Fun Yamaha Concert at NAMM

I was lucky enough to get to attend Yamaha’s NAMM 2015 Concert. It was held in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Friday night, January 23rd.

The line-up of musical talent was very impressive with the three and a half hour concert emceed by Sinbad.

The first act was “The Piano Guys.” What the four of them do to a piano should be illegal, but its wonderfully exciting.

The next to perform was Tom Scott on his saxophone. He also doubled as the conductor of the more than 30 piece orchestra for the night. And baby, he made that sax talk.

Nathan East got the chance to perform a song from his new album. He was the musical director for the night.

He also played with Toto, which also featured Mr. Talkbox. Toto also performed their classic “Africa.”

Colbie Caillat came out next to perform three of her hits, bringing the crowd to its feet.

Next up was Bob James, the 75-year-old piano and jazz fusion legend. He performed one of his classics with the orchestra, then played a tune with Nathan East.

Then Bob James tinkled the ivories of the Yamaha Grand Piano on his own, bringing the crowd to its feet for a standing ovation.

Jonathan Butler sent the audience soaring with his magical finger work on his guitar, and with his soaring voice, causing yet another standing ovation.

James Blunt came out, fresh from his overseas tour, and had the audience singing along with some of his songs.

Finally, Jamie Cullum closed out the show with his electric performance on the piano and his remarkable singing. But that was not all. For a finale he brought Bob James out and the two of them played a classic Cole Porter tune, in an exhilarating fashion.

The artists showed how music can be played without artificial efforts, and how songs can be sung without autotune. All I can say is “Wow!”