Arturia Intros Brass Physical Modelling Virtual Synth

Arturia, in conjunction with IRCAM, has released Brass, a physical modelling virtual instrument for creating realistic brass sounds.

Brass is a new kind of virtual instrument: a software recreation of the trumpet, saxophone, and trombone. This software allows you to play instruments like a professional performer would do: same control, flexibility, and expressiveness (without the years of training it takes to do so). It gives you instant and constant creation. Brass is so dynamic and easy-to-use that you will never go back to flat sampled riff libraries ever again.

With three instruments at your disposal, you can pick one and start playing. You will instantly feel like you’re playing a real instrument, not a set of recorded samples layered and static. BRASS also contains an extensive performance-based riff library which is entirely configurable and expandable. Organized by styles, these riffs are a great way to get started if you are not used to programming a horn. They can even be triggered during live performances.

Choose, create, import and modify riffs to match your needs or play the modeled instruments directly in LIVE mode with a keyboard and other real-time controls; in both cases BRASS will revolutionize the way you create music. Below we have listed just a few of the other features you will find in BRASS.

Arturia Brass retails for $349/Eur 279. It is shipping now, available for VST, Dxi, RTAS and Audio Units.

How to clean piano keys

Martha Stewart at Indystar.com gives advice on how to clean piano keys. Of particular importance is looking after an antique piano with ivory keys, given that it is now near-impossible to get replacement ivory.

Profile of jazz pianist Pandelis Karayorgis

Tbe Boston News has published a profile of Pandelis Karayorgis.

Karayorgis has forged a personal style influenced by the all-stars of left-of-center jazz piano: the idiosyncratic architecture of Thelonious Monk, the serpentine lines of Lennie Tristano, and the flinty spareness of Ran Blake, among others. What these figures have in common, says Karayorgis, is their purity of focus. Following these forebears, he says, ”I try not to play everything that I possibly could on piano. Playing is really about constant editing. You want to focus on what is really central.”

When he speaks about music, Karayorgis leans forward and his eyes light up. His prominent widow’s peak and infectious grin give him a mischievous mien. Seated at the piano, eyes closed, head bowed over the keys, right leg dancing a sidelong shuffle, he and the instrument seem one. Whether solo, in duet, or with his varied trios, his music remains remarkably open and conversational, moving logically yet unpredictably from phrase to phrase.

Read the full article: Pianist focuses on the essentials

What’s wrong with loops?

David Battino writes an interesting article What’s wrong with loops?

Don’t get me wrong; I love making music with loops. In fact, the very first interview I did for my book, The Art of Digital Music, was with Ableton masterminds Gerhard Behles and Robert Henke. I followed that by interviewing premier “loopologist” David Torn and numerous video game composers and sound designers, who live or die by the quality of their loops. There’s a whole chapter called “Support Our Loops.”

I even composed the entire hour-long soundtrack for the book’s accompanying DVD using only loops in Live. But afterward, I experienced that strange feeling I’ve had sometimes when listening to ambient music: I’ll have a sudden urge to get up and put on some music, but then realize that music is already playing.

Read the full article: What’s wrong with loops?

Dave Brubeck celebrates 85th birthday

Dave Brubeck chose not to celebrate his 85th birthday quietly at his home in the Connecticut woods. Instead, his wife, children and grandchildren joined him for a sold-out concert at London’s Barbican Centre, where some 2,000 fans serenaded him with a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday,” accompanied by members of his jazz quartet and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Read the full article: Jazz legend Dave Brubeck celebrates 85th birthday in swinging style

Technology makes learning the piano fun

Piano teacher Cheryl Wilker is using an array of digital and computer technology to make piano lessons more interactive, engaging and fun.

She can tell when a student doesn’t really have the motivation to practice, even if they do really want to play the piano, and believes her methods inspire greater creativity and commitment.

Her studio includes two Yamaha Clavinova digital pianos, four computers, and a host of music software.

She can teach in ways that just aren’t possible with acoustic pianos.

The software she uses can make learning music theory more entertaining.

She has also helped students to compose and publish their own music using the Finale music notation software.

Read the full article: A 21st-century piano teacher Studio owner uses technology to make learning fun

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