Rob Gentry is a  keyboardist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience. He has performed at iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl, collaborating with musical legends like Quincy Jones, Pete Tong, Giorgio Moroder, and Damian Lazarus.  We chat to Rob on his career as a whole, including the recently completed David Gilmour tour.

To listen / watch:

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

Adjusting to normal life after a huge David Gilmour tour

Highlights of playing on the David Gilmour Tour

Rob in action with David Gilmour at Royal Albert Hall, October 2024

Rob with David Gilmour at Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, October 2024

Jumping on the Royal Albert Hall organ, thanks to Greg Phillinganes

Contributing to the recording of David Gilmour’s Luck and Strange

British Grove Studios

Keyboards Rob used on Luck and Strange album recording

Mega FM by Twisted Electrons

Rob in action on Dark and Velvet Nights

Working through keyboard parts with Greg Phillinganes for the David Gilmour tour

Rob’s David Gilmour tour keyboard rig

Rob’s musical upbringing

Rob in action with Chris Norman

Rob playing with the Heritage Orchestra: Joy Division Reworked and Blade Runner Soundtrack

Rob in action again at the Sydney Opera House with the Giorgio Moroder tribute

Rob with Quincy Jones – 02 Arena UK, 2019

Rob’s musical influences

Rob’s production and solo career

Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons – Five Moons

Rob Gentry – Such a Good Feeling

Joan as Police Woman

Tag a Keyboard Player: Jake Sherman

Desert Island Discs: Machine Head – Deep Purple, Aladdin Sane – David Bowie, Ultimate – Nate King Cole, Fresh – Sly & The Family Stone, String Quartet in F Major – Ravel.

Key links:

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

The post Rob Gentry, David Gilmour / Quincy Jones / Giorgio Moroder appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Something a little different for the last show of 2024. We do a review of the year that was, with special co-host, Wales-based Dewi Evans, who amongst many other things has authored a book on rock keyboard playing. We look over the most watched and listened to episodes of 2024 and talk a little on plans for 2025. Do check out Dewi’s musical history as part of amazing Welsh band Rheinallt H. Rowlands  – you will not be disappointed.

To listen / watch:

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

Why Wales is a great place to visit

The famous town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Was 2024 one of the best years in recent memory for new keyboards? (We talk Moog Muse, Kronos 3 rumours and the Yamaha CK61 amongst others)

OMD – Don’t Go

Our five most viewed interviews on our YouTube channel: 

(5) Jamie Hilboldt

(4) Larry Mullins

(3) Thomas Dolby

(2) Mikey Rowe

(1) Anna Lapwood

Our five most listened-to interviews on podcasting platforms: 

(5) Bob Fridzema

(4) Thomas Dolby

(3) Mikey Rowe

(2) Jim Sheridan

(1) Damon McMahon

Paul’s personal favourites: Thomas Dolby, Felix Bornholdt, Dennis Atlas

Dewi’s personal favourites: Jim Sheridan, Thomas Dolby, Doug Petty, Jim Prime, Bob Fridzema

David’s personal favourites: Larry Mullins, Jim Moginie, Doug Petty, Mic Michaeli, Franz Nicolay

Dewi Evans interview

Chase down a copy of Play Rock Keyboards for yourself

Key links:

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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 Dewi Evans, Author and Musician / End of 2024 Wrap Episode appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Greg Bieck is an accomplished pianist and music producer who has has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Hall and Oates, Ricky Martin, Beyonce, Tim McGraw, and Savage Garden to name just a few. We try to cover as much of Greg’s amazing work as we can, so strap in for a fun ride.

To listen / watch:

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

Greg’s 2024

Ellie Holcomb

Daryl Hall (with Dave Stewart) – Can’t Say No To You

Greg’s musical upbringing 

Johnny Costa – Mr Roger’s Neighbourhood

Sonus for the Commodore 64

Chick Corea Elektric Band – Light Years

Playing on cruise ships

Walter Afanasieff

Programming synths for Beyonce, Savage Garden and Jessica Simpson (to name just three)

T-Bone Wolk

Working with Hall & Oates

‘Keepin’ it weird’  with Dave Stewart

It is indeed iconic – Sweet Dreams

UDO Super 6 

Savage Garden – I Knew I Loved You

Little Big Town – Bring It On Home

Working with Kenny G and Michael Bolton

Thoughts for younger players coming into the industry

How to upload patches to a DX7 on a Mac

Greg’s go-to synths

The Life – The Musical

Tag a Keyboard Player: Steve Winwood, David Frank, Patrick Leonard

Desert Island Discs: 90215 – Yes, So – Peter Gabriel, Now He Signs, Now He Sobs – Chick Corea, Blue – Joni Mitchell, Now’s The Time – Charlie Parker (our pick of a ‘Best Of’), Ok Computer – Radiohead.

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 Greg Bieck, Hall & Oates / Dave Stewart / Tim McGraw appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In a slightly different episode to our usual format, we chat with two guests who were part of arguably the world’s first virtual band, Res Rocket Surfer. This is a laid back chat on the mid 1990s and the emergence of internet-based music creation. 

To listen / watch:

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

Mike and Steve’s musical upbringings

The emergence of Res Rocket Surfer

Mike, Steve and David appear on TV during the Res Rocket Surfer days

Making music using the Distributed Realtime Groove Network (DRGN) client

Will Henshall

Tim Bran

Matt Moller

Canton Becker

The evolution into Rocket Network and integration with Logic Audio, Digital Performer and Cubase

The end of standalone Rocket Network 

Mike – Midnight Mastering

Mike in action with Lazy Susan – Joan Baez

Steve in action with Red Mercury – Firefly

Mike’s amazing drum suit

When you get confused with the sax player from Careless Whisper

On being fame adjacent

Mike and Steve’s train wrecks

Mike and David’s project – Midnight Fields

Key links:

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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 Steve Gregory & Mike Wilcox, Res Rocket Surfer / Red Mercury / Midnight Fields appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Jim Moginie is a renowned Australian musician best known as a founding member, keyboardist, and songwriter for the iconic rock band Midnight Oil, where he served as a driving creative force for over 50 years. Beyond his keyboard work with the Oils, Jim has collaborated with numerous prominent artists including Silverchair, Sarah Blasko, Neil Finn, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, while also pursuing diverse musical projects from his Sydney-based studio. We chat on a diverse range of topics and get into some great chat on his latest album release.

To listen / watch:

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

Jim’s release: Everything’s Gonna Be Fine

Jim Moginie: Murmurations

Hamish Stuart

Adam Ventura

Leah Flanagan

Colm Mac Con Iomaire – The Minbar of Saladin

Sean Wayland – Merge Conflict

Chris Abrahams – From a Tower Lost As Heat

Jim on piano

David Bridie

Jim’s childhood fascination with the piano

In-depth run through Jim’s latest album

From Everything’s Gonna Be Fine: I Follow The Truth

Politics / activism chat

The Cathy Freeman iconic moment

Warumpi Band – Blackfella / Whitefella

Yothu Yindi – Treaty

Christine Anu – My Island Home

Bill Fay – Salt of the Earth

Meeting a Minimoog as a teenager

The HG Palmer Organ

Oceanic Studio Brookvale

Life as a dual instrumentalist in Midnight Oil and increasingly incorporating keyboards

Jim’s solo in Short Memory – 2022

Jim’s Midnight Oil keyboard rig 

Midnight Oil – Koala Sprint (Live 2022)

Midnight Oil – Redneck Wonderland

Learnings from other players

Midnight Oil – A Crocodile Cries

Perspective on piano lessons later in life

Suggestions for newer players entering the industry

Desert Island Discs: Bach: Lute Suites Nos 1 &2 – Julian Bream, White Album – The Beatles, Focus 3 – Focus, Virtuoso – Joe Pass, anything by Horowitz or Jarrett.

Amazing cover photo by Christabel Blackman

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, 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 Jim Moginie, Midnight Oil / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mic Michaeli has held down keyboard duties with iconic act Europe for nearly the entirety of their ongoing career. We cover that career in some detail and also discuss other projects Mic has been able to complete in between sell out arena and stadium shows.

To listen / watch:

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

Mic’s musical upbringing and musical family

The Korg Polyphonic Ensemble

Joining Europe

Europe – Hold Your Head Up

Taking a fresh approach after a 12-year hiatus

Managing a harmonious band dynamic in the most democratic way possible

Mic Michaeli’s keyboard rig with Europe

Managing fatigue on longer tours

Working with Glenn Hughes

Exploring the country / Americana genres

Mic’s go-to software instruments at home

Keeping music human in an era of emerging AI

Some encouragement for younger players entering the industry

No Stone Unturned – Europe

Desert Island Discs: Abbey Road – The Beatles, Trilogy – Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Apostrophe (‘) – Frank Zappa, Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd, Spirit of Eden – Talk Talk

Cover photo taken by Gilles Simon and obtained via Europe’s official Instagram

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, 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 Mic Michaeli, Europe appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Dennis Atlas is currently keyboardist for the renowned rock band Toto, joining the band in 2024 as their second keyboardist, replacing Steve Maggiora. We talk to Dennis about that amazing opportunity, his burgeoning solo career and his other projects.

To listen / watch:

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

Dennis’ website

Dennis’ musical upbringing

Dennis in action with Styxology

The Trip cover band

Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal

Dennis’ rig for his tribute / cover band work

Nexus by reFX

OP-X by Sonic Projects

Dennis ‘Only Eat Cheese Once in a While’ Atlas

Becoming a keyboard player with Toto

Dennis in action with Toto at The Hollywood Bowl

Buck the pilot from Arizona and learning Rosanna

Approach to the one only band rehearsal with Toto before the tour

Rehearsing the Toto setlist with David Paich and Greg Phillinganes

Taking a positive approach to learning and ‘the hang’

Dennis’ keyboard rig with Toto

The Alesis Q88

Dennis in action solo – Dream Theater cover

The experience of auditioning for American Idol

Check out Initiator – Ice Garden

Dennis’ solo album – My Magical Wonderland

Dennis in action with Lufeh

Tag a Keyboard Player: Lawrence Gowan

Desert Island Discs (Dennis’ 8 cruelly curated to 5): The Odyssey – Symphony X, A Night At The Opera – Queen, Point of Know Return – Kansas, Cyclorama – Styx, Exhale – Thousand Foot Krutch

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, 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 Dennis Atlas, Toto / The Trip / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Larry Mullins is an American multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Swans and Iggy Pop, but his diversity as a player and composer goes well beyond those two iconic acts. In this second of two parts we talk on Larry’s work with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Residents, the establishment of Larry’s record label, his work with Jessie Evans and lots more. Do check out Larry’s new album Camissonia as well – an amazing piece of work.

To listen / watch:

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

Joining Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Larry in action with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Iggy Pop and Nick Cave as band leaders

Adjusting as a keyboard player to Nick Cave’s style

Larry’s Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds keyboard rig

Markus Resch and Mellotron

The Omnichord

The Residents and setting up a record label (Hit Thing Records)

Lary 7

Georges Montalba – Pipe Organ Favorites @ Fantasy in Pipe Organ and Percussion

The fascinating story of Georges Montalba, Anton LaVey and a near-deathbed confession from Robert Hunter

Larry’s alter-ego Toby Dammit, and Mark Mothersbaugh’s admiration

Larry playing live with Jessie Evans

The amazing John and Cody Carpenter (and Daniel Davies) – My Name Is Death

Desert Island Discs: The Disintegration Loops Vol 1-4 – William Basinski, Lovely Thunder – Harold Budd, Escape From New York – John Carpenter, Single Collection – Maki Asakawa (Maki’s first album not available online), Warmth of Earth – Eduard Artemyev.

Key links:

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

The post Larry Mullins, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds / Iggy Pop / Swans / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Larry Mullins is an American multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Swans and Iggy Pop, but his diversity as a player and composer goes well beyond those two iconic acts. In this first of two parts we talk on Larry’s 115 date tour with Swans, his just released solo album and start discussing his long and storied career to date. 

To listen / watch:

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

Larry in action with Swans, 2024

Larry’s keyboard rig with Swans

Larry’s recently released solo album Camissonia

The shadowless man, or, The wonderful history of Peter Schlemihl 

The Suzuki Omnichord

The Casio MT-55

Candy Bomber Studio, Berlin

Larry’s early training as a classical musician

The move to punk

Following Iggy Pop around Ohio

Greg Ginn and Black Flag

Tex and the Horseheads

Iggy mentions Larry on Letterman

Spending nine years with Iggy Pop

Larry in action with Iggy Pop in Paris – 1991

Staying psychologically resilient on the road

Alina Kalancea

Key links:

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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 Larry Mullins, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds / Iggy Pop / Swans / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Tom Seals is an emerging talent in the jazz and blues scene in the UK. Despite his youth, this gifted musician from Crewe has already performed alongside renowned artists such as Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter, and Jools Holland. Beyond live performances, he hosts his own television program on Sky called “Tom Seals Presents,” where he engages in conversations with celebrities and offers his own jazz interpretations of their favourite songs.  We chat with Tom on all this and a lot more.

To listen / watch:

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

Tom’s 2024 so far

Tom’s YouTube channel and website

Kiefer Sutherland – musician

Creed Bratton – More Than You Know

Tom’s musical childhood

Jools Holland

The UK’s love for Boogie Woogie Piano

The Polish Boogie Festival

Bartek Szopiński

Reunion Boogie Germany

Luis Coloma in action

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

Tom’s approach to improvisation

Tom in action with Kenny Thomas

Turning 12 songs into 300 on a short notice cruise gig

Paul Lamb at The 100 Club

Tom in action with CC Smugglers at Montreaux

The Tom Seals show during COVID – Black and Gold

The Tom Seals show with Matt Lucas

Tom and band do a killer version of Bowie’s Starman

Tom Seals and Noddy Holder

Tom at The Blue Note Milan

Tom’s favourite digital and acoustic pianos

The amazing Mo Pleasure

When you’re summonsed to play piano in someone’s hotel suite

Desert Island Discs: Live at Shea Stadium – Billy Joel, The Genius Sings The Blues – Ray Charles, Another Side of Paul Carrack – Paul Carrack & the SWR Big Band, Tapestry – Carole King, Breakfast – Lawrence

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, 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 Tom Seals, Jazz, Blues and Pop Pianist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.