Yonnet Makes the Rounds at NAMM 2012

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Anaheim, Calif, January 22, 2012—Frédéric Yonnet represented C.A. Seydel Söhne harmonicas as an endorsee at The 110th National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show which featured over 1,441 exhibitors and over 95,700 registered attendees from around the world.  The annual trade show is the place where music products retailers meet face-to-face with manufacturers to make their biggest purchases and gain product knowledge for their stores in the year ahead. It’s also a great place for musicians to reconnect, try new products, get endorsements or demonstrate the brands they already endorse.

Throughout the day Yonnet, along with several other Seydel endorsees – Ross Garren, Just Dave and John Schaman, MD – demonstrated their technique on the products while C.A. Seyel president Lars Seifert, U.S. President Rupert Oysler and sales manager Os Leguizamo took sales orders. When not demonstrating, Yonnet made his way through the various halls with the intent to check out the latest gear.  “It was really hard to got 10-feet without running into a musician that you knew or one that you wanted to know,” said Yonnet.

Stevie Wonder jokes with Yonnet to "get on the bus" as they make the rounds at NAMM.

While talking with representatives from a studio microphone manufacturer, Yonnet turned to see a huge crowd moving in his direction.  Leading the pack was none other than Stevie Wonder.  Yonnet approached, said “Bonjour” and the next thing he knew, he was apart of the entourage. Wonder wanted Yonnet to introduce him to the Seydel line of harmonicas so, after a few stops — which included Samson, Suzuki, and Moog, they headed the Seydel.  Wonder samples three harmonicas and settled on The Saxony, a chromatic with stainless steel reeds.

As if the exhibitions didn’t offer enough music during the day, almost every hotel and club in the area was booked with live music at night.  On Friday night, Yonnet checked out the Bass Bash hosted by Nate Watts — bassist for Stevie Wonder. As Stevie Wonder sat in the audience, Yonnet was called up on stage where he “ripped” a solo on “Superstition.”  Afterwards, Yonnet accompanied Wonder to Mike Phillips show hosted by Hidden Beach Records.

Special thanks to Shure microphones, T C Electronic and Peavey for loaning Seydel and Yonnet equipment for the booth.

Celebrity sightings included: Tommy Lee, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Donovan, Greyson Chance, Greg Grunberg, Scott Grimes, Bob Guiney, Chuck Lowery, Tinsel Korey, David Crosby, Shaun Barrowes, Maya, Joel and Benj Madden, Jackson Brown, Alan Parsons, Bob Weir, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Baby Face, Navarone Garibaldi, Jay Gordon, John Stamos, Ken and Colbie Caillat, Dan Jacobson, Amber Frakes, Stokley Williams, Bootsy Collins, Peter Escovedo,  Sheila E and Cameron Mitchell.

Photo credit: C. Sims