From the start of the design process, Foster worked with Lester Cobrin, White Light's head of concert touring, on specifying the package and working out particulars. "I've known Lester for years, so working with him at White Light was easy and efficient - and the equipment and service from the entire White Light team was great."
Foster, whose touring history includes Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Duran Duran, Alt-J, and Kylie Minogue, worked with Jessie J previously on the Fire tour that travelled throughout the UK and Ireland last year. For Sweet Talker, he opted for a lighting package based around Clay Paky fixtures including the Sharpy Wash for signature beam effects and B-Eye K20 for audience facing eye-candy. "I've always loved the look of the B-Eye lens and effects," said Foster.
"For this tour they made a great addition to the lighting, but also to the stage space - acting as a scenic element as well." He also incorporated the new Clay Paky Mythos into his design. The fixtures, new to White Light hire stock, are known as hybrid units - containing features of both spot and wash lights. Bright, powerful, and flexible - they helped Foster adapt his design for each tour space.
The Sweet Talker tour held dates in cities across the UK including Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and London before completing touring stints in North America and continental Europe.
(Jim Evans)
