Larry Fast - The Bob Moog Foundation

Moogmentum Wows Attendees with Celebration of Music, History, Creativity and Innovation

Mike Hunnicutt — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 18:00:29 +0000

On August 13 -15, 2019, the Bob Moog Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the Moogseum through Moogmentum, a series of musical and historical events reflecting on Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy in synthesis and his many inspirations. The celebration was held in four venues throughout downtown Asheville, North Carolina, and attracted a variety of domestic and international enthusiasts traveling from Canada, Argentina, and from New York to New Orleans to attend.

Synthesis, professor, and researcher Ernesto Romeo traveled from Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend Moogmentum. He’s shown here with Michelle Moog-Koussa in the Moogseum.

Moogmentum brought together three legendary figures from the Moog legacy: Herb Deutsch, who collaborated with Bob on the first Moog Prototype; Patrick Moraz, keyboardist for Refugee, YES, and the Moody Blues; and Larry Fast, pioneering synthesist, technologist, and historian; as well as contemporary synthesist, Lisa Bella Donna.

The beautiful theater at the Asheville Masonic Temple, just a half a block from the Moogseum, provided the setting for the Tuesday evening events. First, “In The Beginning With Herb Deutsch in Conversation with Larry Fast” explored Herb’s early days with Bob in the fall of 1963, and the winter and summer of 1964. With Larry’s careful guidance, Herb shared first-hand insights into the discussions and process that lead Bob and Herb to collaborate on what would become the Moog prototype.

Herb Deutsch in conversation with Larry Fast

Herb also shared segments from the 84-minute “Abominatron” Tape, a reel-to-reel tape in which Bob introduces Herb to every parameter of the new device. Those segments included Bob’s insight into his decision to make the instrument monophonic, and into his opportunity to present the invention at the Audio Engineering Society convention in the fall of 1964, which he found to be equal parts exciting and daunting. The conversation ended with Herb taking questions from the audience.

After a quick intermission, which included guests sipping on a limited release of Moog Filtered Ale (created to benefit the Foundation by the Asheville Brewing Company), the audience reconvened to hear Patrick Moraz recount his “The Story of Bob and i, With Patrick Moraz in Coversation with Larry Fast.”

Patrick spoke enthusiastically with Larry about his long professional and personal relationship with Bob, including Bob’s stay in Switzerland with Patrick to help him program the then brand new Polymoog for use in his upcoming album, “The Story of i.”

He also addressed Bob’s deep contribution to the realm of sound, and how that changed the world of music.

Interspersed with his reflections, Patrick regaled the audience with performances on several synthesizers, including the Foundation’s vintage Minimoog, Minimoog Voyager, and Moog Subsequent 37, as well as a baby grand piano.

He took requests from attendees, and shared lively jokes and conversation with them. A consummate musician and showman, Patrick’s creative energy electrified the room, even at 75 years young.

The evening concluded with Patrick and Larry taking questions from audience, and with Michelle Moog-Koussa, the Foundation’s executive director, thanking everyone for the contribution in making the evening an extraordinary experience for all involved.

[All photos from Moogmentum Day One by Stephan Pruitt Photography for the Bob Moog Foundation.]

On Wednesday morning, Michelle lead an hour-long tour at the Moogseum for a large gathering of people who filled the space with intense interest. As she lead the group through all of the experiential exhibits, Michelle shared special insights into how the exhibits were created, the lengths taken to secure some of the rare instruments, and many stories about Bob’s life and work that can only be discovered at the Moogseum. The attendees had the opportunity to ask many questions, and receive first-hand answers from a family member.

Following the tour, Patrick Moraz and Larry Fast reconvened in the Moogseum space to share some of Patrick’s musical insights through “Modulations with Moogs and Moraz” with an intimate audience of 25 VIP ticket holders.

There he spoke with Larry about his professional and musical history, and his use of Moog synthesizers in his work. This historic conversation offered attendees the opportunity to sit mere feet away from Moraz and Fast as they explored music, innovation, and creativity.

Ernesto Romero photographing Patrick Moraz and Dina Pearlman, daughter of famed synthesizer pioneer Alan R. Pearlman of ARP.

After a short break during which Patrick signed CDs of many of his 25 solo releases, the attendees gathered again in the gallery, this time in front of the re-creation of Bob’s workbench, to watch Herb Deutsch unveil the prototype of the Moog synthesizer, which is on loan to the Moogseum from The Henry Ford Museum through May 23, 2020.

The audience sat in rapt attention as Herb lifted the cover from the case, and a powerful wave of nostalgia and affection came across his face. As one attendee reflected, it was the first time he got both tears and goosebumps. Another attendee shared that that moment was the most important moment in his life.

Larry carefully led Herb through a more detailed recounting of the creation of the prototype, including an explanation of all of the capabilities, and some of the other contributors to the device, including Gustav Ciamaga and Vladimir Ussachevsky. He also shared additional segments from the Abominatron tape, with Bob delving into the functionality.

[All photos from Moogmentum Day Two by Stephen Pruitt Photography for the Bob Moog Foundation]

Thursday, August 15th, was the official grand opening day, made so specifically because it was also Leon Theremin’s 123rd birthday. The day began with Lisa Bella Donna leading a “Sonic Alchemy” workshop at the Asheville Music Hall where she featured a vintage Minimoog and a large board of EarthQuaker effect pedals. Lisa explained her technique of sound creation, took questions from the audience, and performed on her condensed setup.

After a quick lunch break, Larry Fast stepped into his role as historian and technologist and delivered the Moogmentum keynote address on the evolution of electronic music, tracing over 100 years of development from analog to digital, giving several key insights based on his own experiences.

Later that afternoon, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at the Moogseum, with Michelle Moog-Koussa cutting the ribbon as people crowded the sidewalk to witness and support the momentous occasion.

Michelle welcomed the crowd, remarking that it was Bob’s sacrifices and dedication that inspired the eventual birth of the Moogseum, thanking everyone whose hard work contributed to the new space, and paying homage to Leon Theremin as Bob’s technical inspiration, and hence the inspiration for his career. The crowd was then welcomed into the gallery to experience the immersive exhibits.

Vincent Pupillo, Sr., Founder and President of EMEAPP, at Moogmentum after the ribbon cutting.

As the sun set over Moogmentum, Lisa Bella Donna wowed the audience with her expansive setup of several Moog synthesizers, including a vintage Model D, Moog One, Matriarch, Mother-32s and more, with a vintage ARP 2600 perched on top. For the next two hours, she proceeded to combine a lush, sweeping sonic beds driven by a variety of sequences.

Larry Fast, looking on as Lisa Bella Donna performs.

[All photos from Moogmentum Day Three by Tristan Whitney Weary for the Bob Moog Foundation]

Many thanks to everyone who attended Moogmentum, and to all of those who helped make it possible. Special thanks to Larry Fast, Patrick Moraz, Herb Deutsch, and Lisa Bella Donna for sharing your time and talents with us, and helping us create a truly extraordinary event. See you again next year!

The post Moogmentum Wows Attendees with Celebration of Music, History, Creativity and Innovation first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Synth and Software | On the Scene at Moogmentum

Bob Moog Foundation — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 20:16:00 +0000

August 29, 2019

“It was like witnessing a reunion of old friends to see Herb nostalgically gaze upon the history-making synth [original Moog synthesizer prototype] that had played such a significant role in his life.” – Synth and Software

Synth and Software

“On the Scene at Moogmentum”

Read the feature:

https://synthandsoftware.com/2019/09/on-the-scene-at-moogmentum/

To learn more about the Bob Moog Foundation’s projects, follow the links below.

Learn more about Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool

Learn more about the Moogseum

Learn more about the Bob Moog Foundation Archives

The post Synth and Software | On the Scene at Moogmentum first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Announcing “Moogmentum” Grand Opening Celebration of the Moogseum

boomer — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:57:40 +0000

Sonic Alchemists Patrick Moraz, Herb Deutsch, Larry Fast, and Lisa Bella Donna Come Together to Honor Bob Moog’s Legacy and the Launch of the Moogseum

We are honored and thrilled to announce “Moogmentum: Synthesizing Innovation, Music, and Creativity“, a three day celebration of the grand opening of the Moogseum, taking place from August 13- 15, 2019.

Tickets to the events go one sale through Eventbrite at 10am on Wednesday, July 17, 2019.

Events are ticketed individually, and General Admission and VIP packages are offered. VIP packages, which include the two private events with Herb and Patrick, are limited to 25 people. Please read below for a full description of all events.

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.

Located at 56 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville, NC, our Moogseum features eight interactive, immersive, or technology-driven exhibits that invite visitors to explore Bob Moog’s life and work, delve into the science that he was passionate about, and discover the fascinating 120-year history of sound synthesis.

Moogmentum will kick off at the Asheville Masonic Temple Theater on Tuesday evening, August 13, 2019 with a pair of special events:

7pm: From the Beginning With Herb Deutsch, in Conversation with Larry Fast – Herb Deutsch, the educator, innovator, and musician who was the catalyst and the co-collaborator on the development of Moog synthesizer in 1964, will talk about his very early days forging new sonic pathways with Bob. Woven into his insights will be listening sessions of the rare “Abominatron Tape“, the 84-minute tape that Bob sent Herb with the prototype in 1964, in which he describes and demonstrates every single parameter of this new sonic creature. Historian, technologist, and musician Larry Fast will serve as moderator. This ticketed event is open to the public. Purchase your ticket here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.

9pm: The Story of Bob and i – Legendary keyboardist Patrick Moraz (YES, Refugee, The Moody Blues), in conversation with Larry Fast, shares a one-of-a kind synthesis of performance and interview during which he will perform on Bob Moog’s personal piano and on various synthesizers, interspersed with sharing unique insights about the extensive time he spent working closely with Bob in the mid-1970s, and about their decades-long friendship. Rarely seen photos will be woven throughout the concert, as will audio and video from Patrick’s long career. Historian, technologist, and musician Larry Fast will guide the discussion with Patrick. This ticketed event is open to the public. Purchase your ticket here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.

The Moogmentum celebration will continue on Wednesday, August 14th, with:

11:30am: Guided tour of the Moogseum with executive director Michelle Moog-Koussa. This event is open to the public, but space is limited. Entry fee to Moogseum is required unless included in ticket package.

2:30pm: Modulations with Moogs and Moraz – In this intimate VIP event at the Moogseum, (capacity limited to 25 attendees) legendary keyboardist Patrick Moraz shares his history integrating Moog synthesizers into his music, while exploring the massive sonic capabilities of those instruments on vintage gear, followed by a Q&A from the audience, and a CD signing. This event is open to VIP ticket holders only. Purchase your VIP ticket here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.

3:30pm –4:15pm: CD Signing With Patrick Moraz in the Moogseum Store. This event is open to the public.

5pm: Unveiling of the Moog Prototype at the Moogseum With Herb Deutsch – Join Herb Deutsch in this intimate VIP event (capacity limited to 25 attendees) in which he will unveil the legendary, rare Moog synthesizer prototype, on loan to the Moogseum from the Henry Ford Museum and seen for the first time at this event. Herb will delve into the capabilities of the prototype, and talk about his experience composing on it, followed by a Q&A. Historian, technologist, and musician Larry Fast will guide the discussion. This event is open to VIP Ticket holders only. Purchase your VIP ticket here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.

Dinner with Herb Deustch, Patrick Moraz, and Larry Fast – Join three legendary musical figures for this one-of-a-kind reception, seated dinner, and conversation at the exquisite AC Hotel in downtown Asheville, a block away from the Moogseum. Limited to 90 guests. This ticketed event is open to the public. Purchase your ticket here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.

On Thursday, August 15th, multi-instrumentalist, composer, modular synthesist, and clinician Lisa Bella Donna will dazzle the Moogmentum attendees, and Larry Fast will offer a Keynote Message at the Asheville Music Hall.

11:30am: Synthesizer Alchemy, a Workshop with Lisa Bella Donna Explore the sonic landscape with dynamic synthesist Lisa Bella Donna in this insightful workshop as she shares the vast possibilities of using a variety of contemporary and vintage synthesizers with various unique effect pedals. Lisa will lend her decades of experience to share insights into musical and sound design, and take questions throughout the session. A CD signing will follow. This ticketed event is open to the public. Purchase your ticket here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.
2pm: Moogmentum Keynote Discussion – Tracing Analog to Digital Historian, technologist, and musician Larry Fast will speak to the early beginnings of Bob Moog’s innovations, and trace the evolution of that technology through to digital synthesis and beyond. He will share samples from his own music and answer questions. A CD signing will follow. This event is free and open to the public.

4pm: Moogseum Ribbon Cutting – The Asheville Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of the Moogseum with a champagne toast and tour of the Moogseum with Michelle Moog-Koussa. This event is free and open to the public.

8pm: Sonic Explorations, a Concert with Lisa Bella Donna –Synthesist Lisa Bella Donna will electrify the stage at the Asheville Music Hall by bringing contemporary and vintage synthesizers together for an evening of sound sculpting and sequencing, mixed with improvisational explorations. Join her on the sonic journey that will give voice to the grand opening of the Moogseum. This ticketed event is open to the public. Purchase your tickets here: http://bit.ly/MoogmentumTickets2019.

The Keynote Discussion, ribbon-cutting ceremony, and Grand Opening Celebration Concert are free to all.

GA TICKET PACKAGES INCLUDE ADMISSION TO:

From the Beginning with Herb Deutsch, in Conversation with Larry Fast,
The Story of Bob and i with Patrick Moraz in Conversation with Larry Fast (both on Tuesday night, August 13th)
Synthesizer Alchemy, a Workshop with Lisa Bella Donna,
A collector’s item enamel Moogseum pin, and a limited-edition Moogmentum commemorative poster.

VIP Ticket Packages include admission to

Tickets for all other Moogmentum events will be available from Eventbrite at 10am on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Please continue to check this website for exciting updates!

The post Announcing “Moogmentum” Grand Opening Celebration of the Moogseum first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Historical Signed Images of Larry Fast Offered with Donation

boomer — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 23:22:00 +0000

Peter Gabriel Era Photos and Early Music of Pioneering Synthesist Gift with Foundation Support

One of the two signed, numbered photos of Larry Fast offered for $100 donation.

We are honored to offer an exclusive donation incentive featuring legendary synthesizer pioneer Larry Fast. Bob Moog Foundation supporters who make a $100 donation or more will receive two signed and numbered photos of Fast in concert with Peter Gabriel in 1977, as well as a copy of his second Synergy album, Sequencer. Quantities of the photos/music set are limited.

All donations support the Foundations educational and historic preservation initiatives, and can be made through its donation portal: here.

The photos were generously donated by concert photographer Brad Owen. Only 50 sets of the signed and numbered photos exist.

Donate and receive your set as a gift here.

The photos, exclusive to the Bob Moog Foundation, capture Fast during the first Peter Gabriel solo tour during the winter and spring of 1977. He’s surrounded by a bay of synthesizers and other equipment, including, clockwise from lower left: Micromoog, Oberheim S-2 digital sequencer with CV and Trigger switching matrix, Moog Model 15 sitting on top of two additional racks of assorted Moog modules, 360 Systems Pitch Shifter (used to process Peter’s voice), Oberheim SEM, 2 Oberheim mini-sequencers, Minimoog, Moog Keyboard Controller on top of Polymoog, Yamaha 8×2 mixer (from the back).

The two vintage photos evoke a period feel and are bathed in purple and red hues from the stage lighting.

The second of two photos of pioneering synthesist Larry Fast offered with a $100 donation

”It is an honor to have counted Bob Moog as a long-time friend”, recounts Fast. “I used his instruments extensively throughout my musical career. Their design and sound served as an inspiration for my work.”

An American keyboard player, composer, producer, and electronic pioneer, Larry Fast has worked with a wide range of artists, including Peter Gabriel, Nektar, and Tony Levin. As a solo artist, he records under the name Synergy, releasing nine highly acclaimed albums between 1975 and 1987, beginning with the groundbreaking Electronic Realizations for Rock Orchestra.

Bob Moog once said of Fast’s work,

“Synergy is one of the best sounding synthesizer albums I have ever encountered. It captures the essence of rock through dazzling Minimoog artistry.”

“I am proud to lend support to the Bob Moog Foundation and their important work at the intersection of science and music”, Fast adds. ”It is my sincere pleasure to contribute through this unique offering to enable them continue to inspire people through Bob’s legacy.”

More information about Fast’s work can be found on his website: http://synergy-emusic.com.

For more info on how to get his recordings visit here:

Fast has been a long-time supporter of the Bob Moog Foundation, having contributed his unique sound design style to Spectrasonics’ Bob Moog Tribute Library and more recently to MOTU’s Bob Moog Foundation Encore Soundbank. His artist demonstration of the Soundbank, Spheroid, can be heard here.

The post Historical Signed Images of Larry Fast Offered with Donation first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Ciani, Fast, and Bhatia Contribute Stellar Artist Demos

boomer — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 14:23:01 +0000

MOTU Adds New Artist Demos to Bob Moog Foundation Encore Soundbank

Legendary electronic music titans, Suzanne Ciani, Larry Fast, and Amin Bhatia, have each contributed stellar performance demos for MOTUs Bob Moog Foundation Encore Soundbank. The soundbank, released on May 20, 2015, features over 25 legendary artists and sound designers — they represent an amazing array of talent. The Encore Soundbank was created to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation’s educational and historical preservation projects; MOTU is donating all profits from the sales.

The trio of artist demos range in genre and style, from Cianis beautiful and triumphant Aqua Alta and Bhatias spirited symphonic romp, Bob MOTU Fiesta, to Fasts shimmering sonic panorama, Spheroid. All three works have been composed solely using the sounds of the Encore Soundbank. Together they boast the diversity of the more than 20 sampled instruments in the library, ranging from Moog® and Buchla® modulars to the Minimoog®, Korg® MS-20, Yamaha® CS-80, Sequential Circuits® Prophet, and EMS® Synthi A and VCS3.

Suzanne Ciani

Composer and recording artist Suzanne Ciani is a pioneer in the field of electronic music and sound design. Lauded for her early virtuosity using a Buchla Modular Synthesizer, Ciani has composed scores for a myriad of television commercials, and has released fifteen albums of original music featuring performances in a broad array of expressions: electronic, solo piano, piano with orchestra, and piano with jazz ensemble.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/231404935″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

You can purchase the Encore Soundbank here

Larry Fast

Best known for his pioneering electronic music albums recorded under the project name SYNERGY, Larry Fast has worked for nearly a decade with Peter Gabriel, playing synthesizer on records and on tour, and rounding out the production team on many of Peter’s albums. He has recorded and performed with a wide and diverse range of artists, including Hall & Oates, Foreigner, Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora and David Bryan, Barbra Streisand, Annie Haslam (Renaissance), Randy Newman, Joan Armatrading, Meat Loaf, and many others.

About his demo “Spheroid”, Larry notes, “It was created in MOTU Digital Performer 9 with only Bob Moog Foundation Soundbank sounds running on MachFive3. No other sound generators were used. Mixed in DP9 using MOTU plug-ins (plus a handful from Waves.”

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/231410580″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Amin Bhatia

Recording artist, film and TV composer Amin Bhatia was winner of the Roland Corporation International Synthesizer competition in 1981 and 1982, beginning a career that has included projects with David Foster, Steve Porcaro, and a solo album on Capitol Records, The Interstellar Suite. Most recently he scored five seasons of Canadian series Flashpoint with musical partner Ari Posner, and is beginning the second season of scoring X Company.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/231411433″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Purchase the Encore Soundbank here

The diversity of these three recordings underscores not only the rich legacy of artists who have made this project possible, but the astounding versatility of these vintage instruments instruments that have impacted the musical landscape of our world.

The Bob Moog Foundation is truly grateful for the value these artists have placed in the work we do, and we look forward to helping to influence the next generation of creative thinkers.

The post Ciani, Fast, and Bhatia Contribute Stellar Artist Demos first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Doug Babb’s Gifts to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives

Bob Moog Foundation — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:44:08 +0000

On August 21, 2006, one year to the day since Bob had passed away, the Bob Moog Foundation was formally launched. The organization went from a fund with a modest collection of donations to a 501 (c) (3) non-profit with a website and a campaign to help build infrastructure and projects. A phone line was installed in Michelles basement, who was at the time the Volunteer Director.

Early on the morning of the launch, when our first website went live, the phone rang and a deep, gentle voice left a message that began Greetings on this very special day, my name is Doug Babb.. Little did we know on that day of the Foundations birth what many gifts Doug would have in store for us over the next five years.

Doug Babb is a musician and educator who was taught by Bob Moogs friend, colleague, and avant- garde opera composer John Eaton at Indiana University. Through John, Doug met Bob Moog and later helped advise Bob on the parameters for a portable synth that Bob was working on with his team of engineers. This portable synth was later to become known as the Minimoog. Doug maintained a deep interest in everything Moog and in more recent years worked in a consultants capacity for Moog Music, Inc.

Doug reached out to us on that August day in 2006 to see how he could help. It wasnt long after that we discovered that Dougs vast knowledge of the Moog legacy could be of great service in helping us understand the huge archive that Bob had left behind. In 2006, the collection was still in Bobs former workshop in the hills of western NC where it was succumbing to the effects of mold, time and small rodents.

Doug generously volunteered to travel down to Asheville, NC from Indiana to help sort through the archives and assist us determining the breadth of the collection, and to prioritize it. This was a long process, involving five separate visits extending over almost a years time, and scores of hours in moldy conditions sorting, prioritizing, re-boxing and transporting Bobs archives to safety. A couple of times Doug worked with Michelle and a team of volunteers. The rest of the time, it was the quiet, dedicated work of the two of them that resulted in the initial salvation of the historic collection.

Here are some photos that Doug took of those early days sifting through the archives (photos copyright Douglas Babb 2011):

[See image gallery at moogfoundation.org]

The archives have been safely stored for almost five years, but Dougs contributions to our efforts continue. This summer, Doug drove down to Asheville once again to donate over 800 electronic music-related magazines, including Keyboard Magazine, Electronic Musician, Tape-Op, Sound on Sound and more to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives. This library of media will serve as a wonderful resource for students and researchers of electronic music history and will eventually be housed in the Moogseum. The Keyboard Magazines in particular include many articles written by Bob throughout the years.

Here is a sampling of the materials that Doug donated to the archives (Photos copyright the Bob Moog Foundation 2011):

[See image gallery at moogfoundation.org]

Thank you Doug for your support and guidance in our work to protect and preserve Bobs archives!

You can read more about Doug at www.TheMoogGuy.com and at this article in NUVO http://bit.ly/ru33hF.

The post Doug Babb’s Gifts to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Moogfest Panels Feature Mavericks, Legends and Pioneers

Bob Moog Foundation — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:35:39 +0000

Moogfest History and Technical Panels Draw on Deep Legacy and Industry Connections

The Bob Moog Foundation is bringing together top minds in history, technology and education for this year’s history and technical panels. Experts, ranging from Bobs colleagues in the seminal days of synthesis to the more contemporary sound sculptors of today, are coming from around the country to share their ideas and vast experiences. The Bob Moog Foundation will be responsible for the historical content at Moogfest, including items from Dr. Bob’s Archives such as rarely seen vintage photographs and historic audio clips from recently restored reel-to-reel tapes.

All panels, demonstrations, and workshops will take place between Noon and 6:30 PM EST at the Moogaplex, located at the Haywood Park Hotel complex at 1 Battery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville, just a stone’s throw from many of the music venues. They are first come, first serve for those who bought either weekend passes or have a pass for that particular day.

Convergence Hardware and Software Integration in the 21st Century & The Award of OMG-1 One-Of-A-Kind Synth (Friday, 3pm)

The One-Of-A-Kind OMG-1, designed by Eric Persing

The creation of electronic music has always relied on exploring all technologies available. In the modern context, that often means transcending the divide between the tactile experience of hardware devices and the ever-increasing capabilities of computers. An incredible panel of sonic explorers moderated by Spectrasonics founder Eric Persing will investigate the challenges of how electronic instruments can reach their ultimate potential through the convergence of multiple technologies.

During this panel, Persing will be awarding his one-of-a-kind OMG-1 synthesizer to the winner of the OMG-1 Contest, Torley Wong. You wont want to miss this historical moment!

Panelists:

Eric Persing (moderator)
Torley Wong
Diego Stocco
Tara Busch
Marc Doty
Amos Gaynes

When & Where: Friday, 3:00 @ the Moogaplex

Mavericks of Sound Design (Saturday, 12pm)

In this extraordinary panel, some of today’s most innovative sound sculptors will share insights into the visionary techniques and ideas behind their craft. Listen in as this meeting of the minds compares and explores cutting edge sound creation concepts they use in their work.

Panelists:

Eric Persing (moderator)
Diego Stocco
Richard Devine
Scott Gershin

When & Where: Saturday, 12:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

The First Moog Rep Remembering Walter Sear’s Pivotal Role in the Moog Legacy

(Saturday, 4:30)

Walter Sear’s impact on Bob Moogs early career cannot be overstated. He was Bobs first representative, selling theremins and a little known run of R.A. Moog, Co. amplifiers. Based in NYC, he helped Bob grow his theremin business in the mid-1960s and quickly transitioned into pioneering the sale of Moog Modular synthesizers in the late 1960s. You may recognize Walters name from his conversation with Bob in the Moog documentary or from mention of his legendary studio, Sear Sound. Walter Sear passed away in April 2010. His fascinating legacy will be explored through incredible documents from Bobs archives other collections.

Panelist:

Where & When: Saturday, 4:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Pioneering Moog in Live Performance (Sunday, 12pm)

Ever thought about what it was like to play a Moog Modular synthesizer or an early Minimoog live back in the late 1960s and early 1970s? It was nothing less than a creative adventure. Our panelists are all pioneering musicians having forged the path of synthesis in live performance when it was in its infancy. With no chance for edits or do-overs, raw talent, knowledge, and a healthy dose of the innovative spirit were the guiding factors as these musicians blazed new trails for music and music lovers alike. Dont miss the unforgettable stories and reflections that will be shared in this panel!

Panelist:

Brian Kehew (moderator)
Herb Deutsch
Dick Hyman
David Borden
Larry Fast

When & Where: Sunday, 12:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

Journey to the Center of the Theremin with Neon Indian, Dorit Chrysler & Albert Glinsky (Sunday, 1:30)

Neon Indians Alan Palomo is joined by theremin goddess Dorit Chrysler, and Leon Theremin biographer Albert Glinsky to take you on a time traveling voyage to the epicenter of the theremin past, present and future.

Panelists:

When & Where: Sunday, 1:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Sun Ra and Beyond: Exploring Rare Recordings from Bobs Archives (Sunday 3pm)

Delve deep into the depths of Bob Moogs historical archives and explore newly restored vintage recordings from the reel-to-reel tapes in the collection. Thanks to two grants from the Grammy Foundation, the Bob Moog Foundation has spent the past two years lovingly and carefully restoring nearly 100 tapes from the archives, including a tape from jazz fusion legend Sun Ra playing the prototype version Minimoog Model B. Youll hear some astounding music as well as early recordings of Bob and his colleagues forging their way in educating people about the capabilities of the brand new sonic contraption called a synthesizer. Sit back and open your ears -these recordings will blow your mind!

Panelists:

Brian Kehew
Seva Ball

When & Where: Sunday, 3:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

Pioneering Moog from the Tech Perspective (Sunday, 4:30)

Techs are the heart of any touring band as they are responsible for making sure all of the gear is in top working order. In the early days of synthesis, this was a much more complex task then it is now. This panel discussion will lend insight into what it took to make early tours with such bands as ELP, Herbie Hancock, Peter Gabriel, and Nektar a success.

Panelists:

Brian Kehew (moderator)
Bryan Bell (Herbie Hancock, Santana, John McLaughlin)
August Worley (ELP)
Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel, Nektar)

When & Where: Sunday, 4:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Moog Music is featuring several fantastic product related panels in the Moogaplex throughout the weekend. You can check them out here.

The post Moogfest Panels Feature Mavericks, Legends and Pioneers first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Spectrasonics Announces “Bob Moog Tribute Library” To Benefit Bob Moog Foundation

Bob Moog Foundation — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 19:01:49 +0000

Bob Moog Foundation Announces Spectrasonics Benefit

New Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere Library and Contest to Win Custom OMG-1 Synth

to Raise Funds for the Foundation

March 21, 2011 — Music software developer Spectrasonics has launched a unique, multi-faceted tribute to honor the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Dr. Robert Moog. Spectrasonics has released the “Bob Moog Tribute Library” created by renowned artists for Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere® virtual instrument software, and also kicked off a contest designed around the library, where participants enter to win the one-of-a-kind “OMG-1” hardware synthesizer created by Spectrasonics’ Founder, Eric Persing. 100% of the proceeds from this Tribute go to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.

Spectrasonics’ Bob Moog Tribute Library features over 700 stunning new sounds for Omnisphere, Spectrasonics flagship synthesizer, and was produced by Persing. The sounds in the new library were created by more than 40 of the world’s top synth artists, remixers and sound designers, including Hans Zimmer, Vince Clarke (Erasure/Depeche Mode), Jean Michel Jarre, The Crystal Method, Jordan Rudess, Money Mark (Beastie Boys/Beck), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk/Talking Heads), Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel/Synergy), Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Air/Fiona Apple), Ryuichi Sakamoto (YMO), Morgan Page (Madonna/Katy Perry), Keith Shocklee (Bomb Squad/Public Enemy), Steve Porcaro (Toto), Fredwreck (Snoop Dogg/50 Cent), Jan Hammer (Jeff Beck/Mahavishnu Orchestra), Michael Boddicker (Michael Jackson), Richard Devine (Aphex Twin), Patrick Moraz (Yes/Moody Blues), Eddie Jobson (UK/Roxy Music), Diego Stocco, Danny Elfman, The Moog Cookbook, and many more.

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Daniel Auon, Eric Persing and the OMG-1 at Winter NAMM 2011

“Through this stunning Tribute Library, Eric Persing’s passion for sonic innovation is manifested in a multi-layered homage to Bob Moog’s pioneering work and legacy,” said Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “That passion is continued through the myriad of synthesists and sound designers who have participated by donating sonic tributes in the way of patches and sounds. The Bob Moog Foundation is deeply grateful to Eric, Spectrasonics and the participating musicians for the creativity and generosity that has driven this project. Without a doubt, the funding generated from the Tribute Library will be a tremendous help in driving our mission forward.”

The grand prize in Spectrasonics’ contest, the OMG-1 hardware synthesizer, was designed by Persing as a live performance instrument and is not a commercial product it’s truly one-of-a-kind, integrating the worlds of analog synthesis, computers, software synthesis and the latest multi-touch surfaces into one extraordinary instrument. The state-of-the-art dual manual OMG-1 combines a Moog Little Phatty® analog synthesizer, Spectrasonics’ flagship Omnisphere software synthesizer, a powerful internal Apple Mac Mini computer, dual Apple iPads®, dual iPods®, and Spectrasonics’ brand-new Omni TR iPad app all integrated into a beautiful, hand-crafted curly maple cabinet created by American artisan Daniel Auon.

Contestants vying to win the OMG-1 buy and download the $100 “Bob Moog Tribute Library” for Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere software, then write one or more pieces of music utilizing the sounds from the library. The deadline for submission is July 15, 2011. Spectrasonics will be flying the contest winner to the October 2011 “MoogFest” in Asheville, NC, where Eric Persing will present the OMG-1 grand prize to the winner.

Learn more about Spectrasonics’ Bob Moog Tribute Library: http://www.spectrasonics.net/products/tribute and about the contest to win the OMG-1 synthesizer: http://www.spectrasonics.net/contest

THANK YOU Spectrasonics for your tremendous generosity of time, energy, talent and spirit that brought this project to life! The Bob Moog Foundation is forever grateful. Many thanks to all participating musicians as well – your involvement added new dimension to this wonderful tribute.

The post Spectrasonics Announces “Bob Moog Tribute Library” To Benefit Bob Moog Foundation first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.

Bob’s Archives on Exhibit at Museum Of Making Music

Bob Moog Foundation — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:46:42 +0000

Waves of Inspiration Exhibit Opens with Celebration August 29th and 30th at NAMM Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA

Keith Emerson and Erik Norlander Provide Musical Tribute

Larry Fast and Brian Kehew Offer Historical and Technical Perspective

Next Saturday the Museum of Making Music, in partnership with the Bob Moog Foundation, launches a special exhibition on the work, impact and collaborations of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. The exhibit, Waves of Inspiration. The Legacy of Moog. marks the first of its kind, as hundreds of items from the inventor’s extensive archive will be on display alongside vintage instruments, equipment and memorabilia from other institutions and collectors.

The exhibit highlights themes of musician/toolmaker collaboration, motivations and the innovative spirit, technological evolution through the medium of synthesis and music and creativity as forms of self-expression. Prototype and early instruments will also provide exhibit highlights as many rare instruments will be displayed together for the first time, including:

modular protoype designed in 1964, formerly belonging to Herb Deutsch
breadboard prototype of the Eaton-Moog Multi-Touch Sensitive Keyboard
Serial #001 of the Crumar Spirit
prototype of Minimoog Voyager

The exhibit will feature over 250 items from Moog’s archive alone.

The weekend will be marked with events that celebrate the Moog Legacy. On Saturday night, August 29, 2009, the museum will host the public opening of the exhibit with an evening reception followed by a musical celebration by synthesizer virtuosos Keith Emerson and Erik Norlander. Keith Emerson will be demonstration his infamous Monster Moog modular and talking about his time with the instrument over the past 30 years. Erik Norlander will be performing a special set on three Moog synthesizers: the Minimoog Model D, the Memorymoog Plus (on loan from Bob’s archive) and the Minimoog Voyager along with a selection of his favorite moogerfooger pedals.

On Sunday, pioneering synthesist Larry Fast and Moog historian and exhibit advisor Brian Kehew will share their expertise about the evolution of Moog instruments and trace their use in live performance. They will also talk about the the wider world of synthesis and its implications to past, current and future music.

The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to have Bob’s archive on display for public viewing and has thoroughly enjoyed working with the very capable staff at the Museum of Making Music. This meaningful exhibit is part of fulfilling our mission to educate and inspire people through electronic music, and is a precursor to constructing a Moogseum in Asheville, NC.

The post Bob’s Archives on Exhibit at Museum Of Making Music first appeared on The Bob Moog Foundation.