Lighting designer Derek Jones recently finished the European leg of the current Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) world tour, finding it the perfect opportunity to try out the new Jands Vista v2 software running on his own Vista S3 lighting console. This tour marked Yusuf Islam’s high profile return to performing in Europe for the first time in 36 years.
“Vista v2 has definitely taken the platform to another level,” said Jones, who is impressed with the new software’s power and simplicity. “v2 makes it even faster to get a basic show up and running. It’s so quick to create your cues, yet allows you the power to control the details.”
“The surface is flexible, small and highly portable,” he continued, explaining that his Vista S3 has been flightcased so it can travel as standard baggage on a plane, weighing less than 32 kgs, while the laptops (main and backup) that run it travel with him as cabin baggage. This makes it practical and affordable to take his own console to one-offs both in Europe and further afield.
The tour rig featured Martin Professional MAC 700 Profile moving lights in the roof and MAC 2K and 250 Washes on the floor. A Catalyst media server was also triggered from the Vista S3, which fed content to a 60ft wide by 30ft high projection surface upstage. The original show design was by Marc Brickman.
Equipment for the European leg of the tour was supplied by leading UK rental company, Lite Alternative.
Jones has found the worldwide support and general responsiveness of the Jands team very good, “They will actually listen to your ideas and feed back and come up with real solutions to help achieve what you need,” he said.
Vista v2 was designed from the ground up to allow all levels of user to get the most from whatever mix of technology they have available, whether lighting, LED, or media. Available in a wide range of hardware, Vista v2 is said to offer the simplicity to work fast with the power to control the finest details, so everyone can focus on creating a great looking show rather than on programming a desk.
“Derek’s shows always look fantastic,” said Jands Europe’s Neil Vann, “and this tour is no exception. We are proud to be able to give him a way to help realise both his and his clients’ creative ideas.”
www.jandsvista.com
