The Keyboard Chronicles

Jim Daneker plays keys with Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, composes for film and TV and even creates his own sounds sets for a number of platforms. To say he’s busy and talented is an understatement, and Jim provides some great insights across his wide ranging experiences. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video...

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...

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 lis...

Josh Weinstein is a composer, arranger and keyboard player and teacher of music history. In this bonus episode ( Josh was featured in Episode 35 ), Josh and our own Paul Bindig talk everything Pink Floyd, particularly the joys and challenges of recreating Pink Floyd’s music in a tribute band context. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): Pink Froyd (Faceboo...

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 men...

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...

Oliver Wakeman has had a prolific career to date, with lots more on the horizon. Oliver talks his latest release with Clive Nolan, his musical upbringing and even a bit of tech and train-wreck. To listen, click on the player above or listen on YouTube: Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):   Oliver Wakeman and Rodney Matthews Nolan and Wakeman – Why Do You...

Josh Weinstein is a composer, arranger and keyboard player and teacher of music history. We talk everything from US East Coast vs West Coast gigging differences, why you don’t hear Billy Joel on the radio on the West Coast, music history and even a bit of gear!  Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab): Josh’s Love and Alcohol album   RAM ON: 50th Anniver...

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):...

Veronica Lewis is a great player in the early years of what looks like will be an amazing career. Veronica tells the story of her discovery of the blues and boogie woogie, her work to date and her thoughts on her future. Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):   Katie Webster Veronica plays live (2019) History of Beale St Barbara Blue at Silky O’Sullivan&#821...

Alan Hewitt has had a mammoth career in film, TV and live performance. As the current keyboard player for The Moody Blues as well as leading his own band , Alan has a huge ongoing career to reflect on.  Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):     Alan Hewitt & One Nation – We’re One Nation Duffy King Billy Ashbaugh Alan performing with The Moody Blu...

Alan Clark was a pivotal member of Dire Straits throughout the majority of that band’s career. As you’ll hear, it was just one of many interesting experiences for a keyboard player with a storied, ongoing career. To listen click on the player above, or to listen on YouTube: Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):   Trevor Horn Alan’s Blog History...

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