News

Just as an addendum to my news about FORTE 2, here’s a really informative article by Mark Kelly of Marillion.

Why does no-one seem to know about this software? It is a work of genius.

In efforts to set up a new performing environment, I have invested heavily in VSTi (soft synth) technology. Soft synths allow me to have literally dozens of classic instruments on tap at a relatively low cost, and to access them from a smaller number of physical keyboards. The problem has been how to actually access the soft synths quickly during live performance.

I need several soft synths to be set up with the right sound, linked to the right range of keys on one keyboard or the other, at the touch of a single button. It’s been no problem doing this with the Korg Triton, a physical synth… but it hasn’t been perfect in performance because it glitches when patches are changed.

Finally, after being led in the wrong (or a very expensive) direction by every online forum, by retailers, by other keyboardists, and having failed to work it out even with the help of some pretty clever friends, I found the solution by accident. I started my search for something like this TWO YEARS ago. Finding it is like discovering the Holy Grail in a kitchen cupboard.

Keyboard players – check it out. It might be less than $150 to buy, but it will transform your ability to use PC based soft synths and make it a stable, reliable, easy to set up, reality. It took me five minutes to set up test patches for the first twenty minutes of my current live set. They’re complex. They involve up to five different synths at a time, samples, layers, splits, and the switch from patch to patch must be smooth and instant. No problem.

Well done Brainspawn. Your products need to be more visible to keyboard players, retailers, advisers, producers, and everyone who uses VSTi technology in a live setting. It is as near perfect as anything I ever spent money on. I don’t get that gushy easily.

New gear for the downsizing effort is finally in place. After weeks of careful evaluation, the selected items are now ready to be worked into the live rig.

The idea is to reduce the equipment load to the smallest possible volume, whilst expanding the capability of the rig as a whole. Whilst playing with a huge rig does make for great flexibility and less patch changing mid performance, the benefit is far outweighed by the inconvenience.

The CME controller is first for the chop… too heavy by far at nearly 50 kilos in its case. Next out is the Roland D50, which is only used as a simple controller live. Those two are replaced by the new Novation 61SL – a top of the range MIDI controller to drive samples and softsynths from a notebook PC.

Software of choice is from Arturia, whose software synthesisers are near perfect re-creations of the greatest, classic analogue synths. From the powerful “Wakemanesque” MiniMoog, to the CS80 beloved of Vangelis, from the ARP2600 used by J-M Jarre to the famous Jupiter 8 used by just about every 80s and 90s band… they’re all there.

It’s a new era.

Having moved from an analogue recording desk to a full digital system, the benefits of downsizing gear are all too apparent.

The next step is to give the live keyboard rig the same treatment. This is a worry, in the middle of a tour, but hopefully the change can be gradual and comfortable.

Candidate for achieving part of this process is Arturia’s Analogue Laboratory. Step two is more computing power and software – currently checking out Ableton Live and Logic Mainstage. That should condense things nicely.

Availability is running very low for this superb Rock festival in the beautiful setting of Lindos, on the island of Rhodes. The event lasts a full week, with an optional extension to two weeks for those who want to make it part of a longer holiday.

Bands performing this year are the cream of the UK Tribute Band circuit. Of course, Think Floyd will headline the last night with a superb set of Pink Floyd tunes, joined on stage by Led Zeppelin’s finest tribute, Letz Zep. During the rest of the week you can enjoy the music of AC/DC (Livewire), ZZ Top (The ZZ Tops), Jimi Hendrix (Are You Experienced), Queen (The Bohemians), Foreigner and Journey (A Foreigners Journey) and Santana (Viva Santana).

The package for the Rhodes Rock week includes flights, accommodation, tickets for all concerts, and entry to the Welcome Party, a Beach Barbeque,  and discounts in the Rock Bars in Lindos.

The one week package starts at only £469, with the two week package only a little more at £599 !!

Book now. You will have the time of your life, and make dozens of new friends who love Rock the way you do.

Rehearsals are complete, so now we can look forward to some powerful new sets in 2011. A new instrumental opener, and by frequent popular request, another epic keyboard-led Floyd track – from an album not featured in the Think Floyd set for several years – will make their appearance this year.

With less than a week to go before the (previously postponed) performance at Pacific Road Arts Centre in Birkenhead, it’s good to finally get back on the road for the spring tour. Performances follow in Bourne, Wolverhampton, Pontardawe, with Redhill in the first week of March.

For a full gig listing and ticket links please visit the Think Floyd website.

Thanks for visiting the new Robert Gerrard info site. I’m having a short rest from playing live, and looking forward to a relaxed family Christmas. I hope you have a great holiday too, and wish you all the best for 2011.

Confirmed gigs for 2011 have now appeared on the Live Performances calendar page. There are more planned, and as soon as they’re confirmed they’ll be added in.

RG
22nd December