The NAMM show is always an intense time for JazzMando Site Administrator, Ted Eschliman and crew. In addition to catching all the latest and greatest in mandolin developments, he's capturing thoughts on pen and paper for his trade column at Music Inc Magazine, getting direction for new projects at publisher Mel Bay, all in addition to major inventory and market decisions for his multi-store chain in the Midwest.

Fortunately, there were a few moments for an outdoor sanity and soda break with LA area musician and mentor, Michael Lampert. Soaking in the retreating southern California sun (it was 6 degrees back home), the conversation meandered from personal reconnaissance and observations of breakthrough gear on the trade show floor (MP3 mandolins and new industry import players), potential Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome transaction restraint ("keep the Kimble, Ted. Put the additional impulse money into an Education Roth for your daughter's college in 8 years"), and of course our personal favorite topic, mandolin tone.

Reflecting on a previous archive column, "As music "technicians," we often get wrapped up in the mechanics of playing. Faster, louder, more complex, we strive to get more out of the "motor skills" dimension in practice and performing--so much so that we forget music is about beauty. Things like line, expression, tone, get lost like the proverbial forest through the trees developing facility.

Fellow jazzer and electric mandolin pioneer Michael Lampert put it best in a casual conversation, "...I mean if it isn't pretty, why bother?" The context was the subject of players who can reel off a tremendous amount of notes, but either lack melodic direction, or just plain have lousy tone.

We love revisiting these thoughts every time we correspond with the jazz tonemeister himself. Especially when we can do it in person in the January California sun.

Artist Website: Michael Lampert

Posted by Ted at January 20, 2009 6:01 AM