The Keyboard Chronicles: Recent Episodes
David Holloway
Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, and a great deal more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Richard’s latest album Hauntings
The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings
Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890, Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession
A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film
Richard’s musical upbringing
Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700
Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan
The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen
Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts
One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn
The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow
Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow
Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK)
JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster
Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders
Joining Porcupine Tree
The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band
Porcupine Tree – Signify
Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus)
The influence of lyrics on sound design
Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues
Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring
A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here)
Richard’s use of soft synths
Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live
Performing with The Bays
Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record
Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light
Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work
Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future
Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album
Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In this episode we speak with Christian Dinh Gulino, a UK-based keyboard player and musical director covering everything from pop tours to video game soundtracks. Aside from his arranging and production work for Square Enix Music, he has extensively toured with artists such as Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, alongside a long-standing working relationship with Will Young. We chat on all that and more, including some great insights into weekend corporate gigs in other countries and an Andrea Bocelli train wreck anecdote for the ages….
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Christian’s musical upbringing
Playing at 12 and getting ‘roasted’ by the pros
Moving from Italy to the UK
Early career as a player
Joining Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co
Auditioning for, and joining Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Using a Nord keyboard, Reason and a Dell Laptop
Christian in action with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2009
Working with Will Young
Christian in action with Will Young, 2015
John Newman – Love Me Again
Christian’s thoughts on the key components of a Musical Director role
Negotiating disagreements on musical direction
Working with Kylie Minogue
Christian in action live with Kyle Minogue at Glastonbury 2019
When you have six days to get your driver’s license to be able to join Kylie Minogue in Singapore
Working with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music on their 50th Anniversary tour
Christian playing with Roxy music in 2022
The keyboard rig for Roxy Music
Composing for games / film, including the Final Fantasy franchise
Kai Kaurismaki
Christian’s two notable train wrecks
Working on Name That Tune
Desert Island Discs: Speak Like A Child – Herbie Hancock, Hotter Than July – Stevie Wonder, Off The Wall – Michael Jackson, 1996 – Ryuichi Sakamoto,
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Christian Dinh Gulino, Roxy Music / Kylie Minogue / Will Young appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
John Linnell is one half of They Might Be Giants, an American alternative rock band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1982. The group is known for their unique blend of alternative rock, experimental pop, and highly unconventional songwriting. John chats with us on his career to date, recent album The World Is To Dig and a great deal more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Pulling together a ‘pile’ of songs for The World Is To Dig
The Linnell / Flansburgh writing and album production process
The brilliant Patrick Dillett
Sound selection for The World Is To Dig
The Critter and Guitari Organelle
Bastl Instruments
John’s long-term love of Digital Performer
They Might Be Giants live – approach in the early years as a tape-backed duo
They Might Be Giants re-create the duo years in Brooklyn in 2015.
John in action with They Might Be Giants live in 2026: Spiraling Shape
John’s discovery of the accordion
Main Squeeze accordions in New York City
The late, great Walter Kuhr and the Main Squeeze Orchestra
John’s keyboard rig in ‘the early days’
Casio CZ-101
Casio FZ-1
John’s current virtual keyboard rig with They Might Be Giants after a long and healthy relationship with the original Roland Fantom keyboard
The Marxophone
The Marxophone in action on Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) – The Doors
They Might Be Giants’ cover of the Irving Berlin song Lazy
They Might Be Giants – Who Are The Electors?
They Might Be Giants’ intergenerational appeal
Mutual thoughts on Australia’s love for They Might Be Giants (and how JJJ made a difference)
The TMBG musical vault and why it will likely stay closed
Desert Island Discs: Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II BWV 846-893 – Glenn Gould, The Anthology 1931-1968 – The Mills Brothers, Songs of the Pogo – Norman Monath / Walt Kelly, The Biz Never Sleeps – Biz Markie, Oranges & Lemons – XTC
A shout out for This Might Be A Wiki
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post John Linnell, They Might Be Giants appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace is an Australian-based accordion and keyboard player, who for more than forty years has played around the world with a range of outfits including Weddings Parties Anything and Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission. We cover a lot of that career, in addition to some discussion on accordions in contemporary music, some great desert island disc selections and a whole bunch more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Mark’s musical upbringing and earning his stripes in a Scottish dance band from age 12.
Auditioning and joining Weddings Parties Anything
Wedding Parties Anything live in 1988 – Under The Clocks
Weddings Parties Anything – Streets of Forbes
Early days gigging with Weddings Parties Anything, including a residency at Fitzroy’s Jike Jika Hotel.
Weddings Parties Anything’s first album – Scorn of the Women
The Infanticide of Marie Farrar
Weddings Parties Anything – Away Away
The second album – Roaring Days
Discussion on Weddings Parties rise and rise and supporting acts like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, Steve Earle and U2.
The third album – The Big Don’t Argue
The Ballad of Peggy and Col
The fourth album – Difficult Loves
The fifth album – King Tide
Changes in band lineup and making Australia the ‘new Europe’ touring-wise.
The sixth album – Donkey Serenade
The last album – River’esque
The ending of Weddings Parties Anything, the final gigs and stage diving with an accordion
Touring with U2 and BB King
Mark in action with Sally Dastey
The brilliant Tiddas
Playing on Mick Thomas and The Sure Thing albums – including Big Geographical
The formation of Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission
Three Roving Commission songs to check out: Back in the Day, Build This, Anything You Recognise (which in part retells the discussion with Mark on the breakup of Weddings Parties Anything)
Mark’s accordions and go to keyboard: the Nord Electro 3
The solo album: Squeezebox Wally
Thoughts on musical legacy
The The – This Is The Day
Desert Island Discs: Kite – Kirsty Maccoll, Five Leaves Left – Nick Drake, Dancer With Bruised Knees – Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Moon Safari – Air, How Will The Wolf Survive? – Los Lobos, Nina Simone At Town Hall – Nina Simone.
Key links:
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Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
A special thanks to Tim Pyers who introduced me to Weddings Parties anything way back in 1989. Do get in touch Tim!
The post Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace, Weddings Parties Anything, Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Julian Emery is a UK-based songwriter, producer, and guitarist whose credits include work with artists such as Nothing But Thieves, McFly, and Lissie. This episode is a little different as Julian doesn’t play keyboards himself, but he joins the show to share his unique perspective from the producer’s chair and offers some interesting thoughts on the role keyboard players play in songs.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Julian’s website
Jules’ musical upbringing
Moving into production and recognising the importance of synths / keyboards in the process
Hear’Say
Working with Matt Willis and co-writing his first three singles, including Up All Night
Co-writing with McFly, including Star Girl
Building rapport and co-writing with people you are meeting for the first time
Jules’ long-term collaborative relationship with Jim Irvin
Collaboration mistakes made the hard way
The longstanding ‘gift’ of working with Nothing But Thieves.
One of Jules’ co-writes with Nothing But Thieves (and #1 hit) Trip Switch
Nothing But Thieves – Welcome to the DCC
The WASP synth
Working with Lissie across multiple albums and co-writing songs, including the breakout hit When I’m Alone
A discussion on Jules’ passion for talking on creativity and resilience.
Desert Island Discs: Back in Black – AC/DC, 2112 – Rush, Hemispheres – Rush, Denim and Leather – Saxon, Chicago X – Chicago.
Key links:
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Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a tas te of each guest’s creations.
The post Julian Emery, Songwriter and Producer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Geoff Downes returns for his second appearance on the show, having originally joined us back on Episode 38. While his extensive history with Yes is well documented, this time around we focus specifically on the band’s latest album, Aurora. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview, and we take the opportunity to delve into his current approach to songwriting and his performance on the new record.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
The release of the album Aurora by Yes
Thoughts on being in the longest period of time in Yes without personnel changes, and the central role Steve Howe plays in ensuring the Yes sound
Yes – Countermovement
Paying due respect to the legacy of previous Yes keyboard players
The keyboard sounds that are the essence of the Yes sound
The more challenging aspects of a Yes live set
Geoff’s (still huge) keyboard rig with Yes and the contrast with his rig with Asia
Proposed approach to recreating the Aurora tracks live, in a band that doesn’t use backing tracks
The importance in Yes of interplay between keyboards and guitar.
Geoff’s collaborative relationships with Steve Howe and Jon Davison.
Preparing for, and surviving a long tour.
Geoff’s pick of artists living or dead, that’d he’d love to work with.
Geoff’s admiration of Benny Andersson
Band T-Shirt Pimp: Punch Drunk Cabaret
Thumbnail picture via Yes official social media, taken by Ellis Larch
Key links:
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Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Geoff Downes, Yes (Redux) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Scottie Miller is an American keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Minneapolis. Known for his blues- and roots-influenced playing style, Scottie has spent years on the road as the long-time musical director and keyboardist for Ruthie Foster. He’s also worked with Bo Diddley and Johnnie Johnson to name just two others. Alongside his work as an MD, he has maintained a steady solo career, releasing 13 albums—including his latest project, Hello Pain—and earning an induction into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame. We chat to Scottie about his approach to composition, his time on the road, and balancing a solo career with collaborative work.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Scottie’s past 12 months
Scottie’s album Hello Pain
Commissioning and working with a 50+ piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra
Scottie Miller – Awake and Willing
Scottie Miller – Hello Pain title song and the impetus for the whole album
Scottie Miller – Underneath The Black Oaks
Scottie’s musical upbringing and the huge influence of the Minneapolis music scene
Working with Big John Dickerson & Blue Chamber
The Scottie Miller Band in action
Meeting and working briefly with Johnnie Johnson
Working and touring with Bo Diddley
Joining Ruthie Foster’s band
Scottie in action with Ruthie Foster – Phenomenal Woman
Opening for Ray Manzarek and saving the day later in the night
Scottie’s rig with Ruthie Foster
Ruthie’s album Mileage and reproducing horns live
A discussion on Scottie’s (victorious) battle with depression and addiction
A message of support to other keyboard players struggling with addiction, depression or anxiety
Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled – Donny Hathaway, Feeling Good: The Very Best of Nina Simone – Nina Simone, Goin’ Back To New Orleans – Dr John, Violin Concerto / Musica Dolorosa / Viatore – Peteris Vasks, I Wanna Go Home – Otis Spann.
Key links:
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Scottie Miller, Solo Artist / Ruthie Foster appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Danny Silverston is an American keyboardist and founding member of the Boston-based soul-pop band Couch. Known for his warm, jazz- and funk-influenced playing style, Danny has been an integral part of the seven-piece group’s collaborative writing and production process since their formation in 2018. He recently played on the band’s 2025 debut full-length album, Big Talk, and continues to tour extensively with them across the United States and internationally. We chat to Danny on his approach to composition, performance and making two hands do maximum work on some complex pieces. Add in a very relatable train wreck story and there’s lots to enjoy.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Danny’s musical upbringing
Orange Guava Passion
Danny’s Couch connections and becoming a core member of the band
Couch in action live: Jessie
Couch’s cover of Conjunction Junction
Couch – Black Bear Lane
The importance of piano, electric piano and organ in Couch
A shout-out to the amazing Kevin Gastonguay as organ mentor
Danny breaks down his approach to a complex multi-patch and keyboard piece, Static and Noise
Danny pulling off Static and Noise live with Couch
Finding creative sonic space amongst a brass section and guitars
Couch’s collaborative songwriting approach and the challenges and opportunities it brings
Rehearsing pre-tour
Anatole Muster
Some fast playing by Danny on ‘On The Wire’
Desert Island Discs: Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, I Am – Earth, Wind & Fire, Two Star & The Dream Police – Mk.gee, Self-Titled – Daryl Johns, Brown Sugar – D’Angelo.
Key links:
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Danny Silverston, Couch appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Paul Furness is a keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist who serves as a founding member of Brisbane indie rock mainstays Ball Park Music. Since forming the group during a university class assignment in 2008, Paul has spent nearly two decades helping anchor their melodic and eclectic sound, layering essential synthesizer textures, piano, and occasional trombone across eight studio albums. From their acclaimed debut Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs to their latest release Like Love, his meticulous approach to parts and arrangement has been a constant thread in the band’s enduring catalog. We chat with Paul about how a college project evolved into a multi-decade career, his collaborative writing process, and the gear he relies on for the stage and the studio.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Paul’s past 12 months
Ball Park Music’s latest album Like Love
Ball Park music in action supporting Oasis last year
Playing a gig with Brisbane’s cheesiest band, The Pizzas
Approaching gigs supporting Oasis in stadiums
The first album – Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs – and working with Matt Redlich
The second album – Museum
Recording the fourth album, Every Night The Same Dream, to analog 4-track, 1/4-inch tape
The evolution of Paul’s keyboard rig and the UDO Super 6 as a central component
Creating and feeding energy to the audience when playing live
Paul’s role as Ball Park Music’s Keep of the Statistics
Ball Park Music – Hands Off My Body
Ball Park Music – Surrender
Plans and motivations for the future
Ball Park Music’s tour rehearsal process
A Vietnam-based challenging gig
Desert Island Discs: Night Train – Oscar Peterson, Morrison Hotel – The Doors, Whatever and Ever Amen – Ben Folds Five, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, We Like It Here – Snarky Puppy
T-Shirt shout-out to The Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton
Key links:
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Paul Furness, Ball Park Music appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Michael Stephen Brown is a versatile American pianist and composer best known for his solo performances, rich chamber music collaborations, and unique original works. Bridging the gap between world-class piano playing and storytelling, he has recently released his debut album of all-original music, Twelve Blocks. Showcasing his distinct creative voice, the deeply personal project features a series of musical portraits, emotional detours, and true stories brought to life alongside an impressive roster of guest performers. We chat with Michael on this and get some great insights into his approach to music and composition.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Michael’s past year
Michaels’ album – Twelve Blocks
The process of seeking or receiving commissions for musical performances and/or compositions
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Michael’s musical upbringing
Attending Juilliard
Jerome Lowenthal
Samuel Adler
Ursula Oppens
Ursula Oppens and Jerome Lowenthal perform Michael’s piece Twelve Blocks, with poetry
Composing for one piano, four hands and four albums
Composing for one hand only
Breakup Etude for the Right Hand Alone
The Yaddo retreat
The Carnival of Endangered Wonders
Lake Alan
Piano from Pas de trois – Michael Stephen Brown
Composing with pencil and paper versus computer
Michael’s piano Octavia
A discussion on mental health, music and the arts
Creatives Care
Planning and rehearsing a repertoire before a show or tour
Michael’s upcoming creative works, including release of his own piano concerto
Desert Island Discs: Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring – Leonard Bernstein and London Symphony Orchestra, Live Performances 1934-1956 Vol. 1 – Art Tatum, Bach: The Goldberg Variations – Glenn Gould, Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit – Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Key links:
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Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Michael Stephen Brown, Pianist and Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Peter Dasent is an incredibly versatile pianist, composer, and musical director best known for his long tenure as the resident keyboardist on ABC’s Play School, a role he has held for over two decades. While he is well known for his daily on-set improvisations for children, his impressive resume also includes leading his chamber-jazz ensemble The Umbrellas for over 30 years, as well as composing soundtracks for early Peter Jackson films like Meet The Feebles and Heavenly Creatures. We chat with Peter about that amazing history, his approach to playing and composing across so many different genres, and lots more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
The iconic, and Cookie Monster endorsed, Play School, turns 60
Peter’s musical upbringing
Forming SPATS alongside Fane Flaws
SPATS – New Wave Goodbye
Joining The Crocodiles alongside the brilliant Jenny Morris
The Crocodiles – Telephone Lover
The very interesting Kim Fowley
Peter’s admiration of Steve Nieve’s work
The Crocodiles – Tears
The underadmired (and according to Peter, Mushroom Records’ worst selling album ever): I Am Joe’s Music (Self-Titled)
The inimitable Lobby Loyde
Formation of The Umbrellas
The Umbrellas live
Some timely advice from Don Burrows
Moving into film composition
Peter’s work on Peter Jackson’s Meet The Feebles
The composition and recording process for Meet The Feebles
Working on Peter Jackson’s Braindead / Dead Alive
The legendary E-mu Proteus 2
Working on Peter Jackon’s Heavenly Creatures
Working as the Pianist on Play School
Discussion on the level of improvisation required on set of Play School
Pivoting on the fly between musical genres on Play School
Working with Justine Clarke
Peter in action live with Justine Clarke
Peter’s solo work including Songs for Solo Piano
Peter in action in Studio 3 at Abbey Road
Sterling Sound in New York
Desert Island Discs: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Satie: Works for Piano – Aldo Ciccolini, Plays Duke Ellington – Thelonius Monk, The Fellini Album: The Film Music of Nino Rota: Nino Rota, Hot Rats – Frank Zappa.
Key links:
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Peter Dasent, Pianist / Play School / The Umbrellas appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Peter Sandberg is a Swedish neo-classical and electronic pianist and composer based in Uppsala. Known for his minimalist, felt-piano compositions and atmospheric textures, he has released several acclaimed albums including Motion, Återvända, and Midnattssol. Beyond his solo work, Sandberg’s music has reached a wide audience through high-profile placements in television series such as Stranger Things, as well as collaborations with artists like Henry Green and Arctic Lake. We chat on Peter’s career as a whole and his new album Temporary Coexistence of Humans.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Peter’s album Temporary Coexistence of Humans
A discussion on the album themes and ‘sitting at the piano’ approach to recording
Developing an intimate sound for piano
Milab / Pearl Microphones
Peter Sandberg – Motion
Peter’s recording keyboard rig beyond the piano
Hologram Electronics
Peter Sandberg – Deep
Peter’s song Deep as featured on Stranger Things
How Peter’s song was found and placed on the show
Peter’s musical upbringing and a key ‘sliding doors’ moment
Peter’s live performance rig
Desert Island Discs: None (explained by Peter in the interview)
Key links:
Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Peter Sandberg, Pianist and Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Greg Kane is one half of iconic outfit Hue And Cry, which has been producing music for well over 40 years. We chat with Greg on that amazing history, his approach to production and playing, and lots more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Hue And Cry’s latest album, Everybody
Working with the brilliant Yoad Nevo
Thoughts on Behringer and the Deepmind 12
Hue And Cry – Stronger
Greg’s love for the ASM Hydrasynth and the Moog DFAM
Sam Battle’s museum: This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete
When you connect 27 synths with MIDI clock
The formation of Hue And Cry
Hue And Cry in action live in 2025
Hue And Cry – Here Comes Everybody
Hue And Cry – I Refuse
Hue And Cry’s iconic song Labour of Love
Hue And Cry appear on Top of the Pops
Dealing with a hit and travelling to New York for recording
When you’re in the vicinity of Sam Fox and David Byrne
Breakfast with Petrocelli
The Possible Twenty bar in New York
The joy of custom DX7 and D-50 cartridges from Manny’s Music
A chat on instrumentation and Hue And Cry’s 1995 album ‘Piano & Voice‘
Hue And Cry – Looking for Linda
When Michael Brecker asks you to play in front of McCoy Tyner
Arranging brass/horns and working with Harold Wheeler and Lenny Pickett
Hue And Cry’s Jazz Not Jazz
Greg’s current keyboard rig with Hue And Cry – 100% live, no backing tracks
Desert Island Discs: Do It Yourself – Ian Dury & the Blockheads, Look Sharp! – Joe Jackson, Self-titled – The Specials, Kind of Blue – Miles Davis, I Heard That Noise – quickly, quickly.
Key links:
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our audience survey to help us improve!
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Greg Kane, Hue And Cry appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Erik Deutsch is an American keyboard player currently touring with The Black Crowes. While he is well known for his extensive live and session work—including time spent with Leftover Salmon and Charlie Hunter—Erik is also a dedicated solo artist with a diverse catalogue of original jazz and funk releases. We chat with Erik about his career to date, how he balances major touring commitments with his solo output, and the gear he relies on for the road. A huge thanks to guest co-host Sandy Soon for joining us as well!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Erik’s website
Erik Deutsch – This Was Then
Erik playing Martha live in 2025
The music scene in Mexico City versus New York York
Erik’s musical upbringing
Erik’s first band Fat Mama
Erik in action with Fat Mama (2000)
Joining County Road X
Working in a trio with the brilliant Art Lande
Joining the Charlie Hunter Trio
Erik in action with the Charlie Hunter Trio
Charlie Hunter – Baboon Strength
Joining Shooter Jennings
Erik in action with Shooter Jennings in 2011
Working with Citizen Cope
Erik’s keyboard rig with Citizen Cope
Joining Leftover Salmon
Erik playing with Leftover Salmon, 2017
Approach to long touring periods
Erik joins The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) and perhaps sets the record for the shortest gigging employment with a band
Erik in action on the one and only song he played with The Chicks
Discussion on female instrumentalists and barriers / opportunities
Joining The Black Crowes
Erik in action with The Black Crowes
The level of playing freedom at a Black Crowes gig
Erik’s keyboard rig with The Black Crowes
Erik’s work on The Black Crowes’ album Happiness Bastards
Erik’s ‘front of stage’ train/bus wreck
Erik’s own amazing podcast – Sounds of Brooklyn and Beyond
Desert Island Discs: Moon Safari – Air, Kind of Blue – Miles Davis, Treasure Island – Keith Jarrett, Illmatic – Nas, Music from Big Pink – The Band
Key links:
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The post Erik Deutsch, The Black Crowes / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
J. Willgoose, Esq. is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer best known as the founding member of the conceptual electronic rock group Public Service Broadcasting. Blending vintage synthesizers, samplers, and traditional instrumentation with extensive archival audio, he is recognized for constructing thematic musical narratives based around historical events. Known for his focused approach to sequencing and live looping, Willgoose effectively integrates old broadcast samples and public information films into atmospheric electronic and rock textures across albums like The Race for Space and Every Valley. We chat his and PSB’s career to date and get some great insights into what is an incredibly complicated live show.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Night Flight – The Last Flight Remixes
Electra – Late Night Final Remix
J. Willgoose Esq’s musical upbringing
The Manic Street Preachers
The genesis of Public Service Broadcasting
The Yamaha CS6x
Public Service Broadcasting – People Will Always Need Coal
Public Service Broadcasting – The Now Generation
Expanding Public Service Broadcasting to a full band
J’s love for Reaper as a key component of PSB’s live performances
J’s keyboard rig and love of the Roland Fantom series
The challenges (and documentation) involved in a highly complex and integrated rig set-up amomgst multiple musicians
Public Service Broadcasting – Sputnik
Redundancy and backups
Operating a keyboard and guitar rig and level of integration
Public Service Broadcasting – Towards The Dawn
Public Service Broadcasting live at the Royal Albert Hall
Public Service Broadcasting with the London Contemporary Orchestra
A discussion on orchestras and experimentation
Public Service Broadcasting – Bright Magic
The SOMA Labs Ether
The next Public Service Broadcasting album
J. lists some key musical inspirations
Datassette
OMD – Second Thought
J’s train wreck stories
Desert Island Discs: Endtroducing – DJ Shadow, In Rainbows – Radiohead, Blade Runner – Vangelis, Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique” – Tchaikovsky, Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana) – Monleone and Mascagni
Key links:
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The post J. Willgoose Esq., Public Service Broadcasting appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In Part 2 of our chat with the brilliant David Hirschfelder, we dive deeper into his time with John Farnham, talk on his numerous other collaborations and his incredible career as a film and TV composer.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Rehearsing for tours with John Farnham
Recording the Age of Reason album
The Fairlight Series 3 and the song Two Strong Hearts
The decision to stop touring
David in action with John Farnham in touring version of Jesus Christ Superstar
David’s keyboard rig for Jesus Christ Superstar
The brilliant Farnham documentary – Finding The Voice
Handing over the baton to the brilliant Chong Lim
David’s solo album: Welcome To The Nighclub Of My Mind
David’performing one of his solo creations: Cool School Rules
David Hirschfelder and David Hobson – Inside This Room
Joesph Campbell – The Hero With A Thousand Faces
The move to film and TV composition
David’s work on Strictly Ballroom
Working on the movie Shine
David’s full roster of creations
A potted history of the Yamaha Disklavier series of pianos
David’s work on the film Elizabeth
A chat on DAWs, plugins and David’s love for the Arturia Polybrute
David’s work on The Dressmaker
David’s work on Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
David’s work on The Railway Man
David’s work on The Water Diviner
David’s work on Sleeping Dogs
Sam Hirschfelder – musician and composer
Desert Island Discs: The Rite of Spring – Stravinsky (Conducted by Stravinsky), V.S.O.P. (Live) – Herbie Hancock, Heavy Weather – Weather Report, The Planets – Holst, The Mission – Ennio Morricone
Key links:
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The post David Hirschfelder, Composer / John Farnham / Little River Band (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
David Hirschfelder is a globally acclaimed Australian keyboardist, composer, and arranger best known for his extensive live and studio work with pop-rock heavyweights like the Little River Band and John Farnham, as well as his distinguished career as a film score composer. His prolific output blends deep classical roots with masterful electronic and orchestral textures. A BAFTA winner and multi-Academy Award nominee, David’s celebrated cinematic repertoire includes the iconic scores for Strictly Ballroom, Shine, and Elizabeth, alongside his own ambitious contemporary art music collaborations. In Part 1 we cover off David’s work with Pyramid, Little River Band, and the early part of his time with John Farnham including the recording and touring of Whispering Jack.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
David and Mindy Meng Wang – Love
Writing 80 minutes of music in 4 weeks for But Also John Clarke
David and Pyramid in a news feature story and performance on the Don Lane Show
Pyramid at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1983
Brian Cadd playing on The Real Thing by Russell Morris
Forming Pyramid
Herbie Hancock – Actual Proof
David’s keyboard rig with Pyramid
The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase
Moving to the Little River Band
Little River Band – The Net
David in action on his first tour with Little River Band in 1983
Buying a Fairlight
The Fairlight Page R Real-Time Composer
Creation of the classic lead sound on the song ‘Playing to Win’
Little River Band – No Reins
Joining John Farnham as a solo artist and creating the bones of Whispering Jack with a MIDI retrofitted Fairlight, and:
The Yamaha QX-1 Sequencer
The E-Mu SP-12 Drum Machine
8 DX7s in a box – the Yamaha TX-816
(with a Prophet-5 for some warmth)
David’s co-write on Whispering Jack – Going, Going Gone
David’s keyboard rig on the Whispering Jack tour and creating a click track before use of in-ear monitors
David in action with John Farnham – Help
David in action live with John Farnham in December 1990 – Playing to Win
Key links:
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The post David Hirschfelder, Composer / John Farnham / Little River Band (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Hazel Mills is a incredibly versatile keyboard player, vocalist, and songwriter whose impressive resume includes touring the globe with artists like Kylie Minogue, Florence + The Machine, Goldfrapp, Birdy, and The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble. We delve into everything from Hazel’s early classical roots and passion for 1960s minimalism, to her transition into the pop genre and her deep love for analogue synthesis. Hazel provides some great insights into her creative process, including recreating studio sounds for massive live pop tours, her go-to gear, and lots more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Hazel’s past 12 months
The differences in energy / stamina for a large versus more intimate gig
Steve Anderson
Joining Kylie Minogue’s band
Hazel in action with Kylie Minogue 2025
Eventide H90
UDO Super 6
Hazel’s own look at the Super 6
Mainstage and side-chain setup
Hazel in action with Christine and the Queens in 2023
Hannah Peel and Hazel Mills at King’s Place
Working with Dave Rowntree
Joining the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble
Hazel’s solo creative output
Hazel’s Patreon channel
A discussion on musique concrete
Joining Florence + The Machine as a touring member
Auditioning process for Florence
Hazel performing with Florence + The Machine, 2018
Working with Birdy
Hazel performing live with Birdy 2016
Joining Goldfrapp
Hazel performing with The Paper Cinema
Joining Goldfrapp
Hazel performing live with Alison Goldfrapp, 2022
The intricacies of playing a Goldfrapp show
Hazel in action with Goldfrapp at Glastonbury 2014
Adding Machine – Ships to Sink
Desert Island Discs: Thriller – Michael Jackson, Self-Titled – Crosby, Stills & Nash, DEACON – serpentwithfeet, Diviner – Hayden Thorpe, Ambient 1: Music for Airports – Brian Eno.
For those watching on video: apologies for the gridlines, it was a glitch not picked up by us at time of recording.
Key links:
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The post Hazel Mills, Kylie Minogue / Florence + The Machine / Goldfrapp appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In Part 2 of our interview with Adam Holzman, we cover his longstanding work with Steven Wilson, his bands Brave New World and Trifecta, Jane Getter Premonition, Adam’s amazing solo works, his Creative Synthesizer Technique book and some amazing stories of playing with Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea (amongst many others). There’s also a great train wreck story and a funny Miles Davis anecdote to round things out. Part 1 of the interview can be found here.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Adam in action with Mona Lisa Overdrive in 1994
Adam and Brave New World at Progstock 2022
The brilliant William ‘Ju Ju’ House
Adam Holzman & Brave New World – Spork
Adam Holzman – Truth Decay
Adam Holzman & Brave New World – The Last Gig
Adam Holzman – Zombie Apocalypse
The Moog DFAM
Steven Wilson – Beautiful Scarecrow
Forming Trifecta
Trifecta – Clean Up on Aisle Five
John Pritchard, Adam Holzman and Rich Damone – The Dawn (Of a New Age)
Joining Steven Wilson’s band (and being nervous about it)
Steven Wilson – Raider II
The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)
Discussion of Adam’s approach live and in the studio to his solo on Regret #9
Adam playing his iconic solo live on the song Regret #9
Adam’s co-write with Steven Wilson – Economies of Scale (from the album The Harmony Codex)
Steven Wilson – Impossible Tightrope
Adam’s keyboard rig with Steven Wilson
Adam’s book – Creative Synthesizer Technique
Avoiding ‘Preset Purgatory’
Getting to play with hero Jan Hammer
Adam playing live with Herbie Hancock, 1988
The non-musical skills required for musical success
The Fents – Back in the Saddle
Brief chat on Cruise to the Edge and Jane Getter Premonition
Adam jumps into a Tony Levin-less Stick Men gig on Cruise To The Edge 2024
Desert Island Discs (Rock/Pop): Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Starless and Bible Black – King Crimson, Relayer – Yes, Us – Peter Gabriel, Rubber Soul – The Beatles
Desert Island Discs (Jazz): Spectrum – Billy Cobham, Birds of Fire – Mahavishnu Orchestra, Tale Spinnin’ – Weather Report, Thrust – Herbie Hancock, Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy – Chick Corea / Return to Forever
Key links:
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The post Adam Holzman, Steven Wilson / Miles Davis / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Adam Holzman is an innovative keyboardist, composer, and musical director best known for his extensive work with jazz legend Miles Davis and progressive rock icon Steven Wilson. Blending his deep understanding of jazz harmonies with heavy progressive rock and electronic textures, Adam has become a highly sought-after sonic architect, renowned for his cutting-edge synthesizer solos and dynamic soundscapes. Beyond his high-profile touring work—which includes a pivotal tenure as Miles Davis’s musical director —Adam has released numerous acclaimed solo albums, fronts his own jazz-rock group Brave New World, and is a founding member of the prog-fusion supergroup Trifecta. In Part 1, we sit down with Adam to discuss his incredible journey from growing up around the music industry to shaping the live and studio sounds of some of modern music’s most influential artists.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Adam’s past year touring with Steve Wilson as part of The Overview Tour
Adam in action with Trifecta on Cruise to the Edge 2025
Adam playing live with Steven Wilson 2025 (also don’t forget our rig tour with Adam from that same tour)
Impossible Tightrope: Live in Madrid
Adam in action with Big Bang Theory 2024
Adam’s musical upbringing including seeing Elektra Records in action in real time
Watching The Doors rehearse, record and hit major success as an 11-12 year old
When Jim Morrison brings you a birthday present
Observations on Ray Manzarek
The Fents – The Other Side
Playing on Ray Manzarek’s album Carmina Burana
Meeting Randy Hall
The Linn 9000
Randy’s introduction of Adam to Mile Davis
The Rubberband recording session
Touring with Miles Davis with a couple of days notice
Making a second keyboard player role work in a jazz context
The role of a Musical Director with Miles Davis
Miles Davis – Intruder (Live)
Keyboard rig for recording and peforming with Miles Davis
Meeting and working with Michel Petrucciani
Adam playing with Michel Petrucciani in 1991
Working with Chaka Khan
Adam in action with Chaka Khan in 1994
Rachel Z
Performing with Wayne Shorter in 1995 in Paris
Adam recording with Grover Washington Jr on the Breath of Heaven album
Adam performing with Wallace Roney
Learning from band leaders and the decision to leave Miles Davis
Key links:
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The post Adam Holzman, Steven Wilson / Miles Davis / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Daniel Minsteris is a versatile keyboardist, programmer, and musical director best known for his extensive work with visionary artists like St. Vincent and David Byrne. Widely lauded for his deep expertise in Ableton Live, Daniel is a master at bridging the gap between the studio and the stage, seamlessly integrating complex electronic production with live performance. Beyond his high-profile touring work, Daniel has made his mark as a composer. In this episode, we sit down with Daniel to discuss his unique approach to live show design, his philosophy on keeping performance rigs reliable on the road, and his experiences sharing stages with some of modern music’s most innovative acts. We also dive into specific gear preferences and the challenges of translating meticulously crafted studio albums into massive live shows.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Daniel’s past year or so
Joining David Byrne on his current ‘Who Is The Sky?’ tour
Daniel in action on the 2013 St Vincent / David Byrne ‘Love This Giant’ tour
Daniel in full mobile mode with David Byrne
Ray Suen
Daniel’s musical upbringing including early years in Lithuania
Working with Joy Askew
Joining Marianne Faithfull’s band
Daniel in action live with Marianne Faithfull
Daniel with Fernando Saunders – See The Light
The Roland A-90
Working with Peter Cincotti
Daniel with Peter Cincotti at Montreaux 2009
A discussion on playing strings and horns as a keyboard player
The Ghost Train Orchestra performing on David Byrne’s ‘Everybody Laughs’
Audio Modeling’s SWAM Strings
Meeting Annie Clark / St Vincent and joining her band
Daniel performing live with St Vincent at Glastonbury 2014
Prepping sounds for a St Vincent tour
Drummer Matt Johnson
Daniel’s conflicted thoughts on redundancy management in a complex rig
Preparing for David Byrne’s ‘Who is the Sky?’ tour
Divisimate by Nextmidi
A detailed discussion on Daniel’s 100% wireless and mobile keyboard rig with David Byrne
Daniel live with David Byrne in 2026
Implementing a large-scale wireless MIDI rig and tracking down some critical legacy equipment
Sensory Percussion software for drummers
Fascinating discussion on developing the means to use arms / elbows for expression pedals instead of feet, in conjunction with keyboard tech Arturo Leon.
Arduino hardware
Working with Joe Jackson on the ‘What A Racket’ tour
Daniel in action live with Joe Jackson
Working with Steve Nieve
Collaborating with Meshell Ndegeocello
Meshell Ndegocello – Burn Progression
Daniel recounts two notable train wrecks
Daniel’s online course on troubleshooting MIDI and audio
Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Homogenic – Bjork, Animals – Pink Floyd, Todo Corazon – Julio De Caro, Turangalîla-Symphonie – Olivier Messiaen
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Daniel Mintseris, David Byrne / St Vincent / Joe Jackson / Marianne Faithfull / Meshell Ndegeocello appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Steve Nieve has been the distinctive keyboard voice beside Elvis Costello for over forty years, evolving from the new wave intensity of The Attractions to the soulful sophistication of The Imposters. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winner his prolific career also includes work with Madness, Sting, and David Bowie, alongside his own ambitious solo compositions. We cover that all and more in our chat with Steve – one not to miss.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Steve’s busy past couple of years
Steve in action with Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Steve’s musical upbringing
Auditioning to join Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello – Less Than Zero
Memories of early gigs with The Attractions
The Vox Jaguar and the Vox Continental
A discussion on Steve’s favourite Elvis Costello and the Attractions album – This Year’s Model
Steve’s early synths
The evolution of the recording process with Elvis Costello and his band over the years
Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Blood and Chocolate
Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Imperial Bedroom
Working on a cover of Yoko Ono’s ‘ Walking on Thin Ice’ with Allen Toussaint
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint – The River in Reverse
Working as band leader and MD in Steve Nieve & The Playboys on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross
Steve performing with Paul McCartney on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross
Doing 100 shows remotely during the pandemic
Steve Nieve and Kessada – About Love
Working on Absolute Beginners – David Bowie
Steve Nieve and Muriel Teodori – Welcome To The Voice
Sans Plomb movie
ToGetHer album
You Lie Sweetly – Steve Nieve featuring Sting
Steve in action with The Imposters 2022
On the brilliance of Pete Thomas
Collaborations with David Coulter including The Great Australian Songbook
Desert Island Discs: (yet to be released / titled) – Kessada, The Best of Satie – Erik Satie, Goldberg Variations – Uri Caine, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Rough and Rowdy Ways – Bob Dylan.
Key links:
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The post Steve Nieve, Elvis Costello & The Imposters appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Glenn Sarangapany is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who serves as the sonic texturalist for Australian rock heavyweights Birds of Tokyo. Since joining the band in 2012, Glenn has become pivotal to their evolving sound, blending his classical piano and jazz guitar training to layer rich synthesizers and backing vocals on chart-topping albums like March Fires and Human Design. Beyond his touring work, Glenn is the founder and creative director of sound production studio Electric Sheep. We sit down with Glenn to discuss his journey from session player to full-time member and the specific gear he uses to build the band’s massive live sound.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Birds of Tokyo – Starlights
Glenn’s musical upbringing
Jebediah live
The Triffids
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
Glenn with Birds of Tokyo at an early gig, 2009
The challenges of a Western Australian band going on tour
Glenn’s Birds of Tokyo keyboard rig (you can also check out our seperate rig tour with Glenn here)
Making space for keyboards in a guitar heavy band
Adapting the studio recording keyboard parts to the live environment
Bird of Tokyo Live – Unbreakable
Birds of Tokyo – Anchor
Birds of Tokyo – Lanterns Live on New Year’s Eve 2025
Upcoming music from Birds of Tokyo
The joys of working with an orchestra
Birds of Tokyo live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Good Lord
Electric Sheep Music
The challenges and opportunities of AI and music
Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled (Blue Album) – Weezer, OST – KPop Demon Hunters, Nevermind – Nirvana, Self Titled (Green Album) – Weezer, American Idiot – Green Day
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Glenn Sarangapany, Birds of Tokyo appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In Part 2 of our chat with Neal Evans, we talk more Soulive, Jack White, The Rolling Stones, Maceo Parker and lots more!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
More talk on Neal’s Soulive keyboard rig
Holy Grail Reverb by Electro-Harmonix
Neal delves into his organ technique and the importance of reverb
Acoustic Samples B5 organ plugin
Discussion on Neal’s amazing left-handed ‘quirk’ and hand independence
Neal in action on a Hammond B3 Mk 2
Working with Jack White
The brilliant Louis Cato
The process of recording with Jack White
Neal in action with Jack White on Saturday Night Live, 2018
Playing five shows with Soulive in support of The Rolling Stones
Neal in action on stage with Maceo Parker and Soulive, 2016.
Soulive with John Scolfield at Bowlive
Desert Island Discs (6 curated from Neal’s much longer list): Haha Sound – Broadcast, Self-Titled – Dina Ögon, Album 2 – Louis Cole, No Sun In Venice – The Modern Jazz Quartet, Walking in Space – Quincy Jones, Sex Machine – James Brown
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Neal Evans, Soulive / Jack White / Moon Boot Lover (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Neal Evans is the rhythmic and melodic powerhouse behind the celebrated funk/jazz trio Soulive, widely revered for his ability to simultaneously hold down deep, pocket-driven bass lines with his left hand while laying down searing leads with his right. In Part 1 of our chat, we talk to Neal on his playing, composition and career as a whole, from his Buffalo roots to sharing stages with The Rolling Stones. We also discuss vintage gear preferences and the enduring chemistry he shares with his brother Alan Evans and guitarist Eric Krasno.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Soulive’s latest album – Flowers
Recording in Iceland
Flóki Studios in Iceland
The LMI Motor City Big Block DI
Soulive – East Side
The evolving performing and recording relationship between the three members of Soulive
Neal’s musical upbringing
Moon Boot Lover – Good Thing
Studying with Jaki Byard
Nick Mancini on Vibraphone
The parallel lives of Soulive and Lettuce
Early and later keyboards with Soulive
Roland A-30
Roland XV-5080
Break Science
Key links:
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The post Neal Evans, Soulive / Jack White / Moon Boot Lover (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Andrew Fearn is the musical architect behind the English post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, known for his stark, loop-based productions that have redefined modern minimalism. In this episode, we talk to Andrew about his unique approach to composition, his philosophy on keeping gear simple in a complex world, and how he crafts the perfect sonic landscape for the band’s gritty lyrical content. We also discuss his solo project EXTENDDNTWRK, his background in electronic music and the evolution of his live rig.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
The recording of The Demise of Planet X
Sleaford Mods – The Good Life
Andrew’s musical upbringing
Sleaford Mods – Wank
Sleaford Mods – Austerity Dogs
John Cooper Clarke
The Streets
Sleaford Mods – Jobseeker
The song-writing process in Sleaford Mods
Sleaford Mods – No Touch
Andrew’s approach to finding sounds
1010 Music Bitbox
Thoughts on AI and music
EXTENDDNTWRK – Bandcamp
DJ Krush – Strictly Turntablized
LFO – LFO
Andrew in action with Sleaford Mods at Glastonbury
Casio MT-400V
Desert Island Discs: TNT – Tortoise, Untrue – Burial, Surfer Rosa – Pixies, Off The Radar – Earthling, It’s Tomorrow Already – The Irresistable Force
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Andrew Fearn, Sleaford Mods / EXTENDDNTWRK appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
To round out the year, we’re going with the brainchild of esteemed podcast co-host Paul Bindig, to interview the guy responsible for The Keyboard Chronicles, David Holloway. As an alleged keyboard player himself, David talks about his lifetime in adjacency to keyboards, bands, music projects and a whole lot more. There’s also a deep dive / behind the scenes discussion on how the podcast is put together and discussion on some favourite guests.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
David’s past 12 months, including gigging with Gloss
David’s electronic music outfit – Civil Sector
David’s musical upbringing
Sliprock
The JVC KB-500 keyboard
Yamaha DSR-1000
Discussion on musicals and orchestra pits
Res Rocket Surfer
The poet Philip Larkin
David’s ambient music project – Stainless Fields
Stainless Fields on Spotify
Midnight Fields
David’s go-to keyboards over the years
Check out David’s 2024 rig in detail
Narf Sounds
A detailed chat / behind the scenes expose of the podcast
Some of David’s favourite guests of all time
How rig tours are organised (and apologies to Adam Holzman for calling him Andy!)
Desert Island Discs: Self-Titles – Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder, Under the Sun – Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls, Born Sandy Devotional – The Triffids, Songs of Distant Earth – Mike Oldfield, Darkness On The Edge of Town – Bruce Springsteen, Oxygene – Jean Michel Jarre.
Band T-shirt shout-outs: Daniel Martin and The Infamous and Chrome
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post David Holloway, Stainless Fields / Gloss / Civil Sector / Podcast Host appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Nigel Hall is a true soul provider whose authentic blend of funk, R&B, and jazz has made him a standout vocalist and keyboardist. We attempt to cover his musical evolution from his D.C. roots to his work with the Grammy-nominated band Lettuce and his own dynamic solo projects. Lots to be inspired by here, including Nigel’s story of overcoming adversity to have a great perspective on gratitude, music and life in general.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Nigel’s past year
Lettuce’s new album Cook – check out one of the songs, Keep On
Nigel’s musical upbringing
Nigel in action live with Lettuce
Ryan Zoidis
Robert Randolph and The Family Band
Nigel in action on vocals with Soulive
The challenges of being a band leader versus being a player in a band
Some great insights on the physical and mental approach to touring
Joining Lettuce
Lettuce’s new album – Cook
Nigel’s keyboard rig with Lettuce.
Luke Jones – Custom Vintage Keys
Nigel’s solo albums: Ladies and Gentleman.. Nigel Hall, Spiritual, The Burning Bush (EW&F tribute)
Nigel Hall – I Can’t Stand The Rain
Kofi Burbridge
Thoughts for younger players
Lettuce Live at The Fillmore
Desert Island Discs: Journey to Love – Stanley Clarke, Extension of a Man – Donny Hathaway, OST – The Wiz, Feel – George Duke, Man-Child – Herbie Hancock.
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Nigel Hall, Lettuce / Soulive / Jon Cleary / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mick Rossi has had a burgeoning career spanning decades, genres and artists. We attempt in an hour to cover some decent ground on that amazing career, including Mick’s work with Philip Glass, The Philip Glass Ensemble, Paul Simon, Carly Simon and Hall & Oates to name just a few.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Mick’s recent and (8th or 9th) tour with Paul Simon
Mick in action in 2025 with Paul Simon – The Sacred Harp
Mick in action with Paul Simon – Wristband
Recent work with the Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble – Floe (Glassworks)
Mick with the Philip Glass Ensemble in 2024 – The Grid
The late and great Dennis Sandole
Touring with Angela Bofill
Being approached to play with Philip Glass
Philip Glass – La Belle et la Bête
Michael Riesman
Mick’s keyboard rig with The Philip Glass Ensemble
Philip Glass – Orion
Philip Glass & Leonard Cohen – Book of Longing
On playing Philip Glass’ Music in 12 Parts
On conducting a Philip Glass Ensemble show with a couple of hours notice
On recording with, and joining, Paul Simon’s band
Mick in action with Paul Simon on Cool, Cool River
Mick’s keyboard rig with Paul Simon
New York’s The Knitting Factory
Mick’s prolific solo output including 160 (and why it should have been titled something different)
Mick Rossi’s Anti-Matter Live at Barbes
Mick with Caleb Wheeler Curtis – Runt
Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Symphonies Nos 1-15 – Shostakovich, Self-Titled – Led Zeppelin, Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta, Five Pieces for Orchestra – Webern
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Mick Rossi, Paul Simon / Philip Glass / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Yaron Gershovsky is an internationally acclaimed pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and producer. We attempt to cover Yaron’s amazing career, from his start in Israel and his initial gigs with jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, through to his work with Wayne Shorter and his long-standing tenure as MD with The Manhattan Transfer. Add in some discussions about Broadway musicals, his recent album with Janis Siegel, The Count Basie Orchestra and a bunch of other collaborations and it’s a packed hour.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Yaron’s past year
Janis Sigel and Yaron Gershovsky – The Colors Of My Life
Yaron’s early professional career in Israel
Moving to the US and attending Berklee
Working with Pharoah Sanders
Working with Wayne Shorter on his album Atlantis
Yaron in action with The Manhattan Transfer in 1986
Yaron in action with The Manhattan Transfer in 2023
A discussion on Yaron’s keyboard rig for The Manhattan Transfer
When Chick Corea sits in with your band for a song
Meeting and/or performing with Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Dr Lonnie Smith
The Manhattan Transfer – Corner Pocket
Yaron Gershovsky – Transitions
Working on the musicals Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and City of Angels
Thoughts for younger players entering the industry
Yaron’s most memorable on-stage train wreck
Desert Island Discs: Night Train – Oscar Peterson, The Cat – Jimmy Smith, The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album – Tony Bennett & Bill Evans, The Nightfly – Donald Fagen, Vocalese – The Manhattan Transfer
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Yaron Gershovsky, The Manhattan Transfer / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Kory Caudill is a keyboardist and composer from eastern Kentucky. After a musical journey with varied artists, he’s currently part of Tyler Childer’s band. He has also made a mark with his critically acclaimed solo projects, including the Grammy-nominated album “Tree of Life”. With special guest co-host Steve Nathan, we chat on all that plus his work on projects like the “Concert for the Human Family” tour and how it reflects a deep commitment to using music as a bridge between cultures and communities.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Recent touring with Tyler Childers
Kory in action with Tyler Childers
Recording the next Tyler Childers album
Working with Rick Rubin
Kory’s musical upbringing and a discussion on Appalachian culture
Kory Caudill – Song for Appalachia
The move to Nashville
Kory’s father Keith Caudill in action
Joining and working with Justin Moore
Kory in action with Justin Moore
Concert for the Human Family – working with collaborator Wordsmith
Working with Pam Tillis
Kory and Pam Tillis in action together
Working with Blessing Offor
Kory Caudill feat. Blessing Offor – Cross The River
Being stretched as a player – Tyler Childers and Getting to the Bottom (solo is around 3-minute mark)
Kory Caudill – Tree of Life
Kory shares some of the insights that have been shared with him over the years in relation to musicianship
Desert Island Discs: The Way Up – Pat Metheny Group, Tracks – Oscar Peterson, a Billy Preston gospel bootleg, Yanni Live at The Acropolis – Yanni, Here Come The Noise Makers – Bruce Hornsby
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Kory Caudill, Tyler Childers / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Steven Reid Williams is a British keyboardist, pianist, and songwriter who currently plays for UK and Australian pop legend Leo Sayer and 80s icon Paul Young, while also contributing as a session musician to artists such as Melanie C, Rebecca Ferguson, Lulu, and Nadine Coyle. Add to that his solo creative output and his work with The Overtones, and there’s lots to discuss.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Touring with Leo Sayer
Steven in action with Leo Sayer 2025
Steven’s musical upbringing
Casio PT-20
Moving from teaching to professional musician
Beth Rowley
Working with Jamelia
Steven demonstrating his chops as a player and singer
Working with The Overtones
Steven in action live with The Overtones
Working with Leo Sayer
Steven in action with Leo Sayer – One Man Band
Steven’s keyboard rig with Leo Sayer
When your first pro gig is given with one day’s notice, and is in Kazakhstan
Working with Paul Young
Paul Young – Iron Out The Rough Spots
Steven in action with Sam Outlaw
Some best bits of Terry Wogan
This is actually what a flapjack is
Steven Reid Williams – Hearts and Stones
Steven’s killer covers album – Black + White Interpretations
Desert Island Discs: Sleepwalking – Gerry Rafferty, Rumours – Fleetwood Mac, An Innocent Man – Billy Joel, Self-Titled – Rage Against The Machine, hummingbird – Carly Pearce, Back Home Again – John Denver
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Steven Reid Williams, Leo Sayer / Paul Young / The Overtones appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In this second part of our interview with Roger O’Donnell, we dive deeper into Roger’s time with The Cure by walking through each Cure album Roger worked on in reverse order. We also chat on composing for ballet, a great on-stage train wreck and a whole lot more. Watch Part 1 here.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
The strength of The Cure’s live show
The Cure in action at Glastonbury 2019
The Cure live in 2024 – A Forest
Working on 2004’s album – The Cure
The Cure’s approach to songwriting
Working on Bloodflowers
Wild Mood Swings period
Roger’s current touring rig with The Cure
Recreating the keyboard sounds of the earlier albums by The Cure
The more challenging songs by The Cure to play, including The Top
Roger playing Like Cockatoos live in 2018
One of the 9 million times Roger has loved playing Just Like Heaven
The recording of Disintegration
Thoughts for younger players entering the music industry
A memorable on-stage train wreck
The next decade of Roger’s career and the long-term passion of a ballet on The Picture of Dorian Gray
A taste of Roger O’Donnell’s classical work
On not playing music during an extended illness
Desert Island Discs: Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds of Fire, The Grand Wazoo – Frank Zappa, Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix, Songs From The Silver Box – Roger O’Donnell.
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Roger O’Donnell is a long-serving member of The Cure, shaping their sound for coming up to 40 years (with a couple of breaks). Aside from that critical role, Roger formerly held down keys duties with The Psychedelic Furs, Thompson Twins and Berlin. Add to that his incredible solo output and you have a fascinating guest for the show. In Part 1 we cover off Roger’s early career, musical upbringing and his solo albums, finished off with a start on our discussion on The Cure.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Roger’s past year
The Cure – Songs From A Lost World
Roger’s new solo album – Projections
Roger’s new Rhodes Mk 8
The challenges of doing Atmos mixes
Roger O’Donnell – The Truth In Me
Roger O’Donnell – Songs From The Silver Box
The brilliance of the Rhodes Mk 8 in an album context
Roger O’Donnell – 7 Different Words for Love
The Una Corda piano
Roger’s work on the movie Sam & Kate
A brief time with Phillip Glass
Roger’s musical upbringing and being born next to the piano
Buying a Prophet 600 and joining The Thompson Twins
The move to LA and joining The Psychedelic Furs
Roger in action with The Psychedelic Furs in 1987
The Flirtations
Thompson Twins keyboard rig
Roger’s enormous Sequential Circuits-based keyboard rig with The Psychedelic Furs
Recording Disintegration with The Cure and the keyboards used
Adjusting playing style when joining The Cure
What makes the working relationship with Robert Smith successful
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Thorsten Quaeschning is a German composer, multi-instrumentalist, and musical director. We talk to him about his new album in collaboration with Steve Rothery, his role as the leader of the legendary electronic group Tangerine Dream, and his career more broadly.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Check out Bioscope – Gento
Genesis of the collaboration with Steve Rothery
Recording of the Gento album and the benefits of working side by side rather than remotely
Alex Reeves
A walk through Gento track by track
The importance of Thorsten’s modular rig in his work
Using three Minimoog Voyagers and their idiosyncracies
Avoiding the 80s and 90s keyboard staples with the Bioscope project
A detailed chat on the huge range of keyboards, plugins and effects used on Gento
Potential for a second Bioscope album
Thorsten’s musical upbringing
Getting the call to join Tangerine Dream (and Edgar Froese’s ‘to-do’ list)
Learning electronic music with Edgar Froese at your side
Tangerine Dream – Jeanne D’Arc (2005)
The secret to the success of Thorsten and Edgar’s working relationship
Evolving Tangerine Dream’s sound whilst honouring the legacy to date
The brilliant Sigur Rós and the iconic Sundlaugin Studio
Tangerine Dream – Zeit vs Tangerine Dream – Phaedra
Defining Tangerine Dream’s ‘Quantum Era’
Tangerine Dream live in Melbourne 2014
Edgar Froese’s firm view on Tangerine Dream’s continuation
Paul Frick
Fascinating chat on approach to playing Tangerine Dream songs live
Desert Island Discs: Five Leaves Left – Nick Drake, In The Wee Small Hours – Frank Sinatra, Disintegration – The Cure, August and Everything After – Counting Crows, ( ) – Sigur Rós
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Thorsten Quaeschning, Tangerine Dream / Bioscope / Picture Palace Music appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In this engaging conversation, Otmaro Ruiz shares insights into his musical journey, from his upbringing and early influences to his teaching philosophy and collaborations with renowned artists, including Dianne Reeves, Alex Acuna, Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Gino Vanelli, John McLaughlin, and Protocol – Simon Phillips. He discusses the challenges of adapting his music for live performances, the creative process behind his solo albums, and the impact of his experiences on his growth as a musician. Otmaro reflects on the importance of education in music, the evolution of teaching methods, and the unique challenges faced by today’s musicians. He also shares memorable stories from his career, including his work with iconic artists and the lessons learned along the way.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Otmaro’s full discography
Working on show prep with Simon Phillips for the upcoming tour of the Lado B Brazilian Project
Otmaro’s musical upbringing
Otmaro’s approach as a music educator
Otmaro’s relationship with synthesizers
Otmaro Ruiz Plays Ryuichi Sakamoto
Otmaro Ruiz – Distant Friends
Otmaro Ruiz – Nothing to Hide
Otmaro Ruiz – Sojourn
Otmaro Ruiz – Elemental
Otmaro Ruiz – Essencia
Working with Alex Acuna
Working with Abraham Laboriel
Working with Justo Almario
Otmaro’s performance / touring time with Dianne Reeves
Otmaro in action live with Dianne Reeves
Effortless Mastery – Kenny Werner
Working with Gino Vanelli
Otmaro in action live with Gino Vanelli 2002
Working with Frank Gambale
Otmaro playing live with Frank Gambale and Alain Caron
Otmaro’s thoughts on imposter syndrome and learning throughout a career in music
Otmaro and John McLaughlin – The Heart of Things (Live in Paris)
When you have to learn John McLaughlin’s repertoire from scratch
Working with Lee Ritenour
Otmaro playing live with Lee Ritenour 2018
Working with Simon Phillips and Protocol
Otmaro playing live with Protocol
Otmaro’s Protocol keyboard rig
Otmaro’s hilarious train wreck story
Desert Island Discs*: Now He Sings, Now He Sobs – Chick Corea, The Köln Concert – Keith Jarrett, Piano Concertos – Ravel / Nelson Goerner, Fictionary – Lyle Mays, Jammin’ with Herbie – Herbie Hancock
*Specific album choices curated by David where needed
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Otmaro Ruiz, Protocol / Dianne Reeves / Gino Vanelli / Alex Acuna / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In Part 2 we move on to Toby’s work with Belinda Carlisle, Cher, Tom Jones, Tina Arena, Aqua, boy bands, Rick Astley and a whole bunch more. Do check out Part 1 here.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Working with Paul Young
Being MD for D-Ream
Working with Paul Carrack
Working with Aqua
Working with Tina Arena
Producing some songs (and ‘waving his F&^king arms around’ for Cher on her Living Proof album
Working with Gary Barlow, Westlife, Boyzone and Atomic Kitten
Joining Tom Jones in the 1990s
Tom Jones – Thunderball
Working for Belinda Carlisle
Toby in action with Belinda Carlisle in 2025
Working with ABC
Toby in action with Spandau Ballet on their reunion tour 2015
Toby in action with ABC at the Royal Albert Hall 2017
Working with Rick Astley
Looking forward: the next decade of Toby’s career
Thoughts for younger players entering the industry
Desert Island Discs: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, Hotel California – Eagles, Minute by Minute – The Doobie Brothers, Vince Gill – When Love Finds You, Coldplay – Moon Music.
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Toby Chapman, Spandau Ballet / Tom Jones / Belinda Carlisle (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Toby Chapman continues to be the go-to player for a range of artists, and as you’ll hear in both parts of this interview, the number of collaborations is impressive. We were lucky to nail down Toby for a chat, and in this first instalment we cover off his time with Crispian St Peters, Patricia Kaas, Style Council / Tracey Thorn and of course his five years with Spandau Ballet during their peak.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Recent shows with Paul Heaton
Toby in action with Paul Heaton at Glastonbury
Toby’s keyboard rig with Paul Heaton
Toby’s musical upbringing
Reading music versus playing by-ear
Crispian St Peters
Patricia Kaas
Joining Paul Weller and The Style Council
Toby in action with The Style Council in 1984
Auditioning for Spandau Ballet
Memories of the first few Spandau Ballet gigs
When Gary Kemp thoughts about buying a Fairlight
Playing Live Aid
Toby side-stage at Status Quo sound check the day before Live Aid
Toby in action with Spandau Ballet at Live Aid
The ‘Chapman Grin’ and Elton John
Some special recollections of Freddie Mercury
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Toby Chapman, Spandau Ballet / Tom Jones / Belinda Carlisle (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
If ever there was an episode that is impossible to describe in a few words, it’s this one. Bobby Ogdin has hundreds of sessions and live performances to his name across literally hundreds of artists. We attempt to cover just a fraction of that with Bobby and what a privilege it was. From Bobby’s backing of Elvis Presley during his last 45 shows, through to his multi-decade session career and regular live gigs with outfits as diverse as the Marshall Tucker Band and Ween, we attempt to give it the attention it deserves.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Working on Brandon Flowers’ latest solo album alongside the brilliant Steve Nathan and Dawes
Shawn Everett
The ‘bouncing of ideas’: the brilliance of group / face-to-face recording versus remote
Brandon Flowers: “the greatest voice I’ve ever heard”
Seventy years after piano lessons, what’s held Bobby in good stead throughout his career
Tom Collins – Music Producer
Moving to Nashville
The iconic David Briggs
The brilliant Pig Robbins
Joining Elvis’ band
Felton Jarvis
Tony Brown soloing on piano with Elvis, 1977
Arranging strings for Roy Orbison
Full list of Bobby’s collaborations to date or check out his full discography
Working with Lucille Ball on a TV Special
Working with Kenny Rogers
Working with Wayne Newton
Recording with Johnny Cash and all of the Carter Sisters
Working with Bill Evans
Playing with the Pointer Sisters at the Grand Ole Opry
Playing with Tammy Wynette
Bobby in action with Steve Forbert – Romeo’s Tune
Bobby in action on piano with the Dan Hill classic Sometimes When We Touch
Bobby on piano with The Judds – Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)
Bobby on Lee Clayton’s The Dream Goes On
Five years performing with the Marshall Tucker Band
Bobby’s use of synths during his career, including the iconic Yamaha DX-1 and his love of the Kurzweil K2000 / K2500 etc (apologies for the host saying 2600)
Bobby’s thoughts on the future of the music industry after years of service in positions with numerous organisations (President of the Nashville Recording Musicians Association, Executive Officer and Vice-President of the International RMA, Executive Officer and Secretary-Treasurer of the Nashville Association of Musicians, rank-and-file representative at American Federation of Musicians).
Playing with Ween (as Bobby and the Shit Creek Boys)
Bobby in action with Ween at the Ryman Auditorium in 2018
Thoughts / guidance for younger players entering the industry
Tag a Keyboard Player: Art Tatum / Vladimir Horowitz
Desert Island Discs: What’d I Say – Ray Charles, Live at The Apollo – James Brown, Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor Op.30 – Vladimir Horowitz / Rachmaninoff.
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Bobby Ogdin, Elvis Presley / Marshall Tucker Band / Ween appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Dom Beken is a BAFTA-nominated composer and musician, who is currently the keyboardist for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, where he performs alongside members of Pink Floyd and Spandau Ballet. Dom has also contributed his keyboard talents to bands such as The Orb, Transit Kings, and High Frequency Bandwidth, and is currently part of the project KillerStar alongside former members of David Bowie’s band. Contains some explicit language towards end of the show.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Dom’s past year
Recent release of Echoes by Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets
Dom’s musical upbringing
Parr Street Studios Liverpool
Meeting and working with Guy Pratt
Working with Alex Paterson (The Orb)
Joining Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets
Learning the material for Saucerful of Secrets
Dom’s keyboard rig for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets
Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets live in 2019
MainStage versus Ableton
Dom’s slow-motion train wreck
Dom in action live with Obscured by Clouds
The democratic approach to song choice and the ‘no man left behind; philosophy
Joining KillerStar
Dom in action with KillerStar at The 100 Club
Forming High Frequency Bandwidth with Alex Paterson
Check out Belka and Strelka
Dom on composing for film, TV and games and the changing landscape in that industry
Dom’s involvement with Snap Finger Click
Thoughts for younger players entering the industry
Working with Rick Wright
Tag a Keyboard Player: Jean Michel Jarre
Desert Island Discs: Mark’s Keyboard Repair – Money Mark, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd, Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber, So Tough – Saint Etienne, The Orb’s Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld – The Orb
Key links:
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Dom Beken, Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets / KillerStar / The Orb / High Frequency Bandwidth appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
What a career Monty Oxymoron has had, and continues to have. We cover everything from the early days of Dr Spacetoad and Punk Floyd, his longstanding collaboration and friendship with Captain Sensible and his near 30-year stint with The Damned. And then there’s Monty’s parallel career as a psychiatric nurse. Strap in for a super interesting chat.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Monty’s musical upbringing
For non-UK people: this is pirate radio
Slade in action, 1975
Soft Machine live, 1971
An encouraging letter from Kate Bush
Training as a psychiatric nurse
Monty’s amazing solo work and collaborations in full on Bandcamp
Joining Captain Sensible in Dr Space Toad Experience.
Monty’s Dr Space Toad Experience Keyboard Rig
Joining The Damned via Punk Floyd
Learning The Damned’s music
First gigs with The Damned
Tips for keeping things fresh and civil after nearly 30 years.
The Damned – Lovely Money
The Damned – Smash it Up at Wembley Arena 2018
Monty’s keyboard rig with The Damned
The Sumerian Kyngs in action
The Real Music Club in Brighton
Robert Rankin, Necrophenia and The Sumerian Kyngs
Recording process with The Damned
Monty nailing Is It A Dream with The Damned
Motorhead’s Lemmy and his view on keyboard players
Thoughts for younger players entering the industry
The influence of Monty’s parallel career in psychiatric nursing
On Kevin Ayers
The Sid Barrett Tribute at the Barbican – Bike
Safehouse Brighton – improvisation collective
Check out Monty’s album – Monty Oxymoron Plays The Songs of the Damned
Monty’s Substack (and don’t forget we have our very own!)
Desert Island Discs: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn – Pink Floyd, Uncle Meat – Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Persian Surgery Dervishes – Terry Riley, N’Existe Pas! – Daevid Allen, The Black Album – The Damned.
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Monty Oxymoron, The Damned / Dr Space Toad Experience / Punk Floyd / Sumerian Kyngs appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Freyja Garbett strides across genres as easily she does the keyboards she plays. That makes for an interesting chat as we move between rock, soul, Afrobeat, funk, jazz and a lot more. Lots to enjoy here!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Check out Freyja’s solo album – Music from the Waves
Freyja’s musical upbringing
Auditioning and attending Berklee College of Music
The Berklee approach to music education and early influences and being taught by Alain Mallet
Freyja Garbett Septet – Bulga
A piano lesson with Larry Goldings
Working with Ian Moss
Freyja in action with Ian Moss at the Big Red Bash
Freyja in action with Touch Sensitive
Motion sensors, surfing and music creation (Elk Elektronik)
Freyja’s preferred synths
Working on, and MD’ing A Kind of Hush – The Magic of Karen Carpenter
Working with Stella Donnelly
Working and recording with Matt Keegan
Blissing Parts 1 and 2 – Freyja Garbett
Tag a Keyboard Player: Danny Pliner
Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled – Sam Wilkes, Craig Weinrib and Dylan Day, Esja – Hania Rani, Forest Floor – Fergus McCreadie, Mother of Dreams and Secrets – Barney McAll, Live at Yoshi’s Vol 1 – Mulgrew Miller.
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Freyja Garbett, Solo Artist / Ian Moss / Katie Noonan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We catch up with John Maul, who aside from an impressive and ongoing career as musical director and keyboard player, is also still working in the musicial instrument industry itself. We cover both aspects of John’s work, alongside guest co-host Damon McMahon. Lots of fun in this one! To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on...
The post John Maul, Rick Astley / Nik Kershaw / Dire Straits Experience appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
It’s nearly impossible to pigeon-hole Brittany Davis musically, and you’ll hear why during this interview. Brittany is nothing short of a force of nature and her perspective on music, creativity and life in general. Whether you know Brittany’s work or not, this is an interview not to miss. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on...
The post Brittany Davis, Solo Artist / Painted Shield appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Andrew Roachford is an accleimd singer and piano / keyboard player, who aside from fronting his own outfit Roachford, is also an in-demand session musician and core part of the current line-up of Mike and the Mechanics. Before he hit Australia for a tour, we caught up with Andrew for a chat on all of...
The post Andrew Roachford, Roachford / Mike and the Mechanics appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In Part 2 of our interview with Jordan (check out Part 1 here), we cover off a memorable ‘train wreck’, go through some audience questions, cover off Jordan’s desert island discs and a whole lot more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the...
The post Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 150 episodes than by bringing the first part of a two-part interview with Jordan Rudess. Whether you’re a fan of Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment or Jordan’s playing more broadly, there’s lots to enjoy in this episode. In Part 1 we delve pretty deeply into AI...
The post Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Andy Ross is a pivotal part of OK Go, both band and online phenomenon. We speak with Andy on his career to date, upcoming works and a lot more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and...
The post Andy Ross, OK Go / Secret Dakota Ring appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We caught up with Robbie as he was in throes of releasing the first three of ten solo albums he’s releasing this year. We talk on the creative processes surrounding that, music and education more broadly, and also cover off some interesting ground during the various times Robbie has toured with other notable musicians. To...
The post Robbie Gennet, Solo Artist / Lisa Marie Presley / Educator / Journalist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We’re super pleased to have Mitch Towne back on the show, to give an update on his work since our last interview (including his great new album Refuge), as well as taking a decent dive into the Viscount Legend One. Lots to enjoy here! To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in...
The post Mitch Towne Redux / Viscount Legend One Discussion appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Kerry Minnear is one of the most cited inspirations we hear from our guests, and with good reason. Kerry’s work was and is groundbreaking, and we had the pleasure of covering some fascinating ground. Listening to this extremely humble pioneer and innovator is an hour very well spent. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on...
The post Kerry Minnear, Gentle Giant appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Andy Bown has been Status Quo’s keyboard player for more than 45 years, and that alongside his other collaborations and solo albums makes him one insightful guest. In addition to insights there’s plenty of laughs as well – what more could you want? To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the...
The post Andy Bown, Status Quo / The Herd / Peter Frampton / Pink Floyd appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Clyde Lawrence had already been on our radar thanks to co-host Paul, and the desire to speak with Clyde was cemented after seeing the band Lawrence perform live in Australia earlier this year. We chat to Clyde on his amazing career to date, some great road stories and some insightful perspectives from a player whose...
The post Clyde Lawrence, Lawrence / Film and TV Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Jeff Frankenstein has clocked up a couple of decades with Newsboys and shows no signs of slowing down. We cover off Jeff’s career to date, recent gigs and some brilliant road stories to boot. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video...
The post Jeff Frankenstein, Newsboys appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Patrick Warren is someone whose music you will definitely have heard at some stage, given his prolific film and TV composition career. Then there’s his production, touring and session work with a who’s who of artists…. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the...
The post Patrick Warren, Bonnie Raitt / Tom Waits / Bob Dylan / Aimee Mann appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mo pleasure is a veteran multi-instrumentalist who has played with some of the very best. We cover off some big milestones in Mo’s career, in addition to his great insights on the challenges of being a musical director. Lots to enjoy in this one as always. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play...
The post Mo Pleasure, Earth, Wind & Fire / Michael Jackson / Janet Jackson / Bette Midler appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
David Jameson is one busy keyboard player, working across three bands with some demanding musical chops required. Then there’s the small issue of him being the co-founder of one of the most popular applications for computer-based gigging players, Gig Performer. We cover all of those bases plus some in this wide-ranging discussion. To listen /...
The post David Jameson, The Security Project / Beyond the Wall / Reelin’ in the Years / Gig Performer Co-Founder appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Frank Sacramone is keys player and multi-instrumentalist with prog metal / orchestral rock outfit Earthside. They’ve just come off a successful US headline tour, and we caught up with Frank just before they headed off on said tour. Lots of really honest insights that make it worth the price of admission alone. To listen /...
The post Frank Sacramone, Earthside appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Los Angeles based Peter Smith is a pianist, composer, arranger, songwriter, and music director. We cover Peter’s enormous career to date, including his diverse music direction projects, TV work and lots more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or...
The post Peter Smith, Molly Ringwald / Solo Artist / Musical Director appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Paul Cornish has an album out very soon on the iconic Blue Note Records, and with good reason. Paul’s impeccable jazz chops, combined with his passion for experimentation across genres, makes for interesting music. Paul’s perspectives are just as interesting, and some broad territory is covered. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play...
The post Paul Cornish, Thumpasaurus / HAIM / Joshua Redman / Paul Cornish Trio appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
If ever there was proof that us keyboard players are a dynamic, witty and erudite bunch, Scott May is our latest piece of evidence. Scott covers some amazing territory during our chat. from playing organ at Radio City Music Hall to his stints in radio, TV and film. And that’s just the start. To listen...
The post Scott May, The Ides of March / Judy Tenuta / Morton Downey Jr appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
You could spend an hour just digesting the breadth and depth of Mike McKnight’s career, but let’s just say he’s been the go-to guy for artists as diverse as Mariah Carey, Roger Waters and Madonna. That is just the tip of the iceberg…. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the...
The post Mike McKnight, Keyboardist / Programmer / Musical Director appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Rob Gentry is a keyboardist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience. He has performed at iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl, collaborating with musical legends like Quincy Jones, Pete Tong, Giorgio Moroder, and Damian Lazarus. We chat to Rob on his career...
The post Rob Gentry, David Gilmour / Quincy Jones / Giorgio Moroder appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Something a little different for the last show of 2024. We do a review of the year that was, with special co-host, Wales-based Dewi Evans, who amongst many other things has authored a book on rock keyboard playing. We look over the most watched and listened to episodes of 2024 and talk a little on...
The post Dewi Evans, Author and Musician / End of 2024 Wrap Episode appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Greg Bieck is an accomplished pianist and music producer who has has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Hall and Oates, Ricky Martin, Beyonce, Tim McGraw, and Savage Garden to name just a few. We try to cover as much of Greg’s amazing work as we can, so strap in for a fun...
The post Greg Bieck, Hall & Oates / Dave Stewart / Tim McGraw appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In a slightly different episode to our usual format, we chat with two guests who were part of arguably the world’s first virtual band, Res Rocket Surfer. This is a laid back chat on the mid 1990s and the emergence of internet-based music creation. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in...
The post Steve Gregory & Mike Wilcox, Res Rocket Surfer / Red Mercury / Midnight Fields appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Jim Moginie is a renowned Australian musician best known as a founding member, keyboardist, and songwriter for the iconic rock band Midnight Oil, where he served as a driving creative force for over 50 years. Beyond his keyboard work with the Oils, Jim has collaborated with numerous prominent artists including Silverchair, Sarah Blasko, Neil Finn,...
The post Jim Moginie, Midnight Oil / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mic Michaeli has held down keyboard duties with iconic act Europe for nearly the entirety of their ongoing career. We cover that career in some detail and also discuss other projects Mic has been able to complete in between sell out arena and stadium shows. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button...
The post Mic Michaeli, Europe appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Dennis Atlas is currently keyboardist for the renowned rock band Toto, joining the band in 2024 as their second keyboardist, replacing Steve Maggiora. We talk to Dennis about that amazing opportunity, his burgeoning solo career and his other projects. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:...
The post Dennis Atlas, Toto / The Trip / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Larry Mullins is an American multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Swans and Iggy Pop, but his diversity as a player and composer goes well beyond those two iconic acts. In this second of two parts we talk on Larry’s work with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds,...
The post Larry Mullins, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds / Iggy Pop / Swans / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Larry Mullins is an American multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Swans and Iggy Pop, but his diversity as a player and composer goes well beyond those two iconic acts. In this first of two parts we talk on Larry’s 115 date tour with Swans, his just released...
The post Larry Mullins, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds / Iggy Pop / Swans / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Tom Seals is an emerging talent in the jazz and blues scene in the UK. Despite his youth, this gifted musician from Crewe has already performed alongside renowned artists such as Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter, and Jools Holland. Beyond live performances, he hosts his own television program on Sky called “Tom Seals Presents,” where he engages in conversations with celebrities and offers his own jazz interpretations of their favourite songs. We chat with Tom on all this and a lot more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Tom’s 2024 so far
Tom’s YouTube channel and website
Kiefer Sutherland – musician
Creed Bratton – More Than You Know
Tom’s musical childhood
Jools Holland
The UK’s love for Boogie Woogie Piano
The Polish Boogie Festival
Bartek Szopiński
Reunion Boogie Germany
Luis Coloma in action
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Tom’s approach to improvisation
Tom in action with Kenny Thomas
Turning 12 songs into 300 on a short notice cruise gig
Paul Lamb at The 100 Club
Tom in action with CC Smugglers at Montreaux
The Tom Seals show during COVID – Black and Gold
The Tom Seals show with Matt Lucas
Tom and band do a killer version of Bowie’s Starman
Tom Seals and Noddy Holder
Tom at The Blue Note Milan
Tom’s favourite digital and acoustic pianos
The amazing Mo Pleasure
When you’re summonsed to play piano in someone’s hotel suite
Desert Island Discs: Live at Shea Stadium – Billy Joel, The Genius Sings The Blues – Ray Charles, Another Side of Paul Carrack – Paul Carrack & the SWR Big Band, Tapestry – Carole King, Breakfast – Lawrence
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Tom Seals, Jazz, Blues and Pop Pianist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Jakob Frímann Magnússon is a musical chameleon, wearing many hats in the Icelandic music scene and beyond. Born in Denmark but raised in Iceland, Jakob co-founded the legendary Icelandic band Stuðmenn back in his high school days, and they’ve been rocking since the 1970s. Jakob also has a solid solo career, dabbling in jazz fusion and collaborating with some big-name American jazz musicians. He also direct films, produces TV shows, and even had a stint as a cultural attaché in London. His latest outfit, Jack Magnet Science, has just released an album after gathering a bunch of talented musicians in an Icelandic studio to jam and see what happens. And when he has a spare hour or two, Jakob is also a member of the Icelandic parliament and has facilitated some fascinating initiatives for musicians..
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Jack Magnet Science’s release – Future Forecast
Jakob’s musical upbringing
Studying trumpet and the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra
Check out some of Stuðmenn’s music
An example of Jakob and Stuðmenn’s movie work
More info on the 1982 film ‘On Top’
Long John Baldry
The amazing Alan Howarth
Jakob and Alan in action as The Magnetics
On being a primarily self-taught keyboard player
Jakob Magnússon – Special Treatment
On the origin of the name Jack Magnet
Jakob Magnússon – Jack Magnet
Eyþór Gunnarsson – interview
Eyþór Gunnarsson – Garden Party
Ragnhildur Gísladóttir in action
DiSA in action with Trentemoller
Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now
Becoming a cultural attache of the Icelandic embassy in London
Being a member of the Althingi (Iceland’s Parliament)
Stephens Electronics recording devices
Desert Island Discs: Sculpture – DiSA, Gaucho – Steely Dan, Black Market – Weather Report, Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell, Future Forecast – Jack Magnet Science
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Jakob Frímann Magnússon, Jack Magnet Science / Stuðmenn / Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Felix Bornholdt is a New Zealand-born pianist and composer, known for his active involvement in the Australian improvised music scene and as a member (until recently) of the band Lime Cordiale. He has a rich musical background, influenced by a diverse range of genres from ECM and Bach to avant-garde jazz, which he was exposed to during his childhood. Bornholdt’s career highlights include extensive touring across the USA, Europe, and the UK, and the release of his debut solo piano album, Man Overboard, in June 2023. We chatted with Felix just a few days before he announced his (amicable) departure from Lime Cordiale.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Felix’s musical upbringing
Mike Nock
Mike Nock – Ondas
Moving to Australia and studying jazz
The Catholics – Indigo
Joining Lime Cordiale
Felix’s touring rig with Lime Cordiale
Felix in action with Lime Cordiale
Felix’s solo piano album – Man Overboard
Felix with Bike Thief
Tag a Keyboard Player: Novak Manojlovic
Desert Island Discs: Mutable Set – Blake Mills, The Koln Concert – Keith Jarrett, The Mysterious Production of Eggs – Andrew Bird, Tribalistas – Tribalistas, A Kind of Blue – Miles Davis
Cover graphic taken by the amazing Vasili Papathanasopoulos via Felix’s Instagram account
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Felix Bornholdt, Lime Cordiale / Bike Thief / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mike Mangan is an American musician known for his skills on the Hammond B3 Organ. Aside from playing keyboards for The Cult, Mike also leads his own bands, (Big Organ Trio and Rebel House Radio), and has been part of Glenn Hughes’ band, The Keef Richards and much more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Mike’s musical upbringing
Bob Kames and ‘Dance Little Bird’ (Chicken Dance)
Developing a love for the Hammond Organ
Moving to LA and the ‘Leave It To Beaver’ connection
Forming Big Organ Trio
Big Organ Trio in action: Dragon’s Triangle
Working with Glenn Hughes and the Secret Society of Glenn Hughes Organ Players with Lachy Doley and Bob Fridzema
Mike in action with Kings of Chaos
When Billy Gibbons plays your B3
Joining The Cult and ‘filling sonic spaces’
Mike in action with The Cult, 2023
Mike with The Cult – American Horse
Mike’s B3 organ outro on The Cult – The Witch
Opening for Dr Lonnie Smith and Ken Rich saving the day
The aging of the B3 tech support workforce
Opening for Robby Krieger
Lending your B3 to Bernie Worrell
When Keith Emerson turns up to your organ trio gig
Mike and Keith Emerson jam together
Shout out by Mike to Luke Jones at CV Keyboards
Mike with The Keef Richards band – I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
Desert Island Discs: Live! – Brother Jack McDuff, Black and Blue – Gene Harris Quartet, Brothers and Sisters – The Allman Brothers Band, In Step – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Mike Mangan, The Cult / Glenn Hughes / Big Organ Trio / The Keef Richards appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Larry Goldings is an internationally respected pianist, organist and composer, whos has worked with a wide array of artists such as John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, and James Taylor. He also has his own trio and solo works, as well as his contributions to numerous film and television soundtracks. Then there’s his comedic alter ego named Hans Groiner. In Part 2 we explore Larry’s approach to humour, working with Sia, Colin Hay and James Taylor, and continue to do some deep musical diving.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Working with James Taylor
Larry letting it rip on Steamroller with James Taylor
Working with Colin Hay
Larry with Colin Hay – I Want You Back
Working with Sia
Larry with Sia – I’m in Trouble
The instinctive qualities of good singer/songwriters
Larry’s approach to humour
The evolution of Hans Groiner
Hans Groiner – Beethoven and the Blues
Hans Groiner live with Jake Sherman
Hans and the music of Thelonius Monk
Our favourites: CPAC National Anthem Fail and Close Encounters
What Larry Goldings has learned from Hans Groiner
Johnny ‘Bowtie’ Barstow
Tag a Keyboard Player: Sullivan Fortner, Steve Nieve, Garth Hudson
Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Plays Duke Ellington – Thelonius Monk, At The Pershing: But Not For Me – Ahmad Jamal, Mompou Plays Mompou – Federico Mompou, The Complete Vee-Jay Recordings – Billy Preston, Genius + Soul = Jazz – Ray Charles
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Larry Goldings, Pianist and Composer (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Larry Goldings is an internationally respected pianist, organist and composer, whos has worked with a wide array of artists such as John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, and James Taylor. He also has his own trio and solo works, as well as his contributions to numerous film and television soundtracks. Then there’s his comedic alter ego named Hans Groiner. In part 1 we cover Larry’s musical upbringing, teachers, journey from jazz piano to organ, his approach to collaboration and a lot more. Plenty to enjoy and learn in this episode.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Larry’s childhood and music
The amazing Dave McKenna
Being taught by Ran Blake
Three lessons with Keith Jarrett
The New School
Being taught by Jaki Byard
Sir Roland Hanna
Playing with Jim Hendricks
Larry with Jim Hall – Mister Blues
Exploring The New School and Ran Blake and the Third Stream
The journey towards playing organ
Larry playing with Maceo Parker
Larry playing with John Scofield
Discussion on what makes particular collaborations appealing
Larry in action with Scary Pockets: Scary Goldings
Larry playing with Dannielle De Andrea
Larry with Melinda Sullivan
Earthshine produced by Larry Goldings and Pete Min
Does Larry Goldings have any musical boundaries?
Playing with James Taylor and Steely Dan
Larry with James Taylor
Larry with Bob James
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Larry Goldings, Pianist and Composer (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Robert L. Doerschuk is an accomplished music journalist and pianist. He has served as the editor of Musician Magazine and the Country Music Association (CMA) magazine, and a lot of our audience may know Bob from his time at the now defunct Keyboard magazine. Doerschuk is also a noted author, having written “88: The Giants of Jazz Piano,” which provides biographical sketches and critical analyses of prominent jazz pianists. We cover his own playing career as well as talk on his own amazing interviews with some of the best players in the world.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Bob’s current gig playing piano at Gannon’s in Nashville
Skull’s Rainbow Room Nashville
Approach to restaurant piano playing
Bob’s musical upbringing
Becoming a journalist
A discussion on journalism and approaching writing
Bob’s amazing Substack: Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth
Why the iconic Van Cliburn did in fact punch Bob in the mouth
Interviewing Billy Joel
Interviewing Keith Emerson and his concerns about his health
Interviewing Joni Mitchell
Interviewing Sam Powell
Approaching interviews across genres / subjects
Charles M Young
Long-form writing: moribund or already dead?
88: The Giants of Jazz Piano
Tag a Keyboard Player: Jacob Collier
Desert Island Discs: Kind of Blue – Miles Davis, Dreaming Wide Awake – Lizz Wright, Blackjack Dave – Dave Alvin, Watermark – Enya, Surf’s Up – The Beach Boys
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The post Robert L Doerschuk, Journalist and Pianist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Thomas Dolby has had one of the most interesting and innovative careers as a musician, and that makes him one interesting guest. We cover an enormous amount of ground in this interview and above all else it shows Thomas’ passion hasn’t waned, and his eyes are very firmly on the future.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Thomas’ busy rest of 2024
Preparing for a tour
Thomas’ 2024 tour keyboard rig
Using Logic Pro in a live environment
Thomas’ new book: Prevailing Wind
A divergence into sailing and the America’s Cup
Peter Vogel, the Fairlight and Stevie Wonder
Playing with Roger Waters at the iconic post fall of the Berlin Wall concert
Thomas talks David Bowie
Thomas’s tribute to David Bowie
Heroes at Live Aid
Thomas Dolby and Metal Gear Solid 5
Billie Eilish on Thomas Dolby
Thomas’ role as an educator at John Hopkins University Peabody Institute
Talking composing for non-linear mediums such as games / VR
Thomas Dolby on AI and music
Preparing students for a career in music in today’s context
Thomas on keeping creativity and the likelihood of ‘retiring’
Three artists that have inspired Thomas
An anecdote about Thomas’ friend, Shane MacGowan
Thomas Dolby – White City
Thomas Dolby – Simone
The Pogues – Boys from the County Hell
Thomas witnesses a world scale train wreck
Tag a Keyboard Player: Chuck Leavell, Max Middleton
Desert Island Discs: Astral Weeks – Van Morrison, Apostrophe (‘) – Frank Zappa, Hejira – Joni Mitchell, Original Recordings – Dan Hicks, Low – David Bowie
Key links:
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The post Thomas Dolby, Solo Artist / Innovator / Educator appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Doug Petty is an American pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles. He’s currently the keyboard player for the iconic Tears for Fears, but that’s just the start. Doug has recorded and performed with numerous artists, including Rihanna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Enrique Iglesias. His work extends to film soundtracks, contributing to movies such as “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” . Petty is also an adjunct professor at the USC Thornton School of Music. He has produced records for artists like Shawn Colvin and Audra McDonald and composed music for Disney TV series such as “Amphibia” and “101 Dalmatian Street.” We cover much of this amazing history and more in our catch-up with Doug.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Doug’s musical upbringing
Doug’s education at Eastman School of Music
Piano, orchestration and arranging over a career
USC Thornton School of Music
Doug’s approach as an educator of young musicians
The early gigging years
Working with Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin – Holiday Songs and Lullabies
Working on Britney Spears’ first album
Working with Enrique Iglesias
Mayfield – Mother England
Joining Tears for Fears
The challenge of recreating Tears for Fears keyboard sounds live
Doug’s Tears for Fears keyboard rig
Doug in action with Tears for Fears at Madison Square Garden
Doug with Tears for Fears BBC Piano Room
Doug’s arrangements on display – Rihanna at the American Music Awards
Doug’s work with iconic Chinese singer G.E.M.
Doug’s film work
Working on animated classics such as Happy Feet and Frozen
Keeping music human in an era of emerging AI
Doug’s thoughts on train wreck moments and falling off stage
Tag a Keyboard Player: Patrice Rushen
Desert Island Discs: Goldberg Variations: Glenn Gould (1981 version), Gaucho – Steely Dan, Encouraging Words – Billy Preston, Organ Grinder Swing – Jimmy Smith, So – Peter Gabriel, Live At Fillmore West – Aretha Franklin, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
Thumbnail photos come from the amazing Emily Rath Orzabal via Doug’s Instagram
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Doug Petty, Tears for Fears / Shawn Colvin / Rihanna / Celine Dion / Britney Spears appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Roger Joseph Manning Jr. is a US-based keyboardist, singer, and songwriter renowned for co-founding the bands Jellyfish, the Moog Cookbook, and Imperial Drag. He also happens to be a long-time member of Beck’s backing band, is a member of The Lickerish Quartet and has also collaborated with artists such as Air, Jay-Z, Blink 182, and Johnny Cash. We cover a lot of this amazing territory in our chat with Roger.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Roger’s past 12 months
Approach to working on music for sleep and/or meditation
Roger’s musical upbringing
Developing a career as a musician: the early days and catching the songwriting bug
Beatnik Beatch in action
The formation of Jellyfish and developing as a musician and an arranger
Learning how to be a successful live band
Roger in action with Jellyfish on Later with Jools Holland – The Ghost at Number One
Jellyfish live on Letterman
Jellyfish – The King is Half Undressed
Love for Burt Bacharach
Roger’s solo albums
Wish it Would Rain – Roger J Manning
Operator – Roger J Manning
Joining Beck’s band
An amazing YouTube playlist for Moog Cookbook
Roger in action with Imperial Drag
Roger playing with Beck – Paisley Park Sessions – Up All Night
Roger with Beck on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert – Colors
Roger’s ever-changing keyboard rig with Beck
Roger playing live with Beck 2023
Tag a Keyboard Player: Thomas Dolby and Jeff Babko
Desert Island Discs: Black Sea – XTC, Imperial Bedroom – Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Steve McQueen – Prefab Sprout, Deceptive Bends – 10CC, The Black Album – The Damned
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Roger J Manning, Beck / Jellyfish / Moog Cookbook / Imperial Drag appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Bob Fridzema has had quite the career already, marked by collaborations with a wide array of artists, including Glenn Hughes, Walter Trout, Bernie Marsden, and King King, among others. We cover a lot of this plus delve into other aspects of Bob’s work, including a quick studio tour that features some great vintage gear.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Bob’s musical childhood
Early love for boogie woogie piano
Bob in action with Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake)
First exposure to Hammond organs
Hammond L100 organ
Bob in action with Glenn Hughes at the Whisky A Go Go in 2024
Bob Fridzema, Mike Mangan and Lachy Doley – the Glenn Hughes keyboard player ‘secret society’
Getting the gig with Glenn Hughes
Learning Glenn’s setlist and the first rehearsal
Bob in action with Walter Trout
Bob’s Blues inspirations
Bob with Joanne Shaw Taylor 2018
Working with Bernie Marsden
Bob with Bernie Marden
Bob on Hammond B3 with Christine Baird – Alone Tonight
Bob’s approach as a teacher of skilled, motivated students
Bob in action with King King at Wembley Arena
Bob with Glenn Hughes – Might Just Take Your Life
Tag a Keyboard Player: Mike Hicks, Michael Bluestein
Desert Island Discs: Love Me Papa – Luther Allison, Plays Mac Rebennack – Dr John, Live at Berkeley – Jimi Hendrix, Bad Influence – Robert Cray, In Session – Koko Taylor (bootleg)
Cover photo via Bob’s Instagram and the amazing Philip Verhaege
Key links:
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The post Bob Fridzema, Glenn Hughes / King King / Joanne Shaw Taylor appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
It’s hard to overstate Eric Mouquet’s impact on music during the 1990s, and he’s still going strong. We cover Eric’s seminal work with Deep Forest but also his extensive recording, performing and collaboration with everyone from Peter Gabriel to David Foster and Herbie Hancock.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Eric’s introduction to music (thank you Deep Purple!)
Welson electric organs
The Farfisa VIP 500 organ
Commencing studio work and learning from the pros
Joe Hammer and Eric Mouquet
Computers and MIDI lead to Deep Forest
The formation of Deep Forest with Michel Sanchez
Electronic music inspirations
Approach to recording the first Deep Forest album
The iconic Akai s900 sampler
Erics go-to synths on the first album
The Roland JD-800
How Australia kicked off Deep Forest’s wider success
Taking a different approach to the second Deep Forest album (Boheme)
Deep Forest’s third album Comparsa
The passion for musical exploration 30 years later
Eric’s work with Japanese artist Mell: repeat – Deep Forest Remix
Eric’s work with Japanese artist Chitose Hajime on the album Music Detected – Will You Be Ready
Working with Chinese artist Sa Dingding
The joy of improvising and creating with a singer
Working with Josh Groban and David Foster – Remember When It Rained
Josh Groban – Awake
Josh Groban – Machine (with Herbie Hancock)
Collaboration with Peter Gabriel – While The Earth Sleeps
Admiration for Joe Zawinul
The technology Eric uses to create albums now
Why the Expressive E Osmose is the keyboard Eric had been waiting for
Desert Island Discs: Black Market – Weather Report, Piano Concerto in G – Ravel, Close to the Edge – Yes, A Love Supreme – John Coltrane, Blue Lines – Massive Attack
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Eric Mouquet, Deep Forest appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Phillip Golub is a Brooklyn-based pianist, improviser, and composer. We talk on Phillip’s career and his work in transcribing Wayne Shorter’s work, as well as some thoughts on the increasing challenges musicians face industrially. All in all a fascinating chat!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Phillip’s musical upbringing
Establishing a career in music
Phillip playing with Layale Chaker and the Sarafand Ensemble
Tropos – Fronk
Breaking down the binary of composition and improvisation
Approaching transcription and realising the work of others
Steinberg Dorico
Why Phillip prefers Dorico over Sibelius
How Phillip came to be the transcriber of Wayne Shorter’s works
Esperanza Spalding
Attempting to assess Wayne Shorter’s impact on music
Phillip Golub – It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Phillip’s approach to creating music the past decade
The importance of working with other people and sustained collaboration
Phillip’s work with the Music Worker’s Alliance and the industrial challenges musicians face
Session pay versus recording for ‘pizza and beer’
Artificial intelligence and keeping music human
Phillip’s favourite non-piano keyboards
Phillip’s Pianoteq inspired instrument, the Flexichord
How lower quality key beds can be a creative opportunity
Tag a Keyboard Player: Dana Saul
Desert Island Discs: Junk Magic – Craig Taborn, Silent Tongues – Cecil Taylor, Autotrophs – Cory Smythe, Dusk – Andrew Hill, Open, To Love – Paul Bley, Largo – Brad Mehldau
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Phillip Golub, Pianist / Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Anna Lapwood is a British organist, conductor, and broadcaster. Currently Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge, Anna has a full schedule as both organist and conductor. We go in-depth in relation to some of the amazing instruments Anna has performed on, as well as a wide-ranging discussion on Anna’s career and the challenges of classical music in the modern era more broadly.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Anna’s musical upbringing
First exposure to the organ
The approach to intensive practice of up to 8 hours per day
Becoming Director of Music at Pembroke College at 21
How teaching music works at Cambridge
A week in the life of Anna Lapwood and Pembroke College
Developing as a conductor
Releasing one’s own work
Insights into performance anxiety and ‘getting out of one’s head’
Anna’s love for film music and re-interpreting film music for the organ
Anna performs ‘Cornfield Chase’ from the movie Interstellar
The power of film music as a ‘gateway’ to classical music
Anna explores the Royal Albert Hall Organ
The largest organ in the world in Atlantic City USA
Macy’s Philadelphia Wanamaker Organ
Comparing thoughts on the organ as an instrument now, to when Anna was first introduced to the instrument
Anna and Bonobo perform together
Thoughts on keeping classical music fresh in the 21st Century and beyond
A discussion on organist footwear – Organ Master shoes
The Cambridge Organ Experience
Bachathon for Zambia
A tip for young players wanting to work in the music industry
Three emerging artists Anna calls out: Toril Azzalini-Machecler, Lucy Walker, Jess Gillam
Desert Island Discs: My One and Only Thrill – Melody Gardot, Soundtrack – Pirates of the Caribbean, Metamorphosen – Strauss, Bring Us, O Lord God – Sir William Harris, Intermezzo in A Major – Brahms
Key links:
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The post Anna Lapwood, Organist / Conductor / Broadcaster appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Jim Sheridan is a hard keyboard player to quantify, as his career has been incredibly diverse. That said, it’s fair to say he’s a TV production expert from a musical viewpoint, and it’s given him some fascinating perspectives on composition, production and musicianship.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Name That Tune – Fox Network
The process of refining 1400+ songs for a season of the show
The joy of working with Randy Jackson
The intensity of workflow during production of a season of Name That Tune
Jim on the Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy
Jim’s (non) musical upbringing, teaching himself to play and his unexpected first audition
The iconic Roland D50 Digital Native Dance
Spyder Simpson – He’s a Businessman
Jim performing with Linda Martin in 1995
Why Jim won’t have a bad word said against pop stars Jedward
Jim on The Lyrics Board
Jedward go acoustic on the Late Late Show
Moving into TV work
Learning and doing TV composition, and what killed it as a viable career
Becoming a TV house band musical director
Jim and his house band on Tubridy Tonight
Michael Fassbender singing Twist and Shout
Guns, late nights and a train wreck performance worthy of nightmares
Russell Crowe performs on the Late Late Show
Jim with Sinead O’Connor – For One Night Only
Desert Island Discs: Trevor Horn Reimagines The Eighties – Trevor Horn, The Nightfly – Donald Fagen, Hejira- Joni Mitchell, West Side Story – Leonard Bernstein, Film Music Collection – Ennio Morricone
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Jim Sheridan, TV Music Producer, Musical Director & Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
David Ryshpan is a multifaceted Canadian musician whose talents extend to being a pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, and DJ. Born in Toronto. David has collaborated with a range of artists, including the likes of Vox Sambou, Jorge Ben Jor, and Trio Bruxo, showcasing his versatility across different musical landscapes. We go from Beijing to Brazil in this discussion, with a side-trip to Tokyo, hope you enjoy it.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Getting into jazz at the age of 9Playing matinee gigs at The Rex as a teenagerDave Brubeck – Strange Meadow LarkJeff Johnston – McGill UniversityDavid’s technique and why it was less than optimalDavid’s video on avoiding the ‘chicken dance’ with keyboard fingeringIndigone Trio – TonglenOn developing a passion for Brazilian JazzThe Banff Centre Jazz & Sonic Arts residencyDjavan – Tem Boi na LinhaJorge Ben JorDavid performing with Jorge Ben Jor 2013David at Blue Note Tokyo with Jorge Ben Jor 2014Working with Vox SambouVox Sambou at Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues festival 2019The amazing OktoechoOktoecho – TranscestralTrio Bruxo in actionTag a Keyboard Player: Ric’key Pageot; Camille Gélinas (www.instagram.com/cam.geli); David Osei-Afrifa (www.instagram.com/david.osei.afrifa)
Desert Island Discs: Herbie Hancock – Thrust; Stevie Wonder – Innervisions; Willie Colón & Ruben Blades – Siembra; Djavan – Alumbramento; Guillermo Klein – Carrera
Key links:
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The post David Ryshpan, Vox Sambou / Trio Bruxo appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mikey Rowe is keyboardist for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Rowe’s musical journey with Noel Gallagher extends beyond the High Flying Birds. He was also a part of Oasis and has an incredibly extensive session and recording career, which we discuss in some depth. And then there’s the train wreck story… A huge thanks to Mikey for his time!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Mikey’s website
Mikey’s past 6-12 months with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
How the High Flying Birds gig came about
Recording process with Noel and the High Flying Birds
MD role and prepping for translating the new recorded work into the live environment
Getting the gig with Oasis
Mikey with Oasis on MTV Unplugged – Listen Up
Mikey’s approach to covering the huge Oasis / Gallagher back catalogue
Mikey’s Mainstage rig
Mikey’s home studio setup
Working with The Amorphous Androgynous and Future Sound of London
Working with Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks – In Your Dreams
Mikey playing with Sheryl Crow – My Favourite Mistake
On not reading music and working with other great musicians
Playing with David Gilmour on Rattle That Lock
Mikey playing David Gilmour’s song Today
Why Mikey thinks he didn’t do a great job on the David Gilmour session
Talking Hammonds and Leslies with Prince
Working with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger
Mikey with Sheryl Crow and Keith Richards – Happy
Mikey’s Train Wreck
Mikey with Rachel Stamp – Hey Hey Michael You’re Really Fantastic
Tag a Keyboard Player: Roger Manning
Desert Island Discs: OK Computer – Radiohead, In It For The Money – Supergrass, Matador – Gaz Coombes, Sea Change – Beck, A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles
A brief chat on Slade
Slade – Run Runaway
Mikey and Noel Gallagher perform Dead in the Water
Key links:
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The post Mikey Rowe, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds / Oasis appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mark Shusterman is the keyboardist for Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. We cover his journey with that outfit as well as his other projects and diverse musical history.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Mark’s musical upbringing
Constellations band
The Blue Rider – Year of the Horse
Mark’s love of the Rhodes and other go-to keyboards
Meeting Nathaniel Rateliff
The Hi-Dive in Denver
Mark with The Night Sweats on Jimmy Fallon
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – I Need Never Get Old
The role of perfectionism and the band’s output
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats at Farm Aid 2023 – Time Makes Fools
Mark’s keyboard rig with The Night Sweats
The importance of backing vocals and harmonies
Amlamas – Electric Eyes
Mark’s art exhibition
Mark’s favourite keyboards
Guidance for those entering the industry and pitfalls to avoid
The Helpinstill Upright Piano
Tag a Keyboard Player: Jackie Miclau
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – Buy My Round
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – What If I with Phil Cook
Desert Island Discs: Maggot Brain – Funkadelic, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots – The Flaming Lips, Music for 18 Musicians – Steve Reich, Drukqs – Aphex Twin, Aquemini – Outkast.
Pimp your band t-shirt: Light in the Black (Canada)
Key links:
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The post Mark Shusterman, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Jim Prime has been Deacon Blue’s keyboard player for decades, and that alone is a great reason to spend some serious time with him. Add in his other playing credits with other artists (John Martyn, Johnny Hallyday), his sense of humour and some of the best anecdotes we’ve heard, and you’ve got an interview for the ages.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Jim in recent action and a tour of his keyboard rig
Deacon Blue in full flight live
Jim’s musical upbringing
Park Lane Studios Glasgow
Altered Images – Don’t Talk To Me About Love
Taking two Oberheim OB-X synths on tour
Learning how a show works thanks to community theatre
Working with John Martyn
Fear, alcohol and drugs: leaving the music industry
Meeting Ricky Ross and formation of Deacon Blue
Dealing with fear and imposter syndrome
Deacon Blue – Dignity
The power of collaboration to defeat procrastination
Getting back to basics and being inspired by traditional Scottish music
Margaret Urlich – Number One
Working with ‘France’s Elvis’, Johnny Hallyday
Jim playing live with, and being introduced by Johnny Hallyday
Working on The Big Picnic (watch it here)
Teaching at the University of the West of Scotland
Reminiscence bump
Tag a Keyboard Player: Chuck Leavell, Dave Stewart
Desert Island Discs: Aja – Steely Dan, The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. 1 – Earth Wind & Fire, Second Helping – Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blue – Joni Mitchell, The Last Record Album – Little Feat.
Key links:
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Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post James Prime, Deacon Blue appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Damon McMahon is an Australian-based keyboard player and former musical instrument industry professional who has a fascinating history of playing and living in other countries, including China, Singapore and Japan. We cover Damon’s interesting history in music and also engage in some music industry chat.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Damon’s musical ‘residency’ in Shanghai, China
Playing in a four-piece band in Singapore
Two and a half years playing in Japan athe Osaka Hilton
Playing in Thailand
Playing on the night of an earthquake in Osaka, Japan.
The mature taste in music of the Japanese people
Playing ABBA in China
Working for Roland Corp.
Roland RD-600 in action
The Osaka Blue Note
Joe Sample at the Blue Note Osaka 1995
Even politicians don’t understand not to talk at you while you’re playing… (and no, it wasn’t Anthony Albanese)
Working for Yamaha Music Australia
Working for Casio’s Australian distributor
Differences between Yamaha, Roland and Casio’s approach
Damon’s favourite keyboards
A case in support of the arranger keyboard
Damon’s guitar player-related train wreck
Desert Island Discs: Here Come D’boogie Man – Herbie Marks, Jarreau – Al Jarreau, Johnnie B. Bad – Johnnie Johnson, Original Soundtrack – Rebel, Natural Wonder – Stevie Wonder
Key links:
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Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Damon McMahon, Keyboardist and Industry Expert appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Most of our guests are hard to pigeon-hole, but none moreso than Sarah Belle Reid. We delve into Sarah’s fascinating work in modular synthesis, composition and even take a few detours into academia and virtual reality. If you’ve ever thought about learning or jumping into modular synthesis, Sarah has some great guidance as well.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Sarah’s musical upbringing
Learning trumpet and piano classicly and the transition to experimental / electronic music
Dealing with anxiety and ‘stage fright’ in performance
Discovering and loving modular synthesis
The Serge modular synth
The challenge of learning modular synthesis
Learn more about the MIGSI (Minimally Invasive Gesture Sensing Interface)
Group education and mentoring of synthesis students (you can check out Sarah’s course here)
Dealing with doubts about musical training and ability
Not getting caught up in genre
The Imaginative Listening Project
Sonic Meditations by Pauline Oliveros
The Postcard Project
An esoteric discussion on virtual spaces, music and future predictions
Alternatives to musical notation
Sarah’s own creative output – check out Sarah’s discography here
Virtual modular synth platform: VCV Rack
Sarah’s free VCV Rack course
Tag a Keyboard Player: Todd Barton
Desert Island Discs: Self-titled – Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton, Not In Our Name – Charlie Haden, Electronic Works 1958-1995 – Else Marie Pade
Pimp your Band T-Shirt: Spit
Key links:
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Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Sarah Belle Reid, Performer – Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Aside from his founding role with The Greyboy Allstars and his recent tour with Roger Waters, Robert Walter has had an incredibly diverse career as a performer and composer. We cover it all as well as some great guidance for newer players and some great Desert Island Disc picks.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Robert’s musical upbringing
Forming The Greyboy Allstars
Robert and The Greyboy Allstars in action live – December’s Bicycle
Discovering a passion for the Hammond B3
Forming Robert Walter’s 20th Congress
Robert Walter’s 20th Congress in action live
Get a taste of Robert’s Aquarium Drunkard Lagniappe Session (Vol. 3)
Securing the gig with Roger Waters
Robert in action with Roger Waters during 2023 – Sheep
Comfortably Numb 2022
Great Gig in the Sky – The Dark Side of the Moon Redux
Approach to dual keyboard players on the Roger Waters tour, with Jon Carin
Experience of playing huge, immersive Roger Waters shows
Film / TV composition work
What Robert has learned from others and what guidance he’d pass on
Robert’s train wreck stories x 2
Tag a Keyboard Player: John Medeski, Jon Carin, John Gros
Desert Island Discs: Thrust – Herbie Hancock, Waiting for Columbus – Little Feat, Dr John’s Gumbo – Dr John, Straight Life – Freddie Hubbard, Organ Grinder Swing – Jimmy Smith
Pimp Your Band T-Shirt – Basler
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Robert Walter, The Greyboy Allstars / Roger Waters appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Jamie Hilboldt has been the go-to keys man for a range of artists from The Funk Brothers to his current long-term gig with the iconic Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. We cover Jamie’s career and his approach to playing and performing songs that are ingrained into the fabric of popular music.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Jamie’s musical upbringing and inspirations
Touring with show bands
Maintaining motivation and equilibrium playing 6 nights a week
Playing at The White House
Playing Beehive – The ’60’s Musical
Legends in Concert and becoming MD
Auditioning for Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
Woodshedding Gary Puckett’s music for first tour
Jamie in action with Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
Using MainStage
Working with The Funk Bros
Working with Archie Bell and The Drells
Working on the Janis Joplin musical (Love, Janis)
Being married to a keyboard player / pianist
Jamie’s go-to keybooards
Some great guidance to those wanting to break into the industry
When Tom Schuman from Spyro Gyra turns up at your gig
Playing at The White House
Tag a Keyboard Player: George Duke
Desert Island Discs (artists chosen by Jamie, some albums chosen by host): Guardian of the Light – George Duke, Head Hunters, Herbie Hancock, ‘Flicted – Bruce Hornsby, Hermit of Mink Hollow – Todd Rundgren.
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Jamie Hilboldt, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Grant Larcom is one of the stellar stable of keyboard players with Postmodern Jukebox. We talk on his amazing ride with that outfit as well as his other projects and future plans. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or...
The post Grant Larcom, Postmodern Jukebox appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Franz Nicolay plays piano, accordion and pretty much anything with keys for a wide range of projects including The Hold Steady and cabaret-punk orchestra World/Inferno Friendship Society as well as his own burgeoning solo career. We talk on all that in addition to his output as an author (see links below). This is one wide...
The post Franz Nicolay, The Hold Steady appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In this episode, we celebrate the 100th episode of the Keyboard Chronicles podcast. We discuss the behind-the-scenes process of producing a podcast and share our top five guests. other notable guests, discuss our favorite interviews, most popular audio and video episodes, and our bucket list guests. We also talk on our plans for 2024 and...
The post The Century Retrospective Episode appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We catch up with Morris Hayes to talk about his incredible career to date, including not only his amazing time with Prince, but his diverse production career and great insights on touring and playing. In this second instalment (Part 1 is here) we cover some iconic Prince gigs, a train wreck story that will turn...
The post Morris Hayes, Prince / New Power Generation (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We catch up with Morris Hayes to talk about his incredible career to date, including not only his amazing time with Prince, but his diverse production career and great insights on touring and playing. In this first part we cover Morris’ development as musician, his entry into the orbit of Prince and his approach to...
The post Morris Hayes, Prince / New Power Generation (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Kevin Gastonguay is a pianist and composer from Minnesota and now based in Nashville. Kevin has gained has gained well-deserved recognition for his work with jazz guitarist Cory Wong, with whom he records and tours internationally. In addition to his collaborations with Wong, Kevin has played in a range of bands and continues to release...
The post Kevin Gastonguay, Cory Wong / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Darryl Beaton has already had an incredible career as a keyboard player, singer and musical director, and he’s just getting started. We talk with Darryl on his career to date, his take on the ups and downs of TV-based musical direction and a whole bunch more including one hell of a Stevie Wonder anecdote! To...
The post Darryl Beaton, Jessica Mauboy / Delta Goodrem / Guy Sebastian appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Dominic Fallacaro is a jazz pianist, co-arranger, orchestrator, and Music Director. He’s currently MD for the hit Broadway jukebox musical & Juliet. This is of course, only one aspect of Dominic’s career and we cover his other achievements as a player, composer and arranger. There’s even a great Elmo story, so this is one not...
The post Dominic Fallacaro – Musical Director / Orchestrator / Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Buck Johnson has been playing and singing since a very young age, and this experience shows in this interview as Buck takes us through his amazing career to date. We cover everything from Aerosmith’s farewell tour, to Buck’s production career, working with a range of true greats and his solo work. Lots to enjoy in...
The post Buck Johnson, Aerosmith / Hollywood Vampires / Joe Perry Project appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Scott Sheriff is the go-to keys maestro for the excepetional Carrie Underwood. He is also a busy session / studio musician and arranger, and also has his own yacht rock band, amongst other projects. We talk about all of this and more in this episode. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button...
The post Scott Sheriff, Carrie Underwood appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Trevor Nealon has been playing keys with Band of Heathens for more than ten years, after an already diverse career in music. We cover off Trevor’s career across those multiple projects and have a few laughs along the way. Hope you enjoy it! To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the...
The post Trevor Nealon, Band of Heathens appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Dan “Spiffy” Neuman is a multi-instrumental musician, whose organ playing caught our attention over recent years. As you’ll hear, Dan’s upbringing and career to date is incredibly diverse and he’s rightly gained recognition for his skills as a guitarist and organist. For those unfamiliar with churches with a gospel singing focus, this is a fascinating...
The post Dan ‘Spiffy’ Neuman, Touring and Session Organist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Rob Aries is a keyboard player and bassist for Average White Band. Rob also happens to be a formidable jazz player and in this episode we cover all of that plus some, in what’s been an amazing career to date.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Joining Average White Band (AWB)
Playing with AWB
On AWB being the 15th most sampled band in history
Pick up the Pieces – Average White Band
School Boy Crush – Average White Band
Musical upbringing
Learning from John Mehegan
John Mehegan – Once Again in Love
God Bless The Child – Blood, Sweat and Tears
Living and gigging in New York as a young man
Nite Sprite band in action in 1980
Average White Band and The Chicken Dance (spoiler: David got his research wrong)
Working with John Scofield
Rob in action with John Scofield – Protocol
John Scofield as band leader
Touring with a Yamaha KX-88 in a plywood case
Surviving the pandemic
Heathkit project
Rock Me Tonight – Freddie Jackson
The Tascam 388
Rob playing on Freddie Jackson’s cover of Good Morning Heartache
Rob’s amazingly compact rig with Average White Band
Next 12 months and future of AWB
Thoughts for younger players and the challenges of current approach to music variety and melody
The Whitehall Grand Prix Duo combo organ
Tag a Keyboard Player: Jacob Collier, Jonah Nilsson
Desert Island Discs: The Real McCoy – McCoy Tyner, A Love Supreme – JOhn Coltrane (ideally a live version such as this), Now He Sings, Now He Sobs – Chick Corea, Thrust – Herbie Hancock,
Pimp Your T-Shirt: Boneyard
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Rob Aries, Average White Band appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Paddy Milner is a British keyboard player and blues pianist, who amongst other things is the current keyboard player for Sir Tom Jones, and co-founder of roots / rock ‘n roll outfit Jawbone. We speak with Paddy on his musical upbringing, his love for the blues and boogie woogie and his amazing gigs with artists...
The post Paddy Milner, Tom Jones appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Troye Kinnett is an Indiana USA-based keyboard player, who aside from holding down keyboard duties with John Mellencamp for close to twenty years, has had a lengthy and varied career in production, live work and composition. We talk on all this and more with Troye, including some great road stories and perspectives on the music...
The post Troye Kinnett, John Mellencamp appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In Part 2 of our interview with Rachel Flowers, we cover off her love of Keith Emerson’s work and her interactions and performances in that space, her love of Stevie Wonder as well as our raft of standard questions including some brilliant desert island disc picks! To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play...
The post Rachel Flowers, Pianist / Organist / Synthesist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Rachel Flowers is a renowned pianist who has played / collboarated with some of the biggest artists in the world. In this first of two parts, we cover Rachel’s early years and development in music, and have some good laughs along the way as well. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button...
The post Rachel Flowers, Pianist / Organist / Synthesist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We speak with the amazing Rai Thistlethwayte on his incredible international career as an acclaimed keyboard player across a range of genres. As you’ll hear / see, Rai is an incredibly down-to-earth and insightful musician with some great perspectives on the keyboard playing life. Enjoy! To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button...
The post Rai Thistlethwayte – Thirsty Merc / Joe Satriani / Sun Rai appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We continue our chat with the amazing Bill Payne (Part 1 is here). We cover a lot more territory in relation to Little Feat, keyboard rigs, Bill’s other significant collaborations with other artists and a whole bunch more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video:...
The post Bill Payne, Little Feat (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Bill Payne is a highly acclaimed American musician best known as a founding member and keyboardist of the iconic rock band Little Feat. With his keyboard skills, Bill has made significant contributions to Little Feat’s extensive discography, including hit songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Willin’,” and “Fat Man in the Bathtub.” Throughout his career, Bill has...
The post Bill Payne, Little Feat (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Steve Maggiora has only been with Toto for a handful of years, but he’s already making a big impression. We talk with Steve on his recent tour with Toto, how he got the gig in the first place, and the much wider career he’s had as a keyboard player, including an amazing gig on the...
The post Steve Maggiora, Toto / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Aside from holding down keyboard duties with iconic act Blondie for more than 15 years, Matt Katz-Bohen has had an incredibly diverse career in music to date. We cover the gamut from Princess Goes to Matt’s work on Broadway, Blondie and a whole lot more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button […]
The post Matt Katz-Bohen, Blondie / Princess Goes appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Danalogue is a British keyboard player with The Comet is Coming, a British experimental jazz band formed in London in 2013. The group is known for their unique blend of jazz, electronica, funk, and psychedelic music. In addition to talking about that project we also cover Danalogue’s involvement in other musical projects and collaborations such as Soccer96.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
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Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Discovering a passion for music, partly due to the ‘angelic’ Diana Ross
Led Zeppelin Live At Madison Square Garden – The Song Remains the Same
Watching The Stranglers
Touring with James
Playing live with Tim Booth (on sax and keys)
Meeting and chatting with Brian Eno
Forming and evolving Soccer96
Soccer96 in action and also here
The development of The Comet is Coming
The Comet is Coming – Summon The Fire live at Glastonbury
On recording to tape
The naming of The Comet is Coming (you can listen to the track in question right here, and here’s a great story on the BBC Radiophonic Workshop)
The differences in playing The Comet is Coming material live
David Byrne – Everyone’s Coming to My House – American Utopia
Danalogue’s rig rundown
Danalogue and Alabaster DePlume – The March That Is Unstoppable
Jeff Beck’s 808 drum machine
A good train wreck moment
Däm Funk’s shoulder synth
Tag a keyboard player: Charlie Stacey
Desert Island Discs: The Inner Mounting Flame – Mahavishnu Orchestra, Innervisions – Stevie Wonder, GLAQJO XAACSSO – Patten, Shri Camel – Terry Riley, Outdoor Museum Of Fractals – James Holden & Camilo Tirado (Don’t forget to check out all our guest’s selections on this page)
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Danalogue, The Comet is Coming / Soccer96 appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
In Part 2 of our interview with David Sancious (Part 1 here) we cover his work with Sting and Peter Gabriel, working with Springsteen on Human Touch and a massive amount more including David’s Desert Island Discs.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
/p>
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
2015 Sting and Paul Simon Tour
David playing with Sting and Paul Simon – Bridge Over Troubled Water
2016 Sting and Peter Gabriel Tour
On working with Peter Gabriel
David playing with Peter Gabriel – 1988 Amnesty International Tour
David Sancious memoir coming soon
On ‘brother’ relationships with Ernest Carter, Garry Tallent and Bruce Springsteen
On working with Bruce Springsteen on the Human Touch album
Bruce Springsteen – Soul Driver
On the love between keyboard players and drummers
Touring with Eric Clapton
David playing live on One More Car One More Rider
Buy One More Care One More Rider
Check out Father Ted for yourself
Desert Island Discs: Band of Gypsys – Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix, The Planets – Holst, Preludes – Chopin, At The Organ – Jimmy Smith (Don’t forget to check out all our guest’s selections on this page)
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post David Sancious, Solo Artist / Peter Gabriel / Sting / Bruce Springsteen (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
David Sancious is a pianist / organist / keyboard player of reknown. Known for his contributions to the fields of rock, jazz, and fusion, Sancious gained prominence in the early 1970s as a founding member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. He played keyboards and guitar for Springsteen’s first three albums, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” (1973), “The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle” (1973), and “Born to Run” (1975). Sancious’ innovative and soulful keyboard work, as well as his songwriting contributions, helped shape the sound of these seminal recordings.
After leaving the E Street Band in 1974, Sancious embarked on a solo career and formed his own band called “Tone.” He released several albums under his name, including “Forest of Feelings” (1975) and “Transformation (The Speed of Love)” (1976), with regular releases until the present. He’s also worked with artists such as Stanley Clarke, Peter Gabriel, Jack Bruce, and Sting, contributing his keyboard and composition skills to their projects. In Part 1 we cover a huge swathe of territory, from his current projects to his more recent work with Bruce Springsteen and a whole lot more.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
David’s 2023 so far – working on new album Prisoners of Consciousness
Re-mastering Dance of the Age of Enlightenment and it’s original troubled beginnings, and knowing when you’ve gotten it right 40 years later.
David’s 2019 release Eyes Wide Open
Discussion on song Urban Psalm #3 and David’s experience of overt racism at college
Working on Bruce Springsteen’s Western Stars in 2019
Working with Bruce Springsteen on his latest release Only The Strong Survive and its follow-up
David performing with Bruce on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
David Sancious and Will Calhoun – Open Secret
David’s favourite keyboard
Leaving the E Street Band
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post David Sancious, Solo Artist / Peter Gabriel / Sting / Bruce Springsteen (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Dan Mansfield is a Queensland Australia-basewd musician who plays in a diverse range of musical outfits, including five years with iconic rock band You Am I. As you’ll hear, Dan covers a huge range of genres and also loves repairing Hammond organs and Leslie speakers. There’s also some decent Pink Floyd and Beatles chat. Lots in the episode to check out, no matter where you’re based.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Playing gigs with George Golla, Kevin Hunt and Don Burrows as a teen
John Paul Jones as keyboard inspiration
The Gin Club in action live – ‘You, Me and The Sea’
Dan playing live with You Am I
The Drones – Taman Shud
You Let My Tyres Down – TFS
Letting one’s freak flag fly
Joining The Gin Club
Don Walker live
On falling in love with Hammond organs
Kula Shaker live
The fragility of Leslie speaker units and repairing / restoring
Hats off to Lachy Doley
Dan with The Honey Sliders – https://youtu.be/l6oj1-9ayN8
The Honey Sliders play The Beatles Rooftop concert – with a health dose of discussion on the ‘Get Back’ movie
Lots of Hammond talk including the evil of the Calculated Leslie Switcher
Dan’s train wreck story
Dan’s love of Kurzweil keyboards
Thoughts / tips for younger players
Tag a keyboard player: Jon Carin
Desert Island Discs: Animals – Pink Floyd, A Nod Is As Good As A Wink.. To A Blind Horse – Faces, Caravanserai – Santana, Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts – Kula Shaker, Amorica – The Black Crowes (Don’t forget to check out all our guest’s selections on this page)
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Dan Mansfield, You Am I / The Gin Club / The Honey Sliders appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Rachel Eckroth is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer who has played with a huge range of artists alongside her own burgeoning music career. We talk to Rachel on her playing history, touring highlights and her approach to playing. As always there’s a great rain wreck story and some thoughtful desert island discs selections.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Rachel’s amazing trio
Working with Mike Gordon (Phish)
Childhood and teen music development
Stanley Cowell
Developing an individual playing style
Working with St Vincent
Rachel in action with St Vincent
Working with Chris Botti
Rachel opening (and also playing with) Rufus Wainwright
Rachel in action with KT Tunstall
Discussion on developing one’s skills to cover diverse gigs
Rachel with the Meredith Vieira Show band
Rachel’s solo work and development in composition and playing
Title track from Rachel’s ‘When It Falls’
‘Three Wheels’, from Rachel’s album ‘One’
The Garden album
Impact of COVID on creativity
Favourite live experiences
Suggestions for younger players wanting to make a living in the music industry
Rachel’s go-to keyboards
Rachel playing the Vintage Vibe piano
Tag a keyboard player: Jason Lindner
Desert Island Discs: Love Supreme – John Coltrane, Sketches of Spain – Miles Davis, Purple Rain – Prince, Tidal – Fiona Apple, Liberation Music Orchestra – Charlie Haden. (Don’t forget to check out all our guest’s selections on this page)
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Rachel Eckroth, Solo Artist / St Vincent / Rufus Wainwright / KT Tunstall appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mike Garson has played piano and keyboards for seventy years. Best known as David Bowie’s keyboard player (no other musician has played more gigs with David Bowie), Mike’s career spans that amazing collaboration and so much more. In Part 2 of this interview (Part 1 is here), we talk to Mike a little more on David Bowie, then move onto his wider career in music, including his work with Smashing Pumpkins, Trent Reznor, the jazz ensemble Free Flight and a whole lot more. Mike also gives listeners / watchers a special improvisational treat at the end so do hang around!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
How David Bowie was on another level compared to other artists
David Bowie’s hand-drawn portrait of Mike
The impact of David Bowie’s death
Mike and Luke Spiller performing Moonage Daydream at the Sun Rose
Mike on the Adore tour with Smashing Pumpkins
Mike plays Gershwin’s Summertime at a Smashing Pumpkins gig
Discussing God with Billy Corgan and David Bowie
Working with Trent Reznor
Mike playing with Nine Inch Nails live
Watchmen Soundtrack – Trust in the Law
History with Free Flight
Free Flight on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
Mike and his work in music therapy
The Physician and the Musician live
Most challenging gigs
Teaching piano and advice for students
Discussion on Mike’s movement, ‘Now Music’
Documentary on Mike Garson
Turning down gigs with Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Sarah Vaughan
Mike plays an interpretation of Space Oddity
Mike’s go-to keyboards
Tag a keyboard player: Nil
Mike plays ‘My Romance’
Mick Ronson’s advice on becming a full-time studio player
A very special improvisation from Mike
Desert Island Discs: Aladdin Sane – David Bowie, The Goldberg Variations – Glenn Gould, any Mozart requiem, any Verdi requiem, Sunday at the Village Vanguard – Bill Evans (Don’t forget to check out all our guest’s selections on this page)
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Mike Garson, David Bowie / Smashing Pumpkins / Trent Reznor / Free Flight (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mike Garson has played piano and keyboards for seventy years. Best known as David Bowie’s keyboard player (no other musician has played more gigs with David Bowie), Mike’s career spans that amazing collaboration and so much more. In Part 1 of this two-part interview. we talk to Mike on his decades playing with David Bowie, his start in music and his role as a music teacher.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Mike’s early childhood start playing piano
David Liebman
Failing pre-med and moving to music
Disillusionment with career and auditioning for Bowie
Adjusting to being part of the Spiders from Mars
Working with Mick Ronson
See Emily Play – string arrangement by Mick Ronson
Mike’s ‘telepathic’ connection with David Bowie
Recording Aladdin Sane
Thru’ These Architects Eyes
Bring Me The Disco King
Mike’s emulated guitar sound at Glastonbury 2000
Surviving 13 band lineup changes
Listen to Mike play Greensleeves for the Glastonbury audience
Listen to Mike’s medley of Bowie hits at the 1973 Hammersmith Odeon show
Paying tribute to Bowie’s music over the past seven years – The Bowie Alumni Band
The Bowie Alumni Band – Fashion
David Bowie and Mike Garson – Wild is the Wind live, 2000
Reflecting on David Bowie’s impact on popular culture
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Mike Garson, David Bowie / Smashing Pumpkins / Trent Reznor / Free Flight (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Carey Frank is a Los Angeles based keyboard player who, with his Hammond organ in tow, plays with a range of amazing acts from Tedeschi Trucks Band through to Social Distortion and some fun times with Dr Lonnie Smith, Michael Bublé and Bruce Springsteen to name just three others. Carey also teaches and we cover all of that and more in this interview.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Starting piano at age 3
Recording the Keep Smiling album for a Master’s Degree
Meeting Dr Lonnie Smith
Buying a B3 and a van
Working at Disney with Mo’Rocking band (Carey not in this video)
Influences of family and Klezmer music
Don Cornell
Carey, Social Distortion and Springsteen
Working with Vanessa Amorosi and Orianthi (watch them live)
Working with Tedeschi Trucks Band
Carey in action with Tedeschi Trucks Band
Playing with Mike Garson
Working on Michael Buble’s NBC Christmas special
Carey’s go-to keyboards
Rumproller Organ Trio – Ex’s and Oh’s
Carey’s three-for-one train wrecks
Carey playing with Scary Pockets
Tag a keyboard player: Mike Garson, Rachel Eckroth
Desert Island Discs: Graceland – Paul Simon, Tap Step – Chick Corea, Paint the World – Chick Corea, Time Out – Dave Brubeck, Self-Titled – Herbie Hancock Trio, That’s What I Say – John Scofield, Time Is of the Essence – Michael Brecker, Blues for Tony – Allan Holdsworth, Belonging – Keith Jarrett (Don’t forget to check out all our guest’s selections on this page)
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Carey Frank, Tedeschi Trucks Band / Social Distortion / Michael Buble / Vanessa Amorosi appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Mitch Towne is a Grammy-nominated organ and piano player from Omaha, Nebraska USA. Mitch has a fascinating take on seeing success ‘later in life’ and has some great insights on his playing life more broadly. Enjoy!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
SRT Band
SRT in action – Tal Shia
Meeting John ‘JR’ Robinson and recording the album
The benefits of therapy to improve approach to playing
Discussion on left-hand organ bass playing. Yahoo Groups and AOL
Sal Azarelli (who passed away 2016)
Discussion on organ foot pedals
Coming to a successful music career later in life
Stepping up playing ability and playing with ‘better’ players
Marcus Lewis, trombone player, in action
Pat Bianchi – mentor
Working with Terrace Martin
Mitch in action with Terrace Martin – Push
‘Whole-assing’ versus ‘half-assing’
Mitch’s go-to keyboards
Tag a keyboard player: Pat Bianchi, Nick Semrad
Desert Island Discs: Snapshot – Joey DeFrancesco, Back to Oakland – Tower of Power, Speak No Evil – Wayne Shorter, 90125 – Yes, The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby (Don’t forget to check out all our guest’s selections on this page)
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande
Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Mitch Towne, SRT Band / Terrace Martin / Aloe Blacc appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
Dave Cohen is a Nashville-based keyboard playing powerhouse. Playing on more than 60 #1 charting hits and producing a bunch of others, Dave is an in-demand keyboard player. As you’ll hear, Dave has some brilliant insights and advice for keyboard players, and he also happens to have a great sense of humour as well!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
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Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Early keyboard influences
Humber College, Toronto
First big break with Johnny Reid
Working with Joe Nichols
What Dave learned from extensive touring / when you get to the stage you’re unhappy playing Letterman
Working with Brett James and Kip Moore
Lessons learned as a keyboard player
Dave’s train wreck story
Tag a keyboard player: Alex Wright, Rami Jaffee
Desert Island Discs: Live at the Vanguard – Bill Evans Trio, Waltz for Debby – Bill Evans Trio, Bringing Down the Horse – The Wallflowers, Tragic Kingdom – No Doubt, Machine Head – Deep Purple
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Dave Cohen, Nashville Session Keyboardist and Producer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
We’re joined this episode by Tom Schuman, keyboard player for iconic jazz fusion outfit Spyro Gyra. Tom talks on his career in and outside of that band, and we shoot the breeze on the music industry more broadly and Tom’s recent retirement from Spyro Gyra.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Wally Schuman playing bass with the Dick Fadale Quartet
Tom speaks on his reasons for retirement from Spyro Gyra after 49 years amd handing over the reins to Chris Fischer
Spyro Gyra – Morning Dance
Spyro Gyra – Catching the Sun (live)
On evolving as a keyboard player
On mind-altering substances and music
The Rhinebeck Sessions – Wishful Thinking
The Rhineback Sessions – Who Knew
Jay Beckenstein
Tom’s picks for new Spyro Gyra listeners:
Stolen Moments
What a Fool Believes
Patterns in the Rain
Funkyard Dog
Conversations
Birks Law
The Tippin’ Point
Bob Goes to the Store
Tom’s solo work and the working relationship with the iconic Slide Funkshin and Schu Thomas
Tom’s go-to keyboards
Sandeep Chowta
Antelope Orion 32
Breakfast with Count Basie
Tag a keyboard player: Chris Fischer
Desert Island Discs: Heavy Weather – Weather Report, My Funny Valentine – Miles Davis, The Trio – Oscar Peterson, Light as a Feather – Return to Forever / Chick Corea, Sunday at the Village Vanguard – Bill Evans.
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Del Amitri have been an internationally successful Scottish band that have sold well over 6 millionalbums worldwide and have been on the scene for more than forty years. Andy Alston has been around for nearly all of that, aside from his own work and fascinating history. Andy has some great tips for new players as well as an amazing story of musical collaborations with prison inmates.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Postcard Records
Meeting Justin Currie
The two attempts at recording the Waking Hours album
Strangers and Brothers – Sensational
Andy with Paul Quinn & The Independent Group
James Kirk – Felicity (from You Can Make It If You Boogie)
Quick visual tour of Andy’s songwriting and recording space (apologies to our audio listeners!)
Crooked Timbers – On This Ocean (James Kirk and Andy Alston collaboration)
Getting into the accordion and buying one from Blair Cowan (Lloyd Cole and The Commotions)
Accordions in rock
Andy on Del Amitri – Nothing Ever Happens
Experience of touring the US, Canada and Australia
A great history of The Sebel Townhouse as a famous rock ‘n roll hotel
Go-to keyboards with Del Amitri
Andy’s train wreck moment
Working with prison inmates to record music and the aborted ‘All Killer No Filler’ album
Tips for new players wanting to make a career in music
How Del Amitri have kept such a stable lineup for so long
Tag a keyboard player: Count Basie, Thelonius Monk, Professior Longhair
Desert Island Discs: Studio Kinda Cloudy – Keith Hudson, ‘TIl I Can Make It On My Own – Tammy Wynette, A Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry – Charles Mingus (New York Sketchbook), Let The Music Play – Barry White, The Chronic – Dr Dre.
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Dave Weiser is one of those players who makes the difference between a show going ahead or otherwise. Dave’s main gig is ensuring a smooth keyboard sound experience for some of the world’s biggest stage musical productions. On top of that, Dave is a Kurzweil subject matter expert and children’s book author.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
The Boy Who Wanted To Rock (and The Girl Who Wanted To Rock) books
Partnering with Stuart Andrews to work in musicals
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hands-on approach to sounds
Stage musicals and evolving entities in relation to sounds
Worldwide transition from Kurzweil PC3K to K2700
How the Kurzweil PC3K was essentially created for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals
Rod Argent’s role in Phantom of the Opera and Cats
The end-to-end process from planning to opening night, including the Sitzprobe
Dave’s favourite musical
Experiences of first job in stage musicals and programming circa 2100 patches for 3 players.
Working with David Bowie
Working with Jon Carin (Roger Waters / Pink Floyd)
Heart – Misty Mountain Hop
Working at Kurzweil
Is Kurzweil’s VAST architecture actually that hard to use?
Dave’s start in music
Dave’s train wreck story, and it’s the most unique one yet.
Tips for those wanting to get into the industry
Working with Darian Sahanaja on Brian Wilson’s Smile album
NBC 2018 Production of Jesus Christ Superstar
Rig tour
Desert Island Discs: Stage – David Bowie, Man-Child – Herbie Hancock, Never For Ever – Kate Bush, Stop Making Sense – Talking Heads, Drama – Yes.
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Marine Lacoste is a keyboard player from Quebec Canada who plays with major artists Uncle Kracker and Corey Hart, as well as fronting her own band Highway Hunters. We talk on all three with Marine plus her establishment of a piano academy for rock players.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
CEGEP (post secondary education option in Quebec)
Listening to Deep Purple and loving rock organ playing
Getting the gig with Uncle Kracker
Marine playing live with Uncle Kracker
Marine’s rig for Uncle Kracker
Getting the gig with Corey Hart
Marine playing at the Juno Awards with Corey Hart
Marine’s rig for Corey Hart
Highway Hunters – “when Deep Purple, Keith Emerson and Halestorm have a baby”
Highway Hunters – Down The River
Marine Lacoste’s Online Rock Lessons
B3 players who inspire (Lachy Doley interview link)
Highway Hunters’ ELP tribute: Knife Edge
Learning to be a front-person behind a keyboard
Marine’s train wreck moment
Marine’s suggestions for new players
Peter Keys
Tag a keyboard player: more Ty Bailie!
Desert Island Discs: Transmission – The Tea Party, Machine Head – Deep Purple, Trouble – LaMontagne, Grace – Jeff Buckley, Great Western Valkyrie – Rival Sons.
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Jenny Conlee-Drizos is keyboard player with iconic band The Decemberists, as well as being a member of Black Prairie, KMRIA and more. We talk all of that and more, including some great chat on accordions and one of the best keyboard accessory invention suggestions we’ve heard!
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Jenny discovers the piano
Caleb Klauder
Calobo live
The Decemberists – A Cautionary Song
Meeting Colin Meloy and joining The Decemberists
The Decemberists – Once in My Life (warning – you may need tissues when watching)
Jenny’s playing William Fitzwilliam
Jenny playing Burial Ground with The Decemberists live
Next recording sessions with The Decemberists
Jenny Playing with Black Prairie
Jenny playing with KMRIA (Kiss My Royal Irish Ass), a Pogues cover band
James Fearnley – The Pogues
Casey Neill and the Norway Rats -All You Pretty Vandals
Black Prairie – NPR Tiny Desk Concert
Jenny’s love for her Petosa Futura accordion (and here’s Jenny playing her other Petosa accordion)
Jenny’s touring rig with The Decemberists
Jenny’s solo upcoming accordion creation: The Seaview Suite (details here)
Jealous Butcher Records
Chick Corea – Children’s Song No. 1
Tag a keyboard player: Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers)
Keyboard amp discussion
Jenny’s garden
Desert Island Discs: Security / Self-titled – Peter Gabriel, Without A Net – The Grateful Dead, Houses of the Holy – Led Zeppelin, Automatic for the People – REM, Kind of Blue – Miles Davis.
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Cover pic from Eric Mayers via Jenny’s Instagram
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Over the past 40+ years, Steve Nathan has worked with some of the biggest and best in the music industry (here’s the full list). In this second of two parts (Part 1 is here) we delve into Steve’s incredible career further, get some great insights into developing as a musician and of course Steve’s desert island discs and keyboard players he admires. Please note: although Steve did work extensively with Mark Knopfler and Lionel Richie, we didn’t get time to discuss those artists – yet.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
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Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Working with Keith Urban
Steve playing Tonight I Wanna Cry – Keith Urban
Steve playing Something Like That – Tim McGraw (which incidentally turned out to be the most played song on the radio in the US for the first decade of the 2000s)
Steve playing Whenever You’re Ready – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Working with Olivia Newton-John
Working with Jimmy Barnes
Steve playing Mustang Sally – Jimmy Barnes
Working with Troy Cassar-Daley
Steve playing on the Troy Cassar-Daley Freedom Ride sessions
Steve lists some of the favourite albums / sessions he’s worked on
Steve talks on one of his most favourite sessions ever: Herb Jeffries (The Bronze Buckaroo)
Herb Jeffries – Flamingo
Herb Jeffries – Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds (from album Steve played on)
Mary Chapin Carpenter – The Dreaming Road
Hot Wired – Brent Mason
Tony Joe White – Closer to the Truth
Tips / thoughts for players
Steve’s go-to synths and his former mega-rig
Mink DeVille – Italian Shoes
Tag a keyboard player: Rai Thistlethwayte, Matt Rollings, Gordon Mote, Dave Cohen, Reese Wynans
Desert Island Discs: Live – Donny Hathaway, Genius + Soul = Jazz – Ray Charles, Little Susie – Ray Bryant, This Here and Dat Dere (songs) – Bobby Timmons, a Herb Jeffries album.
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links:
Buy some keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Over the past 40+ years, Steve Nathan has worked with some of the biggest and best in the music industry (here’s the full list). In this first of two parts (Part 2 is here) we delve into Steve’s incredible career, how he got into music and his thoughts on some of the many artists he’s worked with and the state of cotemporary music more broadly.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Steve’s musical upbringing, first Wurlitzer piano and first band (The Off Beats)
Cannonball Adderley
Stan and the Ravens (The Rivals) – Hollin’ For My Darlin’
Stan Szelest – Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On
Meeting Bob Dylan and a lesson in selling seats
Teenage Steve gets an unexpected lesson from Joe Zawinul
Old upright pianos as backlined gear
Gary Baker
Getting the gig at Muscle Shoals (here’s a great short history of Muscle Shoals)
Leblanc and Carr – Falling
Working with Percy Sledge
Percy Sledge’s insistence on singing in original key
Steve playing with Huey Lewis: Oh! Darling
Come Together: America Salutes The Beatles
Great George Harrison anecdote involving the brilliant Steve Gibson
Working with Levon Helm
Steve plays ‘The Weight’ with The Staples Singers
Steve playing – Since I Fell For You – Natalie Cole and Reba McEntire
Rhythm, Country and Blues – The Album
Steve playing – Rainy Night in Georgia – Conway Twitty and Sam Moore
Four doomed tracks with Taylor Swift
Working extensively with Tim McGraw
On being a good musician vs being the best keyboard player
Discussion on current mainstream music and music production
The challenge of making it today as a musician
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links: Buy a keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Ty Bailie is a Nashville-based keyboard player who’s just come off five years playing with Katy Perry, amongst an array of other projects and production credits. We talk to Ty in depth on his musicial journey and have some laughs over a range of keyboard-related issues.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Ty in action with Heavy Chevy
Ty in action with Katy Perry
Ty in action with Dept of Energy
Backing Pearl Jam / Soundgarden / Presidents of the United States
Playing with Dept of Energy
Getting the Katy Perry gig
The learning curve coming in mid-tour on a Katy Perry international tour
Ty’s Rig Tour – 2018
Duff McKagan and an accordion UFO tribute band – Flight to Mars
Truly
The Young Lizards – Freebird
A great musical train wreck anecdote
The death of the key change
Sting: psychopathic stalker and killer? (with reference to provide context)
Tag a keyboard player: Nicholas Semrad, Larry Goldings
Desert Island Discs: The Ray Brown Trio – Bassface, Bill Evans – Alone, Tingsek – Amygdala, Taylor Swift – Folklore.
Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown , Musicplayer.com forums, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew and Radio Grande
Key links: Buy a keyboard related merchandise
Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TikTok or LinkedIn .
Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content
Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Jason Miles is a composer / producer / keyboard player who has worked with some of the best in the business. In Part 2 of this two-part interview, we talk in depth with Jason about his solo work, his working relationship with Marc Miller and a great deal, including a desert island disc we are […]
Jason Miles is a composer / producer / keyboard player who has worked with some of the best in the business. In Part 1 of this two-part interview, we talk in depth with Jason about his experiences working with Luther Vandross and Miles Davis and a whole lot more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click […]
In Part 2 of our interview with Bobby Cressey, we talk about his jazz and ska projects, composing, tips for younger players and a whole lot more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes […]
Bobby Cressey is a jazz musician, composer and organist with the San Diego Padres baseball team and San Diego Gulls ice hockey team, amongst other gigs. In part 1 of this interview we dig deep into the baseball side of things, as well as covering Bobby’s formative years. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on […]
David Bridie is one of Australia’s most lauded songwriters and he happens to be one very good keyboard player as well. We speak with David on his career across multiple bands, solo albums and film and TV work. If you’re hungry for some excellent varied and substantive music, do listen to some of David’s work […]
In this second of two parts (see Part 1 here), David Rosenthal continues the discussion on the fascinating journey that’s been his musical career. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our […]
In this first of two parts (Part 2 is here), David Rosenthal joins us to talk about his amazing career, including nearly 30 years as Billy Joel’s keyboard player. As you’ll hear, that’s only one aspect of what continues to be an amazing career in music. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play […]
We talk with two master Australian musicians about the music business and the challenges musicians face making a living in the 21st Century. Paul Gildea is a guitarist who has played with Icehouse for decades, as well as being guitarist with Little River Band, Rick Price and Vika and Linda Bull to name just three. […]
Richard Hilton has had one rich, ongoing career as a keyboard player and producer. This career and dedication to the craft has created a great musician with an amazing outlook on life and music more broadly. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the […]
Chris Norton arguably has been part of two of the more stressful gigs a keyboard player can be involved in: band leading a Cirque Du Soleil show and playing as part of Dweezil Zappa’s Zappa Plays Zappa. Chris has not only manage to pull off both with aplomb, but has a career full of highlights […]
Francis Capistrano is an accomplished keyboard player who survived a decade or more in music retail. That alone makes him a great guest, but he’s also CEO of Narf Sounds, a company that makes sound packs for cover band musicians. As weekend warriors ourselves, we couldn’t resist catching up with Francis for a wide-ranging discussion […]
Martin Rebelski AKA Rebelski is a UK based keyboard player and producer. As you’ll hear, he manages to hold down three diverse touring roles (Doves, Echo and the Bunnymen and Peter Hook and the Light), plus production of his own work. He’s a busy guy with some great insights for every keyboard player. To listen / […]
Toby Hounsham is the keyboard player and newest member of the iconic band The Stranglers. We cover plenty of Stranglers territory plus Toby’s previous work with Rialto and Mungo Jerry to name two. And then there’s Toby’s other job as a fully qualified music therapist. A wide-ranging discussion to say the least. To listen / […]
Mike Schmid has been part of Miley Cyrus’ core band for fifteen years. In addition, Mike has worked with numerous artists including The Chainsmokers and Troye Sivan to name just two. We talk everything from stadium gigs to playing tips and a little bit of gear talk to boot. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click […]
We talk some more with Jim Daneker about his sideline as creator of the Backstage Pass products. This is bonus content that was provided to our Patreon supporters 30 days ago and we hope you enjoy it as much as they did. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio […]
Brother Paul Brown has been playing keyboards with The Waterboys for well over a decade, and as you’ll hear that is one of many strings to his bow. In his inimitable style, Brother Paul covers an enormous amount of ground that will make you want to see him play when he’s next in your town. […]
Dave Ross is keyboard player with what is arguably one of the world’s most well known cover bands, The Hindley Street Country Club (HSCC). We talk to Dave about his wider career in music, how HSCC rocketed to the success it’s currently experiencing, and future plans. We also talk gear of course! To listen / watch: […]
Time for some fun, when we test Matt Goodluck’s prog knowledge (we also interviewed Matt here). This is bonus content that was provided to our Patreon supporters 30 days ago and we hope you enjoy it as much as they did. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player […]
In Part 2 of our interview with the inimitable Rubén Valtierra (Part 1 is here), we hear more about Rubén’s career, upcoming work and his take on our stalwart desert island discs and tag a keyboard player questions. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch […]
Rubén Valtierra plays keys with the inimitable and iconic Weird Al Yankovic. In Part 1 we hear about Rubén’s chops as a musician and his general approach to life, you’ll understand why he’s been at the top for such a long period of time. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the […]
Jim Daneker plays keys with Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, composes for film and TV and even creates his own sounds sets for a number of platforms. To say he’s busy and talented is an understatement, and Jim provides some great insights across his wide ranging experiences. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on […]
In our first Great Debate we talk to Matt Goodluck, prog rock obsessive (check out Matt’s bio below). The topic is obviously prog rock, the debate occurs on multiple fronts, including what makes good prog rock, who the true greats are and even some gear talk. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play […]
It’s hard to overstate the career Lisa Coleman has had to date. As a solo artist, part of iconic duo Wendy and Lisa and as a core member of The Revolution, Lisa Coleman has some brilliant insights that everyone can learn something from. As Prince said of Lisa: “she plays Mozart, she’ll be funky”. With […]
Josh Weinstein is a composer, arranger and keyboard player and teacher of music history. In this bonus episode (Josh was featured in Episode 35), Josh and our own Paul Bindig talk everything Pink Floyd, particularly the joys and challenges of recreating Pink Floyd’s music in a tribute band context. Links to content mentioned during the […]
Geoff Downes not only co-founded a pioneering group in the late seventies, but he’s also a core member of two other iconic groups that continue to go strong. And that’s just the start. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview and we take the opportunity to delve into the latest album release from […]
Tom Brislin plays keyboards for Kansas and has also toured with other icons such as Debbie Harry, Meatloaf and Yes. As you’ll hear, Tom has some great insights on his career to date that inspired us and will hopefully inspire you. We even have a fun chat about whether Meatloaf’s work could be described at […]
Oliver Wakeman has had a prolific career to date, with lots more on the horizon. Oliver talks his latest release with Clive Nolan, his musical upbringing and even a bit of tech and train-wreck. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): Oliver Wakeman and Rodney Matthews Nolan and […]
Josh Weinstein is a composer, arranger and keyboard player and teacher of music history. We talk everything from US East Coast vs West Coast gigging differences, why you don’t hear Billy Joel on the radio on the West Coast, music history and even a bit of gear! Links to content mentioned during the show (links […]
In one of the wider ranging conversations we’ve ever had, we speak with Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated keyboardist and composer Michael Whalen. As you’ll hear, that is only two strings to his bow and Michael has some fascinating insights into the music industry and making a living from music in the digital age. Links to content […]
Veronica Lewis is a great player in the early years of what looks like will be an amazing career. Veronica tells the story of her discovery of the blues and boogie woogie, her work to date and her thoughts on her future. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): […]
Alan Hewitt has had a mammoth career in film, TV and live performance. As the current keyboard player for The Moody Blues as well as leading his own band, Alan has a huge ongoing career to reflect on. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): Alan Hewitt […]
Alan Clark was a pivotal member of Dire Straits throughout the majority of that band’s career. As you’ll hear, it was just one of many interesting experiences for a keyboard player with a storied, ongoing career. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): Trevor Horn Alan’s Blog History […]
Steve Porcaro is arguably one of the most listened to and prolific keyboard players in the world. Through his extensive session work (Michael Jackson, Don Henley, Yes to name just three), film and TV output and that small little outfit called Toto, there won’t be many people who won’t have heard Steve’s work. We attempt […]
Glenn Reither is a keyboard and sax player with one hell of a history with acts ranging from the Little River Band to Icehouse and Jon Stevens. Glenn has some great insights on playing keys, touring and a great initiative to encourage young people to get involved in rock music. There’s even a mention of clotting […]
Dan Walker has some great insights into the life of a keyboard player as part of a major touring act, as well as some great insights across performing and touring. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): K.C. Clifford – Rise Up Dan playing live with LeRoy Bell Star […]
David K Mathews has had, and continues to have, an amazing career across a range of genres. In Part 2 of our interview (Part 1 of interview – click here), David covers off his work with Etta James and Santana. If you’re a Hammond B3 player you’ll also love the detail David goes into about […]
David K Mathews has had, and continues to have, an amazing career across a range of genres. In Part 1 of our interview, Dave covers off his work with Tower of Power and The Rat Band. And he’s only getting started…. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): […]
Matt Johnson has been holding down keys duties with Jamiroqaui for close to twenty years with huge skill and aplomb. We catch up with Matt to talk a bit of gear and a lot of great insight into approaching playing at this level. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new […]
If you think it’d be hard being in one successful band, try being in three on top of a bunch of other projects. Clive Nolan is best known for his keys work with Pendragon and Arena, but as you’ll hear he’s up to a lot more than that. Links to content mentioned during the show: Clive’s […]
Roddy Bottum would be best known to most listeners as the keyboard player in the phenomenally successful hard rock outfit Faith No More. However as we’ll learn, Roddy is a musician with a prolific and diverse output, which includes the indie pop sensibilities of Imperial Teen, the dancey electronica of Crickets and the doomy metal […]
Peter-John Vettese is a UK-based keyboard player, composer, producer and arranger. Like so many of our guests, summarising Peter’s work within the prism of three or four artists is unfair. As you’ll hear, Peter has had, and continues to have an amazing career across the gamut of music. Strap in for a fascinating journey from […]
Jeff Babko is an amazingly versatile keyboard player covering TV, movies, touring and recording. In this interview, Jeff covers everything from working live on stage with Martin Short and Steve Martin, to recording with Neil Young and an orchestra. As you’ll hear, the four artists listed in this episode’s title are only the tip of […]
Jan Pulsford has had a diverse and interesting career over many years, and we take advantage of Jan’s wisdom to talk everything from playing and collaborating with Cyndi Lauper, through to performing in the virtual world of Second Life and the challenges of running a streaming service for electronic and ambient music. Links to content […]
Saying Loren Gold is The Who’s keyboard player only provides a tiny fraction of the wider story of his career. Whether it’s playing and//or musically directing bands for Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, or playing with legends like Don Felder and Kenny Loggins, Loren has had quite the career to date and we try to […]
Arden Altino is a highly sought after producer, but also manages to keep even busier as a touring keys player with artists such as Wyclef Jean and Melissa Etheridge. We talk with Arden on everything from playing piano on an Alicia Keys track, to Justin Beiber production approaches, being a worship musical director and a […]
Samuel B. Lupowitz is a founding member and keys player with Ithaca NY based ‘prog-soul’ band Noon Fifteen. We talk about his love of vintage keyboards, doing a podcast about an album, lessons learnt and of course a great train-wreck story involving nothing other than an X-stand! Links to content mentioned during the show: Samuel […]
This episode we sit down with Lachy Doley to talk in-depth about playing the organ and clav, working as both a front man and sideman (with Glenn Hughes, Jimmy Barnes, Powderfinger and Billy Thorpe to name just four), finding your own creative niche and lots of great insights on the gigging life. Links to content […]
We delve into the pop genre, speaking with Bonnie McIntosh on everything from making the transition to pop from classical music, to go-to gear and the lessons learnt when playing keyboards as part of a massive theatrical show. Links to content mentioned during the show: MI College of Contemporary Music Bonnie performing with Melanie Martinez […]
Kevin Hearn is an integral part of Barenaked Ladies, but as you’ll hear in this interview, his other projects are just as amazing and Kevin provides some great insights on every one of them. If you’re a Lou Reed fan, or a Lawn Darts fan, you may enjoy this episode quite a bit. Please note […]
We catch up with Darren Heinrich, an Australia-based jazz organist whose passion for the instrument has led him to complete a PhD in Jazz Organ Improvisation. Darren chats with us on everything from his education in jazz to his gigging approach and a lot more. Links to content mentioned during the show: Paul McNamara Toby […]
This episode we spend time with Stefano Intelisano, whose history and discography is so much vaster than the two acts cited in this episode title. We talk everything from working with different band leaders to Bach and the debate on sitting versus standing when playing. Links to content mentioned during the show: Fabrizio Poggi and […]
Episode 11 features Mark Baron, musical director (and keyboard player) for Gloria Gaynor and also with The Duprees. Mark’s passion for what he does shines through in this interview and he provides some great insights into working across different genres and eras of music as both a keyboard player and musical director. Links to content […]
Episode 10 sees us spending some time with Andy Burton, the go-to keys player for Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul and Cyndi Lauper to name just two. Andy provides some comprehensive insights into gigging, working within band dynamics and the disciplines required to be a successful player and band member. Links to content […]
Episode 9 showcases the work of Ellen Reid, from Crash Test Dummies. Ellen covers the gamut, from touring tips and the stress of performing, through to the mystery keyboard that’s in her closet. Links to content mentioned during the show: God Shuffled His Feet (the song, not the album) Ellen Reid – Cinderellen The Optigan […]
Episode 8 features Sandy Soon, keyboard player with Unlocking The Doors. Sandy explores the challenges of recreating the brilliance of Ray Manzarek and her approach to playing more broadly. Links to content mentioned during the show: Unlocking The Doors Live (Riders on the Storm) Ray Manzarek explains the making of Riders on the Storm Clayton […]
Episode 7 sees us talk to Lisa Bella Donna, keyboard player, composer and synthesist. Lisa covers some huge ground, from the ARP 2600 to her current focus with live performance. Links to content mentioned during the show: Snowy Dreamscapes The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation Antonus 2600 Heath Kits – they still exist! Inspirations: Walter Kraft, […]
Episode 6 sees us talk to one of the greatest Australian songwriters in rock history, Andrew Farriss. Both in his current guide as a country artist or as half of the incredible songwriting partnership with Michael Hutchence that led to INXS having worldwide success, Andrew talks gigging, songwriting and of course keyboards! Links to content […]
Episode 5 involves an interview with Paul Bindig, keyboard player with Echoes of Pink Floyd. We talk everything from the geographical challenges of touring to replicating the work of Pink Floyd. Links to content mentioned during the show: Here, have a finger bun recipe Midnight Oil 1984 movie Desert island discs: Animals (Pink Floyd), Dark […]
Episode 4 sees us move north to Canada, where we speak with Eric Doucet, who is keyboard player with Carter and the Capitals, amongst a range of other projects. We talk on everything from defining jazz-metal to balancing multiple gigs and some interesting desert island discs. Links to content mentioned during the show: Studiologic Sledge […]
In Episode 3 we speak with Ben Lewis, a Chicago-based keyboard player covering everything from jazz to country. Aside from his burgeoning solo career, he’s also a key part of Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band, and we cover both aspects and more in our catch-up with Ben. Links to content mentioned during the show: Brad […]
In Episode 2 we go to the USA and chat to Dave Bryce who’s a well respected keyboard player (currently with Rabbit Valet), voiceover artist and owner of musicplayer.com. We cover everything from Dave’s history as a player, to this desert island discs. Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically […]
In our first episode we go to the United Kingdom and chat to Chris Gallagher from Man @ The Echo. As you’ll hear, this is a guy who loves what he does and has put in the hours to make sure he does it well (check out Chris and the band playing a great live […]
We’re pleased to get the show on the road with a short introductory episode of the podcast. Episode 1 coming very soon!