Changing Perspectives

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.