On Thursday, July 18, Gibson hosted their summer NAMM 2019 opening party at Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville with a highly enthusiastic crowd looking on.
The lineup was that of legends including Jason Isbell with Sadler Vaden, Nathaniel Rateliff, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Chris Isaak, Lee Roy Parnell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Cassadee Pope, Parmalee, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Travis Denning, Temecula Road, Honey County and Cassadee Pope, along with Alanis Sophia, Ben Goldsmith, Carter Wilkinson, Reece Malone, and Jayden Tatatiscore.
An opening statement from Gibson president James “JC” Curleigh was inspiring as it was fitting for the evening. “Let’s lead the world one guitar at a time,” he said, encouraging everyone to have a good time.
The evening was magically musical and each musician brought something unique to their performances. In addition to the staggering amount of new gear-candy on display, from ultra practical bags, to pedals, consoles, boutique add-ons, and guitars. It was a enough to give any musician/producer/engineer/gearhead a year’s worth of daydreams.
Perhaps the stand out moment from the evening was Jason Isbell playing Ed King from Lynyrd Skynrd’s 1959 Gibson Sunburst “Red Eye” on a cover of “Simple Man.” It was loud and beautiful all at the same time, just how the guitar was meant to be played.
Gibson should be proud of the musicians they have playing their instruments. If this night was any indication of the future of music, I think we will be alright.