Surround
Music Awards 2004
In
just three years, the Surround Music Awards has grown from
an unproven concept to the anchor event for the Surround
Conference. The assimilation of Surround 2004 into the
broader Entertainment Media Expo did nothing to diminish
the prominence and prestige of the Awards within the pro
audio industry. This years Surround Awards, held on August
31 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel's Highlands Ballroom,
was the most widely-attended yet, drawing a standing room only crowd of over
400. Produced by Lisa Roy and Bobby Owsinski, the ceremony got underway with a twilight patio reception - a perfect opportunity
for collegial networking, schmoozing, and escalating anticipation. |
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| No
self-respecting music award ceremony would be complete
without some high quality live music, and this year's
showcase event came accompanied the presentation of the
Surround Pioneer Award to Herbie Hancock. Taking the
recipient's usual place at the keyboards, virtuoso George
Duke led a red-hot band through a medley of Hancock's
compositions, honoring the stylistic range that has kept
him at the forefront of sound innovation for decades. |
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| "Pioneer
is a name you get when you're the oldest guy in the room," Hancock
quipped with characteristic humility as he accepted his award, before delivering
a brief pep talk about the importance of exploring the creative side. "You're
here for a reason. You bring something to the table that no one else can bring,
so go for it - life is really limitless." |
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| I'm
not exactly sure what the difference is between a Pioneer
and a Trailblazer, but there were separate awards for
each and the latter went to Tomlinson Holman. Semantics
aside, Holman's lifetime of achievements on the theoretical
and technical side complement Hancock's contributions
in the performance arena. From his early work at THX
establishing much-needed standards for multichannel presentation
in the theater and home, to his experimental10.2 surround system, Holman continues
to push boundaries. |
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