Podcast

The Keyboard Chronicles

Music, Music Commentary, Music Interviews

A podcast for keyboard players

Episodes
207
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
54 min
On air since
2019
Latest episode
3 days ago

Episodes

207 episodes, newest first

  1. Kenny Hensley, The Head and The Heart

    Season 1, Episode 206

    Show notes

    Kenny Hensley talks on his career with The Head and The Heart and more broadly. We chat on the story behind the band’s formation, Kenny’s development as a songwriter and player, the democratic approach to maintaining band harmony, and hear about an on-stage train wreck that most of us will sympathise with.

    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):

    Kenny’s musical upbringing

    A great overview of The Head and The Heart in their own words

    Sub Pop Records

    The formation of The Head and The Heart

    The Head and the Heart – Down in the Valley

    The Head and The Heart – Ghosts

    The recording of the first (selef-titled) The Head and The Heart album

    Perry Watts-Russell

    The initial touring experiences touring with bands like Death Cab For Cutie and My Morning Jacket.

    How the democratic approach of the band has helped band harmony

    Keeping things interesting and creative in a matured band

    The Head and The Heart – After The Setting Sun

    Kenny’s touring keyboard rig

    The Roland FP-7

    Kenny’s on-stage train wreck

    Tag a keyboard player: Zach Miller, Dr. Dog.

    Desert Island Discs: Beatles albums wall to wall (due to a technical glitch we lost Kenny’s audio for a while and didn’t come back to the DSD discussion but he did say in an ideal world it’d be all Beatles albums).

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Kenny Hensley, The Head and The Heart appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

    1 hr
  2. Peter Manning Robinson, Pianist and Composer

    Season 1, Episode 205

    Show notes

    Peter Manning Robinson is a pianist and composer who also has developed his own piano (the Refractor piano). On top of those amazing achievements he’s needed to overcome some major obstacles to continue playing at a high level. We cover all that and more in this fascinating conversation.

    To listen / watch:

    • Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
    • Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

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

    Peter’s past 12 months

    Peter’s latest album – Excursions

    Peter Manning Robinson – Initiation

    Peter’s upcoming feature film

    A discussion on the good and the not so good of film and TV composition

    Peter’s childhood and playing the piano at age 3

    The brilliant Ernie Watts and Freddie Hubbard

    Rahsaan Roland Kirk

    A discussion on resilience, harsh feedback and finding your own space within music

    Learning how to tour and perform in a band

    The creative link between cooking and music

    The development of tendonitis and the three-year journey to recovery

    Professor Phil Cohen

    Translating emotions to playing

    Development of the Refractor Piano

    Peter in action with the Refractor Piano

    Desert Island Discs: None – explanation provided by Peter on the show.

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Peter Manning Robinson, Pianist and Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

    52 min
  3. Cory Henry, Solo Artist / The Funk Apostles

    Season 1, Episode 204

    Show notes

    Cory Henry is one of the most innovative and dynamic players of the past 20 years, and hot off the release of his latest album Devotion, we were thrilled to spend some time getting his perspective on his evolution as an artist, the challenges of being an independent artist, and plenty of keyboard talk.

    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):

    Cory Henry – Devotion

    The making of Devotion

    Cory Henry – Make A Way

    Key references and inspirations, including Andraé Crouch and Walter Hawkins

    Cory Henry – The Revival

    The approach to recording Devotion at Henson Studio

    Robert ‘Sput’ Searight

    Cory Henry – Spirit

    The analog keyboard approach to recording Devotion

    Thoughts on genres and secular vs spiritual music

    Cory in action with Kenny Garrett

    Cory’s thoughts on soloing

    A discussion on the iconic solo in Lingus when performing with Snarky Puppy

    The challenges of being the front-person and the grind of being an independent artist

    On singing more and adjusting playing to match

    Stevie Wonder playing with Cory on Something Happens

    Some thoughts for younger keyboard players

    Desert Island Discs: Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, Voodoo – D’Angelo, 1 – The Beatles, Devotion – Cory Henry

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Cory Henry, Solo Artist / The Funk Apostles appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  4. Zac Rae, Death Cab for Cutie

    Season 1, Episode 203

    Show notes

    Zac Rae has been Death Cab for Cutie’s keyboard/guitar player for more than 1o years, with previous touring or session stints with Macy Gray, Alanis Morrissett, Leonard Cohen and Morrisey to name just four. In addition, Zac has a prolific and ongoing career in film, TV and other collaborations.

    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):

    Zac’s past 12 months

    Death Cab for Cutie’s latest album, I Built You A Tower

    Death Cab for Cutie – Trap Door

    Death Cab for Cutie – Riptides

    Death Cab for Cutie in action live, 2026

    Death Cab for Cutie Tiny Desk Concert

    Zac’s musical upbringing

    Eileen Rowe – Piano Teacher

    Zac’s ‘weird shit’ keyboards and accessories

    Playing and touring with Macy Gray and Alanis Morissette

    Zac playing with Macy Gray in 2001 at the Grammys

    Zac’s keyboard rig with Alanis Morrissette

    A memorable on-stage train wreck

    Working on Leonard Cohen albums – You Want It Darker and Thanks for the Dance

    A discussion on the relationship between guitar and keyboards

    Brett Dennen – Hope For The Hopeless

    Brett Dennen – Loverboy

    Early Winters – Early Winters

    Joey Waronker, Luke Reynolds, Zac Rae – Proof

    Working with Morrissey

    Morrissey – Some Say I Got Devil

    Joining Death Cab for Cutie

    Love of Benmont Tench’s approach

    Death Cab for Cutie – Title and Registration

    Death Cab for Cutie – Gold Rush

    Zac’s Death Cab for Cutie keyboard rig

    Desert Island Discs: Odyssey and Oracle – The Zombies, Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Spilt Milk – Jellyfish, The Shutov Assembly – Brian Eno, Syro – Aphex Twin

    Thumbnail photos via the brilliant Brynn Osborn and Joshua Halling

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Zac Rae, Death Cab for Cutie appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  5. Ivan Doroschuk, Men Without Hats

    Season 1, Episode 202

    Show notes

    Ivan Doroschuk has been making great synth pop/rock songs for more than 40 years, and as founder of Men Without Hats remains a live performance powerhouse in addition to regular releases of new material. In this episode we chat on Ivan’s career, approach to composition and his favourite synths of all 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):

    The past 12 months for Men Without Hats

    Upcoming Australian tour

    Men Without Hats in action in 2026

    Men Without Hats’ latest album: On The Moon

    Ivan’s musical upbringing

    The formation of Men Without Hats as part of the Montreal punk scene

    Moving to the synth based Men Without Hats we know

    Developing the Men Without Hats sound and the ‘no sequencer’ approach

    The Korg MS-20

    Origins of The Safety Dance

    Ivan’s key keyboard player / composer influences

    Ivan’s solo album – The Spell

    The evolution of Ivan’s home studio

    The 1980s version of Men Without Hats’ keyboard rig to today.

    The Yamaha QX1

    A Men Without Hats train wreck story

    Desert Island Discs: Foxtrot – Genesis, Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield, Obscured by Clouds – Pink Floyd, You – Gong, Autobahn – Kraftwerk

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Ivan Doroschuk, Men Without Hats appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  6. Mike Lindup, Level 42 / Solo Artist

    Season 1, Episode 201

    Show notes

    Mike Lindup is one of our most requested guests and we were thrilled to speak with him in the lead up to Level 42’s Australian tour. In this initial catch-up with Mike, we do a quick rundown of his amazing career and talk about his keyboard rig , upcoming Australian tour and briefly talk on his stellar solo career 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):

    Upcoming first tour to Australia

    Level 42 – Something About You

    The iconic Molly Meldrum

    Key musical influences of Level 42

    Mike’s perspective on his evolution as a player

    Mike soloing live on Level 42 – Hot Water

    Mike’s touring keyboard rig with Level 42

    Level 42’s first single, Love Meeting Love

    The brilliant Wally Badarou

    Level 42 – The Sun Goes Down (Livin’ It Up)

    Two of Mike’s solo albums: Changes and Changes 2

    Mike’s upcoming solo piano album, Beyond Words, and the amazing story of obtaining the piano he used on the album

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Mike Lindup, Level 42 / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

    23 min
  7. Tony Banks, Genesis / Solo Artist

    Season 1, Episode 200

    Show notes

    For our 200th episode we couldn’t think of a better person to feature than Tony Banks, a true master of the craft and still creating amazing music to this day. In a little over an hour we cover Tony’s career as the heart of Genesis, as well as his brilliant solo output and some superb insights into composition, soloing 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):

    Tony’s past couple of years

    An example of Tony’s work with John Potter – Follow Thy Fair Sun

    Tony playing on, and co-writing, Haunted Life by Rocking Horse Music Club

    Tony’s musical upbringing

    Tony’s early keyboard player inspirations

    The Zombies – Whenever You’re Ready

    Genesis – From Genesis To Revelation

    Genesis – Stagnation

    Genesis – Looking for Someone

    Genesis – The Knife live 1980

    Genesis – The Musical Box

    The approach to writing songs within Genesis

    A detailed discussion on the writing of Supper’s Ready

    Tony’s perspective on different pianos / organs / synths he’s used

    Hammond L122 Organ

    Yamaha CP-70

    The Polymoog

    The Roland VP-330

    The CP-70 and Tony in action on Genesis – Undertow

    Tony Banks – A Curious Feeling

    Tony playing the fiendishly difficult Robbery, Assault and Battery live

    Genesis – Home By The Sea

    Peter Gabriel drumming on Turn It On Again

    Tony’s view on Genesis tribute bands

    The Disturbed – Land of Confusion

    Genesis – It’s Gonna Get Better

    Tony’s approach to keyboard solos and his favourite solo

    Thoughts on Firth of Fifth

    Tony’s thoughts on the degree of fame Genesis reached

    Genesis live at Wembley Stadium in 1987

    Genesis – Domino Medley

    A discussion on recording ‘A Curious Feeling’

    Tony talks on his solo albums: The Fugitive, Bankstatement, Strictly Inc.,

    Tony Banks (with Nik Kershaw) – I Wanna Change the Score

    Tony Banks – An Island In The Darkness

    A discussion on lyrics

    Genesis – Keep It Dark

    A discussion on Tony’s orchestral works

    Tony Banks – Seven: A Suite for Orchestra

    Tony Banks – Six Pieces for Orchestra

    Tony Banks – Five

    The Genesis song that was most difficult live – Man on the Corner

    On missing touring (or otherwise), the 2007 and final tour

    The last song played live: Carpet Crawlers

    Desert Island Discs: Revolver – The Beatles, Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys, Rodgers & Hammerstein – The King and I, Symphony No. 10 – Shostakovich, The Oceanides- Sibelius.

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Tony Banks, Genesis / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  8. David Paich, Toto / Solo Artist

    Season 1, Episode 199

    Show notes

    David Paich is an American musician, songwriter, and producer best known as a founding member, keyboardist, and principal songwriter for the rock band Toto. Beyond his extensive work with the band, where he wrote or co-wrote hits such as “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold the Line,” David has a prolific background as a session musician. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, Elton John, Steely Dan and so many more. David is a true master of the craft and we try to cover some serious ground in what is a world-beating creative output.

    To listen / watch:

    • Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
    • Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

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

    David Paich – the full discography of more than 1900 sessions / releases

    David’s musical upbringing

    A small selection of Marty Paich’s amazing work

    Shelly Manne

    Being inspired by Ray Charles, Floyd Cramer and Elton John

    Forming ‘Still Life’ alongside Jeff Porcaro and involving Steve Porcaro and Steve Lukather

    The brilliant Larry Knechtel

    David Paich’s first session: Seals and Crofts – Diamond Girl

    Cher – David’s Song

    Glenn Campbell – Houston (I’m Comin’ To See You)

    Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were

    Elton John – Nobody Wins

    The Roland MicroComposer

    Steely Dan – Night by Night

    Steely Dan – Black Friday

    David’s early keyboards

    Working with Motown Mowest artists and seeing Clarence McDonald, Jerry Peters and Sonny Burke

    David in action on one of his co-writes with Boz Scaggs – Lowdown

    The formation of Toto

    The first Toto album

    One of the eight songs David wrote on the first album, the iconic Hold The Line

    The successful keyboard partnership with Steve Porcaro

    Exploring new synths, drum machines and Jeff Porcaro’s take on drum machines

    The challenging of playing Toto songs live

    David in action with Toto live on the 40 Tours Around The Sun tour- Rosanna

    A discussion on Greg Phillinganes, Dennis Atlas and Rai Thistlethwayte – what it takes to be a keyboard player in Toto

    David Paich – Forgotten Toys

    David Paich – All The Tears That Shine

    Working as an MD on large live events and composing for film

    David in action preparing for the 2010 Emmy Awards

    David’s thoughts on musical legacy

    Desert Island Discs: Madman Across The Water – Elton John, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Steely Dan – Pretzel Logic, Trilogy – Emerson, Lake & Palmer, El Mirage – Jimmy Webb

    A postscript on Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post David Paich, Toto / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  9. Don Walker, Solo Artist / Cold Chisel / Tex, Don and Charlie

    Season 1, Episode 198

    Show notes

    No-one deserves to be part of our Masters Series more than Don Walker. Don is one of Australia’s most iconic players and songwriters and we chat on his latest release Love Songs , his work with Cold Chisel and Tex, Don and Charlie, 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):

    Don Walker – Love Songs

    Don’s approach to the ‘Love Songs’ album

    Don Walker’s ‘Salsa song’ – Let’s All Get Together

    Don Walker – Luck

    The song Cold Chisel knocked back – The Girl I Used To Know

    Don Walker – Darwin

    The inimitable Jeff Lang

    Don’s favourite piano

    The sadly now deceased Head Gap Studios

    Don’s Kawaii Baby Grand piano

    Don Walker – Could You Still Be Here

    Don’s solo touring keyboard rig and love of the (older) Nord piano sound

    Don’s musical upbringing

    Developing skills on organ

    The Lawrence Audio electric piano

    The thankful advent of the Yamaha CP-70

    Negotiating sonic space for keyboard in a guitar driven band like Cold Chisel

    A discussion on some deeper Don Walker compositions for Cold Chisel:

    Cold Chisel – Home and Broken Hearted

    Cold Chisel – Letter to Alan

    Cold Chisel – Hound Dog

    Cold Chisel – Janelle

    Tex, Don & Charlie – Danielle

    Arranging new songs / the collaborative approach within Cold Chisel

    Don’s Cold Chisel keyboard rig

    Auditioning a cavalcade of Yamaha CP-70s before the 2024 tour

    The formation of Tex, Don & Charlie

    Don in action with Tex, Don & Charlie live, 2017

    Don’s duet with Slim Dusty: Charleville

    Another Don Walker composition for Slim Dusty: Looking Forward, Looking Back

    Don’s admiration for Thelonius Monk and Duke Ellington

    Desert Island Discs: Ellington Indigos – Duke Ellington, Self-Titled – Elvis Presley, A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles, Self-Titled – Led Zeppelin, Hymns to the Silence – Van Morrison.

    A potential fiction book from Don Walker

    Don’s view on a musical legacy or impact

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Don Walker, Solo Artist / Cold Chisel / Tex, Don and Charlie appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  10. Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan

    Season 1, Episode 197

    Show notes

    Lawrence Gowan is a Scottish-Canadian singer, songwriter, and keyboardist best known as the vocalist and keyboardist for the classic rock band Styx, a role he has held since 1999. Before joining the group, he forged a highly successful solo career in Canada under the stage name Gowan. His 1985 solo album Strange Animal achieved triple-platinum status, driven by hit singles such as “A Criminal Mind,” a track that has since become a staple in Styx’s live sets. An ARCT-certified classical pianist, Gowan has crossed paths with some of rock’s most respected musicians over his decades-long career. His solo records feature notable collaborations with artists including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Jon Anderson of Yes, and Robert Fripp of King Crimson. Furthermore, his breakthrough album Strange Animal was famously recorded with Peter Gabriel’s esteemed rhythm section, including bassist Tony Levin and drummer Jerry Marotta.

    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 current Styx tour – the band ‘that doesn’t stop’

    Styx in action live in 2026

    Lawrence’s post-show wind-down routine

    Styx’s latest album – Circling From Above

    A discussion on reproducing Mr Roboto live

    Lawrence in action on Mr Roboto, 2026

    Lawrence’s amazing rotating keyboard stand

    Gowan – Lost Brotherhood (the first appearance of the spinning stand, alongside Alex Lifeson)

    Lawrence’s early years as a musician and the importance of classical music

    The first Gowan album (self-titled)

    Working with the legendary Ronnie Hawkins

    Gowan – Strange Animal

    Lawrence in action with Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeff Healey and a wider cast of icons, 1995

    Keyboards used on Strange Animal and the ‘step down’ from a Yamaha CS-80 to a Korg Poly 61

    How ‘A Criminal Mind’ became part of the Styx live set

    Gowan – ..But You Can Call Me Larry

    Gowan – The Good Catches Up

    Gowan in action live in 2025 – Strange Animal

    Two questions from supporter Tammy – a song Lawrence wishes was his and his advice to his 20-year old self

    Lawrence’s wish for his musical legacy

    Desert Island Discs: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Selling England By The Pound – Genesis, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, A Night at the Opera – Queen

    Thumbnail graphic credit: Jason Powell via Styx official IG

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  11. Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan

    Season 1, Episode 196

    Show notes

    Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, and a great deal more.

    To listen / watch:

    • Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
    • Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

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

    Richard’s latest album Hauntings

    The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings

    Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890, Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession

    A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film

    Richard’s musical upbringing

    Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700

    Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan

    The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen

    Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts

    One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn

    The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow

    Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow

    Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK)

    JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster

    Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders

    Joining Porcupine Tree

    The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band

    Porcupine Tree – Signify

    Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus)

    The influence of lyrics on sound design

    Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues

    Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring

    A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here)

    Richard’s use of soft synths

    Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live

    Performing with The Bays

    Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record

    Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light

    Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work

    Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future

    Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album

    Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  12. Christian Dinh Gulino, Roxy Music / Kylie Minogue / Will Young

    Season 1, Episode 195

    Show notes

    In this episode we speak with Christian Dinh Gulino, a UK-based keyboard player and musical director covering everything from pop tours to video game soundtracks. Aside from his arranging and production work for Square Enix Music, he has extensively toured with artists such as Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, alongside a long-standing working relationship with Will Young. We chat on all that and more, including some great insights into weekend corporate gigs in other countries and an Andrea Bocelli train wreck anecdote for the ages….

    To listen / watch:

    • Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
    • Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

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

    Christian’s musical upbringing

    Playing at 12 and getting ‘roasted’ by the pros

    Moving from Italy to the UK

    Early career as a player

    Joining Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co

    Auditioning for, and joining Sophie Ellis-Bextor

    Using a Nord keyboard, Reason and a Dell Laptop

    Christian in action with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2009

    Working with Will Young

    Christian in action with Will Young, 2015

    John Newman – Love Me Again

    Christian’s thoughts on the key components of a Musical Director role

    Negotiating disagreements on musical direction

    Working with Kylie Minogue

    Christian in action live with Kyle Minogue at Glastonbury 2019

    When you have six days to get your driver’s license to be able to join Kylie Minogue in Singapore

    Working with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music on their 50th Anniversary tour

    Christian playing with Roxy music in 2022

    The keyboard rig for Roxy Music

    Composing for games / film, including the Final Fantasy franchise

    Kai Kaurismaki

    Christian’s two notable train wrecks

    Working on Name That Tune

    Desert Island Discs: Speak Like A Child – Herbie Hancock, Hotter Than July – Stevie Wonder, Off The Wall – Michael Jackson, 1996 – Ryuichi Sakamoto,

    Key links:

    Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

    Buy some keyboard related merchandise

    Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

    Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

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

    The post Christian Dinh Gulino, Roxy Music / Kylie Minogue / Will Young appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  13. John Linnell, They Might Be Giants

    Season 1, Episode 194

    Show notes

    John Linnell is one half of They Might Be Giants, an American alternative rock band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1982. The group is known for their unique blend of alternative rock, experimental pop, and highly unconventional songwriting. John chats with us on his career to date, recent album The World Is To Dig...

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  14. Mark 'Squeezebox Wally' Wallace, Weddings Parties Anything, Mick Thomas' Roving Commission

    Season 1, Episode 193

    Show notes

    Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace is an Australian-based accordion and keyboard player, who for more than forty years has played around the world with a range of outfits including Weddings Parties Anything and Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission. We cover a lot of that career, in addition to some discussion on accordions in contemporary music, some great...

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  15. Julian Emery, Songwriter and Producer

    Season 1, Episode 192

    Show notes

    Julian Emery is a UK-based songwriter, producer, and guitarist whose credits include work with artists such as Nothing But Thieves, McFly, and Lissie. This episode is a little different as Julian doesn’t play keyboards himself, but he joins the show to share his unique perspective from the producer’s chair and offers some interesting thoughts on...

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  16. Geoff Downes, Yes (Redux)

    Season 1, Episode 191

    Show notes

    Geoff Downes returns for his second appearance on the show, having originally joined us back on Episode 38. While his extensive history with Yes is well documented, this time around we focus specifically on the band’s latest album, Aurora. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview, and we take the opportunity to delve...

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  17. Scottie Miller, Solo Artist / Ruthie Foster

    Season 1, Episode 190

    Show notes

    Scottie Miller is an American keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Minneapolis. Known for his blues- and roots-influenced playing style, Scottie has spent years on the road as the long-time musical director and keyboardist for Ruthie Foster. He’s also worked with Bo Diddley and Johnnie Johnson to name just two others. Alongside his work as...

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    53 min
  18. Danny Silverston, Couch

    Season 1, Episode 189

    Show notes

    Danny Silverston is an American keyboardist and founding member of the Boston-based soul-pop band Couch. Known for his warm, jazz- and funk-influenced playing style, Danny has been an integral part of the seven-piece group’s collaborative writing and production process since their formation in 2018. He recently played on the band’s 2025 debut full-length album, Big...

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    58 min
  19. Paul Furness, Ball Park Music

    Season 1, Episode 188

    Show notes

    Paul Furness is a keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist who serves as a founding member of Brisbane indie rock mainstays Ball Park Music. Since forming the group during a university class assignment in 2008, Paul has spent nearly two decades helping anchor their melodic and eclectic sound, layering essential synthesizer textures, piano, and occasional trombone across...

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    49 min
  20. Michael Stephen Brown, Pianist and Composer

    Season 1, Episode 187

    Show notes

    Michael Stephen Brown is a versatile American pianist and composer best known for his solo performances, rich chamber music collaborations, and unique original works. Bridging the gap between world-class piano playing and storytelling, he has recently released his debut album of all-original music, Twelve Blocks. Showcasing his distinct creative voice, the deeply personal project features...

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