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:

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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.

Jakob Frímann Magnússon is a musical chameleon, wearing many hats in the Icelandic music scene and beyond. Born in Denmark but raised in Iceland, Jakob co-founded the legendary Icelandic band Stuðmenn back in his high school days, and they’ve been rocking since the 1970s. Jakob also has a solid solo career, dabbling in jazz fusion and collaborating with some big-name American jazz musicians. He also direct films, produces TV shows, and even had a stint as a cultural attaché in London. His latest outfit, Jack Magnet Science, has just released an album after gathering a bunch of talented musicians in an Icelandic studio to jam and see what happens. And when he has a spare hour or two, Jakob is also a member of the Icelandic parliament and has facilitated some fascinating initiatives for musicians..

To listen / watch:

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

Jack Magnet Science’s release – Future Forecast

Jakob’s musical upbringing

Studying trumpet and the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra

Check out some of Stuðmenn’s music

An example of Jakob and Stuðmenn’s movie work

More info on the 1982 film ‘On Top’

Long John Baldry

The amazing Alan Howarth

Jakob and Alan in action as The Magnetics

On being a primarily self-taught keyboard player

Jakob Magnússon – Special Treatment

On the origin of the name Jack Magnet

Jakob Magnússon – Jack Magnet

Eyþór Gunnarsson – interview

Eyþór Gunnarsson – Garden Party

Ragnhildur Gísladóttir in action

DiSA in action with Trentemoller

Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now

Becoming a cultural attache of the Icelandic embassy in London

Being a member of the Althingi (Iceland’s Parliament)

Stephens Electronics recording devices

Desert Island Discs: Sculpture – DiSA, Gaucho – Steely Dan, Black Market – Weather Report, Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell, Future Forecast – Jack Magnet Science

Key links:

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Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

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

The post Jakob Frímann Magnússon, Jack Magnet Science / Stuðmenn / Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Felix Bornholdt is a New Zealand-born pianist and composer, known for his active involvement in the Australian improvised music scene and as a member (until recently) of the band Lime Cordiale. He has a rich musical background, influenced by a diverse range of genres from ECM and Bach to avant-garde jazz, which he was exposed to during his childhood. Bornholdt’s career highlights include extensive touring across the USA, Europe, and the UK, and the release of his debut solo piano album, Man Overboard, in June 2023. We chatted with Felix just a few days before he announced his (amicable) departure from Lime Cordiale.

To listen / watch:

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

Felix’s musical upbringing

Mike Nock

Mike Nock – Ondas

Moving to Australia and studying jazz

The Catholics – Indigo

Joining Lime Cordiale

Felix’s touring rig with Lime Cordiale

Felix in action with Lime Cordiale

Felix’s solo piano album – Man Overboard

Felix with Bike Thief

Tag a Keyboard Player: Novak Manojlovic

Desert Island Discs: Mutable Set – Blake Mills, The Koln Concert – Keith Jarrett, The Mysterious Production of Eggs – Andrew Bird, Tribalistas – Tribalistas, A Kind of Blue – Miles Davis

Cover graphic taken by the amazing Vasili Papathanasopoulos via Felix’s Instagram account

Key links:

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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 Felix Bornholdt, Lime Cordiale / Bike Thief / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mike Mangan is an American musician known for his skills on the Hammond B3 Organ. Aside from playing keyboards for The Cult, Mike also leads his own bands, (Big Organ Trio and Rebel House Radio), and has been part of Glenn Hughes’ band, The Keef Richards and much more. 

To listen / watch:

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

Mike’s musical upbringing

Bob Kames and ‘Dance Little Bird’ (Chicken Dance)

Developing a love for the Hammond Organ

Moving to LA and the ‘Leave It To Beaver’ connection

Forming Big Organ Trio

Big Organ Trio in action: Dragon’s Triangle

Working with Glenn Hughes and the Secret Society of Glenn Hughes Organ Players with Lachy Doley and Bob Fridzema

Mike in action with Kings of Chaos

When Billy Gibbons plays your B3

Joining The Cult and ‘filling sonic spaces’

Mike in action with The Cult, 2023

Mike with The Cult – American Horse

Mike’s B3 organ outro on The Cult – The Witch

Opening for Dr Lonnie Smith and Ken Rich saving the day

The aging of the B3 tech support workforce

Opening for Robby Krieger

Lending your B3 to Bernie Worrell

When Keith Emerson turns up to your organ trio gig

Mike and Keith Emerson jam together

Shout out by Mike to Luke Jones at CV Keyboards

Mike with The Keef Richards band – I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

Desert Island Discs: Live! – Brother Jack McDuff, Black and Blue – Gene Harris Quartet, Brothers and Sisters – The Allman Brothers Band, In Step – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix

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 Mike Mangan, The Cult / Glenn Hughes / Big Organ Trio / The Keef Richards appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Larry Goldings is an internationally respected pianist, organist and composer, whos has worked with a wide array of artists such as John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, and James Taylor. He also has his own trio and solo works, as well as his contributions to numerous film and television soundtracks. Then there’s his  comedic alter ego named Hans Groiner. In Part 2 we explore Larry’s approach to humour, working with Sia, Colin Hay and James Taylor,  and continue to do some deep musical diving. 

To listen / watch:

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

Working with James Taylor

Larry letting it rip on Steamroller with James Taylor

Working with Colin Hay

Larry with Colin Hay – I Want You Back

Working with Sia

Larry with Sia – I’m in Trouble

The instinctive qualities of good singer/songwriters

Larry’s approach to humour

The evolution of Hans Groiner

Hans Groiner – Beethoven and the Blues

Hans Groiner live with Jake Sherman

Hans and the music of Thelonius Monk

Our favourites: CPAC National Anthem Fail and Close Encounters

What Larry Goldings has learned from Hans Groiner

Johnny ‘Bowtie’ Barstow

Tag a Keyboard Player: Sullivan Fortner, Steve Nieve, Garth Hudson

Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Plays Duke Ellington – Thelonius Monk, At The Pershing: But Not For Me – Ahmad Jamal, Mompou Plays Mompou – Federico Mompou, The Complete Vee-Jay Recordings – Billy Preston, Genius + Soul = Jazz – Ray Charles

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 Larry Goldings, Pianist and Composer (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Larry Goldings is an internationally respected pianist, organist and composer, whos has worked with a wide array of artists such as John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, and James Taylor. He also has his own trio and solo works, as well as his contributions to numerous film and television soundtracks. Then there’s his  comedic alter ego named Hans Groiner. In part 1 we cover Larry’s musical upbringing, teachers, journey from jazz piano to organ, his approach to collaboration and a lot more. Plenty to enjoy and learn in this episode.

To listen / watch:

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

Larry’s childhood and music

The amazing Dave McKenna

Being taught by Ran Blake

Three lessons with Keith Jarrett

The New School

Being taught by Jaki Byard 

Sir Roland Hanna

Playing with Jim Hendricks

Larry with Jim Hall – Mister Blues

Exploring The New School and Ran Blake and the Third Stream

The journey towards playing organ

Larry playing with Maceo Parker

Larry playing with John Scofield

Discussion on what makes particular collaborations appealing

Larry in action with Scary Pockets: Scary Goldings

Larry playing with Dannielle De Andrea

Larry with Melinda Sullivan

Earthshine produced by Larry Goldings and Pete Min

Does Larry Goldings have any musical boundaries?

Playing with James Taylor and Steely Dan

Larry with James Taylor

Larry with Bob James

Key links:

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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 Larry Goldings, Pianist and Composer (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Robert L. Doerschuk is an accomplished music journalist and pianist. He has served as the editor of Musician Magazine and the Country Music Association (CMA) magazine, and a lot of our audience may know Bob from his time at the now defunct Keyboard magazine. Doerschuk is also a noted author, having written “88: The Giants of Jazz Piano,” which provides biographical sketches and critical analyses of prominent jazz pianists. We cover his own playing career as well as talk on his own amazing interviews with some of the best players in the world.

To listen / watch:

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

Bob’s current gig playing piano at Gannon’s in Nashville

Skull’s Rainbow Room Nashville

Approach to restaurant piano playing

Bob’s musical upbringing

Becoming a journalist

A discussion on journalism and approaching writing

Bob’s amazing Substack: Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth

Why the iconic Van Cliburn did in fact punch Bob in the mouth

Interviewing Billy Joel

Interviewing Keith Emerson and his concerns about his health

Interviewing Joni Mitchell

Interviewing Sam Powell

Approaching interviews across genres / subjects

Charles M Young

Long-form writing: moribund or already dead?

88: The Giants of Jazz Piano

Tag a Keyboard Player: Jacob Collier

Desert Island Discs: Kind of Blue – Miles Davis, Dreaming Wide Awake – Lizz Wright, Blackjack Dave – Dave Alvin, Watermark – Enya, Surf’s Up – The Beach Boys

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 Robert L Doerschuk, Journalist and Pianist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Thomas Dolby has had one of the most interesting and innovative careers as a musician, and that makes him one interesting guest. We cover an enormous amount of ground in this interview and above all else it shows Thomas’ passion hasn’t waned, and his eyes are very firmly on the future.

To listen / watch:

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

Thomas’ busy rest of 2024

Preparing for a tour

Thomas’ 2024 tour keyboard rig

Using Logic Pro in a live environment

Thomas’ new book: Prevailing Wind

A divergence into sailing and the America’s Cup

Peter Vogel, the Fairlight and Stevie Wonder

Playing with Roger Waters at the iconic post fall of the Berlin Wall concert

Thomas talks David Bowie

Thomas’s tribute to David Bowie

Heroes at Live Aid

Thomas Dolby and Metal Gear Solid 5

Billie Eilish on Thomas Dolby

Thomas’ role as an educator at John Hopkins University Peabody Institute

Talking composing for non-linear mediums such as games / VR

Thomas Dolby on AI and music

Preparing students for a career in music in today’s context

Thomas on keeping creativity and the likelihood of ‘retiring’

Three artists that have inspired Thomas

An anecdote about Thomas’ friend, Shane MacGowan

Thomas Dolby – White City

Thomas Dolby – Simone

The Pogues – Boys from the County Hell

Thomas witnesses a world scale train wreck

Tag a Keyboard Player: Chuck Leavell, Max Middleton

Desert Island Discs: Astral Weeks – Van Morrison, Apostrophe (‘) – Frank Zappa, Hejira – Joni Mitchell, Original Recordings – Dan Hicks, Low – David Bowie

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 Thomas Dolby, Solo Artist / Innovator / Educator appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Doug Petty is an American pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles. He’s currently the keyboard player for the iconic Tears for Fears, but that’s just the start. Doug has recorded and performed with numerous artists, including Rihanna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Enrique Iglesias. His work extends to film soundtracks, contributing to movies such as “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” . Petty is also an adjunct professor at the USC Thornton School of Music. He has produced records for artists like Shawn Colvin and Audra McDonald and composed music for Disney TV series such as “Amphibia” and “101 Dalmatian Street.” We cover much of this amazing history and more in our catch-up with Doug.

To listen / watch:

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

Doug’s musical upbringing

Doug’s education at Eastman School of Music

Piano, orchestration and arranging over a career

USC Thornton School of Music

Doug’s approach as an educator of young musicians

The early gigging years

Working with Shawn Colvin

Shawn Colvin – Holiday Songs and Lullabies

Working on Britney Spears’ first album

Working with Enrique Iglesias

Mayfield – Mother England

Joining Tears for Fears

The challenge of recreating Tears for Fears keyboard sounds live

Doug’s Tears for Fears keyboard rig

Doug in action with Tears for Fears at Madison Square Garden

Doug with Tears for Fears BBC Piano Room

Doug’s arrangements on display – Rihanna at the American Music Awards

Doug’s work with iconic Chinese singer G.E.M.

Doug’s film work

Working on animated classics such as Happy Feet and Frozen

Keeping music human in an era of emerging AI

Doug’s thoughts on train wreck moments and falling off stage

Tag a Keyboard Player: Patrice Rushen

Desert Island Discs: Goldberg Variations: Glenn Gould (1981 version), Gaucho – Steely Dan, Encouraging Words – Billy Preston, Organ Grinder Swing – Jimmy Smith, So – Peter Gabriel, Live At Fillmore West – Aretha Franklin, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd

Thumbnail photos come from the amazing Emily Rath Orzabal via Doug’s 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 Doug Petty, Tears for Fears / Shawn Colvin / Rihanna / Celine Dion / Britney Spears appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Roger Joseph Manning Jr. is a US-based keyboardist, singer, and songwriter renowned for co-founding the bands Jellyfish, the Moog Cookbook, and Imperial Drag. He also happens to be a long-time member of Beck’s backing band, is a member of The Lickerish Quartet and has also collaborated with artists such as Air, Jay-Z, Blink 182, and Johnny Cash. We cover a lot of this amazing territory in our chat with Roger.

To listen / watch:

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

Roger’s past 12 months

Approach to working on music for sleep and/or meditation

Roger’s musical upbringing

Developing a career as a musician: the early days and catching the songwriting bug

Beatnik Beatch in action

The formation of Jellyfish and developing as a musician and an arranger

Learning how to be a successful live band

Roger in action with Jellyfish on Later with Jools Holland – The Ghost at Number One

Jellyfish live on Letterman

Jellyfish – The King is Half Undressed

Love for Burt Bacharach

Roger’s solo albums

Wish it Would Rain – Roger J Manning

Operator – Roger J Manning

Joining Beck’s band

An amazing YouTube playlist for Moog Cookbook

Roger in action with Imperial Drag

Roger playing with Beck – Paisley Park Sessions – Up All Night

Roger with Beck on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert – Colors

Roger’s ever-changing keyboard rig with Beck

Roger playing live with Beck 2023

Tag a Keyboard Player: Thomas Dolby and Jeff Babko

Desert Island Discs: Black Sea – XTC, Imperial Bedroom – Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Steve McQueen – Prefab Sprout, Deceptive Bends – 10CC, The Black Album – The Damned

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 Roger J Manning, Beck / Jellyfish / Moog Cookbook / Imperial Drag appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.