Roland Atelier
Landmark Organ Sound, Performance, and Luxury
Roland AtelierLandmark Organ Sound, Performance, and Luxury
by Bill Ryder
As a follow-up to the last issue, we are forging ahead with our series on Articulation Voices and how to use them. We previously discussed the Violin and how to use the portamento, or slide effect, found on the left kick switch. The right kick switch can also be set to “Art. Voice 2”. To assign the effect to the kick switch, press Sound/Keyboard, press Controller (bottom of screen), press the white box next to Right Kick Switch, and use the + / - button in the menu to scroll to “Art. Voice 2.” When the right kick switch is held, the sound changes to Pizzicato Strings giving a “pluck” sound to the violin. Now you can switch back and forth between voices quickly without having to use a preset button. The Cello voice can be used in the same manner.
Sometimes, mastering the “kick-play-release” technique required to effectively utilize the traditional glide on the left kick switch can be a little overwhelming. Try the new Articulated Trombone! Using the portamento effect from the left kick switch much like the previously mentioned string sounds, you can now simply keep the left kick switch depressed by “locking” your foot into position on the expression pedal. Try playing the song “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” while holding the left kick switch. Play very smoothly and connected or legato style. You will hear the trombone slide from one note to the other much like an actual trombonist. If you slightly separate each note the slide does not activate. By adjusting your playing style from connected notes to separated notes, you can insert the portamento slide at the most effective areas of your song.
If the style of music you are playing calls for more of an up-tempo Dixieland style, the Articulated Trombone can take on more of a nasty, brassy quality. Try striking a key with normal pressure and holding it. Notice how smooth and dreamy it sounds. Now, try striking a key hard while depressing the expression pedal to the full open position. The character of the trombone changes from smooth and dreamy to loud and brassy. “When the Saints Go Marching In” or “Hello Dolly” are great tunes to practice this effect.
The Articulated Saxophone operates in much the same manner as the Violin and Cello in as much as you can use both left and right kick switches. The left kick switch controls the portamento effect while the right kick switch adds a “growl” effect that's great for '50's and '60's music, like “Yakety Sax.”
Spend some time with the Articulated Voices and you'll discover a whole new world of musical expression!