Entec's touring relationship with Andy and Jools is in its eighth year and Steve Major, a veteran of all eight, has seen the rigs change each year. Lighting designer Simon Chandler-Honnor has illuminated Jools for the last 3 years, during which time the lighting rig has steadily grown from a basic Par can format to include several moving lights.
Last hear (Honnor's second pushing the buttons) he utilized Vari*Lites supplied by Entec, and this year he chose 10 Martin MAC 600s and four Vari*Lite VL2202s as his intelligent fixtures. This was in addition to eight bars of six and four Molefey units. They are also carrying two Pani follow spots for Jools and to highlight the various soloists as they come to the front to strut their stuff. The general lighting vibe mirrors that of the luscious, rich and warm big band sound. With 18 musicians and assorted guest vocalists and soloists entering and exiting stage, it's essential to ensure all are well lit throughout, whilst also setting the moods and matching the tempos of the songs.
Guest singers this year include Ruby Turner, Chris Difford (ex Squeeze) and Sam Brown. Nothing is definite in terms of a running order. With a massive pool of songs at their disposal, Honnor has to be ready and able to improvise live on the lights. He's using an Avolites Diamond 3 console - one of the best desks in the universe for live busking. Honnor enjoys working with Entec for many reasons. A major factor is that "they care very much about each tour and event, and go out of their way to ensure you have everything you need without making any compromises," says Honnor. "They always come up with the results, and they always make you feel good."
Honnor is a working LD on the tour, and together with his crew mate Steve Major, is enjoying the relatively relaxed pace. They're dealing with a vast array of venues from standard theatres, to the new Cardiff Arena, to two nights at the Royal Albert Hall. Andy Salmon, production manager for Jools Holland and owner of Midland Sound & Light, is responsible for the smooth running of all tour co-ordination and logistics as well as being the supplier of sound and video for the tour.
(Lee Baldock)
