Digidesign employees are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of one of their longest-serving and most valued team members, sales and marketing executive Christopher Bock.

Christopher Bock, or CB as many knew him, had a long tenure with Digidesign, playing a vital role in the company’s early success. As longtime vice president of sales and marketing, CB had recently been transitioning into a new role to focus on building strategic new business areas, the first of which was helping to expand Digidesign’s growth in the live sound market.

“It’s very difficult for us to accept that CB is no longer with us,” said Dave Lebolt, Digidesign general manager. “He was a part of Digidesign from the very beginning. He was a charismatic leader and an excellent strategist, to say nothing of his musical skills as a percussionist. It’s hard to convey how strongly this affects all of us because CB was so instrumental in helping to define our culture. Christopher meant so much to this place; to me, he represented much of the company’s soul. He was a great friend and colleague, and he will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies are with CB’s family and all who knew him well.”

“CB was a long-time friend and business partner who was involved with Digidesign before we even named the company,” states Peter Gotcher, co-founder of Digidesign. “His percussion contributions to our first product, Digidrums drum chips, played an important role in the success of the product, which ultimately provided the early funding for Digidesign. He contributed in many ways to Digidesign’s success over the years. A true individual, CB was well known for his “larger than life” personality and his many talents. I will remember CB most for the love and passion he brought to everything he did. Although we are shocked and saddened that he left us too early, he lived an incredibly rich life and had a profound impact on his many friends and colleagues.”

“Christopher was a fellow musician, a good friend, and an integral part of Digidesign from well before Day One,” says Evan Brooks, co-founder of Digidesign. “He was universally liked, and he will be sorely missed. In an industry that has more than its share of memorable characters, CB will always stand out for his enthusiasm and love of life, and the wonderful memories he has given those of us who have shared it with him.”

CB passed away peacefully in his home on July 29, 2006, and is survived by twin 9-year-old daughters, Sophia and Natasha, and father Ray Bock.

In honor of one of CB’s passions, the family requests no floral arrangements, but does encourage donations in CB’s name to his favorite charitable foundations:

The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) - A member-supported, non-profit organization, dedicated to protecting the health of coral reefs by integrating ecosystem management, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. Visit www.coralreefalliance.org or call 1-888-CORAL-REEF.

Sharkproject - One of the largest international shark protection organizations dedicated to the protection, conservation, and research of sharks. Visit www.sharkproject.org.

Digidesign invites everyone who knew CB to visit www.digidesign.com to access CB’s memorial web page, and to post personal photos and/or messages on the following blog set up in CB’s memory: http://christopher-bock.blogspot.com.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com.

Posted in Computer, News, Recording, Software, Technology

Low Middle High specializes in music production, consulting, Music Report Cards, mixing, and recording bands/artists. Focusing on music, not image or pretension, Low Middle High sets a high standard for recording the sound the band/artist is truly after. Before stepping foot in the studio, Low Middle High works with the artist to identify the goal for the recording, fine tune the music, edit songs and arrangements, and coach the artist in singing and musicianship.

With over 10 years of professional coaching and recording experience, Low Middle High combines a unique skill-set geared to create high quality recordings, not engineering tricks or a manufactured sound.

The Music Report Card is a perfect opportunity for artists or labels to get constructive feedback on recordings from an objective and qualified source. A detailed report covering musicianship, mix, and arrangement will be included. This is also a great way to get quotes for press packets from a reputable source.

Low Middle High is offering a $50 special on Music Report Cards during the month of August for EPs or LPs. Because Low Middle High is connected with Blue Scout Music, some artists will have the opportunity to place their music in film/tv/ad projects and receive paychecks for their work.

For more information, visit their web site at www.blue-scout.com.

Posted in Industry, News, Recording

Peter Frampton and C.F. Martin & Co. have announced they will donate a portion of the proceeds from each D-42 Peter Frampton “Frampton’s Camel” Signature Edition guitar to benefit the Musicares MAP Fund.

Chosen by Peter, the Musicares MAP Fund provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation. To date, Martin Guitar has contributed $2 million to artist designated charities through their Limited Edition Signature Model program.

Martin Guitar and Peter Frampton recently introduced the D-42 Peter Frampton “Frampton’s Camel” Signature Edition guitar. In 1973, Frampton wrote and recorded his legendary “Frampton’s Camel” album with his Martin D-45. Subsequently, the instrument was stolen. Over 30 years later, Martin has created a new guitar for Peter, paying tribute to his talent and influence.

For more information, visit their web site at www.martinguitar.com.

Posted in Guitar, Industry, News

Starting on August 12th, Native Instruments will take KORE, the world’s first Universal Sound Platform, on the road for a three-city tour of daily workshops and nighttime performances. The Native Lab: Kore tour is sponsored by Remix magazine and will stop over in San Francisco, New York and Chicago. The events will be free to the public, and will provide deep insights into KORE’s capabilities and applications both in the studio and onstage. In addition to afternoon classes and evening parties, each event will feature product giveaways and special guest appearances.

For three consecutive Saturdays, the Native Lab: Kore events will offer beginning, intermediate and advanced KORE workshops, as well as in-depth Q&As with top artists using KORE in real-world situations. Featured artists include producer Dan the Automator (Handsome Boy Modeling School, Gorillaz, Dr. Octagon) in San Francisco, hip-hop legend Hank Shocklee (Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Slick Rick) in New York and electronic duo Telefon Tel Aviv (Hefty Records) in Chicago. Leftfield electronic producer Richard Devine (Warp, Schematic, Sublight) will provide hands-on workshop instruction and hosting duties at each event.

Turning from the classroom to the stage, the Native Lab nighttime parties will showcase KORE in a live environment with performances and DJ sets from top NI sponsored artists, including Dan the Automator, Richard Devine, Telefon Tel Aviv, 1200 Warriors, Keith Hillebrandt, Halou, edIT, The Flashbulb and others. Full lineup details for each city are available on the NI website.

To be eligible for the KORE product giveaways, visitors must preregister online and be present during the afternoon training sessions; preregistered attendees will also receive three free issues of Remix magazine and a special subscription offer. Participants attending the afternoon workshops will receive VIP admission to the evening events.

For more information about Native Lab: Kore, including dates, preregistration instructions and venue details, please see www.native-instruments.com/koreevent.info.

For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com/afharmony01.info.

Posted in Industry, News, Recording, Software, Technology

Presenting the latest in a number of informative podcast videos, Florida Music are happy to announce their latest: A podcast-format video of product demonstrations straight from the floor. People can get a direct look at many of the exciting products IN ACTION, long before they are available in stores.

In the Florida Music NAMM Texas Roundup Podcast Video, viewers will have the opportunity to see the new BOSS Micro BR along with Samson’s new Podcasting Package and M-Audio’s Conectiv and Torq DJ system.

Florida Music’s Extreme Podcasts are available for immediate download from the company’s website.

For more information, visit their web site at www.floridamusicco.com.

Posted in Industry, News