The Keyboard Chronicles

John Maul, Rick Astley / Nik Kershaw / Dire Straits Experience


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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:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
  3. 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.

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    The post John Maul, Rick Astley / Nik Kershaw / Dire Straits Experience appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

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    The Keyboard ChroniclesBy David Holloway

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