It's big. It's a party. And it's
unforgettable. This year was no exception. The Winter NAMM show with
thousands of attendees ranging from endorsing musicians, music store
buyers, exhibitors (record number this year) to media and journalists.
I
have a great fun job you know. I get to go places and take pictures.
Mostly of musicians, (and not just any kind). I get to meet and take
pictures of the musicians I grew up and listened to in Sweden. The
best of the best. The legends.
This time in Anaheim, California.
The first day I was late arriving there. But when I finally had
parked, registered and put my camera together I was ready. Not
surprisingly, there were plenty of people. So how do you know
who's who and who's real and who want's to be real, you'll ask? My
answer is to pair up with someone.
I paired up with drummer and
recording artist Rayford Griffin and his manager Myron Bernard. If
you're not familiar with Rayford
yet, you'll soon be. He has toured with greats like Jean-Luc Ponty,
Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Anita Baker, Rick Braun and he just
recently released his first Jazz CD as a leader called "Rebirth
of The Cool" on RazorEdge Records. Featuring Branford Marsalis,
Dwight Sills, George Duke and many more. He 
was
there to promote his new CD and to meet , work with and represent
all his endorsers. He was also a great guide.
In no time we had passed and met Ndugo
Chancelor, Angela Winbush, (remember her
duet with her husband Ronald Isley, (Isley Brothers), "Baby Hold
On"), Stevie Wonder, Ralph Johnson from Earth Wind & Fire, Ronnie
Foster, Greg Phillinganes, Nathan East, Vinx Sheila E, Will
Kennedy, Ricky Lawson, Keb'Mo (2 time grammie-winner
best Blues Album) Munyungo Jackson,
Morris O'Connor, Del Atkins, Allen
Hinds, Wayne Linsey, Vince Wilburn, Tris Imboden, Kevin Rickard, Greg
"G-Mo" Moore and son.
One
after another they just kept on showing up. All very friendly and
great sports when I asked them to pose for pictures. (I have to do my
homework later, because I probably have all of them on multiple
records at home).
It was hard keeping up with Rayford. Everywhere we went there was
people wanting to talk to him, friendly tap's on his shoulder,
handshakes, change of business cards. Business
deals. Fans patiently waiting to get an autographed picture. My
feet ached, but I loved every minute of it.
On the last day of the convention I walked around by myself. It was
"loud". Sound of instruments in every corner. I took my
time, strolled around and that's how I got to meet Mr.
Jim Marshall himself. He was sitting signing autographs in front
of his a
mplifiers
and the line was "extremely long". I also learned about
E-magic, Pro Tools, Bravo Disk Publisher (for duplication) and Shure's
newest microphone.
I got to meet and talk to Mr.
Louie Bellson. Referred to by Leonard Feather as "one of the most
phenomenal drummers in history". He has performed and/or recorded
scores of albums (approximately 200) as a leader, co-leader or sideman
with such greats as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Tommy
Dorsey, Harry James, Woody Herman, Norman Granz' J.A.T.P., Benny
Carter, Sarah 
Vaughan,
Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry
Mulligan, Stan Getz, Hank Jones, Zoot Sims, Sonny Stitt, Milt Jackson,
Clark Terry, Billy Cobham, James Brown, Sammy Davis and the list goes
on.
I saw and heard the youngest
drummer perform, wow. Unfortunately I did not get his name, but
I'm sure we get to hear and see more from him in the future because he
had the conventions biggest crowd. When I finally met up with Rayford
again he was talking to Tama about appearing in a new AD for one of
their drums. A photo shoot was scheduled and another tap on the
shoulder. On our way out we run in to Bennie Maupin and Gerald
Albright, both have played with Rayford, (Gerald is also featured
on Rayford's "Rebirth of the Cool"). A final hug and
handshake was made and the last picture for the day was taken.
© Written & Photographed by
Lena Ringstad
