For the last few years, SBS’ Rockwiz has held its place as Australia’s premier music trivia game show, and is on a steady incline. The very popular show screens on SBS on Saturday nights, filmed at the legendary Gershwin Room in St Kilda’s iconic Esplanade Hotel (the Espy).
One of the most popular features of the show is the Rockwiz orkestra, headed by Oz Rock Icon James Black. James has had an enviable career by anybody’s standards; being a founding member of Mondo Rock and Ganggajang, and playing live and recording with some of Australian music’s biggest names including Russell Morris, Men at Work, The Black Sorrows and Deborah Conway – to name but a few. James’ role on Rockwiz is as Musical Director, band leader and Music Producer, all roles he is more than qualified to fulfil.
While watching Rockwiz one night, Kristian Gardiner of Balanced Technology noticed that James was using a very old Littlite Gooseneck lamp on his keyboard, in order to read his music and notes. Kristian contacted James and made him aware of the new LED Littlite, which is far more appropriate for James’ purposes. A quick site demo was arranged and it didn’t take James long to be convinced – he upgraded straight away. playing live and recording with some of Australian music’s biggest names including Russell Morris, Men at Work, The Black Sorrows and Deborah Conway – to name but a few. James’ role on Rockwiz is as Musical Director, band leader and Music Producer, all roles he is more than qualified to fulfil.
“Dugald McAndrew, our famous Rockwiz roadie and one of the best stage guys in the business, has a bag full of various Littlites that he keeps handy for all his various show setups. I couldn’t see my charts on stage one night, so he grabbed one out and I’ve been using one ever since.”
But the upgrade to the LED version has certainly had its benefits. “I can now more easily adjust it at any time during the show because it is cool – the LEDs give off no heat. I am also doing a stage show at the moment and the red light capability is ideal for that low light environment.” Another benefit is the long life of the LED element, making blown lamps, lost hoods and O-rings a thing of the past.
.
