But Mama Stone's duly became a victim of its own success. When the club's popularity outgrew its location in Wellington, and the council started to receive noise complaints from neighbours, the Josephs sought to upgrade the operation, moving to larger premises in the centre of Exeter.
This time they approached Tickle Music for a fully-installed public address system, including a Soundcraft Si2 digital desk. Once again the technical infrastructure needed to be equal to Joss Stone's performance criteria, since she would be opening the new venue.
Wendy and Jonathan Joseph spent in excess of £500,000 converting the 275-capacity venue in Mary Arches Street, with its hand painted New Orleans / Cuban style entrance and colonial style, 'shabby chic' interior redolent of New Orleans' Bourbon Street.
Since Jonathan would also double as one of the resident sound engineers he was very particular about the digital desk. "We had been looking at another console until Tad introduced us to the Si2," he said. "As it incorporated newer technology, we immediately made the decision to go with it."
Tad Barker based his recommendation on the desk's speed of access, its onboard FX and footprint. "We were talking to Sound Technology (Soundcraft's UK and Irish distributor) at the time and thought it was a perfect time to try this desk," he said. "The master channel is great - and very quick."
Jonathan Joseph says it was the best decision he could have made. "Ease of use was a major consideration as I wasn't familiar with the board - but sonically it is an excellent desk. Everything is inline and the processing - the Lexicon FX and BSS graphics - is outstanding."
With its own house band, the new venue merges a laid back music vibe with high class food and drink in the true spirit of a cabaret dining club - with a view to promoting local talent. The early signs are that they have hit on a successful formula with the dining club concept.
The next stage will be to add a full recording facility above the live room upstairs for young budding local artists - as well as enabling Joss to continue her recording activities - close to home.
(Jim Evans)
