Bob Moog's 80th Birthday Celebrated

US Erik Norlander and Galactic Collective play a concert to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation      15/05/14

Bob Moog's 80th Birthday Celebrated


Buying Choices
Affilliate Links help support the site

Synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog's upcoming 80th birthday was commemorated in grand fashion on May 8th with a "Tribute to Dr. Bob" concert by virtuoso synthesist Erik Norlander and his band The Galactic Collective to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation. Here's the press release that the Foundation has sent...

The concert, held at Asheville's Isis Music Hall, featured Norlander, accompanied by bandmates Jeff Kollman on guitar, Mark Matthews on bass, and Nick Le Par on drums. Norlander's onstage rig included three very special, fully restored vintage synthesizers from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, including a 1967 Moog modular, an early Minimoog Model D, and an extremely rare Moog Apollo.

"The convergence of the Moog modular, the Minimoog, and the Moog Apollo in one performance is nearly unprecedented," notes Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation. "Not since Keith Emerson toured with a prototype Apollo in the early '70s have they been heard together in live performance, making this 'Tribute to Dr. Bob' concert a truly historic occasion."

The 1967 R. A. Moog Co. modular is an iconic synthesizer on permanent loan from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It was built for the first electronic music studio in the state, and hand delivered by Bob Moog.

The 1973 Minimoog was donated to the Foundation by Asheville composer and arranger Tom Coppola, who used it to record the signature three-note "Duracell sound", among many other commercial and musical applications. The Minimoog was the first mass-produced commercially available synthesizer that the working musician could afford. It is considered by many to be the most iconic synthesizer of all times. 

Norlander used the Foundation's Minimoog and modular for giant bass sweeps and drones, adding weight and atmosphere to his tracks, "Arrival," "Sky Full of Stars" and "The Dark Water."

The priceless Moog Apollo is one of the few of its kind in the world. This 1973 instrument, newly and fully restored by the Bob Moog Foundation, served as a prototype for the production model Polymoog. The Apollo is one of the earliest polyphonic synths, synthesizers that could play more than one note at a time.

Norlander brought the Apollo alive in a stunning solo during his signature piece, "Dreamcurrents," using the harpsichord program to conjure the early days of polysynth performance art with classic, vintage tones. He reprised the harpsichord again in the waltz section of "After the Revolution," normally played on acoustic piano. Norlander later employed famous "Vox Humana" program in his bombastic choral opening of "Neurosaur" and used the Apollo soft analog brass sound for his gentler introductory theme on "Fanfare for Absent Friends."  

"Bob Moog brought a new voice to the musical landscape, and our musical vernacular would be very different without his enduring contribution," Norlander remarked. "The name 'Moog' is synonymous with art, science and innovation, and as a keyboardist and synthesist, I can think of no greater tribute than using Bob's timeless inventions as the core instruments in my own craft."

Drew Heller, guitarist for the African fusion band Toubab Krewe, opened the show for the Galactic Collective, joined by his father, Grammy award winning producer/composer Steven Heller. Bob Moog had a close musical relationship with Toubab Krewe; Steven Heller was long-time friend and musical collaborator. Their acoustic set was marked by stories about Moog's generosity, fearless pursuit of the unknown, and his sense of humor.

About the Bob Moog Foundation
The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Asheville, North Carolina. Our mission is to ignite creativity through the intersection of music, science and innovation. The Bob Moog Foundation was founded to honor the legacy of Bob Moog by inspiring people of all ages through the genius of Bob's legendary work in providing innovative musical instruments to musicians, giving them a new voice for creativity. The Foundation provides much-needed innovative and effective educational opportunities to today's youth - tomorrow's generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers.
The Bob Moog Foundation is not affiliated with Moog Music.

More information:



 




 


Bob Moog Foundation Social

More From: BOB MOOG FOUNDATION
Even more news...


 


More Videos

Podcast: Sonic TALK 781 - Meris Mercury X, Benn Jordan, Friday Deals Podcast: Sonic TALK 781 - Meris Mercury X, Benn Jordan, Friday Deals 

And more...


Akai Adds Stem Separation To MPC Akai Adds Stem Separation To MPC 

Yes, in standalone - eventually


NAMM 2024: U-He - Zebralette 3 - Wow! NAMM 2024: U-He - Zebralette 3 - Wow! 

Super flexible synth from U-He and it's free


Computer Music Chronicles, The 80's: Acorn Music 500 Synthesizer Computer Music Chronicles, The 80's: Acorn Music 500 Synthesizer 

Older Music Machines & the People Who Still Use Them


Hey there, we use Cookies to customize your experience on Sonicstate.com