (quite the contrary), or things went awry in production – it was because the events of the week leading up to Issue 117 were crazy.

I had to take care of a sudden major family health issue involving a hospital and a PT rehab center. (She’s going to be OK.) Then hurricane Isaias hit Long Island and we lost power. (One fallen tree barely missed our house.) In the middle of this I developed a vision problem in my left eye. A very large floater that looks like a big grayish-black squiggle; the doc said to see him immediately but concluded, “it’s not dangerous.” (It’s gradually getting better, and I look forward to the day when people won’t say “that was when he had one good eye.”)

I had to find someplace that had internet in order to work. Happily my friend Fran Resvanis came through and I made the hour-plus round trip to their house for two days. Then my wife's place of business got power back, and now here I am in a veterinarian's office. Luckily I haven't been asked to assist with emergency dog surgery. Through it all, we've had to make sure our deaf and almost blind pug has been taken care of.

The gist of it: hours and hours of lost time, major disruption of life and work, and pinning-the-meter stress.

So I wasn’t able to write a "Frankly Speaking" piece for this issue, but I intend to contribute a healthy amount for the next.

 

The show must go on, bad hair notwithstanding: one of two temporary Copper offices.

In this issue: Larry Schenbeck considers works by Beethoven and Benjamin Britten. Don Lindich interviews the owners of Sota Sound Inventions. J.I. Agnew reminds us where the idea of “record label” came from. Dan Schwartz speaks of tubes and men. Tom Gibbs reviews re-issues and new releases from AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, Samantha Crain and Courtney Marie Andrews. Ray Chelstowski has a dynamite article on...eight-track? Anne E. Johnson shows her talents as a Faces (and Small Faces) reader and brings us eight great tracks from trombonist Bill Watrous. Robert Heiblim continues his series on how products are made.

We launch a new semi-irregular column, “Sitting In,” featuring guest writers – this time, Stuart Marvin has a close musical encounter. Don Kaplan examines the phenomenon of busking. Ken Sander combs through memories of Hair and joins the Peace Parade. Rich Isaacs brings us his 10 favorite guitar solos. Jay Jay French considers the Golden Age recordings of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Rounding out the issue, nothing comes close to Audio Anthropology’s vintage speakers, cartoonist James Whitworth draws on the phenomenon of auditory masking and our Parting Shot keeps them mowing blades sharp.

“Baby, there’s only two more days till tomorrow.” That’s from the Gary Wilson song, “I Wanna Take You On A Sea Cruise.” Gary, an outsider music legend, expresses what many of us are feeling these days. How many conversations have you had lately with people who ask, “what day is it?” How many times have you had to check, regardless of how busy or bored you are? Right now, I can’t tell you what the date is without looking at my Doug the Pug calendar. (I am quite aware of that big “Copper 116” note scrawled in the July 27 box though.)

My sense of time has shifted and I know I’m not alone. It’s part of the new reality and an aspect maybe few of us would have foreseen. Well, as my friend Ed likes to say, “things change with time.”

Except for the fact that every moment is precious.

In this issue: Larry Schenbeck finds comfort and adventure in his music collection. John Seetoo concludes his interview with John Grado of Grado Labs. WL Woodward tells us about Memphis guitar legend Travis Wammack. Tom Gibbs finds solid hits from Sophia Portanet, Margo Price, Gerald Clayton and Gillian Welch. Anne E. Johnson listens to a difficult instrument to play: the natural horn, and digs Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rockabilly. Ken hits the road with progressive rock masters Nektar.

Audio shows are on hold? Rudy Radelic prepares you for when they’ll come back. Roy Hall tells of four weddings and a funeral. J.I. Agnew looks at colored vinyl and asks: does it sound good? Wayne Robins enjoys new albums from Bananagun and Khruangbin. I interview Carl Marchisotto of NOLA loudspeakers. Ray Chelstowski cranks his tube-amplified car stereo. Jay Jay French tells a reader why he had to abandon Grateful Dead fandom. To close the issue, Audio Anthropology takes the plunge, James Whitworth clocks in and our parting shotgun rider clowns around.

We are thrilled to announce the return of Patti, Louie and Nipper! While we’ve been digging the artistic covers over the last several issues, readers have missed Copper’s mascots (named for Patti Smith, Lou Reed and, well...Nipper) and we confess, so have we. That charming canine, his fun-loving owners and Bob D’Amico aka Cartoon Bob, the artist who brings them to life, lend Copper a distinctive identity. Well, they're back and here to stay. Just like the rest of us, who knows what further musical and audio adventures the tenacious trio might encounter? In this issue: Professor Larry Schenbeck remembers Mahler, and asks: why collect physical media anymore? Anne E. Johnson covers Mendelssohn’s piano and violin concertos and the Strokes, including their latest, The New Abnormal. Bob Wood takes 50 years to get an audio system he’s satisfied with. WL Woodward traces the career of bassist and studio cat extraordinaire Lee Sklar. John Seetoo concludes his series, Songs of Praise from Unlikely Artists. J.I. Agnew tells us how not to fix things. Tom Gibbs checks out new releases from Norah Jones, John Scofield, Steve Hackett and Brad Mehldau. In Confessions of a Setup Man I encounter some sinister stairways. Wayne Robins digs Dion’s new Blues with Friends album. Rudy Radelic wraps up his Tales of an Audio Forum Administrator series. Don Kaplan appreciates women composers of early music. Jay Jay French goes from hippie to glam rocker, and Ken Sander hangs with War and Wet Willie during a landmark event. We conclude with the new normal, a music-loving butterfly and an audio love supreme.

Sometimes even the most perceptive of us can have a blind spot or a complete brain freeze. I’ve been editing Copper for more than eight months and hadn’t realized that, unlike every other magazine, we didn’t have a masthead! My friend Gene Pitts, editor of The Audiophile Voice, pointed this out. Well, duh! So, let’s acknowledge all the terrifically talented people who make Copper possible:

Contributing Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ivan Berger, Ray Chelstowski, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Robert Heiblim, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, Larry Schenbeck, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Bob Wood, WL Woodward

Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico

Cartoons:
James Whitworth

Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana (and others)

Editor:
Frank Doris

I'd also like to thank all the writers and others who contributed to previous issues. You may even see some of them come back...

We’d like to welcome new contributor Ray Chelstowski. He is a contributing editor at record collector’s magazine Goldmine and writes the "Vinyl Finds" column, as well as feature stories and reviews. He is the former publisher of Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly and writes his own music blog, Disciples of Sound.

In this issue: Professor Larry Schenbeck considers Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito and Idomeneo. John Seetoo begins an in-depth interview with John Grado of phono cartridge and headphones maker Grado Labs. Dan Schwartz contemplates the ordinary beauty of rock band Elbow. Ken Sander remembers the future (or was is the past?) with progressive rock icons Nektar. Anne E. Johnson looks at female rocker extraordinaire Pat Benatar and early piano jazz master Jelly Roll Morton. J.I. Agnew asks: are 180-gram vinyl pressings really better?

Ray Chelstowski is on a mission for McIntosh. In “Confessions of a Setup Man Part Seven,” I keep my eye on the prize. You can’t always get what you want – or can you? Tom Gibbs covers new high resolution Rolling Stones re-releases. Don Kaplan listens to the earth’s heartbeat: Native American music. Robert Heiblim launches a series on how audio products are manufactured. Rich Isaacs continues his deep dive into Italian progressive rock. Copper’s AV squad wraps up the issue with some basic hi-fi-manship, a musical contribution to medical science and Mendocino driftwood.

This issue’s cover: Joni Mitchell (1943 –). Riding on the carousel of time along with the rest of us on the merry-go-round. Every year my wife plants peonies in the back yard. They usually come and go inside of a couple of days. They’re beautiful while they bloom, but then they quickly fade, until around the same time the year after. This year, they’ve been blooming for a week, and there are more of them than usual. My wife tells me the same thing has been happening around the neighborhood and that the peonies are more abundant than ever. The fact that this is happening while the world is in the state it’s in is interesting. A cosmic sign of hope? Mother Nature trying to tell us something? Why are the peonies stronger this year than they’ve been in more than a decade? I don’t know. Sometimes we observe things and need others to figure them out. Sadly, the audio world has lost two more giants. Albert von Schweikert (75) was a brilliant speaker designer whose creations earned worldwide acclaim. They were a familiar sight at audio shows, often paired with Valve Amplification Company (VAC) electronics, and usually sounding absolutely sensational. Allen Boothroyd (76), co-founder of Meridian Audio (along with Bob Stuart), and renowned industrial designer, contributed his considerable talents to not only Meridian but also KEF, Celestion, Russound and others, and even designed computers and coffee machines. RIP gentlemen; the world is richer for your talents. In this issue: Anne E. Johnson riffs on bass great Marcus Miller and one of music’s most legendary figures: Johnny Cash. Tom Gibbs looks at new and reissued music from Rush, Jason Isbell, Dire Straits and Shostakovich. Professor Larry Schenbeck smiles over four Figaros. Roy Hall thinks about smuggling. Dan Schwartz notes the beautiful ordinariness of the band Elbow. John Seetoo continues his series, Songs of Praise from Unlikely Artists. PS Audio has launched a new record label! Octave Records is here. John Seetoo does an interview with mastering maestro Steve Hoffman. Rich Isaacs’ third installment on Italian progressive rock features Sensations’ Fix and Arti & Mestieri. Wayne Robins basks in a Pacific Breeze of Japanese pop. J.I. Agnew concludes his Q & A on vinyl polarity. Jay Jay French realizes it’s never too late to start over. Ken Sander hangs with Labelle. The issue wraps up with cartoonist James Whitworth taking a stand, a tangerine dream and Bonnie bringin’ it.

This Issue’s Cover: Bob Dylan (born 1941). The times they are a changin’ indeed. Issue 112...evoking Route 112 on Long Island and another memory flash from around 30 years ago when some friends and I drove to a singles bar named the Club 112 or something equally nondescript, looking for love and finding...Tiny Tim. Aka Mr. Herbert Khaury was hanging by the bar, just another guy on a Saturday night. Alone. We sidled next to him and told him how much we liked his music. He was genuinely happy to hear it, as we weren’t being facetious or fawning and lord knows how other people had treated him over the years. He was a down to earth guy, the antithesis of his onstage Tiny Tim Freak Show persona. Which made him cooler than ever in our eyes. But how did he wind up at a cheesy suburban meat market all by himself? We didn’t have the heart to ask. Maybe Miss Vicki could have told us. In this issue: Jay Jay French has an exclusive interview with Jenny Boyd, the real Jennifer Juniper. Anne E. Johnson dives into Dire Straits and revisits jazz legend Lee Morgan. PS Audio speaker designer Chris Brunhaver remembers the Attack of the 20-foot Tweeter. WL Woodward remembers the architect of rock and roll, Little Richard. Professor Larry Schenbeck ponders wabi-sabi. John Seetoo begins a new series, Songs of Praise from Unlikely Artists. Copper has a new voice: Sound Advice columnist Don Lindich, who contributes a piece on the 40^th anniversary of Axiom Audio. Tom Gibbs finds a quartet of outstanding new releases. Rudy Radelic continues his Tales of an Audio Forum Administrator series. Wayne Robins has a moment with Fiona Apple. Dan Schwartz re-lives a Rosanne Cash recording session. I meet Blue Öyster Cult guitarist Buck Dharma. J.I. Agnew gets technical about vinyl polarity. To conclude the issue, James Whitworth gets passed down the generations, we go where the action is and get ready for a ride to the sky.

(With a tip of the hat to Dave Davies for the title) This issue’s cover: Prince (1958 – 2016). One of the greatest rock songwriters, performers, producers, guitar players and flat-out musical icons ever. Has anyone equaled him since he burst upon the scene? His 2007 Super Bowl XLI performance remains, in the eyes of many, untouchable. Driving down Route 111 – memories of The Hidden Pond diner, Caliguiri’s Restaurant, Beverageland, Hauppauge High School, Dairy Queen...this issue's number is prompting a flashback. Route 111 is the main drag in Hauppauge, NY where I grew up. Sweet memories of the best feta cheese omelets I’ve ever had, 69 cent quarts of Bud, driving my dad’s 1969 Impala Custom and blasting the radio, make out parties...all long gone. I didn’t expect to write such a bittersweet opening, but the past couple of weeks have me reminiscing more than usual with the loss of my audio industry friend Victor Goldstein (75, unconfirmed), Kraftwerk’s Florian Schneider (73), John Prine (73) and Little Richard (87). But memories of them live on, as will their art and influence. And sometimes, memories feel more real than our “real” lives. In this issue: Professor Larry Schenbeck offers the second installment of his multichannel recordings Hall of Fame. WL Woodward has fond memories of John Prine. Rich Isaacs provides an in-depth look at Italian progressive rock band Le Orme. Dan Schwartz tells us what it was like to record with Rosanne Cash. J.I. Agnew restores a vintage Presto record cutting lathe. Ken Sander goes pond hopping with punk rock band the Stranglers. Rudy Radelic tells more tales of being an audio forum moderator. Anne E. Johnson of gives us more than one reason to read about Tracy Chapman and Henry Purcell. I remember audio industry luminary Victor Goldstein and examine the work of Die Mensch-Maschine, Kraftwerk. John Seetoo gives us a behind the scenes look at the art of organ restoration. We conclude the issue with ears in the clouds, Art appreciation and going back to Green River.

This issue's cover: Amy Winehouse (1983 – 2011) and Tony Bennett. Winehouse was one of the most unique new voices to burst upon the contemporary music scene, a voice silenced all too soon. Singer/painter Bennett of course earned legendary status a long time ago. Both had the opportunity to collaborate on "Body and Soul," which was a fulfillment of a dream for Winehouse. I’ve decided I’m not going to talk about That Subject anymore in this space, other than the following. A lot of us have more time on our hands now. Time that we didn’t have a few months ago as we were frantically rushing to check off items on a Sisyphean to-do list. Most of us have had a chance to step back, and our perspectives are changed. In the midst of all this hardship comes good – a greater awareness for the good things in life that have been surrounding us, but maybe we’ve been too distracted to fully appreciate. And a deeper remembrance of those who are no longer with us. The audio world has lost Martin DeWulf (65), editor of the former Bound for Sound, and Clark Johnsen (78) writer at Positive Feedback and author of The Wood Effect, a book championing the importance of absolute polarity in audio. I first got to know Marty when I wound up standing next to him at a concert at an audio show, and was deeply impressed by his knowledge and love of a wide variety of musical genres. My first conversation with Clark lasted at least 45 minutes – actually, it was more like being on the receiving end of a brilliant, cantankerous force of nature – but he decided he liked me and the feeling was certainly mutual. Rest in peace, gentlemen. In this issue: Professor Larry Schenbeck looks at more magnificent multichannel recordings. Wayne Robins dials up Bob Dylan’s new songs. Anne E. Johnson gets Steely Dan’s number. J.I. Agnew instructs us on absolute polarity on vinyl records. Jay Jay French lets us know how he’s coping with isolation. Dan Schwartz reflects on recording with Linda Perry. I note that you sometimes have to get it wrong to get it right. WL Woodward waxes fondly about exceptional bass players. Roy Hall's first impression of America is...Binghamton. Rudy Radelic begins a new series, Tales of an Audio Forum Administrator. Ken Sander loves LA rock. Bob Wood gets paid to count to 50. Robert Heiblim doesn’t value elitism in audio. The issue wraps up with Les Paul goin’ to the bank, the look of love and finally getting to the Point.

This issue’s cover: Judy Garland (1922 – 1969). One of the most iconic actresses, recording artists and performers of all time. Though haunted by personal struggles, she attained greatness that few ever achieved. Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. Like everyone else, we at Copper have been impacted by the coronavirus, whether by disruption in our work and home lives to financial impact, stress, anxiety and writer’s block. And yes, one of us contracted the virus – thankfully, he’s doing OK. So, over the next few issues you might see some changes – temporary absence of some writers, a different balance of articles and other differences from the usual. We trust you’ll understand, and we look forward to when these pages, and our lives, reach a new equilibrium. It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Stereophile deputy editor Art Dudley. He was one of the finest men ever to grace the audio industry. My tribute to him is in these pages. Also in this issue: Rich Isaacs begins a series on Italian progressive rock with a look at the great PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi). Ken Sander takes us on a wild rock and roll ride with Eric Burdon and War. Professor Larry Schenbeck continues his series on immersive sound. WL Woodward gets jazzed about bass. John Seetoo concludes his series on legendary Yellow Magic Orchestra/film composer/techno-pop pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto. In a special report we ask audio companies how they’re responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Measurements don’t lie – or do they? J.I. Agnew offers a revealing look. Dan Schwartz is obsessed with stereo. Anne E. Johnson rides with Grand Funk Railroad. Jay Jay French talks about two of the most astounding audio systems he’s ever heard. We conclude the issue with cartoonist James Whitworth seeking variety, Realistic sound, and contemplation in the land of walnut trees.

This issue's cover: of course, the Beatles in their iconic 1967 Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band garb. An album that defined a generation.

I’m sitting here staring at the computer screen and I can’t think of a freakin’ thing to write.

OK, I’ll write about that.

We’ve all been through adversity. But this feels different. Forced isolation for many of us (I live on Long Island, now subsumed by any Covid-19 map you may care to look at), disruption of normal life, endless scary news on TV, economic upheaval. We’ve been trying to suck it up, but it’s getting harder. How can it not?

What the heck am I trying to say? Maybe it’s just...it’s normal and OK to feel unmotivated, uncertain and scared at times as we’re going through this. I pick up a guitar to learn some new jazz chord and say, nah and go to the refrigerator instead. I scroll through 200 Netflix shows and don’t want to watch any of them.

But we’ll get through this, by compassion, togetherness and strength. And, yes, humor, even if it can be tough to find the headspace to laugh. And it’s a comfort to know we’re not alone. In our little corner of the world, being part of the Copper community is certainly helping me get through these times. I hope it’s shining a little light in your world too.

In this issue: we are honored to present an exclusive interview by with Mat Weisfeld, president of VPI Industries, interviewed by Jay Jay French. The company has shifted production from turntables and other products to hand sanitizer and face shields.

Anne E. Johnson offers a fascinating look into Baroque music – in Central and South America. J.I. Agnew concludes his series on linearity in audio. Jersey boy Robert Heiblim reflects on his audio revelations. Professor Larry Schenbeck dives into the first of a two-part series on immersive sound. WL Woodward presents an overview of Chicago guitar hero Terry Kath. John Seetoo launches a two-part series on legendary Yellow Magic Orchestra/film composer/techno-pop pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Tom Gibbs considers albums from Roger Eno and Brian Eno, Al Di Meola, the Boomtown Rats...and Mandy Moore! Rudy Radelic continues our new column, “Complete Recovery,” with more takes on unusual cover versions. In “Confessions of a Setup Man” I get myself grounded. Dan Schwartz ponders his musical origins. Rounding out the issue, our audio/visual department wrestles with a split personality, listens to the Admiral and enjoys a sunset on the beach.

Cover: violinist Jascha Heifetz (1901 - 1987). Many consider him to be the greatest violinist ever. He was one of the most influential performing artists of all time and in his later years became a teacher and an advocate of causes he believed in, including clean air and the establishment of 911 as an emergency phone number.

 

Stay safe. Be careful out there. Maintain social distancing. Wash your hands frequently. Familiar phrases in these tough times.

To those I’d add: listen to music. Read a book or magazine. Watch a movie. Play your instrument. Surf the web. Don’t let the endless barrage of TV news make you crazy. Ignore (except to debunk) misinformation on Facebook and social media. Call or video chat with a family member, friend or loved one. Though we may be temporarily separated, we’re all in this together and we’ll help each other stay strong.

In this issue: Anne E. Johnson gives us incisive looks into two of the modern era’s greatest artists: Frank Sinatra and the Kinks! John Seetoo contributes his CanJam NYC 2020 Part Two report. J.I. Agnew continues his series on linearity in audio, with clear explanations of this technical topic. Tom Gibbs gives unrestrained opinions on Brandy Clark, King Crimson, Charlie Parker and Tame Impala. Professor Larry Schenbeck enthuses about Sanctuary Road, a new oratorio. Dan Schwartz asks: why don’t musicians use audiophile speakers?

Veteran broadcaster Bob Wood shakes his head over the state of today’s commercial radio. Wayne Robins provides a step by step operating manual for Miss Anthropocene by Grimes. Ivan Berger peers into the state of the audio art – 80 years ago. I say the audio shows must go on. Rich Isaacs looks at unusual cover versions of well-known songs. Rudy Radelic takes us through a journey to electrostatic ecstacy. Finally, our A/V department asks if ewes are listening, contemplates a silent audio partner and toasts a former music landmark.