Jamie Bonk (jazz guitarist / recording artist)

CITY: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WEBSITE: www.jamiebonk.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Logic & MainStage

Namba Gear: Big Namba Studio Backpack

Jamie Bonk is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose music draws on various styles including Jazz, Chill and Pop. His music has been heard on over 700 radio stations world-wide and he has won or has been nominated for a number of awards including: Nominee for “Guitarist of the Year” (Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards 2005) and Winner of Album of the Year and Best Instrumental Album Acoustic for “My World” (NAR Music Awards 2004). Jamie is currently performing in the Toronto/Southern Ontario region, composing for his next release, and conducting an ongoing series of seminars for Apple focusing on digital recording. Jamie uses and is endorsed by Godin Guitars.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT. I’m writing for my sixth release right now and things couldn’t be going better! There have been times in the past when the tunes came slowly, but over the last few months things have (thankfully!) been going great. I’ve written almost 40 new pieces, of which 15-20 are what I would call “album quality”. Over the next month or so, I’ll narrow down the song list, roll up my sleeves and start the hard work of arranging/producing/recording the tracks. I’m hoping I can enlist the help of all of the great musicians I’ve played with on my previous records and create an album that combines my love of both acoustic and electronic music.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?: I suppose this is a cliche but: Form meets function. I’ve been moving gear around now for probably 30 years or so — that’s carrying lots and lots of different setups into rehearsals, gigs, events, teaching, etc. I’ve found without bags and cases built specifically for music gear, very quickly my focus turns off of music. The last thing I want to be concerned about when going to a gig is whether or not my computer is safe or if I’ve forgotten a cable or battery. All of the different storage areas in my Big Namba Studio Backpack help to keep me organized and the padded compartments make sure all of my gear is safe and secure. In the end, it helps me to concentrate on the important thing - music!

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON? I was looking at some of the other artist profiles on the Namba Gear website and couldn’t help but think we live in an absolutely amazing era! Like many of the other profiled artists, my studio is wherever I am. Sure there are a few things like my guitars and my studio monitors that won’t fit in my Big Namba Studio Backpack (maybe you guys are working on the Huge Namba Studio Backpack right now!), but for the most part my entire studio is now in a great backpack. Thank you Namba Gear!

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 Angelica Ross (singer-songwriter)

LOCATION: California

WEBSITE: www.angelicaross.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Reason 3.0 and Garageband

NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack

Angelica Ross has been a singer-songwriter since elementary school. She learned piano by ear in the 4th grade, and then went on to learn the guitar as an adult. Angelica now runs her own Multimedia Design Studio, Creating websites, Producing Music, Photography, & Graphic Designs. www.MyZenStudios.com is just what the name implies, her Zen place for creativity.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT?

I’ve been working on my debut recording project, “Journey to Venus”. It’s a collection of songs I’ve written that sort of frame my physical and spritual journey into womanhood. I believe that my songs, my stories, though very unique are very common amongst men and women a like.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

What’s best about the Studio Backpack is that it is airport friendly. I was sweating going through security thinking, “NO WAY are they going to let me on the plane with this bag as a carry on. I’m 5′7″, 115lbs, so this bag looks like it weighs just as much as I do. But I got to Chicago and back with all my gear on me in ONE piece, and in ONE bag. Just recently geared it up again for my move out here to Los Angeles.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE REMOTE RECORDING LOCATION?

I have to say wherever I am feels remote to me. I’ve moved around a lot from Japan to California, when life gives me an opportunity to experience the world, I jump at it. The difference now is I can record the inspiration wherever it happens thanks to my Namba bag.

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NAME: Keath “Lion” Lowry (producer, songwriter, remixer)

CITY: Philadelphia, PA

WEBSITE: www.gcdigi.com

NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack

As owner of the Phiadelphia based production company, Groove Control Productions, Keath “Lion” Lowry has propelled the enterprize into a new music dimension through his talents as a producer, lyricist and composer.

Lion started his career as a lyricist penning “Love’s Calling” for Next Plateau artist, Sybil, this song is featured on her Greatest Hits cd released Jan. 2007; as well as “You Are The One” for Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. artists TKA.  This track was featured  in and on the sound track for the film, LEAN ON ME with Morgan Freeman. The song “Butterflies,” produced and co-written by Lion appears in the recent film release WHEN WILL I BE LOVED,(2004) starring Neve Campbell and Dominic Chianese (The Sopranos).  Recent Placements: “Dirty Pulse” in the film “LOVE AND RAGE” (Sep. 2009)“Feels Good” placed in the film CONSENT (2009), “Trouble”  placed in the film LITTLE SOLDIER (LILLE SOLDAT ) (NOV.2008). “Feels Good” featured in the International Reality show QUEST CHINA(2008).

Lion, as a producer, composer, remixer/engineer has worked with artists, Tank (Blackground/Universal), Stevie Wonder, Freeway (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam), Floetry, (Dreamworks), Jaguar Wright, Helen &Terry(Philerzy) Chris (Young Gunz) Cassidy (Full Surface),  Allen Iverson, Rosco P. Coldchain(Startrak), Journalist(Universal)The Lost Boyz, and McFadden and Whitehead.  He has recently worked with some of the hottest emerging writers and vocalists such as: Chief Honcho (Philly), Shatia (Harlem, NY), Nate’ (Philly), Lise (Delaware),Wise (D.C.,Virginia), She(Philly)and D-Dub all featured on his Full Circle album.

Keath is also a member, and works as a mix engineer under the Worship Ministry of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT, RECORDING, OR PERFORMANCE:

Groove Control Digital  recently debuted with DC Rapper Khidar. Groove Control Digital recording artist and Washington, DC native, Khidar is leaping into the Hip-Hop industry with his January 2010 release entitled “Ladies Please.” Originally Written for the God-Father of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, “Ladies Please” has infectious beats produced by Keath “Lion” Lowry.

The prequel to “Ladies Please” is “The Countdown”. A track that the streets are calling a blistering “teaser”, is available on iTunes now and is being spun by DJs around the world, with continuous requests for servicing daily. “We just wanna give the people what they been askin’ us for, so I just get in the studio and do my thang ya know,” explains Khidar.

Lowry comments, “Khidar brings the definite flavor that comes from growing up in the streets of Washington, DC and with that being the case, we’re looking forward to the world having the opportunity to experience what we’ve been exposed to for years.” Groove Control will utilize digital distribution as well as various online marketing, promotions and publicity components to foster global awareness of each forthcoming release on the label.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

“What I like best about my Namba gear bag, is that I can carry large as well as small gear in an organized and compact way. This was best demonstrated a few weeks ago during my trip to Cannes , France for the MIDEM conference (pictured here). I used my Big Namba Studio Backpack  everyday while attending the conference to carry business cards, hard drives, my laptop, headphones, and storage for stuff given to me at the conference. I was even able to store my external cd/dvd burner in my bag (with everything else), this allowed me to make customized cd’s or dvd’s in my hotel each night before returning to the 4 day conference. Being able to showcase my music and business with on-the-spot listening session from my iPod or laptop, to handing out business and promo cards, helped make a very successful MIDEM conference for me. Thanx NAMBA!”

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Luigi Lazareno (musician, producer, certified Pro Tools instructor)

CITY: Houston, TX / Mexico City, MX

WEBSITE: www.midilandia.com 

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Pro Tools

Namba Gear: Big Namba Studio Backpack

Luigi Lazareno is an honor graduate of the Berkee School of Music, with experience of over 35 years in the music industry as a Director, Producer, Composer, Arranger and Pianist for the most important record labels in the industry: Polygram Records, Peerless, Musart, Melody, Sony, and BMG/Ariola. He has participated as Producer, Musical Director with artists such as: Vicky Carr, Ricky Martin, Luis Miguel, Lucero, Jorge Muñiz, Rocío Banquells, Wilfrido Vargas, Manoela Torres, Lorenzo Antonio, Emanuel, Alberto Vázquez, Cesar Costa, Napoleón, Trigo Limpio and Frank Pourcel among others.

Luigi has also participated as a producer, arranger in the most popular music festivals in Latin America, Festival OTI, Valores Juveniles, Juguemos a cantar and Talento Grupero. He was selected as musical director of theater musicals like The Fantastiks and Kumán Rock Opera and has performed as pianist and keyboardist for different types of bands of Latin Music, Jazz and Pop.

Producer and Musical director for Latin TV series like: Somos (with news broadcaster legend Jacobo Sabludowsky), and Soap operas like: Al filo de la muerte, Muchachitas, and The Show of the Stars with Cesar Costa, Luigi has received several nominations, awards and gold records throughout his 35 year career.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT.

I just moved to Texas and I opened an Official Digidesign Certification Training Facility, I always liked to share my knowledge and this new adventure gives me the chance to do it teaching Pro Tools users in English and Spanish and living full time in the USA; it’s a one time life experience.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

As a computer freak I’d like to have my computer and portable recording with me at all times, and especially when I go on the road or to teach on site, My Big Namba Studio Backpack allows me to take my stuff effortlessly, due to the fact that it’s so well designed that the weight is evenly distributed, so my back doesn’t get hurt even in long walks in airport aisles. And it fits perfectly on the upper bin over the passenger seat.

My Mobile DAW contains a Mac PowerBook, Oxygen8 V2, Profire 610, a external HD to accommodate sound data and all the goodies and cables and more cables… …the Studio Backpack has plenty of room to accommodate all that and much more, writing pads, cell phone, etc…can’t move without my Big Namba.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE REMOTE RECORDING LOCATION.

Well, Well..I’d certainly like to use my mobile Pro Tools DAW and do programming at the pool, nothing more relaxing and inspiring than the sound of water and the breathing of fresh air.

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George Whittam (voice-over studio & services)

CITY: Los Angeles, CA

WEBSITE: www.vostudiotech.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Twisted Wave

NAMBA GEAR: Shaka Laptop Messenger

George M. Whittam is owner and founder of ElDorado Recording Services. George is a 1997 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Audio Technology with a Minor in Communications. George went on to acquire considerable expertise in music recording by working with various musicians and artists in the Philadelphia area. He also gained broadcast engineering experience working at a radio station in Philadelphia as the remote engineer for the NFL Eagles Radio Network.

George was introduced to the world of voice-overs through a producer at the station, Howard Parker, who asked the station’s engineer to help him build a home studio in New York City. George came along to assist. George later followed Parker to Los Angeles and furthered his already diverse experience by working on over 15 film projects in 3 years as a sound mixer and boom operator.

From a handful of satisfied clients, George has now built a business that works solely with voice-over studios and clients. His extensive knowledge of computers, software, equipment, and troubleshooting abilities makes him a sought after expert and indispensable on-call technician. He is globally considered a top authority in voice-over recording technology. He has invested thousands of hours researching studio design, recording equipment, and creating training materials for voice actors. In so doing, he has also become an industry innovator by developing specialized services that cater exclusively to voice-over professionals.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT.

At ERS we use the NAMBA bags to create custom portable recording packages called VO2GO for the traveling voice-over artist. VO2Go’s are portable recording kits built to order for the traveling voice-over actor, using exactly what the individual needs. A typical VO2Go kit includes a Dell Mini 10 or Macbook, Rode NTG1 or NTG3 mic, CEntrance MicPort Pro USB preamp, Source Connect Standard, recording software of choice, Sennheiser PX100 headphones, Stage Ninja Scorpion mic arm, and Namba Gear Shaka or Lil Namba Remix bag.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

I first saw Namba Gear at the NAMM show in Jan. 2009 and was immediately impressed with the bags. The color, design, features, sizes, and coincidentally very close proximity to my office, has made a very welcome, convenient, and cost effective addition to my modest but focused portfolio.

Personally, I use a the Shaka Laptop Messenger bag and I put a lot of stuff in there. Typically it’s just my Macbook Pro 15″, a small toolkit, a MicPort Pro (just in case), power supply, and various small cables. Today I had my Powerbook 12″ in there along with the Macbook Pro. The Shaka bag holds everything securely and safely, looks attractive, is comfortable to carry, and the price is right!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VOICE-OVER CLIENTS AND THEIR NEEDS.

My clients take their mic, mic mount, audio interface, laptop, printer, and other items when they travel the world, so the Shaka Bag is a nature fit. They can never be completely unavailable to record a spot for a national TV campaign.

Sometimes a client may prefer the extra space to carry additional mic accessories, a compact printer, or even a change of clothes for an overnight. In these circumstances we recommend the Lil Namba Remix Backpack. It creates a nice step up in protection for your gear, and a lot more compartments to fit it all neatly.

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Christian Martirano (keyboards, Broadway sound designer)

CITY: New Milford, CT

WEBSITE:  http://www.designsounds.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Digital Performer 6.02, Logic 8; Melodyne Studio 3; Synthogy Ivory, Upright Pianos, Italian Grand; Arturia, Native Instruments, and Waves Plug-ins.

NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack

I’ve had a pretty varied career with one of the highlights as Director of Product Development for Kurzweil Music Systems for more than 12 years during their heyday. I created many of the sound programs used on their award winning products.

Earlier on, I had a band called Voices (Atco Records) and handled all keyboards, synth arranging and programming. After Voices I was in The Solution (Last Kingdom Records/Vision Records). In addition to playing keyboards, I programmed all synths and drum tracks. The group performed live for BET on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour in Nashville, TN.

Currently, and in addition to my other projects, I perform live with Higher & Higher Band.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT, RECORDING, OR PERFORMANCE:

Recently I had the pleasure of working with a long time friend, David Rosenthal (famed keyboardist with Billy Joel’s band) programming for A Tale of Two Cities that ran on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theater. We used Muse Receptors, and Kurzweil K2600XS to supplement acoustic instruments and produce an rich orchestral score. These projects require an intensive amount of work reducing the score, deciding which player gets what instrumental parts, creating complex split and layered programs, and creating new notated musical parts for each keyboardists to play.

I just completed recording an impressive choir at a private high school for the gifted (Canterbury School) that was also filmed for a new promotional piece the school will use to attract new students.

As part of my regular business, I am the choir director/keyboardist for St. Francis Xavier Parish in CT. I had the pleasure of recording our Christmas concert that consisted of selections by Bach, Vivaldi and others. I continue to play weekly in an Open Door Band at the United Methodist Church, also in CT.

I routinely program synthesizers for all major manufacturers and just completed programming custom patches for Nord for their Wave instrument. Nord will release these patches to their customer base.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

I love my Big Namba Studio Backpack! When I am programming for Broadway shows, due to equity rules, I am not allowed to be ‘on the stage’ programming during breaks. The stage must be clear. This means that often the programmers must have a duplicate setup in an available room somewhere in the theater. As budgets are very tight, often I will use a USB keyboard controller and my laptop to make musical changes to the newly notated keyboard parts and print them from a local printer, and we may ask for rack versions of the keyboard models for the duplicate setup (racks are cheaper) and I will use my USB keyboard and laptop to make musical sound changes. We will store these changes to a drive and transfer them to the pit gear when we are allowed to.

My Namba Studio Backpack allows me to bring a 25 note USB keyboard, my MacBook Pro a small USB to MIDI interface, some cables and music notation paper or printing paper, and a few pedals. In major cities, parking is always a problem and frequently I must drag my gear for many blocks to reach the theater to avoid the over priced parking that is closer to the theater districts. I am able to grab my Namba Backpack and go. It is comfortable, protects my gear and allows me to bring what I need in one package making life so much easier! In the past, I had my laptop case, another bag with pedals, cables, headphones, and USB to MIDI interface, and a briefcase with paper, the score, pencils etc. I had to use a small luggage hand truck to cart it to the theater. Now I just grab my Namba. Very cool!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE REMOTE RECORDING LOCATION.

My favorite remote recording location is in my car! I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 12V to AC adapter and can work for hours regardless of battery life. I even use the audio output of my laptop (when not doing critical listening work) and plug it into my car stereo system as that is frequently where I listen to my mixes anyway. Bringing my Namba Studio Backpack assures me that I have everything I need, and that my gear is well protected when I am on the move. Sometimes, I get out and do some work in a coffee shop when I need an energy boost and a change of scene. I always attract a lot of attention when flying, but that is another story!

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