I've now been to 32 Winter NAMM shows in a row, but never have I had such an enjoyable time as this year. Two events made this a very special NAMM show for me.
First, was my surprise in meeting AJ (Ajua Alamanji). I have introduced AJ to the folks of Ketron US last year, and AJ was invited to attend this years show so he might meet with the owners of Ketron and the distributors here in the USA. AJ was only supposed to be here for one day, Friday, which was the day I wasn't going to be at the show. When I arrived at the booth on Saturday, there was a good looking young man, sitting at the new baby grand "SD1", just looking at me as I walked up. All of a sudden, Lou came to me quickly and said "look who's here!". I instantly knew he could only mean AJ. Only ever speaking to AJ over the phone (sometimes hours at a time) I felt like I was embracing a family member as we hugged. This was such a joy for both of us. We spoke for several minutes and then the 2nd best event of NAMM took place. Up walked a good looking man and his lovely wife both wearing T-Shirts which said "SYNTHZONE" across the front and I knew in a second this must be Nigel. I was right, and we all spoke for a long time and AJ had a camera and had my son take some pictures of AJ, Nigel, Dan, Sandro and myself. In all my years, I've never enjoyed a show this much. The Arranger Forum family is incredible. This morning, AJ called me from the airport in Los Angeles and told me it would be ok to let everyone know that he now has a job with Ketron as a technical support person who will be handeling questions regarding operations as well as trouble shooting. As soon as AJ returns home, we will be talking more so that I might find out more details. I am really excited to have AJ on board with Ketron here in the USA. All of you who have been around for awhile know of AJ and his kindness and experience with Ketron products.
When I left the booth to look at other things I ended up at Yamaha at around 4PM. Shortly after, in came Nigel again but this time he had a surprise for me. He and his wife presented me with an official Synthzone T Shirt. Thank you so much both of you. I was able to introduce both of them to my friends at Yamaha who all stated how often they all log on to the Synthzone web site. We had a really nice conversation about our "passion" for arranger keyboards, and Nigel left promising me he will come by my store and see me soon.
What a Great NAMM!!!!!
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

George: What a WONDERFUL story. I hope you will post your NAMM pics (along with your new Synthzone T-shirt as well) for all of us to see. I looked for you at NAMM, but now realize that you weren't there on Friday (the only day I attended). Chris Anthony had told me you had been by the GEM booth earlier. Unfortunately I had to return back to the Bay Area on Saturday so didn't get a chance to stop to see you at your store. George, I hope I get the priviledge of meeting both you & Nigel at next year's NAMM show.

Also, congratulations to both Ketron-Solton for recruiting AJ as their new technical support specialist. I have spoken with AJ numerous times by phone and email as well as finally having the priviledge of meeting him in person at NAMM on Friday. He's very knowledgable about arrangers kbs and with the Solton line in particular, so will make a perfect Ketron-Solton Ambassador. Congratulations AJ !!!!
- Scott

That sounds like a happy story, George! I am glad to hear that you had such a successful visit at Winter NAMM 2002!

That is cool that you actually got the opportunity to meet up with those from here at the SynthZone! I am really glad that you enjoyed yourself and I bet it was exciting not only to see all the new musical gear, but meet your friends who are out here on SynthZone!

That is amazing that AJ actually got the job of becoming a technical support specialist for Ketron-Solton! Congratulations and I wish you the best of luck with your job as a technical support specialist for Ketron-Solton! That is also a happy story as well!

See you around on the forum and glad to hear the good news,
Ryan

George,
It's amazing that my most pleasurable moments of NAMM delt with meeting people. First of all the KETRON crew you, John Deep & Nigel with his wife (I think I'll frame my synthzone T shirt ... Nigel and his wife are adorable - when do I get invited to Australia, Nigel?). Meeting Scott Yee was also interesting ... now I can attach a face to all these detailed emails!

Together with Dan O and all the others, that was a family right there. As if that was not enough, I went into the GEM booth and met Christ Anthony. I got a beautiful demo of the GENYSIS keyboard (Fri). As surprising as it might sound, Chris and I didn't really meet ... until he came to the KETRON booth Sat afternoon (one day after) for this was when he recognized me as 'Ketron_AJ'! That meeting was warm indeed. Meeting other programmers and Engineers has always been 'special'.

Strange as it might seem, I really felt sad leaving the hotel the following morning (Sunday). Although back in once piece, I must admit that it was rather a rough trip (as America West cancelled here, took us out of airplanes there etc). I don't think I'll be using that airline again! After being at the airport at 7am for a 9am departure, my journey finally began at 2:30pm and ended at 11:30pm in Baltimore! You now see why I must get some zzz.
Later all!!
AJ

It was such a blast to meet AJ, George and Dan at the NAMM show. Both AJ and Dan gave great demonstrations of the SD-1 at the Ketron booth. My wife Kerry just loved AJ's response when we gave him a Synth Zone t-shirt ....

Junior Member ... then
Member ... then
T-Shirt !!!!

While it is always good to see the range of new products about to be released, the most memorable thing for me this year was meeting up with friends from the Arranger Keyboard Forum. I knew Dan would be at the Ketron booth which is why I headed over there but then to meet with George and AJ as well while I was there really knocked me out. I look forward to seeing the photo of us all there together.

AJ,
I made it back before you ! dano

I want a tee shirt! All they have around here are EAGLES shirts ! ( go boys go !)

I have a song for the Eagles--"The Easy Part's Over Now, The Hard Part Begins".
I'll trade you a Saints plus a Cowboys shirt for an Eagles.
Don

What easy? It's been an uphill climb all the way .... and those Cowboy's shirts are worthless in these parts. Anyway - I'd wait till the "Superbowl" shirts are momogramed with the Eagles logo - they'll be much cooler!

I love you guys, but the St Louis express will be too much for the eagles....before you slam me, I've been a rams fan for 40 years..so I've seen the lean years and lived through many dissapointments....Eagles are tough, but the good news is you won't have to cancel any gigs to watch em after this weekend..B2