Fun Yamaha Concert at NAMM

by Mark Eades

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.

Sinbad was the emcee for the Yamaha NAMM 2015 Concert at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure

Sinbad was the emcee for the Yamaha NAMM 2015 Concert at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure.

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

The Piano Guys do their thing on a Yamaha Grand Piano. No, they did not wreck the piano.

The Piano Guys do their thing on a Yamaha Grand Piano. No, they did not wreck the piano.

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.

Toto on stage at the Yamaha NAMM 2015 concert

Toto on stage at the Yamaha NAMM 2015 concert.

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

Colbie Caillat sang "Bubbly" along with two of her other hit songs at the Yamaha NAMM 2015 Concert.

Colbie Caillat sang “Bubbly” along with two of her other hit songs at the Yamaha NAMM 2015 Concert.

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.

Bob James, the 75-year-old piano and Jazz Fusion legend, plays a song with Nathan East.

Bob James, the 75-year-old piano and Jazz Fusion legend, plays a song 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 plays his guitar and sings for the audience at the Yamaha NAMM 2015 concert.

Jonathan Butler plays his guitar and sings for the audience at the Yamaha NAMM 2015 concert.

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 stopped by from his overseas tour to sing some of his love songs.

James Blunt stopped by from his overseas tour to sing some of his love songs.

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

Jaimie Cullum brought his brand of exciting piano play to the Hyperion Theater Stage at Disney California Adventure for the Yamaha NAMM 2015 Concert.

Jaimie Cullum brought his brand of exciting piano play to the Hyperion Theater Stage at Disney California Adventure for the Yamaha NAMM 2015 Concert.

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!”

 

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