Avis Reese | Steinway Grand Piano/Nord Electro 4D
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Avis Reese, Music Director for Danielle Ponder | Steinway Grand Piano/Nord Electro 4D
"I wish I was lucky enough to own my own grand piano! Right now, I generally play keyboards for live shows, but a real piano will always be my first love. I grew up playing on an upright piano, but when I first got a chance to play on a grand piano, it was just something magical. The way the keys felt, the tone, the dynamic abilities...it was simply beautiful to me. The Steinway was the first grand that made me sound like a skilled musician. Everything I played sounded better on a Steinway. That might all be in my head, but that's what it seemed like. Lol!
Now for the story behind my Nord: I had a Yamaha Motif XS7 prior to owning the Nord. I liked the Motif, but it didn't have the organ and Wurli sounds that I wanted, and the thing was kinda heavy and bulky to carry to gigs. A friend of mine had a Nord but didn't really like it because he needed a keyboard that had more synth sounds as well as a pitch bend and mod wheel. I asked if he would be interested in a trade, and he was! Best deal ever!" -
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Who is your favorite Rochester musician?
"There are so many talented people here! As far as instrumentalists, my favorites are Art Beaty (guitar), Brother Wilson (guitar), and Marvin Parker (bass). As far as vocal musicians, my two favorites are of course Danielle Ponder as well as Cinnamon Jones. They are all my personal favorites not only because they are extremely talented, but they have also played a significant role in helping me become the musician that I am today."
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What is your favorite Rochester music venue?
"Anthology. The space is absolutely beautiful, and Phil has created an environment there that is easy to work in and to feel supported. But I’d also like to shout out to other venues like Flour City Station and Three Heads Brewing where we have performed and had wonderful experiences there with their owners, Matt Green and Geoff Dale."
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Why do you love the Rochester music scene?
"I think that this scene is great because there is a place for anyone and everyone. There are bands that are thriving from all different genres and styles. In my experiences with my band, I have found the Rochester community to be very supportive and excited about what we are doing, and that means the world to me!
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Special thanks to Avis Reese!
Please check out Danielle Ponder & don't miss Avis's residency in February at Three Heads Brewing!
Big thanks to Ron Stackman and Teri Fiske Jones
More amazing Rochester Revered stories HERE!
Photos by Dave Jones
Empire West Photo -
