By Emmet Robinson

King Street Recording Company

Volume 90, Fall 2026

Over the last sixty years, the electronic keyboard has become as much a part of the music scene as the electric guitar. Few music lovers, however, may know of its origin and history.

Invented in 1964 by engineer Robert Moog, the synthesizer could create new and unusual musical tones not possible with traditional instruments. It gained a major boost in popularity in 1968 with a best-selling album by Wendy Carlos titled, Switched-on Bach, a selection of J. S. Bach’s most familiar compositions played with a Moog Synthesizer.

In the late 1960s, synthesizers were added to the instrumental mixes of popular groups such as the Doors, the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and others.

All was well until synthesizer use began to depart from its original purpose. Producers began using them to mimic and replace traditional instruments – and musicians – thus affecting the livelihoods of thousands of highly talented people. In a business culture increasingly devoted to reducing costs, one person with a computer and an electric keyboard could create an entire band. Although this reduces production costs, somehow the music just isn’t the same. Sometimes the old ways are better.

Retired judge John R Bailey has been in the studio again with a new addition to his popular blog. John’s guest for the session was Scott Pezick, a former detective with the West Whiteland PD.

The discussion this time centered on the legal aspects of agreements between consumers and the contractors who provide services ranging from simple home repairs to complete remodeling.

Careful attention to the fine points of law ensures that both parties fully understand the nature of the work to be done and the costs involved. It may have been W. C. Fields who said, “A man can’t be too careful what he signs these days!”

      For more comprehensive coverage about Pennsylvania law, more podcasts on a variety of topics are available at https://www.fromthebench.info

One of my favorite writers is Henry Briggs, a master observer and commentator whose columns consistently inform and entertain in a bold and forthright style that I thoroughly enjoy.

He recently surprised me by scheduling a session to record original music.

In his first session, he played songs written for his kids when they were tiny. The lyrics demonstrated a wonderfully creative combination of rhythm, tune, rhyme, imagination and whimsy. He has more songs to record, and I look forward to that.

     For Henry’s editorial comments, go to Henrybriggscolumn.com

 At the Movies

Converting vintage VHS videotapes to a more current format can be both challenging and entertaining. There are also occasional opportunities for the use of creative judgment.

The video I received recently was of a client deep sea fishing off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey. That is, it should have been. The first images to appear on the monitor seemed to be from a vintage TV show. Which recording did the client really want?

Better safe than sorry, the commercial material was neatly trimmed away and saved. Then the brave seafaring men’s adventure was converted to DVD and flash drive.

The TV segment remains available – just in case

How many old videos do you have stashed away in the attic, basement or garage that will eventually become unplayable without professional preservation? Take action now!