Playing Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"—originally from his iconic 1975 solo LP, Still Crazy After All These Years, and home to one of drummer Steve Gadd's most iconic performances—on the Avantgarde Acoustic system in American Sound Distribution’s room at AXPONA 2026 proved to be a revelation. The recording cohered beautifully: it was balanced, dynamic, and alive with groove and forward momentum.
Every detail of Gadd's kit emerged with clarity, from the crisp resonance of his hi-hat and snare to the booming floor tom and the ambient wash of the room. Voices were clear and liquid; guitar and keyboards equally so. Occasional horn glare aside, the reproduction was 95% effective—and, at its best, genuinely emotional.
