Musicians supporting the AXON AX 100 MK II:

Steve Stevens

Steve was born in Brooklyn on May 5th 1959. His father bought himself a guitar when Steve was about 7 and Steve says he was drawn immediately to it. He found he had a natural aptitude for it and would practice sometimes for 4 or 5 hours every day.

The first step along this road was in 1979 when Steve played in a band called One Hand Clap and it was here that he hooked up with Ray Melnik. They played Long Island clubs almost six nights a week for about a year and gained quite a following.

On the other side of the Atlantic in the early eighties, something else very significant was taking place. Billy Idol had decided to split from his band Generation X and move to America in a bid to launch a solo career. Bill Aucoin introduced them to each other in 1981 and their differences, both visual and background soon proved to work in a complimentary way. It was not too long before these combined talents were unleashed on the rest of the world.

Steve initially agreed to help Billy find a band and help with the auditions. Billy Idol (the self titled album) was released in 1982. Rebel Yell followed in 1983 and Steve says still today that it is one of the albums he is most proud of. The band embarked on a gruelling 2 year world wide tour and massive acclaim grew for Steve in his own right. Whiplash Smile took a while to produce. Steve is quoted as saying he was not totally happy with the new direction the album was taking, in particular the use of the electronics, (a drum machine and synthesisers) leaving no requirement for other musicians. Steve said he felt this affected the overall feel of the material, preferring to have other live musicians to work off. None the less Whiplash was released in 1986 and quickly went double platinum.

During this time Steve decided he would like to take the opportunity to work on some solo material. Atomic Playboys with Perry McCarthy on vocals hit the street in 1989 and Steve toured across America to promote it.

Steve went on to work with many artists on many different types of projects: Juno Reactor with Ben Watkins, Faudel, Gregg Bissonette, Chris Squire and Billy Sherwood. He released two emotive albums with Terry Bozzio and Tony Levin and wrote, recorded and performed with the Japanese artist Kyosuke Himuro. He wrote the Soundtrack for the award winning movie Top Gun for which he received a grammy. He worked also with Vas, Steve Lukather, Adam Bomb, Robert Palmer, Harold Faltermeyer, Joni Mitchell, The Thompson Twins, Ric Ocasek, Simon F, Peter Criss, Jerusalem Slim, McQueen Street, Michael Jackson and wrote, recorded and toured extensively with Vince Neil.

He spent an evening watching a performance by Paco DeLucia and watched as the fans sat GRIPPED in appreciation of what they were hearing. Steve wanted to reach his audiences in the same way and thoughts of his flamenco love began to flower.

The Flamenco A Go Go album was released in 1999 and Steve describes this as his other proudest achievement and has clearly put his heart and sole into it. This album reflects many of Steve’s deep emotions and experiences.

It was 12 years since Steve had parted from his friend and writing companion Billy Idol and he began to wonder what they could do together as a team again. Their strong friendship bond had survived the years and they fell easily back into their writing partnership. The results of which, they demonstrated to their fans in a series of tours across America and Australia throughout 1999 to 2002. It included a live Storytellers show for VH1 and a feature in the Billy Idol: Behind the Music production, also for VH1.

Steve is constantly active in many projects, but his main focus at the moment is completing the new album with Billy and a possible tour to promote it.

Quote: Just wanted to let you know that I love the Axon unit. Spent all weekend using it with my Logic Pro / Pro Tools system and it works flawlessly. Very easy to understand the manual and my Godin Multiac is a perfect match.

www.stevestevens.net

JUDAS PRIEST

The definitive lineup of Judas Priest - vocalist Rob Halford, lead guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bass guitarist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis - returned in 2005 with the astonishing new album ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION on Sony BMG. It was worth the wait. More than 30 years after forming in the tough, gritty, English steel town of Birmingham, Judas Priest remains at the forefront of the global heavy metal scene!

"We've got a lot of energy,” says Tipton. “We're firing on all cylinders and it's obvious on this album. I think it's the most natural Judas Priest album. A lot of people who have listened to it have said it's timeless. You couldn't really date it.”

The band members knew expectations were high, but didn’t allow that pressure to affect the way they wrote and recorded the album. They worked exactly the same way they did in the past. "I think that pressure is not a bad thing, really, because it just pushes you and forces you to do your best," says Downing.

Judas Priest decided to go on tour first and remind fans around the world - and themselves - just what heavy metal had been missing for more than a decade! So in May 2004, Judas Priest returned to the stage with several triumphant concerts in Europe and then stormed through North America with headline-grabbing performances on the Ozzfest tour and select headlining shows. After the release of the new album early in 2005 the band embarked on a worldwide tour covering all corners of the globe!

Quite simply, the band is responsible for creating the sound of pure heavy metal. Countless others have received credit for providing the sonic groundwork, but only Judas Priest had the vision and willpower to forge a new style of rock 'n' roll and thus influence every single disciple to follow. What made Judas Priest stand out in addition to the raw power of Halford's voice and the dual-guitar attack of Tipton and Downing was the quality of the songs; they were rife with instantly memorable melodies and hooks. Judas Priest also invented the look of heavy metal; any combination of leather, studs, chains and denim is a uniform worn proudly by heavy metal fans all over the world, and they got it from Judas Priest!

“We represent heavy metal music. We're very proud to be the leaders of this force, this genre of rock 'n' roll called heavy metal," Halford says. "We're just so re-energized now. We're so glad to be back together again, and to get that power from the fans - that passion, that love of the band, that driving force. We are here because the fans want us to be here. Without the fans that support Judas Priest, we don't mean anything."

Judas Priest's success was earned as the result of struggle and hard work. Breaking out of Birmingham came first, and it wasn't easy. "Really, those were great days,” says Tipton. “We all actually still have homes very close to Birmingham, but we needed to take our music out of there and it was very difficult to get the music industry to accept that. So we had to go and prove our point and then take it across the Atlantic to the States and then the rest of the world - to every corner of this planet. And it gave us a lot of determination. It was all about proving ourselves and taking our music to other people.”

Everything that we do is from the gut. It's very real. We feel that we have something special here!" says Halford

www.judaspriest.com

Nando Lauria / The Pat Metheny Group

Nando Lauria was born May 11, 1960, in Recife, Brazil. Between ’80 and ’81, Nando had 3 semesters of formal music classes to learn the basics of music theory at the Pernambuco Conservatory of Music and in 1983, he came to the U.S. to study at Berklee College of Music, where he received a scholarship, as well as another scholarship from the Brazilian Government.

At Berklee, he was a voice major and graduated in ’87 with a Bachelors Degree in Professional Music. Within few weeks from the date set for his return (for good) to Brazil, at the end of 1988, Nando was called to join The Pat Metheny Group for a series of shows at the NightStage Club, in Cambridge, Mass. That would totally change his plans of returning to Brazil, and instead, he started to pursue his music career in the U.S. In 1993, Nando signed a record deal with Narada Records and released 2 solo albums, which made the Top Contemporary Jazz Charts on Billboard Magazine and received wide acclaim among trade magazines and newspapers around the U.S and abroad.

His records has been played in over 150 radio stations in the U.S. as well as most countries of Europe, Asia, South America and Canada as well. While in Boston, Nando and his group had extensively played the Jazz Clubs’ circuit, before his move to Miami, Florida, in 1997, where Nando has worked with Music for (TV) Animations, Jingles, as well as played clubs and local Jazz Festivals. Besides his own group, Nando has toured with Special EFX and The Terence Blanchard Quintet.

www.patmetheny.com

Vinny Valentino / Vital Information

"I get more questions about my guitar synth gear than anything else. I have been using a guitar synthesizer since the early 80s. As with most electronic gear they keep improving. I am now using the best of the best. The Axon AX 100 MKII by Terratec Producer. What makes this the best is the technology that goes into it. Having played so many other guitar synths this simply tracks better and is more personable than anything else on the market. The AX 100 MK II is a single space rack with its own internal sounds and a midi output in case you want to use an external tone generator. If you haven’t played a guitar synth in years or you are using something else check out the Axon. You’ll see what I mean. www.terratec.com"

Guitarist Vinny Valentino continues to redefine jazz music, to the acclaim of audiences worldwide. His international debut recording, The Distance Between Two Lines, shot straight up the charts to #2 and stayed on the national charts for more than 14 weeks--an unprecedented achievement for a first international release. Paul Anthony of Jazz Unlimited called it "one of the top five albums of 1993."

Vinny's 1996 international release, Now and Again, extended his critical acclaim. George Benson refers to Vinny as a "young genius with brilliant tone and fresh ideas." Vintage Guitar Magazine writes "wonderful jazz player with killer chops, wonderful compositional skills?"(March 1997). "Valentino doesn't hide behind reconstituted Wes Montgomery licks like so many guitarists these days... crafty fingerings?. delectable originals" (Gavin Jazz, May 10.1996). Ralph Mitchell of WFSK-FM raves, "My goodness. Talk about hot house jazz, that CD is smoking!!"

Playing guitar since age six, this native Virginian began touring in a progressive rock band while still in high school. At age 16, influenced by the music of George Benson, Vinny began pursuing Jazz as a career. He recalls, "The turning point for me was hearing George Benson in concert; I had never heard anybody play like that. It was an eye-opening experience." Vinny and his mentor have since developed a close friendship.

Vinny earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Howard University. He began his musical studies at Northern Virginia Community College and continued them at George Mason University before concentrating on jazz at Howard. In 1988, he released his first solo recording entitled, Vinny Valentino, and now has five recordings to his credit. Endorsements include Yamaha Guitars and Guitar Synthesizer, D'Addario strings, Cakewalk Music Software, and Bag End speakers.

Vinny has shared the stage or recording studio with such jazz greats as Tom Scott, Gary Bartz, Jeff Andrews, John Benitez, John Pattitucci, Richie Morales, Bob Moses, George Benson, Keter Betts, Steve Gadd, Patrice Rushen, Charlie Byrd, Buck Hill, and Jimmy McGriff. Vinny and his band have opened for Ramsey Lewis, Joey DeFrancesco, Spyro Gyra, Steve Morse, Paco deLucia, and David Crosby.

Vinny appeared as a guest and guest host on BET's "Bet on Jazz," the cable jazz channel. He and his band were the feature performers in a one-hour "Bet on Jazz" program. One of the first musicians to perform live on the World Wide Web, Vinny continues to pioneer on the Internet (www.vinny.com). The National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts have recognized Vinny's talents as composer, arranger, and recording artist with a grant for a series of works entitled "New Music for Three Guitars." He also was selected three years in a row for the prestigious Virginia Commission for the Arts Tour Directory.

Based in New York City, Vinny tours extensively, playing concerts, festivals, and club engagements around the world. Vinny and his trio were selected by the Kennedy Center and the Department of State to represent the United States in the U.S. Jazz Ambassadors Program. He and the trio featuring bassist John Benitez and percussionist Gilad toured 7 countries (Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and Brazil) in South America for six weeks playing concerts and giving music master classes. "Vinny and the group provided an eclectic combination of new rhythms and sounds mixed with old Ellington Classics that, by the end of the evening, had the entire audience clapping along in admiration and accompaniment." (AMERICAN EMBASSY MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY) "The Extremely talented and eminently likeable Vinny Valentino Trio gave new meaning to jazz in Ecuador." Vinny is constantly working intensively on his own new sounds, new compositions and new recordings. Keep posted to www.vinny.com for the latest on Vinny and his music.

www.vitalinformation.com

Gary (Dr.Know) Miller / Bad Brains

World renown guitar innovator Gary “Dr. Know” Miller has gained ever increasing respect and influence since arriving on the underground music scene in 1980 with the Bad Brains first single “Pay to Cum”. Dr. Know is perhaps the most important guitar player of his generation according to such brilliant guitarists as Al Anderson, Vernon Reid, Dave Groll and Kurt Cobain. His take on rock created the musical form called ‘hardcore’ and inspired the birth of ‘grunge’.

This is Gary “Dr. Know”´s opinion about the AXON AX 100 MK II

“I mounted it on a Sheckter guitar and it sound phanominal. There are two other guitars I want to set up as well when more pick-ups become available. At the moment I am in heaven and learning my way around the software. This is exactly what I needed and it makes the sound amazing. AXON is the midi ax par excellance.”

www.badbrains.com

www.myspace.com/badbrainsdc

Neil Murray / ex. Whitesnake/Black Sabbath

One of the most highly respected and experienced bass guitarists in rock, Neil has been playing professionally since 1974 with bands and musicians such as Brian May, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore, Peter Green, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Sting just to mention a few. Neil has played on dozens of albums, sales of which exceed 10 million units, and has toured extensively all over the world.

Neil was the bass-player in Whitesnake from the band's beginnings in 1978 until 1986, apart from a period playing with Gary Moore in 1982-3. He played on all of the Whitesnake albums up to and including '1987', and his melodic basslines are a feature of the classic Whitesnake songs. Neil was also a member of Black Sabbath for about 3 years in the late 80s and mid-90s, and is also known for being a member of Brian May's touring and recording band, as well as working with many other famous rock musicians over the years.

These days as well as being part of the band for the very successful musical We Will Rock You in the West End of London, Neil also tours and records with M3 Classic Whitesnake which includes ex-Whitesnake guitarists Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody. He has performed with Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor at such events as the Queen's Jubilee Party in 2002 at Buckingham Palace and at Pavarotti's annual concert in Modena, Italy.

www.myspace.com/neilmurraybass

Frank Marino / Mahogany Rush

He was born Francesco Antonio Marino on November 20, 1954 in Montreal, Canada. Since an early drug experience later became known to the press that covered his career, and since he played much in the style of Jimi Hendrix who had recently died, these sensationalists created stories that to this very day Frank has tried immensely and unsuccessfully to dismiss. "The short truth about it is that I learned how to play guitar while recuperating from my trip. The guitar became a soothing help for me because of my great fear of letting my mind wander back into the trip if I wasn't occupied and besides it was the only thing in the hospital relaxation room".

It was only a few short years later after many different band members, that Frank Marino recorded his first album. "In the early years I played in a church and even on a float in a parade. I did mostly cover songs by The Doors, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Cream, Johnny Winter, The Beatles and even The Grateful Dead as well as a few originals that I had written". Frank Marino's music never reached the mainstream of popularity, but has had a devoted fan base that has grown over the years. Being sober now for over 35 years, he still plays with the enthusiasm that he's always had. Frank is into his music and doesn't really care for the business side of it and has always produced his own albums as well as writing and arranging all of the music. If you ever get a chance to see him play live, don't pass it up. I have been a devoted fan for 30 years and welcome any newcomers with open arms.

Frank Marinho´s opinion about the AXON AX 100 MK II

"Before I got my Axon, I had been experimenting for a few years with Midi guitar-pickups and controllers, and never found them to be usable enough to actually take them out on tour... and I've had them all. All of the other ones are basically "not quite ready for prime-time". But the Axon is, by far, the best thing I've ever had the pleasure to play with. The tracking, the ease of use, the options that it gives you... it's all top-notch and very professional. This baby is definitely going out on tour with me. Welcome to the band, Axon."

www.mahoganyrush.com

Blackbyrd McNight

OHis passion to unite Funk and Jazz to Rock people came from his experiences working with Parliament/Funkadelic, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Bill Laswell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock & The Head Hunters, Charles Lloyd, Sonny Rollins, Brides of Dr. Funkenstein, Macy Gray, HR of Bad Brains, Fishbone, Slapback, Toshi Kubota and more. Friends of Myspace are exclusively invited to experience Blackbyrd McKnight's world of Progressive Funk Rock.

DISCOGRAPHY
Charles Lloyd: Morning Sunrise (1973) Geeta (1973)
Sonny Rollins: Nucleus (1975)
Herbie Hancock: Man-child (1975) Flood Live in Japan 75
The Headhunters: Survival of the Fittest (1975) Straight from the Gate (1978)
Parliament: Gloryhallastoopid (1979)
Funkadelic: Uncle Jam Wants You (1979) Electric Spanking of War Babies (1981)
The Brides of Funkenstein: Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy (1979)
George Clinton: You Shouldnt-Nuff Bit Fish (1983) Some of My Best Jokes Are Friends (1985) R&B Skeletons In The Closet (1985) The Cinderella Theory (1989) Hey Man Smell My Finger (1993)
P-Funk All-stars: Urban Dancsfloor Guerillas (1983) Live at the Beverly Theater in Hollywood(1990)
George Clinton & The P-Funk All-stars: Go For Yer Funk (1992) A Fifth of Funk (1993) T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M. (1996)
Parliament Funkadelic: Dope Dogs (1994)
George Clinton Presents Our Gang Funky (1989)
P-Funk Guitar Army: Tributes To Jimi Hendrix (1994)
Jimmy G. And The Tackheads: The Federation of Tackheads (1985)
Warren Zevon: Sentimental Hygiene (1986)
Incorporated Thang Band: Lifestyles of The Roach And Famous (1987)
Toshi Kubota: Such a Funky Thang (1988)
Marc Anthony Thompson: Watts & Paris (1989)
Lady Smith Black Manbazo: Two Worlds One Heart (1990)
Mr. Fiddler: With Respect (1990)
Axiom Funk: Funkcronomicon (1995)
A Tribute To John Lennon: Working Class Hero (1995)
Macy Gray: On How Life Is (1999)
George Clinton Presents the P-Funk All-Stars: How Late Do U Have 2BB4UR Absent? (2005)
Bootsy Collins: Christmas Is 4 Ever (2006)

http://www.myspace.com/blackbyrdmcknight

Ted Orr / 420 Funk Mob

Ted played and/or recorded with Sly Stone, George Clinton & P-Funk, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis,Karl Berger, Garth Hudson, Trilok Gurtu, Wadada Leo Smith, Nana Vasconcelos,  Hunter S. Thompson,  Futu Futu, 420 Funk Mob, BLOB,  Dharma Bums, Swollen Momkeys, Winston Grennan  and others! Ted can be heard using the Axon extensively with his improv band BLOB, on their podcast

http://blobusa.podomatic.com

Ted Orr is a musician for over 40 years. He is a specialist for MIDI Guitar, Bass, Tabla Drums, Synths. Currently with 420 Funk Mob, Cacophonic Funk Mob, New Music Universe Orchestia, da411, and Garth Hudson. Recent highlight performances include Audiosoul Festival, Heidelberg Germany, ESPN/NFL Tailgate Party Superbowl XXXIX, Jacksonville Fl.

His personal Discography:
420 Funk Mob (with special guest George Clinton) “Live on the Off Days” & “Live in Spain” (WEFUNK)
Cacophonic FM, “Fu*K Jazz2)” WEFUNK
Karl Berger, “Rhythm Changes” “New Music Universe (ACR)
Ras T & Ashber Posse: “Take Time Out” (Imogene Records)
Futu Futu: “Futu Futu” and “Yes, Yes”, “Where Woodstock Lives” (Mix-Mix)
Swollen Monkeys: “Afterbirth of the Cool”, “On Vacation” (Cachaot Records)
Freedom Cult: “ Avant Funk Orchestra” (WDD)
Gary Windo: “Dog Face” (Antilles)
Children of the Earth: “Children of the Earth (featuring JB Horns)” (Saturn)
Ingrid Stetso: “Jazzdance” (ITM) (Enja)
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson: “Songs of the Doomed” (Simon & Schuster)
Rolf Kempf: “Woodstock Album” (ESP Disk)
Blackguard: “Blackguard” (FKM)
Bad Brains: I & I Survived-Dub” (Reggae Lounge/SureShot)

Ted Orr´s opinion about the AXON AX 100 MK II

"I have to say wow, I'm very impressed with the tracking. It's a whole different experience than the waveform analysis garbage the other systems use. It's quite incredible.

www.myspace.com/tedorr

Carlos Juan / Artist and guitar technican

Carlos Juan is an artist of rare talent who, completely on his own, established his reputation throughout the guitar world. The Puerto Rican native is a full blooded musician, experienced guitar technician and has over 30 years experience in the business. Before settling down in Germany in 1982 he toured the world as a professional musician, from North Cape to Australia. In 1990 Carlos opened his "American Guitar Center" in Stuttgart.

His 1995 self-published book "Collectables & Vintage Buyers Guide" is by far the largest international reference-book of vintage guitars ever produced, and is often referred to as "the collector's bible". His acoustic guitar transducers and amplifiers, developed originally for his own concerts in 1998, have received international acclaim as state-of-the-art technology. Carlos Juan has grown to be recognized as an exceptional guitarist. His incomparable style and sound, built on a unique mix of Latin, Gipsy & Jazz influences, earned him the title "Guitarra de Salon". Carlos performs mostly as a solo guitarist, but also sometimes as a duet or in a trio.

His carefully selected concert venues are usually sold out, regardless of whether it is a small club for 60 guests or, for example, his 1998 comeback concert with an audience of 360. Eugenia Melo E Castro calls him the "the Keith Jarett of guitar". George Benson loves his attitude adding "a very pleasant man" and Jay Hostetler of Steward MacDonald, refers to him as a "cult artist".

www.carlosjuan.com

Burr Johnson / The Burr Johnson Band

Burr Johnson is an innovative guitarist whose powerful technique and artistic diversity have won wide recognition nationally and internationally among both Jazz and Rock audiences. His dazzling repertoire is spiced liberally with flavors of jazz, rock, and blues. Burr has toured nationally with Jazz organist Jack McDuff and has performed with him on various radio performances.

He has performed with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, and with legendary artists Ray Charles B.B.King, Buddy Guy, Spyro Gyra and James "T-Model" Ford. The Burr Johnson Band, who has perfomed at the prestigious Montreux Jazz festival two years in a row, is currently touring the United States and Germany. Mr Johnson recently performed side-by-side with King and Ford in Montreux, and then went on to headline the Manchester Jazz festival. Burr Johnson completed a music video for TerraTec Producer in Germany in August on 2004. He has worked with Lauryn Hill in Jamaica, records freequently in New York City, and performed with Spyro Gyra in August of 2003. He appeard in the major motion picture, “Beat Street,”and has done many national television commercials for QVC.

Mr Johnson was asked to help develop a new signature “Burr Johnson model” guitar which will be coming out in February 2005. He has won honors in several jazz competitions and completed a series of performances in the Caribbean. He holds frequent guitar clinics to demonstrate the Axon guitar synthesizer that he helped to develop. Johnson has performed annually since 1996 at the International NAMM show in Los Angeles, the Musikmesse show in Germany, and has been featured on CNN. Fresh from performances in Frankfurt, Germany, Johnson is currently promoting his compact disc "Summer Funk".

www.burrjohnson.com

Marc Cooper / Artist and guitar clinican

Marc Cooper's career has taken him all over the world performing and exciting audiences. He has performed live on stage with Joe Walsh, Steve Howe, the amazing Danny Gatton, pick up designer Seymour Duncan, Michel Cusson (UZEB), drummers Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth/Joe Satriani), Carmine Appice (Rod Stewart/Jeff Beck), bassist Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report /Santana), Brooks Wackerman (Infectious Grooves), Pat Travers, and Canadian blues artist Rita Chiarelli.

In 1996 Coop toured the UK with Yngwie J. Malmsteen and in 1997 he toured Turkey with drummer Dom Famularo where they did TV shows in Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Ismir, and Antalyia for an audience of 120 million people on the Euro/Sky Network! In 1999 Coop played at EuroMusic Vienna, along with Uli Jon Roth and Milan Polak and others. As an international guitar clinican and endorsee, Coop has shared the stage with Jan Ackerman, Paul Gilbert, Rick Derringer, Jennifer Batten, Adrian Legg, Tom Bresh, Buster B. Jones, Andy Timmons, Roy Ashen, and Rik Emmett, Tommy Emmanuel and many others.

At the summer NAMM show in 2003 in got to play for guitar legend Les Paul. Coop received recognition by winning several awards as a guitarist and songwriter. He captured first place at the Hot Guitarist Contest at the 1994 NAMM show in Los Angeles / a finalist in the Fender Guitar Warz '89, '90 and Yamaha Guitar Warz '91. Early on he won two quarter finalist awards in the American Song Writers Festival for two of his original compositions. In 1995 he released "CoopDeVille: Shelter From The Storm" to rave reviews and response. It covers the rock / blues ground that he has travelled for many years. In 1997 Speaking In Other Tongues, This time an eclectic fusion of rock, jazz, blues, worldbeat, and Coop's "Other World" guitar sounds and vocals. He was hungry to venture outside of his regular turf to write and play other styles that have been swimming in his head for a long time.

AXON Statement: "I've been using Axon AX-100 for quite sometime and it's the ONLY synth controller that covers all the bases. It's innovative, tracks amazingly well, and works great with other synth modules...it's truly the most professional product for guitar synth fanatics like myself."

www.coopdeville.com
www.myspace.com/114438608

Paul Goodyear / Artist, Producer and Engineer

Paul Goodyear is a recording engineer, producer & musician and Axon user since the introduction of the NGC-66 in the 1990s. Paul is known for his entertaining and professional music software (Garageband and LogicPro) demonstrations: "Before the Axon came along the fascinating realm of computers, midi and music software belonged to keyboard players. I had no problem with the technology but as a guitar player, trying to realise my musical ideas with a keyboard is too abstract.

The Axon opens an entirely new world of musical and compositional opportunities and is an integral part of my set-up, allowing me to intuitively exploit the ever widening spectrum of modern music software technology. And anyway, why should keyboard players have all the fun?"

www.thepaulgoodyearband.com

Rocco Zifarelli / Artist

Rocco Zifarelli is a versatile guitar player who has collaborated with many Italian and International artists of many different styles - from jazz to rock, big band and orchestral. Rocco has made hundreds of recordings and performances with musicians like Paul Mc Candless, Tony Scott, Bob Mintzer,Srefano DiBattista, Linley Marthe, Massimo Urbani, Paco Sery, Matthew Garrison, Paolo Belli, Dulce Pontes, Angelo Branduardi, Pippo Matino, Kenny Kirkland, Lester Bowie and Allan Holdsworth keyboardist, Steve Hunt (with whom he toured Italy and the US in 1999).

Rocco performs regularly and tours internationally with the renowned film music composer and director Ennio Morricone (Honorary Academy Oscar Award in 2007, 5 Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner for "The Legend of Novecento") and the RAI Television Orchestra, directed by Gianni Ferrio , with Nicola Piovani (Oscar winner for "Life is beautiful" and Cannes winner for "La Stanza Del Figlio").

Rocco also plays custom electric-oud, mandolin, and fretless guitar and has received rave reviews from guitarists such as Scott Henderson, Pat Metheny, Steve Khan, Dominic Miller and many others.

Roccoís first release, "LYNDON" (produced by Via Veneto Jazz and distributed in Italy by Universal) is the result of his many years of musical growth and experience.

This recording features the musicians Rocco has worked with for many years, as well as brass, strings, and some very special guests. The album is a lavish production which reveals Zifarelli as an incredible composer, arranger and band leader.

In fact Roccoís interpretation and arrangement of the Jaco Pastorius composition "Havona" (from LYNDON) has been included on a "Mysterious Voyages ñ A Tribute To Weather Report", a CD tribute to the great fusion band, produced by the German label ESC, including artists such Marcus Miller, Jim Beard, Tribal Tech and others.

He has most recently joined the American repertory ensemble, "THE MAHAVISHNU PROJECT" in their on going interpretations of the seminal fusion music of John McLaughlin & The Mahavishnu Orchestra, touring United States and Europe and is currently at work on several new CDís, both as a leader and co-leader in his own studio in Rome with the help of the TERRATEC AXON AX 100 guitar MIDI controller and the new KOMPLEXER synth software.

www.roccozifarelli.com

Marc Schonbrun

Marc graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Crane School of Music majoring in Classical Guitar Performance, Music Theory and Composition.

He was one of the youngest teachers at the prestigious National Summer Guitar Workshop in New Milford, Connecticut, working alongside other nationally known performers and teachers such as John Petrucci, Jim Hall and John Scofield at the age of 17.

Marc's career began when he performed and recorded with Jazz great Marian McPartland at age 17. He also opened the 2000 Goodwill Games with Bruce Hornsby and Edwin McCain. In 2004 Marc made his debut performance at Lincoln Center, performing with jazz luminaries Iain Ballamy, Eric Starr and Greg Germanson. Marc continues to freelance in both the Jazz and Classical veins. Marc’s playing is an exciting mix of modern jazz guitar mixed in with the use of synthesis of technology, employing a laptop computer in all his gigs. He is scheduled to appear at both the Summer and Winter NAMM again this year. Marc recently toured with the Eric Starr Group on a headlining east coast tour with Jazz Piano virtuoso Andy LaVerne and Iain Ballamy. Marc also graced the concert stage performing an afternoon of Vivaldi concertos on the 8-string classical guitar with a Long Island Symphony Orchestra.

Marc has completed eight books and one DVD instructional set and is currently under contract on his ninth full-length book. His first five are published by F + W Publications in their popular “Everything” series. His books cover Guitar Playing, Music Recording, Reading Music, Music Theory and a Guitar Chords Encyclopedia. Marc has also signed with Thomsons Course Technology Publications to write the first book detailing the marriage of guitars and computers. “Digital Guitar Power” which was published in 2006 to critical acclaim. Marc also has formed his own publication company and its flagship book “The Efficient Guitarist” has just gone to print. The “Efficient” guitarist will be a four-volume set that shows the full possibilities of what the guitar can do in a logical fashion; this has never attempted in such brevity and conciseness. Marc is also under contract to write a classical guitar book for Mel Bay publications, one of America’s largest sheet music publications – it should see publication by 2009. Marc is also writhing a monthly classical guitar column for “Accent” magazine headed up by Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater. As always, more books are in the works!

www.marcschonbrun.com

Statement:

The AXON came as a rude awakening to Marc, who commented: "I thought all this time that guitar synth was fast and had "caught-up". I didn't measure anything, I just played by feel and it felt good to me. Then I played an AXON and realized that I had been diluting myself. The AXON is exactly what guitar synth is supposed to feel like. Consider me a convert!"

Oz Noy / Artist

Oz Noy is a virtuoso guitar player from Israel, who started his professional career at the age of 13 playing jazz, blues, pop and rock music. By age 16, he was already playing with the top Israeli musicians and artists, and by age 24, was one of the most established studio guitar players in the country. He was also a member of the house band on Israel's top-rated television show for over two years. Since he arrived in New York in 1996, he has made a huge impact on the local music scene with his unique blend of jazz, funk, rock, blues and R&B built on intoxicating grooves.

In 2003, Oz released his debut record, "Oz Live," recorded at NYC's legendary Bitter End. Oz’s band featured drummers Anton Fig and Keith Carlock and bassists Will Lee, James Genus and Reggie Washington.
In 2004, Oz signed to Magna Carta Records and in 2005 released his highly-acclaimed studio record “HA!” with his All-Star band and special guests Mike Stern and George Whitty.

Oz is about to release on Aug 2007 his 3rd record for Magna Carta records “Fuzzy” Feat. drummers Anton Fig , Keith Carlock ,Vinnie Colaiuta and bassists Will Lee, James Genus and Jimmy Johnson, also with guest George Whitty & Jim Beard on Keyboards.

Oz continues his weekly residency on Monday nights at The Bitter End with his power trio, featuring Will Lee, James Genus, Anton Fig and Keith Carlock.

Oz Noy has performed, toured and recorded with:
Richard Bona, Chris Botti, Gavin DeGraw, Harry Belafonte, Toni Braxton, Phoebe Snow, Nile Rogers, Mike Clark, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Mike Manieri, The East Village Opera Company, Roger Glover…
Played on Broadway shows such as: Smoky Joe’s cafe, Saturday night fever, Hair Spray, Little shop of Horrors…

For more info, go to www.oznoy.com

Oscar Castro-Neves / Artist

Few musicians in the world today can boast a career that reflects a lifetime of accomplishments as diverse, rich and acclaimed as those Oscar Castro-Neves has achieved. Renowned as a composer and arranger for his sophisticated harmonic concepts and the exquisite texture and color of his orchestrations, he is equally well known for his distinctive guitar style and as an accomplished record producer who has worked with dozens of major artists in a wide range of jazz, popular, Brazilian and classical idioms.

Famed jazz critic Leonard Feather wrote of Oscar, "The crystalline beauty of his arrangements is matched by the rare delicacy with which they are interpreted. Castro-Neves is incapable of creating a dull moment, but that is an understatement: He is only capable of generating rhythmic, harmonic and melodic joy."

For more info, go to www.oscarcastroneves.com

Ron Buckner / Artist

Ron purchased his first bass guitar, an EB3 replica, from (believe it or not) Radio Shack. He converted the living room stereo system into a bass amplifier (you know the stereo systems from the 60's that were a half a block long) by installing switches that re-routed the turntable needle signal outputs.

This invention was to be used only when his parents weren't home. Upon seeing the new bass guitar in the family's living room Ron's father asked, "What are you going to do with that "Thang?" His dad later discovered the conversion when his Green Onions "45" would not play (Ron forgot to throw the switches back).
Ron thanks his mother for running interference for him from his dad after the stereo system discovery was made. He thanks his father for the challenge and the inspiration that gave him the drive to become one of Denver’s better bass players.

Ron's very unique style of playing combines the solid backbeat of graceful thumping with a straight-ahead peaceful in the pocket groove. His influences came from Larry Dunn of Earth Wind & Fire, Ted Duncan from Denver, Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stones, Graham Central Station, and most recently Victor Wooten of Bella Fleck and The Flecktones. Ron has played with Sky, Specter, The Regroovanators, Splash, The Jazz Project, Ace Butler And The Aces, The New "G", Sammy and Friends, Silver Jeff, Carl Dixon, Linda Theus-Lee, and host of other bands in California and in Colorado. Ron recently recorded with Portrait, on their "Without A Second Thought" CD, Katie on her Angel Eyes CD, Park Peters on his "Because You Asked" CD, and was requested to record the bass tracks for the "Oasis Product Line" commercials.

He is currently playing in The Buckner Funken Jazz Band with his brother, Rod Buckner, on trumpet. Ron also collaborates with various Denver-area artists and groups laying down studio grooves for them. Ron is the owner of Brainstorm Recording Studios, and Brainstorm Records, subsidiaries of Buckner Resources Inc. He produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered the CD project for the band "A New Elysium, Ticket To Nowhere", produced and engineered "Russell Edwards' CD, Edge Of A Fall", Produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered the CD project for GateKeeprz self titled CD GateKeeprz. Produced, mixed, and mastered Buckner Funken Jazz's newest CD "Get Your Groove On" He is working on his solo CD entitled "Direct Current".

(B-6) states "I am very impressed with the capabilities of the Axon AX 100 MKII, this unit has opened a completely new world for Bass Players, It is a honor to represent Terra Tec, the Axon AX 100 MKII, and the AIX103 Bass Pickup. You will find many guitar players using this unit - but - Bass Players? Well - let just say it's a brand new day!"

http://www.buckylove.com/RonBuckner.html

Hadrien Feraud / Artist & Bass player for John McLaughlin

Hadrien FERAUD was born in the 16th of august 1984 in Paris. Very early, his parents move to the suburbs where he will spend the first years of his life in a family where music plays a very great role. His parents, who are musicians, immerse him very young in various musical environments: rock'n'roll, blues, funk, R’n ‘B, new wave, traditional, jazz etc….

Young very attracted by the cinema, Hadrien shows to be very receptive with film scores. Towards the age of 8/9, his father introduces him to the guitar, but he shrinks in front of the instrument. The drums attract him much more… and the bass causes curiosity as well. Then towards twelve, after listening to Jaco Pastorius, he has a deep revelation as well as for the group “Weather Report”.

At that time he explores, deepens and integrates with passion the entire work of Jaco and “Weather Report” becomes his bible. In the years which follow, Hadrien discovers other bass players such as: Christian McBride, Victor Bailey, Anthony Jackson, Dominique Dipiazza, skulli sverrisson, Gary Willis, Matthew Garrison, Richard Bona, Linley Marthe, and he widens his musical universe listening to other different instrumentalists: Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Bireli Lagrene, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Sylvain Luc, Otmaro Ruiz, Jean Pierre Como, Thierry Eliez, Jim Grancamp….

In 2001 Christian Pegand (organizing concerts for John McLaughlin and Bireli Lagrene among-others) invites him to play at the concert “bass contre bass” organized by the funds of SACEM in the memory of the double bass player François Jenny-Clark. Surrounded by Bireli Lagrene and Sylvain Luc at the guitars and Franck Agulhon on drums, Hadrien will make a noticed apperance. Also invited to this evening, were Richard Bona, Garcia Fons, Dominique Di Piazza, the Moutin's brothers etc…

In 2002, via Bireli Lagrene, he becomes acquainted with Jim and Jon Grandcamp, two brothers originally from Strasbourg. Jim (guitar) and Jon on drums, they create a “power trio” of shock : “Le Cartel”. They will play on various stages of the capital, in France and abroad. Eager to meeting some people, he takes part in some contests as the EURO BASS DAY which proceeds in Verona (2003) and for which he will be finalist; as well as in the French national contest “Haut les basses” (2004) of which he wins the first prize.

Since 2003, he has played with many experienced musicians: Rido Bayonne, Sheik Tidiane Seck, Marc Berthoumieux, Jean Marie Ecay, Mokhtar Samba, Dominique Di Piazza, N'Guyene Le, Thierry Eliez, Flavio Boltro, Bireli Lagrene, Andre Ceccarelli, Paco Sery, Manu Codjia, Francis Lassus, Linley Marthe, Geoffroy De Masure, Emile Parisien, Damien Schmitt, Mickael Lecoq, Fred Lopez, Marc Guillermont, Vincent Bidal, Yoan Schmidt, Yoan Serra, Fred Dupont, Valerie Benzaquine, Reda Samba, Julien Tekeyan, François Faure, Nicolas Viccaro, Mark Gilmore, Pibo Marquez, Chris & Tony Raymond, Sylvain Luc, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, François Constantin etc...

In end 2004 Hadrien undertakes the compositions of his musical project.

In 2005, John McLaughlin invites him to play two tracks on his album “INDUSTRIAL ZEN”. It is a great meeting.

In 2007 Hadrien's album has been released which include prestigious musicians. An U.S.A Tour with John McLaughlin will start in September. Chick Corea asked him for recording session and to be part of a new band: the freedom band.

For more info, go to www.adrien-feraud.com

Khaliq Glover / Grammy winning Engineer

Khaliq Glover (also known as Khaliq-O-Vision) is a Grammy Winning Recording Engineer (2001 - Marcus Miller/M2), Producer and Songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. He began working for Kenny Rogers at Lion Share Studios from 1982 through 1986 as an apprentice to learn engineering from the top engineers in the music industry (such as Humberto Gatica, Tommy Vicari, and John Guess). He soon became a 1st engineer on records by Jermaine Jackson, Donna Summer, Kenny Rogers, Jeffrey Osborne, and many others.

He was also one of the many engineers to participate on the "We Are The World" project produced by Quincy Jones with an all star cast including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, and many more.

Khaliq received a Grammy Award in 2001-2002 for the legendary Bassist/Producer Marcus Miller’s M2 album and has received Participation Certificates as a Producer and Engineer for some Grammy nominated albums (see below). He also did recording and mixing on the album “Beautiful World” by 7 time Grammy Award winning vocal group Take 6 (produced by Marcus).

Recent projects include working with Prince, and Justin Timberlake, as well as doing engineering and production duties for Herbie Hancock including his collaboration CD "Possibilities" with artists such as John Mayer, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Sting, Brian Eno, Annie Lennox, and others and also Herbie’s “Future To Future” album and “Future To Future-Live” DVD.

Other clients include Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Osborne, B2K, Narada Michael Walden, Kenny Lattimore, Faith Evans, Theolonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and more.

Khaliq-O-Vision recorded, mixed, and produced on Jeffrey’s Grammy Nominated album “That’s For Sure” in 2000 - 2001 and produced 2 albums for the "Rance Allen Group". The first album, entitled "Phenomenon", logged 15 weeks at #1 in Billboard on the contemporary gospel chart and that album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1991 and also the follow up album entitled “You Make Me Wanna Dance”.

Quote:
"I've been using the Axon Guitar to Midi controller along with a Kinal guitar equipped with Ghost piezo pickups" and I highly recommend it to all my clients who use guitar in their music.
It is without a doubt, a combination of tools that will help everyone create their music faster, better, and with the least amount of human effort possible."

Thanks for an incredible product."

Grammy Winning Engineer

Khaliq Glover aka Khaliq-O-Vision **

http://www.khaliq-o-vision.com

Christoph Victor Kaiser / Jazz Pistols

For ten years the Jazz Pistols have been working on their Energy-Jazz. They are however, still able to discover new elements and levels of performance a fact that not only surprises themselves, but also their audiences. This versatility is one of the strengths of the Jazz Pistols. Even formed like a classic jazz trio the Jazz Pistols have developed a sensational variety of sounds which they can easily translate live without the need for loops and overdubs. It is rare that Jazz-Rock – notoriously known as the music for musicians –is able to create this fascination on listeners – even when they normally don’t like fusion music.

The extraordinary density of sound, the catchy melodies of the complex pieces, and culture of the musicianship – the Jazz Pistols are quite different from similar bands.

Stefan Ivan Schäfer: His striking and variable guitar sound carries and leads the band through ballads and hard groove pieces. His solo numbers melt into the compositions and with their catchy melodies are truly extraordinary. He is among one of the best guitarists in Germany, composes and plays for Uwe Ochsenknecht and can be found on various samplers.

Christoph Victor Kaiser: Through his extraordinary tapping technique Christoph constantly is the harmonic backing of the band and simultanously creates musical intensification that cannot be expected. As recipient of a scholarship from the renowned Berklee College of Music / Boston and due to his technical expertise the Jazz Pistols bass player is even on an international level known as a brilliant technician and for this reason has been sought after as interview partner for international music publications.

Thomas Lui Ludwig: As lecturer at the Pop Academy in Mannheim, Germany, and through his work with Jule Neigel, Uwe Ochsenknecht, Vanilla Ninja and Chaka Khan Lui belongs to the absolute top of the German drummer elite. With Jazz Pistols Lui develops a polyrhythmic firework of extraordinary proportions, is constant support and manages at the same time to distance himself from traditional forms.

Each member of the group is an accomplished musician with his individual style. The band combines their diverse talents into an exciting whole featuring varied original composition, arrangements rich in texture, and infectious solo performances.

It is surprising for a trio to show such expressiveness, variety of style and versatility; the reason why the Jazz Pistols captivate their audiences with this compactness and flexibility. Beside festival- and club gigs in Germany and other countries the Jazz Pistols have toured twenty-six countries of Africa and Europe in the last years.


For more info, go to www.jazz-pistols.de

Lothar Knörle

Lothar started playing guitar aged 7 getting taught in classical guitar and flamenco guitar for the following 6 years. After a autodidactic phase of learning electric guitar he decided to get professional education on this instrument and finally ended up as a private student at Wolfgang Kehle ( Gitarre + Bass Magazine ) for a period of 4 years. This fundamental education and the fact that L.K. Is on the road with several bands for over 15 years now and played over 300 concerts enables him to play and feel home in many different styles as Rock, Funk, Blues, Flamenco and many others.

Since the beginning of 2007 L.K. Is producing for other artists and is writing on songs for his long expected Solo CD.

L.K. Is also teaching guitar and bass for 10 years now. He is working with Mayones Guitars and is in contact with Native Instruments as Product Specialist for their multi award winning Guitar Rig 2.

For more information join L.K.´s Homepage at: www.L-K-World.de

Brian Hughes

Brian Hughes has carved out an impressive career in the contemporary jazz arena. His first two albums, Between Dusk and Dreaming and Under One Sky, firmly established him as one of the foremost guitarists and composers in the genre, perfectly blending his fluid and emotive guitar style into an exciting, melodic mix of Latin, Jazz and World Music compositions. After being picked as a winner in JAZZIZ Magazine's "Guitars On Fire" competition his subsequent recordings Straight To You, One 2 One, Shakin’ not Stirred and Along the Way have received critical acclaim and major radio air play from coast to coast. With his new release LIVE, Brian’s sizzling fret work and infectious compositions are front & center and the media are accurate in saying: “...this classic traverses seamlessly from start to finish showcasing some of the best musicians on the planet...it’s stellar; the expression of Brian’s guitar playing is nothing less than brilliant”.

Brian has received the SOCAN/BMI "Jazz & Instrumental Composer of the Year" Award six times from 1997 to 2006 and the title track from “Shakin’ Not Stirred” was featured on an episode of HBO’s “Sex and the City”.

Brian is well known for his twenty year parallel career performing and recording with world renowned vocalist Loreena McKennitt. His skills as a musician (guitars, oud, bouzouki) and his production talents are evident on her current Grammy nominated recording “An Ancient Muse”, the concert DVD “Nights From The Alhambra”, filmed in Granada, Spain and her past seven multi-platinum recordings. Brian has just completed a 2007 world tour with McKennitt performing 83 concerts in 12 countries around the globe.

Hughes has also produced several international platinum selling albums for Greek recording artists Evanthia Reboutsika, Yannis Kotsiras and Panayotis Kalantzopoulos including the soundtrack for “A Touch of Spice” the top grossing film in Greek cinema history.

Brian Hughes Discography:

• Between Dusk...and Dreaming (1990)
• Under One Sky (1992)
• Straight To You (1995)
• One 2 One (1998)
• Shakin’ Not Stirred (1999)
• Along The Way (2003)
• LIVE (2007)
  

For additional information visit: www.brianhughes.com