The 2022 NAMM Show

By Ricky Richardson, Contributing Writer

        (Anaheim, CA)- After two years of absence, the leaders, innovators, experts, artists, and creators across the music products, pro audio and sound, and entertainment technology industry gathered for a rousing reunion at the global crossroads, The 2022 NAMM Show.

        Transformation and tradition: The NAMM Show, the global platform for innovation in music products, pro audio and entertainment technology returned to Anaheim, June 3-5, to welcome old and new faces to reconnect, launch, and discover new products, and galvanize the industry to continued success.

        Looking back to 2020 NAMM Show, I didn’t think anyone could have predicted just how transformative the start of the new decade would be,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “But as we have weathered the uncertainty and losses over the past two years, we again stand at the crossroads of opportunity. The NAMM Show serves as that platform for the next generation of technologies, products, and services, and sets the stage for NAMM members to discover their own opportunities to advance their businesses and skills, and market opportunities.”

        The 2022 NAMM Show welcomed over 1,00 exhibiting members representing 3,500 brands across the campus of the Anaheim Convention Center. As a smaller yet truly global affair, the mix of 46,627 registered attendees represented 111 countries and territories.

        Attendees were an invited mix of industry professionals across the crossroads that included domestic and international retail and distribution buyers and employees, exhibitors, entertainment tech and pro audio buyers and professionals, media, artists, invited guests, and The NAMM Foundation GenNext (college music students and faculty), Music Education Days (school music administrators and buyers), and Nonprofit Institute (NAMM grantees and non-profit affiliates).

        Tom Summer, President of Yamaha Corporation of America, says, “over two years removed from NAMM 2020, The NAMM Show reminded the Yamaha team of the power of in-person events. We launched our flagship grand piano, the CFK, at the show. Our Yamaha team welcomed a large number of dealers, guests and press to our booth, who got to touch and play instruments like the new Revstar guitars.”

        I was fortunate to attend the 2022 NAMM Show on Friday. The process to check in to pick up badges was fluid. The lines flowed smoothly and check in was a quick and easy process.

        I’m glad that I was able to arrive in time to see the Disneyland Band perform as part of Visit Anaheim Welcomes The NAMM Show back to Anaheim with a special ribbon cutting by the City of Anaheim.

        It wouldn’t be The NAMM Show without live music! My enjoyment of The NAMM Show began with a powerful performance featuring Tempus Quartet on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. The group of professional Mexican musicians thrilled the crowd with a fusion of various styles-pop, Mexican music and rock for fresh sounds.

        Organist Jon Hammond served up a set of original compositions, funky, swinging jazz and blues to the delight of the crowd gathered at the ADJ Arena Plaza Stage.

        Sony hosted several conversations and events at this year’s NAMM Show surrounding 360 Reality Audio (360RA), a new immersive music experience using Sony’s object based 360 spatial sounds such as vocals, chorus, piano, guitar, bass and even sounds of live audience can be placed in a 360 spherical sound field, immersing listeners in a field of sound exactly as intended by artists and creators. The crowd and I were present at the Sony booth for A Conversation with Alicia Key’s 360RA Mixing Team. Music journalist Lynsey Parker moderated the panel of internationally known mixers, Ann Mincieli (live stream), Michael Romanowski, George Massenburg and Eric Schilling. This was a fascinating and ear opening experience (no pun intended). You might have already experienced this music content created in this new format for 360 Reality Audio, enjoyed through compatible music streaming services, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Nug.net and TIDAL.

        Shure was in attendance to showcase Audio Apps and Hardware/Peripherals for smartphones & tablets on the north side of the Anaheim Convention Center, ADJ Arena Plaza.

        Music producer, arranger, songwriter, composer, keyboardist and Grammy Voting Member Vahagn Stepanyan entertained a captivated crowd on the ADJ Arena Plaza Stage.

        The last three bands at NAMM had the crowd rockin’ and swinging during their respective time in the spotlight. Gunhild Carling, Swedish musical sensation, performed an outstanding set of swinging jazz which consisted of a mix of original and jazz standards. The crowd was in awe as she rotated instruments (trumpet, trombone, harmonica and recorder. Jaws dropped as she played three, let me repeat, three trumpets at the same time.

        Singer, songwriter, and bassist Holly Montgomery followed by world-class multitalented performer, vocalist, virtuoso electric violinist, producers and songwriter Ginny Luke cranked up the throttle on the ADJ Arena Plaza Stage. Their respective high octane sets left the crowd wanting more after their brief forty minute sets.

        Yamaha showcases some incredible products, such as the CFX Grand Piano, Revstar guitar line, electronic drum kit as well as the Pianissimo Fortissimo (Wall Mounted Playable Art) and products from Yamaha companies Bosendorfer Line 6, Ampeg, and Steinberg.

        “Yamaha uniquely offers musicians instruments to create music, and professionals’ audio and recording solutions to ensure every note is heard in it truest form. Yamaha brands include pianos, brass instruments, woodwinds, strings, electronic keyboards, guitars, drums, professional and home audio equipment.

        The global crossroads of the music products, pro audio, and entertainment technology industry will return to Anaheim, April 13-15, 2023, and then again in January 2024. For additional information, please visit https://www.namm.org

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