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
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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
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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
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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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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 Watersat 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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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
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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:
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Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Getting into jazz at the age of 9
 
Playing matinee gigs at The Rex as a teenager

 
Dave Brubeck – Strange Meadow Lark
 
Jeff Johnston – McGill University
 
David’s technique and why it was less than optimal
 
David’s video on avoiding the ‘chicken dance’ with keyboard fingering
 
Indigone Trio – Tonglen
 
On developing a passion for Brazilian Jazz
 
The Banff Centre Jazz & Sonic Arts residency
 
Djavan – Tem Boi na Linha
 
Jorge Ben Jor
 
David performing with Jorge Ben Jor 2013
 
David at Blue Note Tokyo with Jorge Ben Jor 2014
 
Working with Vox Sambou
 

Vox Sambou at Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues festival 2019

 
The amazing Oktoecho
 
Oktoecho – Transcestral
 
Trio Bruxo in action
Tag 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
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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
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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. 
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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)
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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.
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* Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
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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.
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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.
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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
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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
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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
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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.
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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 of course YOU, without whom this show would not be 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):
Producing a podcast and what we’ve learned
Top five guests (Paul)
Top five guests (David)
Honorable mentions 
Top 5 most popular audio episodes
Top 5 most popular video episodes 
Paul’s bucket list guests 
David’s bucket list guests i
Most commonly cited album by guests when picking their top 5.
What’s coming in 2024
Thank yous
Outtakes Volume 1
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 your blood to ice water, hanging with Herbie Hancock 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):  
Maintaining a long term successful musical relationship with Prince
Recollection on the 2007 Superbowl performance and playing in the rain with a keyboard rig
Check out the 2007 Superbowl Performance for yourself
MD’ing the Prince Tribute 
Continuing NPG after Prince’s death
When Alicia Keys sits next to you on a piano stool
Hanging with Herbie Hancock
An emotional moment with Stevie Wonder in lead up to the Prince tribute concert
Morris with Kanye West and Prince in Sweden
Morris with Bono and Prince – The Cross
Morris’ two great train wreck stories
3 Chains O’ Gold
Morris and Prince on Letterman – Dolphin
How to create great brass sounds on a synth (thanks to Frank, Niagara Falls, NY for the question)
Morris Master Class in Keyboard Magazine (thanks to Walter from Guatemala City, Guatamala for the comment)
Desert Island Discs: Sign ‘O’ The Times – Prince, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Innervisions – Stevie Wonder, Double Vision – Bob James and David Sanborn, Raise! – Earth, Wind and Fire.
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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 becoming an effective musical director and collaborator for the New Power Generation.
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):  
It’s been a busy year: Morris’ projects during 2023
Growing up in Jefferson, Arkansas USA
‘Faking’ one’s way into a first band
The Moog Satellite
An early gig with (Gubernatorial candidate) Bill Clinton
The Bizness band
BrownMark’s YouTube channel
Jerome Benton
Meeting The Time
George Clinton scene in Graffiti Bridge
Working as a production assistant at Paisley Park
Mazarati – 100 MPH
Forming and playing with G Sharp & The Edge: Prince’s house band at Glam Slam
Morris catching Prince’s attention with his synth tech
Morris’ first (and very short) face-to-face meeting with Prince
First conversations with Prince
Morris in Brownmark’s Bang Bang
Playing at Glam Slam with Prince in the audience
Touring with Carmen Electra as support on Prince’s Diamonds and Pearls Tour
Learning from Prince on structuring a great performance
On joining New Power Generation
Wood-shedding Prince’s songs on short notice
Keyboards used in NPG and programming a Roland D50
Being inspired by Eric Persing and Spectrasonics, Marcus Ryle, Michael Boddicker, Bo Tomlyn
Developing a collaborative relationship with Prince as musical director
Rehearsal process with Prince and NPG
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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 his own work regularly. All of this and more is covered in this episode so 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):  
Kevin’s past year of touring and moving to Nashville
Kevin in action in France on the most recent Cory Wong tour
Kevin’s musical upbringing
The Minneapolis music scene
One example of an amazing Kevin Gastonguay solo
Playing in Dr Mambo’s Combo
Kevin in action with Dr Mambo’s Combo
Kevin playing with Nooky Jones
Kevin’s song Busted Toof with New Sound Underground
Kevin’s hot tip for sleeping better on tour 
Working with the band Pizza Coupon
Joining / evolving with Cory Wong
Approach to working up songs and performing them when on tour with Cory Wong
Tour of Kevin’s home studio keyboard rig
Thoughts on Nord Stage 4
Kevin Gastonguay –I Wear My Face on My Head
Kevin Gastonguay – Last Place Dreamer
Kevin Gastonguay – Legend of the Vigilant Cranes
Tag a Keyboard Player: Larry Goldings (definitely on our bucket list – please consider us Larry!)
Desert Island Discs: Largo – Brad Mehldau, Flood – Herbie Hancock, Heavy Weather – Weather Report
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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 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 Delta Goodrem
Darryl in action with Delta Goodrem
Darryl’s keyboard rig with Delta Goodrem
Darryl’s musical upbringing and Mrs Parsons the amazing piano teacher
The challenging early years of being a professional musician
Human Nature
Darryl in action with Human Nature
Working with Kanye West and observing his work ethic
Darryl in action on Australian Idol
The specific challenges of working on a show like Australian Idol
A typical day on Australian Idol
Challenging the stereotypes around singers and musicians on ‘talent shows’
Working with Jess Mauboy
Darryl in action with Jess Mauboy
Darryl in action as solo artist
Darryl Beaton Band live in Japan
How time in West Africa changed Darryl’s view of music (and life)
Thoughts for younger players entering the music industry
Tag a Keyboard Player: PJ Morton
Desert Island Discs: Innervisions – Stevie Wonder, Bring on the Night – Sting, Live at The Bitter End 1971 – Donny Hathaway, Weekend in L.A. – George Benson, How I Got Over … Songs That Carried Us – Smokie Norful. HOnourable mentions for Whispering Jack and Age of Reason – John Farnham, and Matchbook – Ian Moss.
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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 this one.
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):  
Aerosmith tour on hiatus
Buck’s childhood immersion in music and performance
Developing an interest in the piano
Timeless advice from Mrs Gillespie
Moving to LA and the music business as an adult
Buck with Tal Bachman – She’s So High
Working with John Waite
Buck with Brother Cane
A sudden trip to Istanbul: getting the call to join Aerosmith
Buck and Steven Tyler in action – Cryin’
The amazing Bruce Hendrix
Buck and Aerosmith – Lord of the Thighs
Buck with The Joe Perry Project – Lick and a Promise
Buck with The Joe Perry Project – Reefer Headed Woman
Buck with Hollywood Vampires – The Boogie Man Surprise
Buck’s keyboard rig for Aerosmith vs Hollywood Vampires and Joe Perry
Developing a love for the Hammond B3
The amazing Bill Mason
Working with the Doobie Brothers, Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins, The Thorns, John Waite
The Thorns Live at Rockpalast 2003
Buck with Whisky Falls – Last Train Running
Buck as co-writer has a song picked up by Carlos Santana – Just Feel Better
Buck’s solo album – Enjoying the Ride
The brilliant Charlie Midnight
Buck’s upcoming album (and his Instagram for updates)
Desert Island Discs: Thank You for the Valley – Johnson Brothers Quartet, Tumbleweed Connection  – Elton John, Help! – The Beatles, Physical Graffiti – Led Zeppelin, Toys in the Attic – Aerosmith, Who’s Next – The Who
Cover photo: Kat Benzova via Buck’s Instagram
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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 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):  
Scott’s musical upbringing
The fascination of MTV and transcribing songs
Airplay – Cryin’ All Night
Working for David Foster
Discussion of David Foster’s work
Attending Berklee College of Music
Working as an in-house demo recorder and arranger
Working with the band Allies 
Bob Carlisle – Butterfly Kisses
Joining Steven Curtis Chapman
Scott playing live with Steven Curtis Chapman (1992)
Scott playing live with Steve Curtis Chapman (2002)
Joining Kenny Loggins as keyboard player and ending up MD
Scott playing live with Kenny Loggins
Shem von Schroeck
Joining Carrie Underwood
Scott playing with Carrie Underwood on the Howard Stern Show (2023)
Rehearsal process for a Carrie Underwood tour
Scott playing with Carrie Underwood on The Today Show (2023)
The similarities and differences with playing on TV
Approach to playing keys within a tightly scheduled / sequenced show
Scott’s Hammond and Roland-centric rig
Scott’s initial thoughts on the Roland V-Accordion
Scott’s Train Wreck story
Scott’s Twelve Against Nature Steely Dan tribute band
“The Second Arrangement”- Steely Dan’s lost (erased) Gaucho track – International Dan Collective
Scott’s band Yacht’s Landing
Scott live on Australian TV with Carrie Underwood
Tag a Keyboard Player: Dave Richardson and Jamie Hosmer (Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns) and the amazing Michael Whittaker
Desert Island Discs: A Trick of the Tail – Genesis, Jarreau – Al Jarreau, The Nightfly – Donald Fagen, An Evening With Silk Sonic – Silk Sonic, Mecca for Moderns – The Manhattan Transfer.

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 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):  
Starting out with Band of Heathens
Band of Heathens live
Getting into the Mellotron
John Medeski
Trevor’s rig with Band of Heathens
Frappe’ing sounds
Musical upbringins and teaching oneself to play
Having a passion for The Grateful Dead and playing in a Grateful Dead tribute
Bruce Robison and The Next Waltz
Working on Willie Nelson recordings (Slow Down Old Worldand Pretend I Never Happened)
On adjusting playing approach in the recording environment
Matt Tedder
Trevor’s serious train wreck
Monty Alexander
Grateful Dead documentary opening
Tag a Keyboard Player: Kevin McKendree
Desert Island Discs: Sun Bear Concerts – Keith Jarrett, Unplugged – Eric Clapton, Garcia Live Volume One – Jerry Garcia Band, Abbey Road – The Beatles, So Far – Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
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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 interview from that aspect 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):  
Greater Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ
Dan’s YouTube Channel
Dan in action at Greater Mount Sinai
Talking black vs white churches and ‘the most segregated hour in the country’
An explanation of ‘redlining’
Musical preparation for a service at Greater Mt Sinai
Preparedness vs spontaneity in a church context
Working with feedback from the pastor / congregation / fellow musicians
Dan’s rig at Greater Mt Sinai
Bennett Paysinger and the City of Refuge band in action
Dan’s musical upbringing
Johnny Costa – Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood
Dan creates his own attempt at a Leslie speaker
Discovering a love for gospel music
Gospel Workshop of America
When you think you’re ‘the stuff’ and you’re not
Cassandra O’Neal
Falling in love with Hammond Organs
Desert Island Discs: Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, God’s Property – Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation, The Rainbow Children – Prince, Love Symbol – Prince. Honourable mention for Pages of Life 3 DVD – Fred Hammond.
Band t-shirt call-out: The Not No Howz
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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
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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 like Jack Bruce and Tom Jones. 
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):  
Paddy’s website
Nicky Hopkins documentary – The Session Man
Rolling Stones – She’s a Rainbow
The Kinks – Session Man
Teenage years and inspiration of the blues and boogie woogie piano
Ben Waters – Boogie 4 Stu
Studying music at King’s College London
Jazz lessons at Royal Academy of Music
Nick Weldon – In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Pete Brown performs White Room
Eddie Martin live – Breaking Even
Paddy’s tribute to Gerry Bron
Paddy plays Unsquare Dance live
Jawbone – Family Man
Playing with Jack Bruce
Paddy playing with Jack Bruce – Born Under A Bad Sign
Scott McKeon
Joining Tom Jones
Working for Tom Jones
Paddy’s keyboard rig with Tom Jones
Working for Sandi Thom and picking up an accordion
If you’re listening / watching Nord… glissandos on the Nord Piano 5
Paddy performing with Tom Jones – This is the Sea
Paddy’s online piano courses
Paddy’s two train wreck stories
Tag a Keyboard Player: Jon Cleary
Desert Island Discs: Dr John’s Gumbo – Dr John, Junco Partner – James Booker, Maiden Voyage – Herbie Hancock, The Last Record Album – Little Feat, Songs: The Art of the Trio Volume 3 – Brad Mehldau.
Key links:
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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 industry in changing times.
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):  
Troye’s musical upbringing
Gaither Studios, Alexandria, Indiana USA
Static Shack, Indiana USA
John Cascella
Jimmy Ryser live at Farm Aid (with Troye on keyboards)
Sandi Patty – How We Love
Playing 8 gigs a week for a dinner theatre show
Will Rogers Follies – Favorite Son
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
Troye’s incredible 4-day Mellencamp deadline
Touring Australia with Mellencamp and Sheryl Crow, and that infamous song “I Need A Lover“
Keeping things fresh setlist-wise on tour
Troye and John Mellencamp live at the Beacon Theatre New York, 2023
Working on John Mellencamp’s albums
John Mellencamp – Gone So Soon
David Leonard – Record Producer
John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen – Wasted Days
Troye’s perspective on John Mellencamp’s output over past 15 years
Troye performing with Keith Urban and John Mellencamp – Pink Houses
Being band leader of 500 musicians at 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 – the Rock-IN-Roar 500
Stephen King performing with The Rock Bottom Remainders
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County – Trailer
Advertising / TV work
Troye in action with The Nauti Yachtys Band
Troye’s go-to keyboards
Tag a Keyboard Player: Bobby Sparks II 
Desert Island Discs: 1984 – Van Halen, Leftoverture – Kansas, Honky Chateau – Elton John, Big Generator – Yes, A Decade of Steely Dan – Steely Dan
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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 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):  
Meeting Keith Emerson
Esperanza Spalding live
Rachel playing ‘The Barbarian” alongside Steve Porcaro at Keith Emerson Tribute
Garritan Instant Orchestra
Meeting Mike Keneally
Rachel at NAMM 2018
Meeting Stevie Wonder
Najee plays Steve Wonder’s As
The challenges of perfect pitch
Rachel’s upcoming projects
Questlove talks on Amy Winehouse
Erykah Badu – Green Eyes
Rachel’s Train Wreck Story
Desert Island Discs:  A Live One – Phish, At Duke’s Place -Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, Tarkus – Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Live from Moscow, 1979 – Elton John (and Ray Cooper), A Love Supreme – John Coltrane.
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 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 first memories of music and playing
Transitioning from Sonar to Logic and Reaper
Admiration of Jacob Collier
Rachel’s approach to composition
Composing from dream content
Rachel Flowers – Dawn Points
Rachel Flowers – Time for the Prize
Rachel Flowers – Love Today
Hearing is Believing film trailer
Admiration for Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and John Batiste’s work on Soul
Rachel’s amazing associative abilities with food and music
Rachel Flowers – Aloha Pt. 1
Discussion on different genres and mixing them together in composition
Jeanie Flowers – Alone
Discovery and love of the guitar
A discussion on Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa – The Torture Never Stops
Playing with Dweezil Zappa
Rachel playing Inca Roads live With Zappa Plays Zappa
Rachel playing Montana live with Dweezil Zappa and Zappa Plays Zappa
A discussion on playing Inca Roads
Discovering Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Deodato – Sprach Zarathustra
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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 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):  
Rai’s website
Moving from ‘nerdy’ keyboard player to guitar wielding front-man of a rock band (and doing both)
Rai’s musical upbringing
Early exposure to the music industry and record contracts
Rai and Thirsty Merc in action – The Grind
Thirsty Merc Live
Balancing the different aspects of a music career in both Australia and overseas
Rai’s inspirations
Starting out in the US: ‘It’s Sixty bucks and a punch in the face’
Rai in action with Louis Cole and KNOWER: Overtime
Working with Joe Satriani
Rai with Joe Satriani – The Elephants of Mars
Rai’s Joe Satriani tour gear video
Cosmic Psychos – Better in the Shed
Working with Aaron Sterling
Aaron Sterling – Sound of Sterloid Vol 1
Sun Rai – San Franciso Street (featuring Aaron Sterling) 
Rai’s inspiring song Man Oh Man 
Dealing with imposter syndrome / times of feeling down
Lianne La Havas – Weird Fishes
On setting up sounds for a Joe Satriani tour using Nord keyboards only
The Embertone Walker 1955 Concert D
Love for Spectrasonics’ releases
Question from listener Walter Galindo on hand independence
Joe Satriani band pre-show ceremony
Tag a Keyboard Player:  Dennis Hamm, Aaron Parks
Desert Island Discs: Machine Head – Deep Purple, The Sixteen Men of Tain – Alan Holdsworth, Mr Bungle – Mr Bungle, Standards Vol. 2 – Keith Jarrett, Mama Said – Lenny Kravitz, honourable mention to Hejira – Joni Mitchell
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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: 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):  
Keyboard contemporaries and using original versus digital keyboards
The ‘Houston Welcoming Committee’ and doubts on touring
Bill’s train wreck story on stage with James Taylor
Rundown of common causes of on-stage angst
On advocating ‘unliked’ songs when recording
Why being in a band is not for the faint of heart
Advice for aspiring players
Writing to Jeff Bezos
Tag a Keyboard Player: Glenn Gould, Little Richard, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Mitsuko Uchida
Desert Island Discs: Rubber Soul – The Beatles, Brahms: Piano Concerto No.2; Paganini Variations – John Lill, Bringing It All Back Home – Bob Dylan, Soul Men – Sam & Dave, West Side Story – Bernstein and Sondheim.
Key links:
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 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):  
Musical upbringing
Evan Pazner and Lee Fields
Matt Katz-Bohen and Laurel Barclay – Daddy
Don Hill’s – Greenwich St Manhattan
Good Squad live with Deborah Harry
The Toilet Boys – Another Day In The Life
Getting the gig with Blondie
Matt playing live [Fade Away (And Radiate)] with Blondie 2008 on his first tour
Blondie Live at Coachella 2023
Work on Hedwig and the Angry Inch Broadway show
Princess Goes – Nevertheless
Matt’s two train wreck stories
Tips for keyboard players just starting out in the industry
Blondie – Too Much
Tag a keyboard player: Sarah Goldstone
Desert Island Discs: Chopin Ballades for Piano – Arthur Rubenstein, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics, xx – The XX, For the Roses – Joni Mitchell, any of first four Black Sabbath albums.
Key links:
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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

/p>
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:

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:
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Dan Mansfield is a Queensland Australia-based 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 Burrowsas 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:
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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,

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



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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

 
/p>
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
The infamous fake banjo video: link
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:
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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

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

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:
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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



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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

&
 
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

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

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



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Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

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 gobsmacked has taken 62 episodes to be mentioned.
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):
Jason Miles website
The Extraordinary Journey of Jason Miles: A musical biography
Cozmopolitan (title track)
Learning production
Soft synths vs the real thing: then and now
Oberheim Matrix 12
Kudos to Eric Persing and Omnisphere
Dealing with anxiety and tips for managing it
A great musical train wreck anecdote
Tag a keyboard player: Aaron Parks, Joe Zawinul, Geoffrey Keezer, Kofi Burbridge, Philippe Saisse, Mike Nock
Desert Island Discs: East-West  – Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Milton Nascimento – Clube da Esquina, The Cellar Door Sessions 1970 – Miles Davis, Computer World – Kraftwerk, Aja – Steely Dan
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 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 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 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):
Jason Miles website
The Extraordinary Journey of Jason Miles: A musical biography
Marcus Miller
Luther Vandross – Give Me The Reason
Luther Vandross – Stop To Love
How working with an artist tends to have an ‘arc’
On the death of Luther Vandross
Recording with Luther: time code issues and the threat of swimming home
Recording in New York in the 80s and studio airconditioning
The making of ‘Any Love’ sessions with Luther Vandross: sweltering in summer, a bathrobe, popcorn and Miles Davis
Working with Miles Davis
Miles Davis and the making of Tutu
Being inspired by Trevor Horn and Art of Noise
Recording Amandala with Miles Davis and the Digital Native Dance D50 patch – Catembe
Key lessons learned from Miles Davis
Admiration for the artist Sigrid
Rebecca Angel – Summer Song
Falling asleep in front of Miles Davis
Working with Joey DeFrancesco
Recording with Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross
Pulling down (and then setting up) a whole rig for one note.
Why streaming music services affect the ability of musicians to make a living
Key links:
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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. Part 1 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):  
Bobby’s album: Cali Native 
The Mighty Untouchables Top 40 Cover Band
Toto as musical inspiration
Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra (Bandcamp — YouTube)
Lessons learned as a player
Keeping it exciting when playing lots of the same gigs
How Bobby learned his career may not be in classical music
Tag a keyboard player: Jim Alfredson, Ric’key Pageot
Desert Island Discs: Miles Smiles – Miles Davis, Shine soundtrack – David Hirschfelder / Various Artists, Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Toto IV – Toto, If That’s What It Takes – Michael McDonald.
Pimp your band T-Shirt – Shaguar (Canada)
Buy a keyboard related shower curtain (or something else!)
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If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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. Part 2 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):  
Bobby’s website
Developing a passion for music and scoring the gig as organist with the San Diego Padres
Why Baseball is a big deal in the US and the role of the organist (here’s a great history of it)
Differences in organists around the league
Josh Kantor – Boston Red Sox
A typical game day for an organist
Bobby plays Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Dealing with song requests (and requests to have a go at playing the organ!)
Los Angeles is Burning – Bad Religion
Not Bobby Cressey but here’s Freebird played on organ
Playing organ at ice hockey (San Diego Gulls)
Dr. Dre – Still D.R.E.
Keeping in touch with other sports organists
Bobby’s rig at baseball games
A deep discussion of Bobby’s organ rig and the Electone D-80
As an aside: Electone Museum website
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn .
We also have a listener survey that helps us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have ...

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 YouTube Channel


Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab): 
Auditioning for the first big gig with Rainbow
Rainbow – Stone Cold (San Antonio 1982)
Preparation and over-preparation
David’s amazing on-stage train wreck story
Artists who have been big influences: Yes (Close to the Edge) / Emerson, Lake and Palmer / Rush (Moving Pictures) / Tomita / Uriah Heep 
Who inspired David to buy his first synth
Playing with Happy the Man
Suggestions / tips for players wanting to make a career in the industry
Quick Fire 10 questions with a Billy Joel bent.
The blessing and curse of perfect pitch
(Some of) David’s favourite Billy Joel songs
Another great train-wreck story, this time in Rome Italy.
No Man’s Land – Billy Joel
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn .
We also have a listener survey that helps us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Cover photo: Myrna Suarez

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 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):  
2022 and continuation of Billy Joel’s amazing residency at Madison Square Garden
Having nearly 90 songs ready to go on a keyboard rig
Billy Joel’s You May Be Right  / Led Zep Rock and Roll combo
Billy Joels’ River of Dreams / Dancing in the Street combo
The experience of playing 110 times (and counting) at Madison Square Garden
Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen: Tenth Avenue Freeze Out and Born to Run
Billy Joel and Tony Bennett – New York State of Mind
Billy Joel and Bryan Adams – Summer of ’69
Billy Joel and Paul McCartney at Shea Stadium – Let It Be
The secrets to success of being Billy Joel’s keyboard player for nearly 30 years
56 shows in 56 nights in 56 cities with Robert Palmer
Discussion of David’s A, B and C keyboard rigs
David’s dual career as synth programmer and rig designer
Setting up Roy Bittan and Charlie Giordano’s re-designed E-Street Band rigs
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn . We also have a listener survey that helps us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you. To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive b...

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. Paul also happens to be an accomplished music educator, teaching and coordinating music industry subjects for a number of educational institutions.
Glenn Reither is a keyboard player and saxophonist also with Icehouse, but has played with a large roster of artists as well. Glenn has also been a previous guest on the show – check out his episode here. Between Paul and Glenn, you get a rollicking, insightful discussion into a range of topics, so enjoy! 
This is bonus content that was provided to our Patreon supporters 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 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 and Glenn in action together on stage
Glenn playing with Jon Stevens
How Glenn and Paul make a living in music
The importance of diversification
The ‘saturation’ of the music industry
The death of the stadium rock band
The source of future growth in streaming
How to succeed in stock / library music
The opportunities in gaming and music
The tyranny of choice and curated playlists
The renaissance of music festivals
Risk management, touring and COVID-19
Glenn’s guitar amps built from vintage radios
Exclusivity / geographical radius clauses for bands
Fuzzy / wishful thinking when entering the music industry / being careful what you wish for
The modern session musician is at home
RadioActive Band (Canada) 
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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 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):
Nile Rodgers and Chic Live
Working with Nile Rodgers
Playing guitar with Eric Clapton
How and why Chic are ‘loaded with love and forgiveness’ for each other
Historical division of keyboard duties in Chic with current line-up and previous line-ups (Russell Graham, Phillipe Saisse, Katreese Barnes)
Rich’s rig
Chic Live at the Budokan 1996
Admiration for Kerry Minnear, Steve Winwood, Elton John, David Bowie
Jump They Say – David Bowie
Working with a Synclavier for Bowie
Gentle Giant – ‘Proclamation’ Official Fan Video
Working with Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek – Rockaway (from Fireball Zone)
Rich’s tips for upcoming players (highly recommended listening)
Tag a keyboard player: Cory Henry
Cory Henry playing the Harpejji
Rich’s obsession with the Roli Seaboard (and chamber music)
Desert Island Discs: Meet The Beatles – The Beatles, Are You Experienced? – Jimi Hendrix, The Inner Mounting Flame – Mahavishnu Orchestra, A Love Supreme – John Coltrane, Debut: The Clef / Mercury Duo Recordings 1949-1951 – Oscar Peterson
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 and lots more on the horizon.
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):  
What it’s like auditioning for Cirque Du Soleil (and getting the gig nine years later!)
Cirque Du Soleil: Axel
Timely cues or death!
Zappa Plays Zappa
Peaches En Regalia
Michael Whalen episode talking Zappa’s Synclaviers
Auditioning for Zappa Plays Zappa by making a video playing G-Spot Tornado
Playing with Chick Corea and Rachel Flowers
Chick Corea on a Viscount VIntage Vibe piano
Rachel Flowers plays ‘Montana’ with Zappa Plays Zappa
Tips for new players
Composing for film and TV
Composing for video games
Tag a keyboard player: Ty Bailie
Desert Island Discs: Either / Or – Elliott Smith, Whatever and Ever Amen – Ben Folds Five, A Wizard A True Star – Todd Rundgren, Waiting for Columbus – Little Feat, Joe’s Garage – Frank Zappa. Runners-up: Toy Matinee – Toy Matinee, Original Soundtrack – Undertale
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Cover photo by Jack Timberlake via Chris Norton

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 that covers a lot more than his sound offerings.
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):  
Busselton, Western Australia
How justifying the purchase of a gold Kronos led to Narf Sounds
Kronos Enthusiast Workshops (KEW) Facebook Group
Salacious performing live
The Baker Boys Band
Why cover band players may be better players than originals players
Tag a keyboard player: Luke Edwards (Rocky IV Training Theme)
Desert Island Discs: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite – Maxwell, Hunting High and Low – a-ha, Songs from the Big Chair – Tears for Fears, Power, Corruption and Lies – New Order, 1984 – Van Halen.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 / 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):
Martin’s early day as a player and the joy of a Yamaha Portasound
Rebelski – Kaleidoscope
Here it Comes – Doves
Doves – Carousels (Live)
Martin playing with Peter Hook and the Light
Martin playing with Echo and the Bunnymen
Richard Clayderman in action
Martin’s keyboard rig
One of the best ‘train-wreck’ stories we’ve heard.
Ray Manzarek and Echo and the Bunnymen
Tag a keyboard player: Cory Henry 
Desert Island Discs: Music for 18 Musicians – Steve Reich, LA Woman – The Doors, Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Selected Ambient Works – Aphex Twin, The Man-Machine – Kraftwerk.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 / 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):  
Big Joe Duskin
Toby’s ‘Double-Six’ Boogie Woogie Album
Mike Armitage and The Lion Brewery
The Wombles – The Wombling Song
Rialto on Top of the Pops
Toby playing with Mungo Jerry
Toby on tour with Mungo Jerry
Stranglers – Walk on By keyboard solo
Dave Greenfield’s go-to keyboards
Toby’s rig
Oberheim and their resurgence
Toby’s decision to go into Music Therapy
British Association for Music Therapy
Lessons learned about playing keys
The Stranglers, Live in 2022
Tag a keyboard player: Vince Guaraldi, Ben Folds
Desert Island Discs: The Raven – The Stranglers, LA Woman – The Doors, A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi, any good boogie woogie compilation album.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 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 website
Recent Miley Cyrus tour of South America
Film scoring and impostor syndrome
Playing with Hannah Montana
Keeping it fresh each night on a large scale tour
Miley Cyrus – Jolene
Rebel Yell – Miley Cyrus with Billy Idol
Mike’s rig rundown
Using a laptop-based rig with Troye Sivan
Lessons learned / tips for aspiring players
Tag a keyboard player: Benmont Tench, Patrick Warren, Max Mitchell, Karina Depiano
Desert Island Discs: OK Computer – Radiohead, Homogenic – Björk, Under The Pink – Tori Amos, Illinois – Sufjan Stevens, and ‘tied’ for fifth spot: Martinis and Bikinis – Sam Phillips and Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers.
Mike faces our Quick Fire Tem Questions: Stereo or Mono, Sitting or Standing, Keytars: sexy or an abomination, Transpose button or adjust on the fly?, X-stand or anything else, Last gig you attended as an audience member, Best thing about live gigs, Worst thing about live gigs, Name one thing you’d like to see invented that’d make your life as a keyboard player easier, Red keyboards, yes or no?
Mike’s travelogue video on a Miley Cyrus tour of Australia / New Zealand.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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 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 Jim got into developing sounds
The Backstage Pass suite of tools 
Touch OSC
The challenges of a Yamaha DX7
Who’s buying Backstage Pass – older players getting sentimental or younger artists looking for something different?
DX Dreams walkthrough
Upcoming expansions including ‘Prophetic Dreams’, ‘JX Dreams’
The generosity of Eric Persing
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content like this episode, which patrons received 30 days ago



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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.
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 Waterboys: 
Brother Paul’s Patreon 
Seeing Parliament-Funkadelic for the first time
Bro Paul’s challenging teenage years
Xavion – Eat Your Heart Out
Playing with Shirley Brown and ducking her high heel shoe
With Ann Peebles and The Memphis Horns
Charles Hodges and Hammond B3
Dick Wagner Remember The Child Memorial Fund
Working with Bobby Rush
Becoming part of The Waterboys
Passing Through –  first performance with The Waterboys’ Mike Scott and Steve Wickham
Brother Paul Brown Keytar Solo
Mike Farris
Working with Gloria Gaynor
Mike Farris – Snap Your Fingers
Brother Paul’s keyboard rig
Lessons learned as a keyboard player
Brother Paul’s collaborative bucket list: Peter Frampton, Robert Plant and Paul Rodgers
Working with Deborah Bonham and playing John Bonham’s tambourine and gong
Playing with a badly injured finger
Tag a keyboard player: Al Greenwood, Rev. Charles Hodges
Desert Island Discs: Alive! – Kiss, Foreigner – Foreigner, Frampton – Peter Frampton, Toys in the Attic – Aerosmith, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd, Feels So Good – Chuck Mangione, Red Headed Stranger – Willie Nelson, Sketches in Spain – Miles Davis, 99 lbs – Ann Peebles, Chega de Saudade – João Gilberto, Space Escapade – Les Baxter.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the indu...

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:

* 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):  
Podcast T-Shirt challenge
HSCC’s YouTube Channel
Dave’s ‘Hamburg’ baptism of fire as a teenager
Playing two sets of Prince songs with three days notice
MuseScore software
HSCC: the process of recording / filming the weekly song
Touring with HSCC
HSCC future plans
Dave’s keyboard rig
Korg Kronos replacement rumours
Lessons learned / tips for other players
Dave’s train wreck anecdotes
Dave’s favourite HSCC covers
Tag a keyboard player: Nik Kershaw, Nick Rhodes
Desert Island Discs: 5150 – Van Halen, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Changes – David Bowie, Greatest Hits – Prince, Give Me The Night – George Benson, Aliens Ate My Buick – Thomas Dolby.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 above, or:
* Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel


Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):
Tales From Topographic Oceans – Yes 
Phil Collins vs Peter Gabriel from a Genesis viewpoint
Phil Collins drumming at the Band Aid sessions (and for the record the studio was Sarm West Studios)
Are keytars cool or not (and watch for an upcoming episode on this topic)
British Prog vs US Prog
The Spider – Kansas
Pink Floyd as prog band 
Mellotron – is its extinction overstated?
Dream Theater – progeny of Rush and Metallica?
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content like this episode, which patrons received 30 days ago



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Cover picture: Bronwen Caple Photography

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 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):
Considering every solo or gig to be your last
Vale Nate Ginsberg
Don’t play an E4 during Eat It
Bruce Conte and Tower of Power
George the Synth Ghost
Emo Phillips
The upcoming tour with Weird Al
Examples of Al’s originals: Mission Statement and Virus Alert
Pat Regan (great interview here on the 2000-inch Weird Al podcast)
Melodyne note-based editing software
Rubén grills Paul and David on their favourite interviews to date
Tag a keyboard player: Jordan Rudess, Emmet Cohen, Rachel Flowers
Desert Island Discs:  Light as a Feather – Return to Forever / Chick Corea, Pictures at an Exhibition – Sviatoslav Richter, Horowitz in Moscow – Vladimir Horowitz, Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin, Abraxas – Santana
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 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):  
Rubén’s Website
Van Cliburn performs in Moscow, 1958 (on YouTube)
Rubén performing with Rush Hour 1986
Dr Demento 20th Anniversary TV Special
The Saga Begins – Al sends Rubén home
Recreating the diverse sounds and styles across Weird Al’s huge catalogue
Weird Al show timing
How Rubén nearly ended up as part of Jimmy Kimmel’s house band
The Simpsons – Three Gays of the Condo
Glenn Hughes Live in Moscow 1995
Sampling a Hammond B3 to use on a Kurzweil
Why Rubén loves Kurweil keyboards
Sound design for a Weird Al tour
Weird Al vs Tower of Power
What’s Weird Al like as a boss? (spoiler: he’s a great boss)
Rubén’s bucket list: Santana (and a shout out to David K Mathews)
The Valtierra Latin Orchestra
The upcoming Weird Al Movie
Why Weird Al is a true, great artist
Not mentioned but worth a watch: Weird Al and the band play 77 cover songs over 77 nights.
Tag a keyboard player: See Part 2
Desert Island Discs: See Part 2
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 button in the audio player above, or:
* Video: watch the embedded video or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel:


Content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):    
Pet Sounds – Beach Boys
Freak Out – Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
King Crimson – In The Court of the Crimson King
Prog Archives
Rush – 2112
Ready Player One – Ernest Cline(highly recommended!)
Keith Emerson official website
Rick Wakeman official website
Overview of prog rock keyboards
Yes – Fragile
Yes – Close to the Edge
Watch Rick Wakeman live, on ice
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd – Meddle
ELP – Tarkus
ELP – Brain Salad Surgery
ELP play Fanfare for the Common Man
Haken
Frost
Big Big Train
Jordan Rudess
Richard Barbieri
Rikard Sjoblom
Desert Island Discs: Lamb Lies Down on Broadway – Genesis, Hemispheres – Rush, Close to the Edge – Yes, Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd, Discipline – King Crimson
Matt’s biography:

I grew up in Adelaide and by my early teens I had developed an obsession with music, starting with 80’s heavy metal. After discovering Rush, everything changed and it took me down the rabbit hole of prog rock. This led to reading everything I could get my hands on about the 70’s heavyweights like Yes, King Crimson, Genesis and ELP as well as the new wave of 80’s bands like IQ, Marillion, Pallas and Pendragon. I was hooked!
At age 20, I decided to leave home and I flew to the UK for what was intended to be a 6 month working holiday. I stayed in Europe for 7 years!
Due to connections with a number of independent English prog bands that I had become a fan of, I found myself on the doorstep of Pendragon/Arena keyboard player Clive Nolan and ended up living with him for the d...

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 a special guest appearance from Lisa’s lovely greyhound dog!
To listen, click on the player above or listen on YouTube:

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):  
Wendy and Lisa – composers
Berry Gordy
Tom Oberheim, ARP Dealer
Matt ‘Doctor’ Fink
The Revolution – Live in 2017
Prince and The Revolution – rehearsal footage
Lisa Coleman – Collage
Neil Finn – Hole in the Ice (co-written with Lisa Coleman)
Tag a keyboard player: Joe Zawinul, Bill Evans
Desert Island Discs: Talking Book – Stevie Wonder, Blue – Joni Mitchell, The Legendary Lazar Berman Plays Liszt – Lazar Berman, anything from Sly and the Family Stone, A Simple Matter of Conviction – Bill Evans
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 Yes.
To listen, click on the player above or listen on YouTube:

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):  
Downes Braide Association – latest album Halcyon Hymns
Geoff at the Sydney Opera House
Yes – The Quest
Rock Aid Armenia – Smoke on the Water (making-of documentary)
Trevor and Geoff performing live in 2004
Our interview with Geoff’s old band mate, Jan Pulsford
Asia – Go
Tag a keyboard player: Dave Sinclair (Caravan)
Desert Island Discs: In The Land of Grey and Pink – Caravan, ABBA Gold – ABBA, 4 – Foreigner, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, The White Album – The Beatles.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 ‘Pop Prog’. You’ve been warned!
To listen, click on the player above or listen on YouTube:

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):    
Mussorgski – Pictures at an Exhibition
Kenny Barron – Embraceable you
Tom with Spiraling
Tom with Glen Burtnik
Tom with Meatloaf
Tom with Yes
Tom with Renaissance
Tag a keyboard player: Kerry Minnear (Gentle Giant), Glasys.
Desert Island Discs: Purple Rain – Prince, Christmas Album – The Ventures, Business As Usual – Men At Work, Fragile – Yes, Magical Mystery Tour – The Beatles  and any album from Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.



Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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 mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Michael’s Future Shock project
Simon Phillips
Tony Levin
Karmic Dreams
Elias Music
Michael J Fox in a 1987 Pepsi Commercial
Duran Duran – All She Wants Is (from the Big Thing album)
Herb Pilhofer
Frank Zappa and his Synclavier
Good Morning America Theme
Arif Mardin
Myndstream records
Gustavo Santaolalla
Rick Wakeman’s Twitter Account
Rick Wakeman’s RRHOF acceptance speech
Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers
Grace Jones – Slave to the Rhythm
Not discussed (yet) but well worth the read:Michael writes on digital rights and tracking your income
Tag a keyboard player: Tom Brislin
Desert Island Discs: Greatest Hits Vol. 1 – Earth, Wind and Fire, Works Vol. 1 – Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Duke – Genesis, Silk Degrees – Boz Scaggs, Toto IV – Toto.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.



We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for...