NAMM 2015
Photographs and Post by ilán terrell
We've just wrapped up another amazing year at Winter NAMM in Anaheim California. This year was one of the most successful we've had in a long time. The MTD USA booth was double the size of last year's and included a full lineup of both USA and Kingston made instruments, supported by Tecamp amplification and joined by Norm Stockton and the Art of Groove team. We released a new artist model bass Byron Miller lovingly calls the "Psycho Bass". Byron is a long respected sideman in R&B circles and has shared the stage with Carlos Santana, played on over 14 of George Duke's albums and has performed with Herbie Hancock, the Crusaders, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Doc Powell. He's also recorded two albums as a leader. We are excited to have him join the MTD family with his own signature model instrument.
Byron Miller and his Psycho Bass
The booth enjoyed a non-stop wave of "A-List" MTD players such as Andrew Gouché, Robert "Bubby" Lewis, Norm Stockton, Vik Momjian, Dante Nolen, Freddie Flewellen, and of course MTD "veteran" and original staff member Bob Lee. Our setup this year allowed the MTD USA and Kingston instruments to finally be displayed side-by-side, which attracted the interest of everyone who stopped by. A special thank you is extended to Dana and Katie Teague of Dana B Goods, for helping to construct the best booth we have had in years.
Katie Teague and Russell K. Shores
We wrapped the show with our most amazing MTD4Lyfe Charity Concert to date. We are happy to announce that we have raised the most money ever for quite possibly the most noble charitable organization we have worked with - The Wounded Warrior Project - a veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of the military actions following the events of September 11, 2001. This year saw Allen Holdsworth, Jimmy Haslip, and Virgil Donati take the stage, in support of the organization. In addition, Robert Bubby Lewis, Phillip Greenwood, David Persaud, Andrew Gouché and the venerable "Band of Brothers," headlined the night to make it our most memorable MTD4Lyfe Family Reunion Charity Concert ever.
This may be the most successful NAMM year yet and we really owe it all to the fabulous musicians who came to show their support both in the booth and on the stage. We are deeply grateful for your support. Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who helped make the night what it was. We extend our thanks to the always courteous staff at J.T. Schmidt's Brewery and Restaurant. Year after year they deliver top-notch service with a smile even while their restaurant is consumed by the NAMM crowd. We are grateful for the undying support of our concert attendees, both new and returning. We are extremely grateful to your support and hope to see you again next year.