Music Line-up for HE2006

HE2006 will feature concerts galore—everything from live classical music to jazz to electronica.

Friday, June 2

music.lagq.jpg11am–Noon
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Classical Guitar
Sponsored by Telarc

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, recognized as among America's premier instrumental ensembles, is one of the most charismatic groups performing today. Popularly known as the LAGQ, these four virtuosi—John Dearman, William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant, and Andrew York—bring a new energy to the concert stage with their eclectic programs and dynamic musical interplay. Their critically acclaimed transcriptions of concert masterworks provide a fresh look at the music of the past, while their interpretations of works from the contemporary and world-music realms continually break new ground, setting new standards for the guitar quartet medium. The LAGQ's newest CD, Spin, has just been released on Telarc and prominently features works by members York and Kanengiser.

1pm–2pm
Anthony Wilson Nonet
Jazz Guitar
Sponsored by AudioQuest, Vandersteen Audio, and Audio Research Corporation

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Anthony Wilson's eponymous CD received a Grammy nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Recording in 1998; his second CD, Goat Hill Junket, made many jazz critics' Top-Ten lists; and his third CD, Adult Themes, earned a rare "five stars" in Downbeat. A sensitive and gifted accompanist as well as a formidable soloist, Wilson has been recording and touring the world with the celebrated vocalist-pianist Diana Krall since her Grammy-winning Live in Paris. Wilson's new Groove Note album, The Anthony Wilson Nonet: The Power of Nine, was recorded by producer Joe Harley and engineer Mike Ross in the legendary Studio Two of Hollywood's Sunset Sound—the venue where Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin IV, and James Taylor's Sweet Baby James were recorded. Ms. Krall showed up for the sessions and laid down Jimmy Rowle's "Looking Back," which producer Harley described as "one of the best vocal performances ever captured by Groove Note and a guaranteed audio classic in the years to come."

The Power of Nine features punchy horn charts, full of melodic complexity and wide-ranging dynamic shadings, which are guaranteed to make it an audition staple at hi-fi get-togethers from now on, but hearing the real thing—and for free—ought to be the stuff of audio legend. Don't say we didn't warn you!

music.zane.jpg3pm–4pm
Zane Musa
Jazz Saxophone
Sponsored by Straight Ahead Records and Classic Records

Zane Musa, an alto sax player from Los Angeles County, first attracted notice from jazz fans by playing what critic Craig Jolley termed "devastating free jazz," but lately Musa has been harking back to the classic jazz sounds of the 1950s and '60s. His new album, Introducing Zane Musa, was recorded using a newly created studio environment and related electronics similar "in spirit" to those used by legendary label Contemporary Records, although optimized for today's mastering equipment. Introducing is the second Musa effort on Straight Ahead Records and features Zane on alto sax, accompanied by Danny Grissett on piano, Carlitos Puerto on bass, and Lorca Hart and Tony Austin on drums. The tunes include "Giant Steps," "Blue Monk," and "Someday My Prince Will Come," among others. Introducing is available on DualDisc, as well as on LPs pressed using Classic Records' proprietary 200gm Super Vinyl Profile technology. Introducing Zane Musa breathes new life into songs jazz aficionados all know and love, while shedding a new light on them. Zane Musa is a force to be reckoned with. Craig Jolley said, "There is still plenty of urgency and unpredictability in his playing, but lately he reaches back to the old-time blues players for depth." Something old, something new; something urgent and definitely blue!

5pm–6pm
John Heard and Company
Traditional Jazz Quintet
Sponsored by Straight Ahead Records and Classic Records

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John Heard has played with Al Jarreau, Booker Ervin, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, Randy Weston, Ahmad Jamal, the Count Basie Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Louie Bellson, the Oscar Peterson Trio, Joe Williams, Barney Kessel, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, among others, but The Jazz Composer's Songbook by John Heard and Company is only his second session as leader. That means HE2006 listeners get treated to a rare and special event as Heard and his herd take on jazz classics like "Soulville," "Ruby My Dear," and "Lester Leaves Town." "I ain't afraid of these songs," Heard declared, "I'll put together a quintet and we'll put a smile on them again." We're confident he'll put a smile on any jazz fans lucky enough to hear him, too.

The Jazz Composer's Songbook is available on DualDisc and Classic Records' proprietary 200g Super Vinyl Profile LPs. It was recorded and mixed directly to two track by Scott Sedillo, using equipment designed and built by BGM's chief electronic design engineer Beno May, and mastered by Bernie Grundman.

music.ming.jpg10pm–2am
Zu Audio Presents The Home Entertainment Show Opening Night Party
Electronica / Club Music
Sponsored by Zu Cables and Loudspeakers

Join us for a late-night, lounge-infused spin with some of the hottest DJs in LA. Zu Audio presents Ming + FS at the opening night party of HE2006. The party will be at Los Angeles' stylish Sheraton Gateway hotel, in the grand ballroom. Attendees will experience a specifically designed array of high-efficiency/high-fidelity loudspeakers by Zu Audio. This system, along with Ming + FS's music, will provide a sound experience unlike any other.

The multifaceted Ming + FS push the boundaries of their hip-hop/drum'n'bass hybrid, peppering it with moody funk and atmospheric electronics. Blistering breakbeat workouts make way for hazy head-nodders and psychedelic jungle rollers, sometimes within the same track. Ming + FS have been invited to share the stage with some of the most adventurous names in music, such as Run DMC, Moby, Sting, Paul Oakenfold, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and the Roots.

Zu has this to say about Ming + FS: "Beyond their production prowess, Ming + FS's live shows have earned them their huge following. DJs from all over theworld come to check out their four-turntable spectacular. DMA magazine's Willy Vega explains, "If I started practicing today, I'd still die of old age before I could do that!" Performing before audiences ranging from 1000 to 40,000, Ming and FS have shared the stage with the likes of Sting, Moby, Run DMC, Armand Van Heldon, Mark Farina, Paul Oakenfold, the Roots, Mix Master Mike, and Kruder and Dorfmeister. Remixing tracks live, creating original works of music using nothing more than turntables and a capella tracks , Ming + FS have created exclusive "live-only" remixes featuring artists as diverse as Black Sabbath, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliot, Ludacris and Michael Jackson. Fans know that when Ming + FS come to town, it's going to go off!

Zu Audio (Zu Cable and Loudspeakers) sports the tag-line "A revolution in American Hi-Fi" and the company is intent on accomplishing nothing less. With groundbreaking designs and energy-infused approach, Zu has been called "the future of hi-fi."

A special ticket is required and can be purchased on-site or by clicking here.


Saturday, June 3

music.standring.jpg11am–Noon
Chris Standring
Contemporary Jazz Guitar

Chris Standring, one of the most lyrical guitarists in contemporary jazz, takes his music to exciting new places with his fourth solo CD, Soul Express. Fusing his groovy, retro guitar licks with healthy doses of sexy R&B, and cool chill-music, Standring creates irresistibly hook-filled music that puts his amazing guitar dexterity on full display. "I wanted to step up to the plate as a musician, while still keeping the vibe fans know me for," he says.

Soul Express marks Standring's debut with Trippin N Rhythm, which boasts artists such as Paul Hardcastle and the Jazzmasters, Gregg Karukas, and Roger Smith.

The UK-born Standring had plenty of time to study jazz when he became a professional musician, but he grew up playing classical guitar on a farm in Aylesbury, just northwest of London. He later studied at the London College of Music and wrote music for the BBC and for several theatrical orchestrations before moving to Los Angeles in 1991.

music.Melora.jpg1pm–2pm
Melora Hardin
Torch Singer/Songwriter

Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Los Angeles, Melora Hardin is a California girl with grit. The daughter of esteemed character actor Jerry Hardin and well-known acting teacher and manager Diane Hill Hardin, Melora was born to perform. She began dancing when she was five, and acting professionally when she was eight, and she has sung and written songs for as long as she can remember. She is an accomplished actress, having appeared in Absolute Power, Soul Man, Lambada (Set the Night on Fire), Big Man on Campus, The Hot Chick, Reckless Kelly, and Seven Girlfriends, as well as in the television shows Quantum Leap, Friends, The Pretender, Caroline in the City, Dirty Dancing, and currently the hit NBC show The Office.

However, acting is only Melora's job—her passion is singing and songwriting, which has set her on a journey of self-discovery. With two CDs under her belt, The Meloradrama and Purr, Melora makes music she likes, music that is honest to who and what she is.

Melora first performed for the Home Entertainment Show in 2003, in San Francisco. She returns this year with a stylized, fun, and sexy act that is sure to be the hottest performance on the stage.

music.drjohn.jpg5 pm–7 pm
Dr. John & The Lower 911
Virtuoso Pianist, Singer, and Songwriter
Benefit Concert for the ELF Foundation. A portion of the gate proceeds goes to help build "Rooms of Magic."

Dr. John began his musical career as a New Orleans session musician in the 1950s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he gained fame with music that combined New Orleans–style rhythm and blues with psychedelic rock and stage shows that borrowed elements of voodoo religious ceremonies, including elaborate costumes and headdresses. For a time he was billed as Doctor John, The Night Tripper. The name "Dr. John" comes from a legendary Louisiana voodoo practitioner of the early 19th century.

He is perhaps best known for his 1973 hit song "Right Place, Wrong Time," which reached No.9 on the Billboard Hot 100. His film credits include Martin Scorsese's documentary The Last Waltz (in which he joins the Band for a performance of his song "Such a Night") and Blues Brothers 2000 (in which he joins the fictional band the Louisiana Gator Boys to perform the song "New Orleans").

In September 2005, Dr. John performed Fats Domino's "Walkin' to New Orleans" to close Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast, a telethon for the relief of survivors of Hurricane Katrina, which had devastated his hometown of New Orleans and other areas. On February 5, 2006, he joined fellow New Orleans native Aaron Neville, Detroit resident Aretha Franklin, and a 150-voice choir in the national anthem at Super Bowl XL, as part of a pre-game tribute to New Orleans.

Please join us at this special concert at the Home Entertainment Show to enjoy a little lagniappe with Dr. John!

The concert will take place on Saturday, June 3, 5pm to 7pm.

Tickets must be purchased separately to attend the concert.
Seats are now available for sale at $30 and $50 online at www.he2006.com


Sunday, June 4

11am–Noon
Mozart Madness
Arroyo Strings, a Classical String Quartet and Soprano, featuring members of the California Philharmonic Orchestra

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Arroyo Strings is a premier performing ensemble that has provided the Los Angeles area with elegant, classy chamber music for over 20 years. The Arroyo String Quartet has played at all the major hotels and clubs throughout Los Angeles county for numerous events and has been nominated by LA Weekly for Best Classical Artist, 2005. Members of the Arroyo String Quartet also record regularly and play with the area symphonies and the LA Opera.

1pm–2pm
John Atkinson Trio
Contemporary Jazz with an Edge

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The sage that said that all critics were frustrated musicians never met Stereophile editor John Atkinson, audio reviewer Bob Reina, or high-end manufacturer Allen Perkins—they don't just critique, they're players, too! It's a chance for the band to relax and have fun at the end of a busy show, playing music they love with the folks that make these shows possible. You know you want to see them—and they'd love to see you. With Reina on piano, Atkinson on bass, and Perkins on drums, this show is not to be missed.

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