Industry Update

UNITED STATES Although the new TAS will cover virtuoso performer who teaches classes Barry Willis & Jon Iverson more than traditional audio —including in heavy-metal guitar, is comfortable with The Absohrte Sound has been officially re- new technologies, convergence, and awide range of musical genres. He has vived. TAS will be operated under anew multimedia — its editorial focus will played with acts as diverse as jazz trum- company, Absolute Multimedia, owned continue to be "uniquely rigorous inves- peter Don Cherry and rapper Tupac by Tom Martin, avice president at Dell tigative listening." Martin has installed Shakur. may be both disap- Computer. Martin has reportedly ar- "professional financial management" pointed and relieved that he isn't ex- ranged serious financing for the new that he hopes will guide TAS safely pected to play the role made venture, which will be based in Austin, through its rebirth. Describing the ven- his own. Dead charter member Bob Texas. The first issue to be published by ture as "exciting," Martin expressed his Weir said Franks' only musical similari- Absolute Multimedia went to the print- commitment "to provide the stable ty to Garcia is that "he is extremely open. er in mid-April and should have reached foundation that TAS will need to regain He's willing to and capable of exploring newsstands by the time you hold this a well-deserved leadership position in any direction." Weir mentioned that issue of Stereophile in your hands. the industry, and to enhance its reputa- Franks' dissimilarity to Garcia made him TAS founder Harry Pearson will con- tion as the `go-to' source book for seri- "exactly the right place to look." tinue as editor-in-chief, as will longtime ous-minded listeners." The upcoming tour won't attempt to staffer Sallie Reynolds, as managing edi- re-create the Dead concerts of old, ac- tor. (She returns to TAS from the now cording to , who mentioned defunct Audio Adventure magazine.) Mark Barry Willis that the group will rework some old Fisher, who was Stereophile's publisher in Members of 's legendary material into instrumentals. "We can the early '90s and was instrumental in will reunite for asix-week, never be the Grateful Dead again. But I organizing our annual HI-FI Show, has 25-city tour beginning this month. The know we can get the feeling." The Dead's been named TAS publisher. Fisher has group — whose core consists of original concert signature was the extended group moved from Santa Fe to Austin to as- Dead members (bass), Bob improvisation, something that will be sume his new position. Weir (guitar), and Mickey Hart (drums) — amply supplied to fans this summer. Pearson, aka HP, reputedly coined will call itself , after an Additions to the group will include the adjective "high-end." He is one of a old Dead tune. The group will headline , who has been afrequent small core of major figures who shaped the third annual "Furthur" tour. collaborator, and , Homsby's the industry now known by his pet Group members have pursued vari- drummer. Saxophonist Dave Ellis has also term. In 1997, while his own publication ous solo projects since the death of lead signed on. Drummer Bill Kreut2mann is was foundering, HP was recruited as a guitarist Jerry Garcia in 1995. Recently, the only surviving original member who contributor to Fi, where he has contin- several of them have performed togeth- has declined to participate. ued to review products and philoso- er informally at Bay Area venues: the phize about the listener's relationship to Fillmore Auditorium and the Shoreline UNITED STATES recorded music. We understand that HP Amphitheater in Mountain View. Jon Iverson will work out his contractual relationship They have recruited guitarist Stan The Lenbrook Group of Pickering, On- with Fi. Franks for the new project. Franks, a tario, Canada announced at the end of

Calendar

Dealers promoting manufacturer and designer you do not receive one within 24 hours, Audiophile Society is hosting Jack seminars should fax (do not call) Debbie please fax us again. Bybee and Carl Brinkman of Bybee Starr the when, wherç and who at (505) Tedmology, who will discuss how to 983-632Z at least eight weeks before the ARIZONA improve audio and video system perfor- month of the event — ie, If you're putting on • Tuesday, May 26, 7pm: Sounds Like mance with Bybee AC line-condition- something in August 1998, you should get the Music will host a meeting of The ing products. The public is welcome. For information to Debbie no later than June 1. Arizona Audiophile Society featuring more information, call (602) 417-0223. Mark the fax cover sheet "For the attention of the new Revel loudspeakers. Dave Debbie Starr — Dealer Bulletin Board." Wiggs will demonstrate three new sys- CALIFORNIA Promoters of hi-fi shows and audio societies tems, including Arizona's first HDTV • Thursday, May 14, 6-830pm: Am- promoting manufacturer visits should also fax showing. The public is welcome. For brosia Audio & Video (2337 Ros- Debbie the details as soon as possible. We more information, call (602) 993-3351. comare Road, Suite 6, Los Angeles) is will fax back aconfirmation of your event— • Tuesday, June 30, 7pm: The Arizona hosting a "Meet the Editors" open

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