For the past three and a half decades, saxophone legend Bill Evans has been
dazzling audiences around the world with his deeply passionate and unique sound.
For Evans, delivering a pure reproduction of his acoustical sound every time he
takes the stage for a live performance is extremely important. That’s why when
Evans was familiarized with DPA Microphones’ d:vote™ 4099S Instrument
Microphone for Saxophone, he knew he found the precise reproduction of his sound
that he was looking for and has consistently relied on the brand for his live shows
around the world.
“I was first introduced to DPA’s d:vote™ 4099S by my Sound Engineer Richard
Leutner,’ says Evans. “I used it for the first time this past summer on my tenor and
soprano saxophones for 26 concerts in Europe and it sounded great. I was really
interested in doing some further testing of the microphones, and while I was in New
York several months later, Gabriel Antonini, National Sales Support/Business
Development Manager at DPA, brought in several mics for me to try. I haven’t
looked back since!’
In addition, Evans likes the compact, lightweight form factor of the d:vote™ 4099S
mic, as well as the excellent sound it brings. “The d:vote™ 4099S is very easy to
use and packs up easily in a small bag with other things I bring on the road with
me,’ adds Evans. “In this day and age, we have to travel light and DPA is perfect
for this as well. I now use it on every performance because it replicates my exact
acoustic sound in a wireless microphone. The sound on soprano in particular is
amazing. It matches the warm and personal sound I prefer on the soprano by
miking the body of the horn and not just the bell, which was Antonini’s idea coupled
with input from Bo Brinck, Global Sales Support Manager for DPA. The team at DPA
is world class when it comes to sound! The fact that the microphone sounds like the
acoustic sound, but amplified, is truly awesome.’
Evans began his professional career as a member of the Miles Davis Group in the
1980s, as well as with Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Mick Jagger, and many
others. Evans plays tenor and soprano saxophones and has recorded over 21 solo
albums and received two Grammy® award nominations to date. His trendsetting CD
Soulgrass also became the name of his working band from 2005 to 2015. Bill
introduced the Bill Evans Band in 2015, a hard hitting montage of jazz, rock,
instrumental and vocals. His 2016 release, “Rise Above,’ features vocals from rock
icon Gregg Allman as well as Warren Haynes, JJ Grey, and Anders Osborne. The Bill
Evans Band features saxophone/vocals, guitar/vocals, bass and drums/vocals with a
seamless blend of jazz, rock and groove.