The Keyboard Chronicles

In this second part of our interview with Roger O’Donnell, we dive deeper into Roger’s time with The Cure by walking through each Cure album Roger worked on in reverse order. We also chat on composing for ballet, a great on-stage train wreck and a whole lot more. Watch Part 1 here. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   The strength of The Cure’s live show The Cure in action at Glastonbury 2019 The Cure live in 2024 – A Forest Working on 2004’s album – The Cure The Cure’s approach to songwriting Working on Bloodflowers Wild Mood Swings period Roger’s current touring rig with The Cure Recreating the keyboard sounds of the earlier albums by The Cure The more challenging songs by The Cure to play, including The Top Roger playing Like Cockatoos live in 2018 One of the 9 million times Roger has loved playing Just Like Heaven The recording of Disintegration Thoughts for younger players entering the music industry A memorable on-stage train wreck The next decade of Roger’s career and the long-term passion of a ballet on The Picture of Dorian Gray A taste of Roger O’Donnell’s classical work On not playing music during an extended illness Desert Island Discs: Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds of Fire, The Grand Wazoo – Frank Zappa, Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix, Songs From The Silver Box – Roger O’Donnell. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Roger O’Donnell is a long-serving member of The Cure, shaping their sound for coming up to 40 years (with a couple of breaks). Aside from that critical role, Roger formerly held down keys duties with The Psychedelic Furs, Thompson Twins and Berlin. Add to that his incredible solo output and you have a fascinating guest for the show. In Part 1 we cover off Roger’s early career, musical upbringing and his solo albums, finished off with a start on our discussion on The Cure. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Roger’s past year The Cure – Songs From A Lost World Roger’s new solo album – Projections Roger’s new Rhodes Mk 8 The challenges of doing Atmos mixes Roger O’Donnell – The Truth In Me Roger O’Donnell – Songs From The Silver Box The brilliance of the Rhodes Mk 8 in an album context Roger O’Donnell – 7 Different Words for Love The Una Corda piano Roger’s work on the movie Sam & Kate A brief time with Phillip Glass Roger’s musical upbringing and being born next to the piano Buying a Prophet 600 and joining The Thompson Twins The move to LA and joining The Psychedelic Furs Roger in action with The Psychedelic Furs in 1987 The Flirtations Thompson Twins keyboard rig Roger’s enormous Sequential Circuits-based keyboard rig with The Psychedelic Furs Recording Disintegration with The Cure and the keyboards used Adjusting playing style when joining The Cure What makes the working relationship with Robert Smith successful Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Thorsten Quaeschning is a German composer, multi-instrumentalist, and musical director. We talk to him about his new album in collaboration with Steve Rothery, his role as the leader of the legendary electronic group Tangerine Dream, and his career more broadly.  To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Check out Bioscope – Gento Genesis of the collaboration with Steve Rothery Recording of the Gento album and the benefits of working side by side rather than remotely Alex Reeves A walk through Gento track by track The importance of Thorsten’s modular rig in his work Using three Minimoog Voyagers and their idiosyncracies Avoiding the 80s and 90s keyboard staples with the Bioscope project A detailed chat on the huge range of keyboards, plugins and effects used on Gento Potential for a second Bioscope album Thorsten’s musical upbringing Getting the call to join Tangerine Dream (and Edgar Froese’s ‘to-do’ list) Learning electronic music with Edgar Froese at your side Tangerine Dream – Jeanne D’Arc (2005) The secret to the success of Thorsten and Edgar’s working relationship Evolving Tangerine Dream’s sound whilst honouring the legacy to date The brilliant Sigur Rós and the iconic Sundlaugin Studio Tangerine Dream – Zeit vs Tangerine Dream – Phaedra Defining Tangerine Dream’s ‘Quantum Era’ Tangerine Dream live in Melbourne 2014 Edgar Froese’s firm view on Tangerine Dream’s continuation Paul Frick Fascinating chat on approach to playing Tangerine Dream songs live Desert Island Discs: Five Leaves Left – Nick Drake, In The Wee Small Hours – Frank Sinatra, Disintegration – The Cure, August and Everything After – Counting Crows, ( ) – Sigur Rós Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Thorsten Quaeschning, Tangerine Dream / Bioscope / Picture Palace Music appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In this engaging conversation, Otmaro Ruiz shares insights into his musical journey, from his upbringing and early influences to his teaching philosophy and collaborations with renowned artists, including Dianne Reeves, Alex Acuna, Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Gino Vanelli, John McLaughlin, and Protocol – Simon Phillips. He discusses the challenges of adapting his music for live performances, the creative process behind his solo albums, and the impact of his experiences on his growth as a musician. Otmaro reflects on the importance of education in music, the evolution of teaching methods, and the unique challenges faced by today’s musicians. He also shares memorable stories from his career, including his work with iconic artists and the lessons learned along the way. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Otmaro’s full discography Working on show prep with Simon Phillips for the upcoming tour of the Lado B Brazilian Project Otmaro’s musical upbringing Otmaro’s approach as a music educator Otmaro’s relationship with synthesizers Otmaro Ruiz Plays Ryuichi Sakamoto Otmaro Ruiz – Distant Friends Otmaro Ruiz – Nothing to Hide Otmaro Ruiz – Sojourn Otmaro Ruiz – Elemental Otmaro Ruiz – Essencia Working with Alex Acuna Working with Abraham Laboriel Working with Justo Almario Otmaro’s performance / touring time with Dianne Reeves Otmaro in action live with Dianne Reeves Effortless Mastery – Kenny Werner Working with Gino Vanelli Otmaro in action live with Gino Vanelli 2002 Working with Frank Gambale Otmaro playing live with Frank Gambale and Alain Caron Otmaro’s thoughts on imposter syndrome and learning throughout a career in music Otmaro and John McLaughlin – The Heart of Things (Live in Paris) When you have to learn John McLaughlin’s repertoire from scratch Working with Lee Ritenour Otmaro playing live with Lee Ritenour 2018 Working with Simon Phillips and Protocol Otmaro playing live with Protocol Otmaro’s Protocol keyboard rig Otmaro’s hilarious train wreck story Desert Island Discs*: Now He Sings, Now He Sobs – Chick Corea, The Köln Concert – Keith Jarrett, Piano Concertos – Ravel / Nelson Goerner, Fictionary – Lyle Mays, Jammin’ with Herbie – Herbie Hancock *Specific album choices curated by David where needed Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Otmaro Ruiz, Protocol / Dianne Reeves / Gino Vanelli / Alex Acuna / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In Part 2 we move on to Toby’s work with Belinda Carlisle, Cher, Tom Jones, Tina Arena, Aqua, boy bands, Rick Astley and a whole bunch more. Do check out Part 1 here. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Working with Paul Young Being MD for D-Ream Working with Paul Carrack Working with Aqua Working with Tina Arena Producing some songs (and ‘waving his F&^king arms around’ for Cher on her Living Proof album Working with Gary Barlow, Westlife, Boyzone and Atomic Kitten Joining Tom Jones in the 1990s Tom Jones – Thunderball Working for Belinda Carlisle Toby in action with Belinda Carlisle in 2025 Working with ABC Toby in action with Spandau Ballet on their reunion tour 2015 Toby in action with ABC at the Royal Albert Hall 2017 Working with Rick Astley Looking forward: the next decade of Toby’s career Thoughts for younger players entering the industry Desert Island Discs: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, Hotel California – Eagles, Minute by Minute – The Doobie Brothers, Vince Gill – When Love Finds You, Coldplay – Moon Music. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Toby Chapman, Spandau Ballet / Tom Jones / Belinda Carlisle (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Toby Chapman continues to be the go-to player for a range of artists, and as you’ll hear in both parts of this interview, the number of collaborations is impressive. We were lucky to nail down Toby for a chat, and in this first instalment we cover off his time with Crispian St Peters, Patricia Kaas, Style Council / Tracey Thorn and of course his five years with Spandau Ballet during their peak. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Recent shows with Paul Heaton Toby in action with Paul Heaton at Glastonbury Toby’s keyboard rig with Paul Heaton Toby’s musical upbringing Reading music versus playing by-ear Crispian St Peters Patricia Kaas Joining Paul Weller and The Style Council Toby in action with The Style Council in 1984 Auditioning for Spandau Ballet Memories of the first few Spandau Ballet gigs When Gary Kemp thoughts about buying a Fairlight Playing Live Aid Toby side-stage at Status Quo sound check the day before Live Aid Toby in action with Spandau Ballet at Live Aid The ‘Chapman Grin’ and Elton John Some special recollections of Freddie Mercury Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Toby Chapman, Spandau Ballet / Tom Jones / Belinda Carlisle (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

If ever there was an episode that is impossible to describe in a few words, it’s this one. Bobby Ogdin has hundreds of sessions and live performances to his name across literally hundreds of artists. We attempt to cover just a fraction of that with Bobby and what a privilege it was. From Bobby’s backing of Elvis Presley during his last 45 shows, through to his multi-decade session career and regular live gigs with outfits as diverse as the Marshall Tucker Band and Ween, we attempt to give it the attention it deserves. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Working on Brandon Flowers’ latest solo album alongside the brilliant Steve Nathan and Dawes Shawn Everett The ‘bouncing of ideas’: the brilliance of group / face-to-face recording versus remote Brandon Flowers: “the greatest voice I’ve ever heard” Seventy years after piano lessons, what’s held Bobby in good stead throughout his career Tom Collins – Music Producer Moving to Nashville The iconic David Briggs The brilliant Pig Robbins Joining Elvis’ band Felton Jarvis Tony Brown soloing on piano with Elvis, 1977 Arranging strings for Roy Orbison Full list of Bobby’s collaborations to date or check out his full discography Working with Lucille Ball on a TV Special Working with Kenny Rogers Working with Wayne Newton Recording with Johnny Cash and all of the Carter Sisters Working with Bill Evans Playing with the Pointer Sisters at the Grand Ole Opry Playing with Tammy Wynette Bobby in action with Steve Forbert – Romeo’s Tune Bobby in action on piano with the Dan Hill classic Sometimes When We Touch  Bobby on piano with The Judds – Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days) Bobby on Lee Clayton’s The Dream Goes On Five years performing with the Marshall Tucker Band Bobby’s use of synths during his career, including the iconic Yamaha DX-1 and his love of the Kurzweil K2000 / K2500 etc (apologies for the host saying 2600) Bobby’s thoughts on the future of the music industry after years of service in positions with numerous organisations (President of the Nashville Recording Musicians Association, Executive Officer and Vice-President of the International RMA, Executive Officer and Secretary-Treasurer of the Nashville Association of Musicians,  rank-and-file representative at American Federation of Musicians). Playing with Ween (as Bobby and the Shit Creek Boys) Bobby in action with Ween at the Ryman Auditorium in 2018 Thoughts / guidance for younger players entering the industry Tag a Keyboard Player: Art Tatum / Vladimir Horowitz Desert Island Discs: What’d I Say – Ray Charles, Live at The Apollo – James Brown, Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor Op.30 – Vladimir Horowitz / Rachmaninoff. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Bobby Ogdin, Elvis Presley / Marshall Tucker Band / Ween appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Dom Beken is a BAFTA-nominated composer and musician, who is currently the keyboardist for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, where he performs alongside members of Pink Floyd and Spandau Ballet. Dom has also contributed his keyboard talents to bands such as The Orb, Transit Kings, and High Frequency Bandwidth, and is currently part of the project KillerStar alongside former members of David Bowie’s band. Contains some explicit language towards end of the show. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Dom’s past year Recent release of Echoes by Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Dom’s musical upbringing  Parr Street Studios Liverpool Meeting and working with Guy Pratt Working with Alex Paterson (The Orb) Joining Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Learning the material for Saucerful of Secrets Dom’s keyboard rig for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets live in 2019 MainStage versus Ableton Dom’s slow-motion train wreck Dom in action live with Obscured by Clouds The democratic approach to song choice and the ‘no man left behind; philosophy Joining KillerStar Dom in action with KillerStar at The 100 Club Forming High Frequency Bandwidth with Alex Paterson Check out Belka and Strelka Dom on composing for film, TV and games and the changing landscape in that industry Dom’s involvement with Snap Finger Click Thoughts for younger players entering the industry Working with Rick Wright Tag a Keyboard Player: Jean Michel Jarre Desert Island Discs: Mark’s Keyboard Repair – Money Mark, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd, Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber, So Tough – Saint Etienne, The Orb’s Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld – The Orb Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Dom Beken, Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets / KillerStar / The Orb / High Frequency Bandwidth appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

What a career Monty Oxymoron has had, and continues to have. We cover everything from the early days of Dr Spacetoad and Punk Floyd, his longstanding collaboration and friendship with Captain Sensible and his near 30-year stint with The Damned. And then there’s Monty’s parallel career as a psychiatric nurse. Strap in for a super interesting chat. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Monty’s musical upbringing For non-UK people: this is pirate radio Slade in action, 1975 Soft Machine live, 1971 An encouraging letter from Kate Bush Training as a psychiatric nurse Monty’s amazing solo work and collaborations in full on Bandcamp Joining Captain Sensible in Dr Space Toad Experience. Monty’s Dr Space Toad Experience Keyboard Rig Joining The Damned via Punk Floyd Learning The Damned’s music First gigs with The Damned Tips for keeping things fresh and civil after nearly 30 years. The Damned – Lovely Money The Damned – Smash it Up at Wembley Arena 2018 Monty’s keyboard rig with The Damned The Sumerian Kyngs in action The Real Music Club in Brighton Robert Rankin, Necrophenia and The Sumerian Kyngs Recording process with The Damned Monty nailing Is It A Dream with The Damned Motorhead’s Lemmy and his view on keyboard players Thoughts for younger players entering the industry The influence of Monty’s parallel career in psychiatric nursing On Kevin Ayers The Sid Barrett Tribute at the Barbican – Bike Safehouse Brighton – improvisation collective Check out Monty’s album – Monty Oxymoron Plays The Songs of the Damned Monty’s Substack (and don’t forget we have our very own!) Desert Island Discs: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn – Pink Floyd, Uncle Meat – Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Persian Surgery Dervishes – Terry Riley, N’Existe Pas! – Daevid Allen, The Black Album – The Damned. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Monty Oxymoron, The Damned / Dr Space Toad Experience / Punk Floyd / Sumerian Kyngs appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Freyja Garbett strides across genres as easily she does the keyboards she plays. That makes for an interesting chat as we move between rock, soul, Afrobeat, funk, jazz and a lot more. Lots to enjoy here! To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Check out Freyja’s solo album – Music from the Waves Freyja’s musical upbringing Auditioning and attending Berklee College of Music The Berklee approach to music education and early influences and being taught by Alain Mallet Freyja Garbett Septet – Bulga A piano lesson with Larry Goldings Working with Ian Moss Freyja in action with Ian Moss at the Big Red Bash Freyja in action with Touch Sensitive Motion sensors, surfing and music creation (Elk Elektronik) Freyja’s preferred synths Working on, and MD’ing  A Kind of Hush – The Magic of Karen Carpenter Working with Stella Donnelly Working and recording with Matt Keegan Blissing Parts 1 and 2 – Freyja Garbett Tag a Keyboard Player: Danny Pliner Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled – Sam Wilkes, Craig Weinrib and Dylan Day, Esja – Hania Rani, Forest Floor – Fergus McCreadie, Mother of Dreams and Secrets – Barney McAll, Live at Yoshi’s Vol 1 – Mulgrew Miller. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Freyja Garbett, Solo Artist / Ian Moss / Katie Noonan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

We catch up with John Maul, who aside from an impressive and ongoing career as musical director and keyboard player, is also still working in the musicial instrument industry itself. We cover both aspects of John’s work, alongside guest co-host Damon McMahon. Lots of fun in this one! To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the 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):   John’s website Touring with Dire Straits Experience Recreating the Dire Straits sounds – direct recreation or interpretation  The most challenging Dire Straits songs from a playing perspective A taste of Dire Straits Experience John’s favourite keyboards to cover Dire Straits material John’s musical upbringing, attending the Royal Academy of Music Joining Roland UK as an employee Perspectives on the ‘industry’ after 27 years Challenges faced by today’s retail music industry Consumer feedback and influence on new keyboard development, and the challenges of implementing changes The perceptual divide between arranger keyboards and the synth / keyboard ranges manufacturers release John’s decade or so with Rick Astley as keyboard player and MD. John in action with Rick Astley in 2013 John in action with Rick Astley in 2016 Working with Pete Waterman, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan Working with Howard Jones Working with Nik Kershaw Learning from the diverse range of collaborations Playing for Musical Theatre John’s musical train wreck story Tag a Keyboard Player: Bruce Hornsby, Dave Arch Desert Island Discs: Here Come The Noise Makers – Bruce Hornsby, Wind & Wuthering – Genesis, 17-11-70 – Elton John, Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell, Here’s To Life – Shirley Horn, The Montreux Years (Live) – Monty Alexander. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post John Maul, Rick Astley / Nik Kershaw / Dire Straits Experience appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

It’s nearly impossible to pigeon-hole Brittany Davis musically, and you’ll hear why during this interview. Brittany is nothing short of a force of nature and her perspective on music, creativity and life in general. Whether you know Brittany’s work or not, this is an interview not to miss. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the 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 process of recording Black Thunder A walk through some key tracks on Black Thunder Mirrors – Brittany Davis Girl (Don’t You Know) – Brittany Davis Girl (Now We’re The Same) – Brittany Davis Brittany’s previous album – Image Issues I’m Sick – Brittany Davis On being part of Painted Shield Brittany in action with Painted Shield – Dead Man’s Dream She Runs – Painted Shield Brittany’s overall approach to creating / playing Brittany on ‘raising a voice’ as a way of being heard Brittany’s definition of success Does Brittany have creative limits? Brittany’s go-to keyboards Brittany’s influences / inspirations Sepricon – Brittany Davis Tag a Keyboard Player: Alicia Keys, Charlie Puth Desert Island Discs: All ‘N All – Earth, Wind & Fire, Songs in A Minor – Alicia Keys, Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants – Stevie Wonder, Sex, Love & Pain – Tank, GNX – Kendrick Lamar Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Brittany Davis, Solo Artist / Painted Shield appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Andrew Roachford is an accleimd singer and piano / keyboard player, who aside from fronting his own outfit Roachford, is also an in-demand session musician and core part of the current line-up of Mike and the Mechanics. Before he hit Australia for a tour, we caught up with Andrew for a chat on all of that plus some. 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):   Andrew’s recent 50-date tour with Mike and the Mechanics Andrew live with Mike and the Mechanics – Let Me Fly Andrew’s musical upbringing Andrew’s tour of Australia and his collaboration with Jimmy Barnes Recording the ‘Then and Now’ album Andrew with Jimmy Barnes – Attention Singing versus playing – the creative challenge What Andrew still has to learn as a musician Tag a Keyboard Player: Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder Desert Island Discs: Talking Book – Stevie Wonder, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, Blue – Joni Mitchell, Smash Hits – Jimi Hendrix, Exodus – Bob Marley The (legendary) Marquee Club Andrew’s love of sci-fi Thoughts on AI and music Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Andrew Roachford, Roachford / Mike and the Mechanics appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In Part 2 of our interview with Jordan (check out Part 1 here), we cover off a memorable ‘train wreck’,  go through some audience questions, cover off Jordan’s desert island discs and a whole lot more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the 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):   Jordan’s memorable keyboard / guitar train wreck Jordan’s further career aspirations Jordan’s suggestions for new players entering the industry Jordan’s (non-existent) musical regrets Does Jordan ever use a knife in the kitchen? (thanks Jim Q for the question!) Creating complex parts – done pre-recording or collaboratively? (thanks again Jim Q) If you had a time machine, who’d you like to work with? (Thanks Tammy K for the question!) Would Jordan every go fully software based? (Thanks Walter G for the question!) Has Jordan taken posession of a Kronos 3 yet? (Thanks again Walter G) Dream Theater – As I Am (Live at Budokan) Jordan’s current Dream Theater touring rig Geo Shred Bebot Desert Island Discs: Electric Ladyland – The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Close to the Edge – Yes, Free Hand – Gentle Giant, A Trick of the Tail – Genesis, Tarkus – Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Part 2 thumbnail graphic via the brilliant Wolfe Eliot, Dream Theater’s touring content creator Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 150 episodes than by bringing the first part of a two-part interview with Jordan Rudess. Whether you’re a fan of Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment or Jordan’s playing more broadly, there’s lots to enjoy in this episode. In Part 1 we delve pretty deeply into AI and music, Jordan’s musical upbringing, the current Dream Theater tour, maintaining hand dexterity 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):   Jordan’s AI Music / ‘jamming partner’ project  Jordan’s perspective on up and downsides of AI in music Jordan’s musical upbringing Rosina Lhevinne The iconic Adele Marcus and the tipping point that pointed Jordan’s career a different way Post Juilliard, exploring ‘space music’ Jordan’s solo album – Permission to Fly  Dream Theater – Parasomnia Touring with Dream Theater and the excitement of having Mike Portnoy back Dream Theater in action live, 2025 Looking back on the drummer auditioning process Dream Theater went through when Mike Portnoy left in 2010. Rehearsal and production preparation for the current tour Potential for Dream Theater touring Australia in 2026 On playing from the other side of the keyboard – check our Jordan’s work here on ‘Any Colour You Like’ The contrast of learning guitar versus playing piano / keyboards Maintaining hand dexterity and speed in playing  Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.