Case Study #3 – Graham Kendrick Tour 2008

After writing his Dreaming of a Holy Night Album late 2007 Graham Kendrick announced last year that he would be taking this album on a 18 date tour around the UK and Holland in Nov/Dec 2008. After working with Graham in years past, B&H were asked to supply the full technical services – sound, lighting, video and backline logistics.

Graham was supported by a fantastic band, comprising of Steve Thompson as music director and main keys, Andrew Small playing drums, Roy Johnson on bass, Dan Wheeler on electric guitar, Mark Walker on second keys, and Philippa Hanna on backing vocals. Accompanying the band at each venue was a choir that ranged from 35 to 130 members.On tour with the band were five experienced engineers Martin Stansfield (FOH), Dave Warner (Monitors), Matt Mills (Video), Colin Smith (Lighting) and Matt Rowbottom Rigger/Driver) who had to be flexible and technically creative to put on the show at each venue and overcome issues. Venues ranged from modern churches to cathedrals and theatres to leisure centres each with their own acoustical differences. The main system was a pair of Meyer MSL4’s and a 650-P sub aside complimented with some smaller UPA speakers for venues where the sound needed to be distributed down halls or around corners. 48 channel Yamaha M7CL desks were used at both Front of House and at Monitors. This was particularly useful for monitors, where the band were all on stereo in-ears providing Dave Warner with necessary tools to get each of the mixes just right for each musician.

Five of the songs on tour required synced visuals and backing tracks to be played alongside the live band. This was achieved using our Wings Platinum playback system providing high-definition video output and six audio tracks. The software allowed Matt to arrange all the videos for the show on a timeline ensuring that a cue was never missed. Images and video at some venues were projected onto a 30ft wide cyc screen giving the show a multimedia interest and impact.

The tour was a great success and we enjoyed working with Graham and the team.

Credits:
Graham Kendrick Photo Copyright: 2007 Make Way Music, Photographer: Andy Hutch
Stage Photo Photographer: Martin Stansfield