Elio Pace takes centre stage with AvantGrand at Ronnie Scott's

A capacity audience saw Yamaha’s extraordinary new AvantGrand 'Hybrid' piano take centre stage with singer/songwriter and piano-player Elio Pace on Sunday 11th December at London's internationally renowned live music venue, Ronnie Scott's.

One of the UK's most talented and respected musicians, Elio Pace has thrilled audiences around the world for over twenty years with his soulful voice, amazing piano playing and stunningly eclectic songwriting. His journey has been littered with magical moments and along the way he has performed with a wonderful array of stars from Queen's Brian May, Huey Lewis, Katie Melua, Craig David, Albert Lee, Rumer and Martha Reeves to name but a few.

The London date of his hugely successful UK tour saw Elio at his best, captivating his audience with his unique blend of pop, rhythm & blues, jazz and rock & roll.

For this special performance Elio was reunited with the same Yamaha N3 AvantGrand that he chose to accompany him when he appeared live-on-air to millions as the featured artist on BBC Radio 2's 'Weekend Wogan' throughout 2010. The programme helped firmly place him in the hearts and minds of the station's listeners, who heard Elio display his skills as a singer, songwriter, piano-player, musical director and arranger. As well as appearing with countless guest artists, Elio performed a record 102 solos - all played on Yamaha's new AvantGrand hybrid piano, many of which were written by him while others were choice covers by his musical heroes such as Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley, ABBA and Elton John.

Elio chose AvantGrand due to its special feel and deep, rich sound, describing the touch response as "unbelievable and indistinguishable from that of an acoustic grand piano." Yamaha have been producing world-class pianos for over 100 years and Elio has been playing Yamaha for over 20 of them.

Elio told us, "I was excited and honoured to be making my debut at Ronnie Scotts, a venue I have aspired to headline as a solo artist for many years. Being able to play this wonderful piano on this special night was the best early Christmas present I could wish for. Big thanks to Yamaha!"

Elio Pace is very much the musician's musician. Here's what some have to say about him:

"Elio is a treasure trove of musical knowledge. It literally flows through his fingers... if musicians had Jedi masters, he would be one" Raul Malo (The Mavericks)

“Elio is tremendous… I'm a big fan. Music made the old fashioned way… played” Huey Lewis

"Elio Pace is fierce! An accomplished musician and performer, his talent can be
equalled only by his infectious enthusiasm" Lulu

"Elio Rocks" Brian May

"A dazzling talent whose music appeals to all generations" Albert Lee

Please visit Elio’s website for further information at www.eliopace.com

PHOTOGRAPHS: HAYLEY MADDEN