Music Fun Fact, January 30

On this date in 1973, KISS played their first show at the Coventry Club in Queens, NY.

The Most Ancient Musical Instrument

The human voice is the most natural and the most ancient musical instrument. Singing has been part of human activity for thousands of years. From singing to calm a baby to cultural and religious expressions, the human voice is the musical instrument many don't even realize they have!

Woodwind Fun Facts

Did you know that not all woodwinds are made out of wood! Some are actually made from plastic or from different types of metal.

January 17 Fun Fact

On January 17, 1969 the song “Lady Samantha” was released in England. It was one of the very first recordings by Reginald Kenneth Dwight, better known as Elton John.

Types of Woodwind Instruments

Did you know that woodwind instruments are divided into two groups based on how air is blown into them?

The two groups are flutes and reed instruments. Flutes have air enter directly through a mouth, or hole in the instrument's head.  Examples in this group are the flute, piccolo and recorder. In reed instruments, air is blown into the instrument through one or two reeds. The reeds vibrate when air is blown, creating the sound.  Examples of reed instruments are the clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon.

Leslie Pedal

The Leslie Pedal adds a distinctive rotary, moving sound to any keyboard, guitar, bass or studio rig.   Designed and built in America, the Leslie Pedal features rotary controls, three footswitches and a gain switch. It replicates the distinctive PR-40 stationary speaker cabinet which was a "secret weapon" for many vintage studio guitar recordings. For more information visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick, NY. 

The Weight at City Winery

Great show last night ‪@CityWineryNYC! THE WEIGHT played songs of THE BAND at City Winery in Manhattan. Scott Russ was there helping the band as the Hammond Organ Representative.

Shown here are Scott Russ, Brian Mitchell and Marty Grebb using a Hammond SK2 and Leslie Studio 12 and some photos from the show.

Music History- January 8

On this date in 1975, three Led Zeppelin concerts at Madison Square Garden sold out in a record four hours.

Origin of the Word Orchestra

Do you know where the word Orchestra comes from?  It is of Greek origin and the word originates from the ancient theater.  The word orchestra refers to the space in the theater between the audience and the stage where the chorus of dancers performed.