The Keyboard Chronicles

Steve Porcaro is arguably one of the most listened to and prolific keyboard players in the world. Through his extensive session work (Michael Jackson, Don Henley, Yes to name just three), film and TV output and that small little outfit called Toto, there won’t be many people who won’t have heard Steve’s work. We attempt to capture a small snapshot of that amazing career in this i...

Glenn Reither  is a keyboard and sax player with one hell of a history with acts ranging from the Little River Band to Icehouse and Jon Stevens. Glenn has some great insights on playing keys, touring and a great initiative to encourage young people to get involved in rock music. There’s even a mention of clotting agents and haemophilia: who says we’re not a well rounded podcast? Links...

Dan Walker has some great insights into the life of a keyboard player as part of a major touring act, as well as some great insights across performing and touring.   Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): K.C. Clifford – Rise Up Dan playing live with LeRoy Bell Star Anna’s Bowie Tribute Dan with Ann Wilson’s solo tour 2017 Ann Wilson –...

David K Mathews has had, and continues to have, an amazing career across a range of genres. In Part 2 of our interview ( Part 1 of interview – click here ), David covers off his work with Etta James and Santana. If you’re a Hammond B3 player you’ll also love the detail David goes into about his rig.. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):   Etta...

David K Mathews has had, and continues to have, an amazing career across a range of genres. In Part 1 of our interview, Dave covers off his work with Tower of Power and The Rat Band. And he’s only getting started…. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):   Tower of Power Dave playing with Tower of Power Elvin Bishop Chester Thompson Larry Blake’s...

Matt Johnson has been holding down keys duties with Jamiroqaui for close to twenty years with huge skill and aplomb. We catch up with Matt to talk a bit of gear and a lot of great insight into approaching playing at this level. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): Matt’s Youtube Channel   Ms. Dynamite Jamiroquai – We Can Do It Matt Johnson – Wi...

If you think it’d be hard being in one successful band, try being in three on top of a bunch of other projects. Clive Nolan  is best known for his keys work with Pendragon and Arena , but as you’ll hear he’s up to a lot more than that. Links to content mentioned during the show : Clive’s recently released book     Mick Pointer Genesis – Seconds Out Matt Clifford Korg...

Roddy Bottum would be best known to most listeners as the keyboard player in the phenomenally successful hard rock outfit Faith No More . However as we’ll learn, Roddy is a musician with a prolific and diverse output, which includes the indie pop sensibilities of Imperial Teen , the dancey electronica of Crickets and the doomy metal of Nastie Band – all current projects. Add to this his curr...

Peter-John Vettese is a UK-based keyboard player, composer, producer and arranger. Like so many of our guests, summarising Peter’s work within the prism of three or four artists is unfair. As you’ll hear, Peter has had, and continues to have an amazing career across the gamut of music. Strap in for a fascinating journey from the big band halls to the arenas and studios of the world. Li...

Jeff Babko is an amazingly versatile keyboard player covering TV, movies, touring and recording. In this interview, Jeff covers everything from working live on stage with Martin Short and Steve Martin, to recording with Neil Young and an orchestra. As you’ll hear, the four artists listed in this episode’s title are only the tip of the iceberg. Links to content mentioned during the show...

Jan Pulsford has had a diverse and interesting career over many years, and we take advantage of Jan’s wisdom to talk everything from playing and collaborating with Cyndi Lauper, through to performing in the virtual world of Second Life and the challenges of running a streaming service for electronic and ambient music. Links to content mentioned during the show : Melody Maker magazine Hohner...

Saying Loren Gold is The Who’s keyboard player only provides a tiny fraction of the wider story of his career. Whether it’s playing and//or musically directing bands for Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, or playing with legends like Don Felder and Kenny Loggins, Loren has had quite the career to date and we try to cover as much of it as we can. Links to content mentioned during the show :...

Arden Altino is a highly sought after producer, but also manages to keep even busier as a touring keys player with artists such as Wyclef Jean and Melissa Etheridge. We talk with Arden on everything from playing piano on an Alicia Keys track, to Justin Beiber production approaches, being a worship musical director and a lot in-between. Links to content mentioned during the show : LaGuardia High Sc...

Samuel B. Lupowitz is a founding member and keys player with Ithaca NY based ‘prog-soul’ band Noon Fifteen . We talk about his love of vintage keyboards, doing a podcast about an album, lessons learnt and of course a great train-wreck story involving nothing other than an X-stand! Links to content mentioned during the show : Samuel B. Lupowitz and The Ego Band Thru Spectrums   The &#82...

This episode we sit down with Lachy Doley to talk in-depth about playing the organ and clav, working as both a front man and sideman (with Glenn Hughes, Jimmy Barnes, Powderfinger and Billy Thorpe to name just four), finding your own creative niche and lots of great insights on the gigging life. Links to content mentioned during the show : Lachy playing with Jimmy Barnes – Auckland Working C...

We delve into the pop genre, speaking with Bonnie McIntosh on everything from making the transition to pop from classical music, to go-to gear and the lessons learnt when playing keyboards as part of a massive theatrical show. Links to content mentioned during the show : MI College of Contemporary Music Bonnie performing with Melanie Martinez Roland AX-Edge Desert Island Discs: The Battle of Los A...

Kevin Hearn is an integral part of Barenaked Ladies, but as you’ll hear in this interview, his other projects are just as amazing and Kevin provides some great insights on every one of them. If you’re a Lou Reed fan, or a Lawn Darts fan, you may enjoy this episode quite a bit. Please note this episode was recorded prior to the deaths of D ave Greenfield and Florian Schneider, hence the...

We catch up with Darren Heinrich , an Australia-based jazz organist whose passion for the instrument has led him to complete a PhD in Jazz Organ Improvisation. Darren chats with us on everything from his education in jazz to his gigging approach and a lot more. Links to content mentioned during the show : Paul McNamara Toby Hall Jimmy Smith – Crazy! Baby Jimmy Smith – The Champ Darren...

This episode we spend time with Stefano Intelisano , whose history and discography is so much vaster than the two acts cited in this episode title. We talk everything from working with different band leaders to Bach and the debate on sitting versus standing when playing. Links to content mentioned during the show : Fabrizio Poggi and Chicken Mambo The Bodeans Live – Fadeaway Bird’s Eye...

Episode 11 features Mark Baron , musical director (and keyboard player) for Gloria Gaynor and also with The Duprees . Mark’s passion for what he does shines through in this interview and he provides some great insights into working across different genres and eras of music as both a keyboard player and musical director. Links to content mentioned during the show : Gloria Gaynor with the Metr...

Episode 10 sees us spending some time with Andy Burton , the go-to keys player for Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul and Cyndi Lauper to name just two. Andy provides some comprehensive insights into gigging, working within band dynamics and the disciplines required to be a successful player and band member. Links to content mentioned during the show : Ian Hunter Rufus Wainwright John Mayer C...

Episode 9 showcases the work of Ellen Reid, from Crash Test Dummies. Ellen covers the gamut, from touring tips and the stress of performing, through to the mystery keyboard that’s in her closet. Links to content mentioned during the sho w: God Shuffled His Feet (the song, not the album) Ellen Reid – Cinderellen The Optigan Desert Island Discs: Body and Soul – Joe Jackson , The Ro...

Episode 8 features Sandy Soon, keyboard player with Unlocking The Doors . Sandy explores the challenges of recreating the brilliance of Ray Manzarek and her approach to playing more broadly. Links to content mentioned during the sho w: Unlocking The Doors Live (Riders on the Storm) Ray Manzarek explains the making of Riders on the Storm Clayton Doley and Lachy Doley Countdown Australia Zoltan Buda...

Episode 7 sees us talk to Lisa Bella Donna , keyboard player, composer and synthesist. Lisa covers some huge ground, from the ARP 2600 to her current focus with live performance. Links to content mentioned during the show : Snowy Dreamscapes The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation Antonus 2600 Heath Kits – they still exist! Inspirations: Walter Kraft , Wendy Carlos The ARP 2500 Korg PS-3100 A GRP Sy...

Episode 6 sees us talk to one of the greatest Australian songwriters in rock history, Andrew Farriss . Both in his current guide as a country artist or as half of the incredible songwriting partnership with Michael Hutchence that led to INXS having worldwide success , Andrew talks gigging, songwriting and of course keyboards! Links to content mentioned during the sho w: Tania Kernaghan Lawrie Mins...