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Having just recently relocated to Woodstock, New York back in 2007, this Grammy Award nominated artist experienced his creative renewal, writing and developing sound that blends organic roots, blues, vintage rock, classic country, and even soul and reggae, in a style that is truly his own. It is a combination that produced songs that move the spirit, body, and mind, which is most evident when he performs using his powerful vocals and guitar playing.
On 2008 Doug’s EP ‘Yellow Light/So.. I Want You’ garnered praise and attention, got a place on iTunes, and a spot on the eMusic singer-songwriter chart. Since then, he’s become very active as a concert performer, grabbing the attention of many fans and critics. In 2010, through Kindred Rhythm/Entertainment One, Doug’s new compilation ‘…in the dusts of old New York’ was released internationally. Today, he hosts and performs regularly in two concert series, and his new album production, Lucky Peterson’s You Can Always Turn Around, has become well received all over.
1. Tell us about yourself: What’s your profession, where did you grow up, and where do you live?
I am a Grammy Nominated music producer, musician and songwriter. I’m originally from Long Island, and I now live and work in Woodstock NY.
2. When did you first decide to become a (Musician; Composer; Sound Engineer? What inspired you?
I saw James Taylor on television when I was a toddler, and have wanted to be a musician ever since. I started picking out songs on the guitar at age 3, and learned sound-on-sound recording at age 5 (on my father’s open reel tape deck). I spent a lot of my youth reading album jackets, and from that developed a real interest in the record making process. I began making my own records at age 13, and producing for others in my 20′s.
4. When did you first fall in love with music (or film if you are a film enthusiast)?
I think I was always in love with music. While pregnant with me, my parents went to see (again) James Taylor at Carnegie Hall (http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/james-taylor/concerts/carnegie-hall-may-27-1974.html), and all through my youth I heard good music. As a toddler, I found my way into my mom’s collection of Beatles albums, and listened to them with delight. Unfortunately, I did not know proper handling of records, and ruined all of these classic vinyls. She still hasn’t forgiven me!
4. Describe your perfect listening experience? What is your idea of SOUND Bliss?
My perfect listening experience is always a great musician (or ensemble) in a great room. Next to that would be great equipment, playing great music, in a great room. I remember visiting NBC Studios in New York City as a kid, and hearing the sonic difference of a professional production studio. That impressed me greatly. The first “Sonic Bliss” I experienced was one of my first concerts (you guessed it, James Taylor). I was in the 13th row of Radio City Music Hall, easily the best seats in the house, and heard what music is supposed to sound like. That was a life changing experience.
5. What was your first connection to Denon? When did you first hear of DENON?
As a teenager, I recorded in a variety of formats, and mixed down to an excellent Denon cassette deck. This was an indispensible tool for me in my original production set-up, it was much better than the other cassette machines that I had used before. From that point on, I have always regarded Denon equipment as superior, well-crafted, intuitive machines.
6. Do you now or have you ever owned a piece of DENON equipment? Which one(s)?
Yes, besides the cassette machine I had in my youth, I had a full Denon system in my music office in NYC from 1997-2007. We had a great receiver, CD player, cassette deck and turntable. It all went with my old partner, and I wish it went to me!
7. Tell us about your most memorable DENON moment?
My favorite Denon moment, oh that’s easy! In 2005, Larry Appelbaum sent us a CD-R of a very special recording that he just found in the Library of Congress vault. It was a long lost recording of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall from 1956. We played the disc for the first time in the office, with Monk’s son there, T.S. It was an amazing moment, a sure-fire hit album thatfell from the sky, reproduced so beautifully on our Denon system. That day, our smiles could have lit up the Empire State Building.
8. Who are your favorite artists today?
Daniel Lanois is my favorite producer these days, his beautiful murky vibe is unmistakable, and such an important part of my favorite records of Bob Dylan, U2, Willie Nelson and so on. I love the music Adele is making, and I really admire the sounds that the Black Keys
get on their albums. Lucinda Williams still blows me away with each album she makes. I’m a huge fan of Martha Wainwright. And of course, I love Roy Haynes and Lucky Peterson, who I had the good fortune to co-produce in recent years.
9. Who is doing work today that really inspires you?
I listen a lot to what the great music artists are doing in their later years – the great singer-songwriters, jazz, blues folk and rock musicians. I’m inspired by all of that, and it filters in to my music and productions. I’m also inspired by the young artists who blend together the classic stuff so well.
10. What are your favorite 5-10 songs that we would find on your music play list?
Right now it would be:
“Copenhagen” – Lucinda Williams
“Atonement” – Lucky Peterson
“They Call The Wind Mariah” – Roy Haynes
“Lady Day and John Coltrane” – Gil Scott-Heron
“Highway Kind” – Townes Van Zandt
“Sing” – Sarah Fimm
“Tighten Up” – Black Keys
19 – Adele
11. What do you think the future of music holds in store for us? How will music be different in the future? (In 10 years? 50 years?)
I believe the value will be put back on to recorded and live music, and I believe it will happen in a grass-roots fashion. People beginning by supporting artists in their own community, and then slowly regaining the spirit to support and participate in music as a whole. We all win when music is supported, the quality goes up immeasurably. I think everyone ought to take at least one night a week, and go catch some live music nearby. If you like what you hear, buy a CD from the artist.
12. If you could own a piece of sound equipment that you currently don’t have, something that would enhance your music or home theater experience –what would that be?
I need one of everything! Seriously, since I’ve been an adult, I have put most of my resources into building me production system. What I am really lacking is a proper component stereo system. When I do it, it will certainly include Denon, and it will absolutely have a turntable!
Catch Doug Yoel as he will, beginning August 4, 2011, perform every other Thursday at The Emerson Resort and Spa in Mt. Tremper, New York. For more information, check out the resort’s site at http://www.emersonresort.com/hudson-valley-musical-artists-perform-in-the-spotlight-on-song-series-at-the-emerson/. Also, check out his Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/dougyoelmusic/, as well as his other pages at http://soundcloud.com/dougyoel, http://www.reverbnation.com/dougyoel, http://dougyoel.tumblr.com/,
Planning a Christmas party? It will never be complete without your roster of rocking Christmas tunes. Christmas songs never fail to put us in the mood for the holidays. Some old. Some new. Some remakes. I’m sure you’ve got your own songs to fill your holiday playlist. But for those who’s having a Christmas Soundtrack block (or your tired of playing “We wish you a Merry Christmas” in Klingon over and over again), we’d like to help you out. So let me channel my inner Casey Kasem (or Ryan Seacrest for those who are below 20) and run down the charts of the highly recommended tunes for your Holiday Song Playlist.
If you’re in the mood for the classics, let’s run down some old time favorites sung by the greatest voices this past century.
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
“Do you hear what I hear?“ and ”Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer“ by Bing Crosby
”Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas“ by Frank Sinatra
”A Holly Jolly Christmas“ by Burl Ives
”It’s the most wonderful time of the year“ by Andy Williams
”Jingle Bells – Sleigh Ride“ by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
”O Holy Night“ by Nat King Cole
”Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree“ by Brenda Lee
”Santa Baby“ by Eartha Kitt (naughty and nice at the same time)
”White Christmas“ by The Drifters
Now, if you’re not into single tracks and want to go for the whole package, check out these Holiday Albums that date back to the 1940’s.
Various Artists – ‘A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector’ (1963)
Various Artists – ‘A Very Special Christmas’ (1987)
Vince Guaraldi Trio – ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ (1965)
Josh Groban – ‘Noel’ (2007)
Mariah Carey – ‘Merry Christmas’ (1994)
Mannheim Steamroller – ‘Mannheim Steamroller Christmas’ (1984)
Elvis Presley – ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’ (1957)
Nat King Cole – ‘The Christmas Song’ (1963)
Bing Crosby – ‘White Christmas’ (1945)
The Carpenters – ‘Christmas Portrait’ (1978)
Ok. So you’d probably want to inject some more contemporary holiday tunes with a classic feel? Don’t fret. Try on these 1980’s Christmas hits for a change.
“Last Christmas,” by Wham (1986) from the album ‘Music from the Edge of Heaven’
“Christmas in Hollis,” by Run-D.M.C.
“It’s Christmas All Over The World,” by Sheena Easton from the 1985 movie Santa Claus.
”Do They Know It’s Christmas“ by Band Aid
These songs are sure to get your party in the Christmas spirit. Playing it on ordinary computer speakers won’t give it justice. Plus, it’s practically pathetic. Why not go for Denon’s awesome line-up of audio products? Whether its CD players, shelf audio systems, iPod/iPhone music docks, or the IN-Command audio video receivers, Denon’s roster of product will never fail to impress you and your guests; an unforgettable audible experience. Drop by the Denon Online Store and purchase yourself a brand new Denon audio system for your unforgettable rockin’ Christmas Party.
There are many digital tech review sites on the internet today, each one giving their opinions and insights on the latest gadgets to hit the market. There are, however, a few that stand out from the crowd, whose opinions truly count. And as it turns out, Digital Trends is one of those. Recently, they reviewed one of our most exciting new products, the IN-Command series receiver, AVR-3312CI. And these guys don’t hold any punches in their reviews, nitpicking every single detail they could find in order to give a truly honest assessment. Despite that, however, the AVR-3312CI still managed to impress even these most hardcore techies. We wouldn’t have it any other way!
 AVR-3312CI The review shed light on some people’s doubts about Denon delivering on the promise of giving more control over their media, and if so, at what cost and trade-offs. It seemed like initially, there was skepticism about what the AVR-3312CI is offering at such a low cost, even considering the possibility of using “thrifty engineering”! Which of course, isn’t true, as you’ll find out at the end of the review.
Digital Trends covered all the bases, from unpacking the AVR-3312CI, to setting it up, all the way to maxxing out its features, and of course, using the command and control capabilities, such as the Denon App and AirPlay. As mentioned earlier, they didn’t pull any punches, quickly jumping to pointing out certain features that they deemed could’ve used improvement. They did, however, also praise the AVR-3312CI‘s best qualities, everything from the intuitive design of the panel and remote, the bonus of having AirPlay without a $50 upgrade, the convenience and ease of use given by the Denon Remote App, and of course, the exquisite audio performance which they initially had doubts about, doubts that quickly dissipated when they fired up the system and were impressed by the top end sound they got for such a low price!
Before finishing, they pointed out some of the things they wished could be improved upon, and those comments are not falling on deaf ears! This is because we here at Denon are always looking for ways to be the best we could be, and the way to do that is to listen to you!
They concluded by saying that the AVR-3312CI has maintained the great sound of its predecessors, all the while adding fun features and full control, all for a lower price than in previous years, calling it a “solid value” that “upholds Denon’s standard of offering top-quality gear with the latest cool features.”
Read the full review of Digital Trends on their website for full info!
The AVR-3312CI is available at your nearest Denon dealer or at these E-tailers. Get yours today!
Wired.com, one of the most reliable daily tech news websites online today, has recently published a review of one of Denon’s latest creations, the cutting-edge RCD-N7 system.
 RCD-N7 Titled “Living the Stream Dream with Denon’s AirPlay-Capable Stereo”, the review, published on March 28, 2011, highlighted a number of the key features of this industry-changing system, going as far as thinking of the N7 as, perhaps, the “Holy Grail” of mini-systems. After reading his review, anyone would share this notion.
The author, Jackson Lynch, first took note of the N7‘s sleek, white, and compact appearance, praising its simple, streamlined front panel, and the ease in setting up the device, even giving tips on how to make use of the N7‘s guide. Once set up, Jackson also praised the matching speakers’ value for money, saying that it’s perfect for people who have purchased the N7, but are a little tight on speaker budgets.
Eventually, the review jumped to the N7‘s AirPlay capability, which is what the review wanted to highlight right from the start, in addition to Denon’s tried and tested sound quality. Jackson quickly pointed out, however, that the N7 system is a “platform-agnostic” wireless networking capable system, highlighting AirPlay for Macs and iOS devices, just as much as the N7‘s DLNA compatibility for streaming from PCs and Android devices, giving special mention to the fact that Denon wanted to make sure that anyone can quickly and intuitively drive the N7 system, regardless of their device.
Overall, the review ends on a very, very, very high note, with Jackson praising the system’s features, design, performance, and ease of use, saying that “It more than lives up to the deep heritage of the Denon name.” Now that’s something that we’re truly proud of!
Read the rest of the review of Jackson Lynch on the Denon N7 on Wired.com at this link. Want to see it in action? Visit your nearest Denon Dealer today!
Growing up, we’ve read and heard of the great mythologies in human history. There’s the Greek and Roman mythologies, Egyptian mythology, Norse mythology, and other European mythologies like that of the English. Reading about them in books is exciting enough, but most people clamored to see their favorite myths on-screen, and the film industry did not fail to deliver, as there have been a lot of mythology movies made over the decades!
Myths bring our favorite stories from ancient times to life, on-screen! And while most, if not all of these Hollywood movies deviated quite a lot from the original stories, they are still quite entertaining, and can be enjoyed by those looking for a touch of the fantastic in their home theater systems! So, without further ado, here’s Denon’s top 5 mythology movies!
- Troy (2004) – This modern retelling of the Trojan War sees has an all-star cast composed of some of Hollywood’s biggest names, which include Brad Pitt as Achilles, Eric Bana as Hector, Orlando Bloom as Paris, Sean Bean as Odysseus, Brian Cox as Agamemnon, and Peter O’ Toole as King Priam, among many others. The movie deviates a lot from the original Trojan War story, and has eliminated the gods’ presence altogether, however, the movie still proved to be a smash hit, famed for its epic battles, beautifully choreographed fight scenes, and a somewhat realistic telling of what the actual Trojan War would have been like. For the action movie fan who loves a touch of mythology, Troy is a big hit!
- Jason and The Argonauts (1963) – This movie tells the story of the Greek hero Jason, and his quest, along with his fellow Argonauts, to find and obtain the legendary Golden Fleece, to rally the people of Thessaly. Many of the other Greek heroes join Jason in his quest, as was the case in the original myth, but like Troy, the movie deviates slightly from the original story, although this time, much less. The movie is complete with gods, monsters, and great battles between men and beasts, and is famed for its amazing use of stop-motion techniques, which, at the time, brought the mythical creatures, and the iconic bronze statue of Talos, to life, for everyone to enjoy. For Greek myth fans, Jason and The Argonauts is a must-see movie!
- Beowulf (2007) – The Old English myth of Beowulf is brought to life in stunning 3D technology for the 21st century, in this CGI movie of epic proportions. Voiced by a number of Hollywood heavy hitters like Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich, and Angelina Jolie, Beowulf (Ray Winstone) tells the story of the great hero of the same name, set in Denmark in the 6th century AD, and his quest to aid King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) by slaying the monstrous creature Grendel (Crispin Glover). While he succeeds, he earns the wrath of Grendel’s mother (Angelina Jolie), who torments him over the course of the film. As you may have assumed, the movie deviates from the original, however, it still succeeded both financially and artistically, despite a number of criticisms. As a marvel of modern technology, and a modern take on a classic tale, Beowulf scores third place in our list!
- Excalibur (1981) – Of all the movies listed here, this is perhaps the closest to the original, simply because there are many versions of it as well! Excalibur is a retelling of the legend of King Arthur, and starred a number of high-profile names from across the pond, like Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Nigel Terry, Nicol Williamson, and more. It has often been described as a near-perfect combination of action, romance, fantasy, philosophy, and good ol’ fashioned storytelling, and was a huge hit when it was first released. The movie tells a version of the King Arthur legend that involves war between neighboring kingdoms, Excalibur acquired from the Lady of the Lake and the Sword in the Stone, the affair of Lancelot and Guenevere, the quest for the Holy Grail, and a final epic battle between good and evil, between Arthur and his dreaded nemesis, Morgana. It is a timeless tale that will definitely satisfy any movie fan watching it!
- Clash of the Titans (1981) – Coming in first, but just barely, is the Clash of the Titans, a film released in the same year as our top 2 entry. The “Clash” is a retelling of the story of the Greek hero, Perseus, son of Zeus, following his early life after being almost killed by his human father, all the way to meeting, and falling in love with Andromeda. This sets him off on a quest to slay the Kraken by slaying the Medusa and using the magical properties of her sight. While the story of the movie has also deviated from the original, the final version was a highly entertaining one that made the movie a favorite for kids and adults alike. It used stop-motion technology to its fullest potential, bringing to life the monstrous kraken, and the lovable Bubo, a mechanical owl based on Athena’s real one. It was financially successful as well, gaining almost 300% of its initial cost in its theatrical run, and has grown to become one of the most iconic films in history. It was remade in 2010 in 3D, but the original movie is still arguably the more popular of the two. The film is a hit that cannot be missed by fans of mythology films, which is why it is at the top spot of Denon’s top mythology movies for your home theater.
What are your top 5?
 The Denon AVR-4810CI has the most complete feature set I’ve ever encountered in an A/V receiver, with a learning curve to match—but it’s worth the effort. Its performance is up there with the best. This AVR isn’t just for the com- pletist who wants all of the latest listening modes. It’s for anyone who wants a great-sounding system, whether 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1. That kind of supersizing will never go out of style. For the dedicated surround buff who wants it all, here it is. Read the Review
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