Performance Equipment
If your chosen venue doesn't have an acoustic grand piano that is regularly tuned and maintained, Andre will provide the following professional high quality performance equipment. His comments on his choice of equipment are included below.
Kurzweil PC3LE8 Performance Controller & Stage Piano
"As a pianist, the feel of your instrument is the most important feature. You react to an instrument, playing better when it gives something back to you. And while few digital keyboards can match the authentic response of a quality acoustic grand piano, the 88-key Kurzweil PC3LE8 Performance Controller provides a spectacular response for live performance situations. Much has been written about the astounding PC3 series, but for the purposes of live performance, the PC3LE8 has fully-weighted hammer-action with velocity and after-touch sensitive keys that simulate the weight and throw characteristics of a real piano hammer. This, combined with the famous Kurzweil grand and electric piano sounds and effects, provide everything that gives me as the performer a great feeling about making music.”
"As a pianist, the feel of your instrument is the most important feature. You react to an instrument, playing better when it gives something back to you. And while few digital keyboards can match the authentic response of a quality acoustic grand piano, the 88-key Kurzweil PC3LE8 Performance Controller provides a spectacular response for live performance situations. Much has been written about the astounding PC3 series, but for the purposes of live performance, the PC3LE8 has fully-weighted hammer-action with velocity and after-touch sensitive keys that simulate the weight and throw characteristics of a real piano hammer. This, combined with the famous Kurzweil grand and electric piano sounds and effects, provide everything that gives me as the performer a great feeling about making music.”
Yamaha Stagepas 300 Portable PA System
"Superb as the PC3LE8 is, it is incomplete without a good quality sound system, and for that I use Yamaha’s superb Stagepas 300 portable PA system. The Stagepas 300 produces breathtaking sound quality with true stereo sound, and with the ability to elevate the speakers above furniture or other obstacles I can ensure that the music is carried to best acoustic effect."
"Superb as the PC3LE8 is, it is incomplete without a good quality sound system, and for that I use Yamaha’s superb Stagepas 300 portable PA system. The Stagepas 300 produces breathtaking sound quality with true stereo sound, and with the ability to elevate the speakers above furniture or other obstacles I can ensure that the music is carried to best acoustic effect."
AKG D5 Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone
"Because I integrate vocals with piano in some of my performances, it's important to have a quality microphone. As a vocalist I have tried a number of professional microphones over the years, including the popular Shure SM58, but none suits my vocal range and tone better than the AKG D5. I use it both in the studio and live, and its range and clarity make it my microphone of choice for lead and background vocals."
"Because I integrate vocals with piano in some of my performances, it's important to have a quality microphone. As a vocalist I have tried a number of professional microphones over the years, including the popular Shure SM58, but none suits my vocal range and tone better than the AKG D5. I use it both in the studio and live, and its range and clarity make it my microphone of choice for lead and background vocals."
TC-Helicon VoiceWorks Vocal Processor
"Besides having a vocal processor that will provide good vocal reverb effects to offset poor acoustics in many venues, the TC-Helicon VoiceWorks provides me (and any musicians or vocalists performing with me) with additional effects including improved tonal clarity, harmony generation, and a host of other features. While I am not dependent on this unit for any performance, it is brilliant for use both in the studio and in live situations to enhance the vocal experience."
"Besides having a vocal processor that will provide good vocal reverb effects to offset poor acoustics in many venues, the TC-Helicon VoiceWorks provides me (and any musicians or vocalists performing with me) with additional effects including improved tonal clarity, harmony generation, and a host of other features. While I am not dependent on this unit for any performance, it is brilliant for use both in the studio and in live situations to enhance the vocal experience."