One of the longest running Gospel music television programs in history, Bobby Jones Gospel Show, will kick-off its 29th season this Fall on the BET network. This year, the music director for the show, Derrick Lee, will be using the Roland V-Piano as his primary instrument. The AX-Synth will also be featured, played by Anthony Williams.

As a prominent music producer in Nashville and the show’s music director since 1982, there aren’t many pianos Derrick hasn’t played. “I was trained classically,” Derrick explains, “so I appreciate how much control I have with the V-Piano. I can control keyboard sensitivity, the action, the response – really making it whatever I need it to be. It can handle whatever you want to do.”

Derrick selects the instruments for the band’s backline and can pick any piano he wants – acoustic or digital. “The V-Piano is wonderful,” says Derrick. “I am delighted with it. When people ask me what I’m playing, I love to tell them about the V-Piano – especially churches. So many churches have difficulty with pianos. Between selecting a piano, spending so much money, keeping it in tune, micing it…but I tell churches that the V-Piano has an incredible piano sound, it won’t go out of tune and you can have it forever.”

The band’s keyboardist and organist, Anthony Williams, plays multiple instruments including the Roland AX-Synth. “One of my nicknames is ‘Toyman’ because I have a lot of different instruments and devices in my rig,” says Anthony. “The AX-Synth is a great addition and I use it primarily for lead sounds. When I play the AX-Synth, I can step out from behind my rig to play solos. One of my tricks is to MIDI it to my other secret weapon, the Roland JP-8000. I get some great sounds with those two layered together.”

Look for Derrick and Anthony this season playing the V-Piano and AX-Synth. Bobby Jones Gospel Show airs at 9am each Sunday and plays host to some of the most influential artists in Gospel music. For more information and listings, go to www.bobbyjonesgospel.com/tv.asp